The holidays are over and I’ve been meaning to write-up my 2015 review but I’ve been busy working out/running full-time preparing for the 2016 Spartan Race; starting with Temecula the 30th, I don’t have much time to get ready.
2015 was a great year for races. Although I started my running “career” October of 2014 with my first 5k, I really took off in 2015 (no pun intended). I finished my second 5k; as well as my first 10k, half and full marathons. My completed OCRs include Rugged Maniac, Gladiator Rock ‘N Run, and NINE Spartan Races.
I have managed to maintain my workout regiment, eating habits, and weight through all of the obstacles of life that was thrown at me so far. I still have cheat days and haven’t given up ice cream! I just happen to work out more on those days. I’ve noticed I’m REALLY bad on race days. I typically have started the day with a fatty McDonald’s breakfast and my recovery meal is In ‘n Out or something like that. It’s not that bad, depending on the race because I’m running, lifting, and sweating for 1.5 to 5 hours. With all the junk food I’ve consumed I’m glad I’m not back at my starting weight.
Spartan Races have tested me a LOT this year. I’m not a super fast runner and I’m not a heavy lifter. This works out great, except for the fact that I lift the same weights as guys bigger than I am. I’ve found that my favorite obstacles are Tire Flip, Tyrolene Traverse, and Rope Climb. I have a love/hate relationship with the Hercules Hoist. The first couple hoists I pulled it up easily, but lately they’ve been adding a lot of weight to it and from what I hear it weighs as much, if not more, than I do… Lastly, I friggen HATE the damn Spear Throw. I ended the calendar year 2-7. If I had a back yard I’d set up a hay bale to practice on.
I even participated in the Spartan Race World Championship course. I can’t stress enough the keywords “participate” and “course.” I ran the exact same course as the elites, as I always do, just did not compete in the qualifying heat.
Through the year I’ve also managed to join a team and met many people through my travels and races. Some good stories and good people out there. A good thing about Spartan Race that I truly enjoy is that even though it’s a race, many people are out there to help one another to conquer the obstacles set before us. My advice to anyone on the fence who has managed to catch a Spartan Race on TV, read about it in a magazine, or heard a coworker or friend talk about recently, SIGN UP. Don’t be afraid. Finish. Become STRONGER. Sure, I still sometimes get butterflies before a race. It goes away once the race starts and the blood and adrenaline are pumping!
2015 was a good year for racing, fitness, and my general health. I have a total of at LEAST fifteen Spartan Races “planned” in order to get a 5x trifecta. It’s going to be a bumpy ride, but I’m ready for it. Here’s to a safe, stronger, fitter 2016!