Midwest Super Spartan Recap

FINALLY! Here is my race weekend recap.

Jon and I hit the road about 11am on Friday. He even let me write on the windows as long as I didn't use shoe polish or put "Chick" anywhere. Even though I really wanted to put "You Got Chicked" on the rear, I understood he was driving and he didn't want any confusion. Marriage, its all about compromise.

Five hours later we found ourselves checked into the Hampton Inn in Ottawa, IL. Jon changed to run around The Wal-mart a few times for his marathon training, and I went down to the pool. Since I had completely rested, soaked in Epson Salt, and massaged to allow my foot/shin to heal, I was a little worried about lactic acid build up and just overall stiffness. Post-swim I headed back up to the room to get ready for dinner. Jon returned from his run with the most marvelous treat ever: Freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. I'm talking light and crispy on the outside, but really chewy on the inside. Jon is a Hilton man, and informed me that all Hampton Inns bake them around 5pm and serve them free in the lobby. They earned themselves a very loyal customer. Vacations will be built around these cookies. FYI: We have since found out they are Otis Spunkmeyer brand. Go getcha some. Dinner was eaten at Bianchi's, a local pizza pub that makes their own sausage.Yummy. The rest of the evening was spent relaxing, enjoying cable television (no cable in our home), and going back and forth between feeling like vomiting and excitement.

The next morning, I woke still feeling like vomiting from my nerves. Its much harder to calm yourself in a hotel room versus at home since there aren't as many distractions. Plus, Jon wasn't running so I really didn't have anyone to exchange race day fears with. This was a first for me, and it proved a little tough. I've always had friends racing with me to share angst and excitement, but this time I had to rely on myself to generate calming, reassuring, you're not going to die thoughts. So I did what I always do, and I turned to food. I did my usual race morning ritual of a sweet potato and fruit smoothie. Yes, I brought all of that with me. I do not want to have to poop in the woods. I have a good ritual finally figured out. During 'breakfast' I watched the IN Sprint episode on Spartan TV. This too is a a pre-race ritual/motivator. Its a reminder of how hard that race was, and I finished it. I can finish the next one.


Chicago Spartan Team

We eventually made it to the festival grounds. We got ourselves checked in. Pee'ed about a million times. Found the Chicago Spartan team tent. Didn't know anybody, but still kind of hung around the tent like a couple of Creepers. Talked to a pair of racers about shoes. Got our team photo taken. Still didn't know anyone. Really, it was just awkward. I'm not the most social of people when sober, so it was just a little uncomfortable. After meandering and observing some of the obstacles, Jon told me it was finally time to head over to the start line. The MC made some speech I couldn't understand, but I "Aroo'ed" when everyone else did. They played Drop Kick Murphys over the speakers to get us all amped up like crazy, drunk Irishmen ready for a bar brawl. A smile crossed my face and all race fears vanished, replaced by excitement and adrenaline. And then we were off through the Greek columns and smoke.

The first half of the race, we ran. We ran about 4 miles through the woods and creek beds. I can only remember 3 obstacles. The first was to shimmy down a culvert from the top of an embankment down to the creek. The second was a super muddy barbed wire crawl. I had to take off my CamelBak to get under. I simply chucked it ahead of me, and then moved forward. This made for an extremely muddy pack at the end. Not an inch of it was clean and I had mud and pebbles jammed in the clips. Using stick I cleaned it out, and threw it back on. At one point we had to cross a creek and climb up an embankment. They had ropes to assist in the climb, but I have been finding my shoes sufficient enough to climb without slipping. Other than that, we ran. The terrain was pretty calm in comparison to IN and the TM the weekend before.

Eventually we came out of the woods to an aid station and a spectator obstacle. I asked the volunteers how far we had come. She said we're about 4 miles; half way. She also said they added aid stations because of the cold and the directors were concerned about people cramping. I decided I was feeling really good, and could go without my Camelbak. I spotted Jon, shoved a Gu in my back pocket, left my Camelbak with Jon, and parted with a muddy kiss. I headed up the cargo net climb. Then we had 2 slanted walls to get over. Except, we had to go over them backwards. I used the supports on the side to help me climb up and also a wonderful stranger's cupped hands. This is what is great about Spartan races. Someone, even a perfect stranger, will help another racer out. After those 2 walls, we had to climb this ridiculously high structure. By far, my least favorite obstacle. The slats were muddy. I hate heights and ladders. Some A$$hole asked if anyone had fallen off. I not so politely told him to STFU until I had both feet planted safely on the ground on the other side. I bear hugged my way up. At the top, the damn thing was swaying. I wanted to cry. I wanted my mommy. I wanted a cherry picker machine to come pluck me off this thing. A guy next to me gave me good advice onto how to go over the top. With shaking legs, I listened to every word, and eventually found the ground. I was alive, now back to business.

