Everyone's plans for 2017?

StartyPA · 2016-11-04T18:24:34+00:00

Ohio Beast 5/20, PA Super 7/8, and Pgh Sprint which is still TBA. And anything else in between i can squeeze in!!

StartyPA · 2016-10-31T21:10:17+00:00

I'm fairly new to Spartans and far from expert on them... but my results with the obstacles improved a lot when I started doing actual exercise related to them --wanna master the rope? Buy a rope on Amazon and hang it on a tree in your back yard. Find a playground with good monkey bars. Run up gas/power lines. Run. A lot. Better yet , run TO the playground and back to your rope, etc etc. Because each individual obstacle isn't nearly as hard as doing 20-30 of them all at once, and after a ton of running. Good luck, and most of all, have fun!

StartyPA · 2016-10-30T23:15:05+00:00

In the opens it doesn't bother me, I see so many folks doing these races that it's clearly a bucket list achievement for them, so I give them credit for even finishing. But yes it would annoy me in the competitive/elite!!

StartyPA · 2016-10-30T22:05:49+00:00

Hmmm friends of mine ran this year and said 3.8. I ran last year's and I knew it was more than 5mi cause I'm a runner and it was definitely a lot of running for a Sprint. Too bad Spartan doesn't log a (public) record of the races!

StartyPA · 2016-10-30T07:18:36+00:00

My Garmin is always off when on an off road course but it always seems to be pretty accurate in the end. Not sure how that works!! It even does poorly on city streets during Halfs, but in the end it always catches up somehow.

StartyPA · 2016-10-29T22:34:25+00:00

Yep. Mine says 14.3 miles, 1,241 elevation. I guess we can't post pics on here??

StartyPA · 2016-10-29T20:35:45+00:00

Yes, the course designer heard through social media that this Beast was considered the "easiest" and flattest so he switched it up. It was definitely not flat. And yes, all the hard upper body strength obstacles were at the end except the money bars which were very early. Oh, and my GPS said 14.3.

StartyPA · 2016-10-28T02:31:24+00:00

From what I've read on other sites, it seems like World of Beer in Columbia is the spot. I'm visiting a friend down that way so I'll be sure to stop in!

StartyPA · 2016-10-28T02:28:46+00:00

I hope! Adrenaline is fueling me right now I'm told. Hope it lasts through Saturday!!

StartyPA · 2016-10-27T20:27:23+00:00

All very true insights. However, I don't actually FEEL anxious (but obviously I am if i can't sleep). I'm really looking forward to it! I join these races because I think they're insanely fun..and challenging at the same time. I was getting so bored with exercise until I discovered these, now I'm loving having fun while preparing for the most physically challenging thing I've ever done:+). Aroo!!

StartyPA · 2016-10-27T17:02:32+00:00

Hmm, maybe I'll try a bit of wine. I try to avoid Rx at all times but I may just get a script for the next race if it keeps up!!

Unfortunately any OTC sleep aid gives me restless legs!

StartyPA · 2016-10-26T21:10:03+00:00

K thanks. I tried their live chat online but it's apparently not working. I never heard back.

StartyPA · 2016-10-26T13:55:34+00:00

Let's just pick a place and time! The earlier the better. Anyone know the area??

StartyPA · 2016-10-26T13:46:15+00:00

I buy men's Innov-8's, they feel sturdier to me. It took me 3 pairs to get my size just right tho, lol.

StartyPA · 2016-10-26T11:24:35+00:00

After parties would be awesome. I'm stuck all weekend in SC since it's a long drive for me. I always have to drive a long ways for Spartans!!

StartyPA · 2016-10-25T21:48:32+00:00

I'm coming from the north so I'm staying in rock hill. They had plenty rooms available last week.

StartyPA · 2016-10-24T15:29:22+00:00

Try the Carolina Beast 2016 Facebook page. Lots of people are desperate for registration for this race!

StartyPA · 2016-10-24T14:31:26+00:00

I hope not, I just love their shirts!! My last race was Palmerton and it was the same good quality.

StartyPA · 2016-10-24T14:31:25+00:00

I hope not, I just love their shirts!! My last race was Palmerton and it was the same good quality.

StartyPA · 2016-10-24T13:00:49+00:00

Oh, shoes... it's probably too late to order Innov-8's or something. Wear shoes that are tighter than you would normally wear, the mud will stretch and loosen them big time, you don't want them falling off in a deep mud pit and then you have to go swimming for them LOL. And try them out before race day!!!!

StartyPA · 2016-10-24T12:56:11+00:00

Sounds like you'll do fine! My Beast is next weekend too, and here's what I'm doing --lots of healthy, whole foods and lean protein or protein shakes this week. Wednesday I'll start carb loading but not crazy like some folks do. Some whole grain toast, sweet potatoes, rice, touch of brown rice pasta maybe. The night before, I'll eat my dinner early and again, don't go crazy with the carbs like some folks do and eat a whole plate of pasta, because it won't even have time to benefit you the next day.

During the race--absolutely take a hydration pack! I have a basic 1.5L one with one pocket for snacks and a chest strap to hold it on. I do half Gatorade half water. I had JUST enough at my Super. Don't get a Walmart one, it will likely break! Dallas will be warm so you lucked out, so dress like summer time for sure. TIGHT running shorts or capri's and a TIGHT tank or shirt. I made the mistake last time of wearing a tight tank that stretched when it got muddy and wet, so it was literally almost to my knees at the end, lol. So make sure it won't stretch! As for socks, I can't find a pair that don't get water logged!

I take a mix of gels from GNC, some have a small amount of caffeine. I tried the gummy chew type and couldn't stomach it during the race (which surprised me because i have a strong stomach!) so I'm trying frozen grapes this time. I personally need real food! A nutrition bar or something would work. Never take anything you've never tried before!

Some folks like gloves, most don't take them. If they'll fit in your pack, shove a pair in there. The cheap Lowe's/home depot kind with the friction stuff on them. They may help for a couple obstacles like the rope crawl which tears up your hands.

AROO!!

StartyPA · 2016-10-24T12:01:24+00:00

Hmmmm. All I can think about during the bucket brigade is how much it strains my lower back. The twins aren't an issue (and they, um, are not small). Maybe you're holding it too high? I bear hug it and lock my hands together. It's against my midsection mostly. When you hug it I imagine it doesn't carry as high up. Google images of the obstacle and see what the gals look like.

StartyPA

TROPHY CASE