What Spartan Race Training Has Taught Me

If you’re looking for a hard earned challenge or simply just want to try something different physically – consider adding the Spartan race in your bucket list! There are four levels of the Spartan race: Sprint, Super, Beast, and Ultra.

When I decided to try it out, I skipped one level and decided to jump and join the “Super” race that’s with 25–30 obstacles of 8 to 10 miles (12–16K) of rugged terrain. (Sometimes I question myself on why I do this to myself but also it helps me have that extra determination!)

It has taught me 3 main things: consistency in training, building a positive mindset because it’s not only physical but also mental, and how it gave me the perspective that it can be similar with how we go through “obstacles” through life as well. And also how to have fun (even through dirt and pain!) Let’s break it down:

Consistent training – little did I know, in those months, weeks and days of training was a step closer to being a better version of myself. I’ve always enjoyed the social part of getting together and encouraging like minded people towards the same goal and never thought so much about the physical part! Despite the never ending burpees and sweaty cardio workouts, I’ve noticed myself feeling stronger mentally and physically. With consistency, it can be applied in all aspects of our life. Towards ourselves (where we want to go and what we want to do) and others (relationship wise or friendships). That extra mile or push will go a long way!

Building a positive mindset – working out hard or staying motivated in general can get tough. And sometimes, even that extra push can cause stress, anxiety or a switch of not doing or going for it at all. And that’s when we start building mental strength. Just because we can’t see it, doesn’t mean it isn’t there at all. Building a positive and healthy mindset is key to things when they start getting rough. Instead of being harsh to yourself or beating yourself down, be kind to yourself for at least trying. At times, I would scold myself for not doing well but why do we have the audacity to do that to ourselves if we wouldn’t do that to a good friend of ours who’s trying the best they can do? Turn that projection inwardly and you’ll feel way better.

Most importantly… don’t forget to have fun! – Oftentimes, we take things too seriously and tend to lose sight of making the journey enjoyable! Have you ever thought we always got that inner child that wants to come out and play but just in adult forms doing too much adult things. Give yourself this time, this slice of life, and this day to fully enjoy yourself. Roll down in the mud (because you literally will—it was probably one of my favorite parts!), crawl on your elbows, spear throwing and so much more! By the end of the day, you’re doing this for you and yourself in this lifetime experience! When will be the next time you get to ever?

P.s. if you didn’t get the chance to complete an obstacle, there’s a penalty where you have to do 30 burpees before moving on to the next course. And so after being burpee-fied, here’s a burpee-inspired workout challenge for you to try to really get into it!

The 100 burpees challenge! Basic burpee: start with a jump and jack (making sure you clap your hands above your head) then come down to the ground into a plank then push up (body on the floor) then up again into a jump and jack. Now add this with the following for the challenge:

Knee kick – Before doing a burpee, drive your right knee to your chest then your left knee and jump into a burpee. Repeat 10x
Knee full kick – Next doing the same knee kick but this time, kick and push forward your leg outwards followed by the burpee. Repeat 10x
Basic plank + elbow plank – Then add in your planks, before touching body to the floor, come into your basic plank (hands shoulder width apart leveling down) then switch into an elbow plank and continue on with your burpees. Repeat 10x
Balance reaches – Now without the elbow planks, before touching body to the floor, when you’re holding onto a plank – reach out your right arm out together with your left leg up (therefore, balance reaching) and alternate the other side (left arm out + right leg off the floor) then carry on with your burpees. Repeat 10x
Side planks reach – You’re halfway there! Keep going! Adding your side planks now, switch to either side to hold on your right/ left then come down into a burpee and repeat 10x
Scorpion – This part will give you a nice stretch when you come down as downward facing down but lifting one leg off and bending it into almost like a scorpion tail then persist into your burpees. Repeat 10x
Scorpion + knee forward – doing similar movement but just add a knee tuck tapping into your elbow and keep going with your burpees. Repeat 10x
Chair squat – Instead of doing a jump and jack now, do a chair squat pose and hold for at least 2-3 seconds before coming down into your burpees. Repeat 10x
Figure 4 squat – you’re almost there! Cross over your right leg onto your left as if you are sitting into a number “4” and continue onto your last few burpees! Repeat 10x
Back kick squat – Do a back kick (as if you want to push away something behind you) and enjoy your last set of crazy 10x burpees!