This is where it gets really fuzzy. The last half of the race had a bunch of obstacles crammed together. So less running and more physical exertion. I'm pretty much going to name the obstacles that I can remember and promise them to not be in race order. There was the Hercules Hoist which I rocked. I was a little worried about this one. In an older post I mention how I tried to haul a Cinder block up and over a tree branch, and I failed miserably. Apparently, pulleys are key. From there we had to climb over walls. This one I nailed too. TM prepped me for this one. I got up and over 2 walls, and helped a fellow racer over them as well. After that we did more walls; under, over and through. We had to do the tractor pull, which I really enjoyed. Basically, have your pick of concrete blocks attached to chains and drag it around a short course. There were hills, the last one was particularly steep and they didn't slide very well. We had a tire flip. Simply flip it two times off the block, and two times back onto it. I managed to pick a tire that still had the wheel inside of it, so it was HEAVY. But I stuck with it. My tire also did not start on the block. So flipping it back, I had to go 3 times. On the third flip, I actually ringed the block and had to shuffle and scoot it back up onto the starting block. Water station and Gu.

After a bit of running we had another bunch of obstacles. And its really fuzzy. There were log over, unders which the volunteer told us to just go under all of them. Somewhere in there was the Pancake Carry. Then there was a log obstacle that you were supposed to run across, but it had turned into a scoot train. I took my first set of burpees. I didn't care to wait in line, nor did I feel it very challenging. There was a crazy obstacle that had logs stretched perpendicular across a water ditch. You had to climb across 4 wet, muddy, slippery logs onto a really wet, muddy, slippery hill. They were pretty far apart and I have no idea how I actually made it across. Jon says I must have busted out my Ninja moves. I like it, and I'm sticking with it. Of course I only made it across three, but it was farther than others. This was my second set of 30 penalty burpees. From there I think we had to just go up and down mud hills and into mud-water ditches. These water ditches were really freaking cold and hard to get out of. In the first one I jumped into, there was a larger man struggling to get out. I shoulder pressed him out. He was shocked to turn around to see that I was the one responsible for helping him out. "Sorry for getting fresh. It was really cold." His buddy remarked, "That was like when people get Superman strength to move cars to save kids." Yep. That sums it up. Don't come between a girl not built like a walrus and getting out of freezing water. I came across these two later at the monkey bars, and 'The Buddy' gave me a "Great job." He witnessed me talking to myself as I crossed. At this point everyone's hands were numb. Standing in line we all shoved them under our armpits or were blowing on them. Once it was my turn, I had to jump to get on them. Then I proceeded to talk to myself out loud for everyone to hear. "You got this Nick. Come on. Hands don't fail me now." You know, just stuff that a crazy girl says to herself. But it made my day for 'The Buddy' to acknowledge my small success.

There was also a log hop which I got across. The logs were spaced a fair distance apart with one log actually under water. It required balance and just confidence in your footing. The volunteer working the log hop, used the sun and shadow pointed to us where the hidden log was. You could also see it if you disturbed the water. The rippling water outlined it. I used both techniques to make sure I landed it. I think the really tall climb with a log-over was after that. It was a stretch to get to the top log and then you dropped about 8 feet. Little scary and probably dangerous. Then there was another log balance turn scoot. I started to wait in line, but decided I would just take the burpees. So up to 90 burpees on the day.

I made sure to run whenever possible. More than once I came upon a guy walking who I would Chick, only to have him all of a sudden sprint by me. I found it very amusing. Some men just can't stand being beaten by a girl.

I eventually saw Jon as we came upon trenches we had to go in and out of. I knew we were near the finish. First, the Traverse wall. Fail. Looking at my pictures my mom noticed I was going the wrong way. She reminded me that I am left handed which explained why I was going sideways and not against the wall. In Texas, I'll be sure to lead with my right foot. So my fourth set of burpees. I think I'm better at burpees with an audience because that was the first time I did 30 in a row. Right afterwards I had to throw a spear. Robby that I work with had given me some lessons with one of our inflatable lite sword toys and it had paid off, sort of. My spear throw was actually really good. It went the distance, it was the right height, but my aim was off. Next time....  Up to 150 burpees. Then the Fire Jump, which resulted in the best picture of me In the Entire World.

I'm in the middle

Next up, was the rope climb. In the middle of ice cold water. A majority of people skipped and took the penalty. However, I trained on my rope and was going to give it a whirl. I chatted with a man in a very lovely kilt. We both agreed, we're at the end, WTH, might as well freeze our butts off. The pond dropped off, so we had to swim to get out to the ropes. Once out there I got my feet on the first knot and pushed up. Then holding on, I pulled up my feet to the next knot visually checking to see if they were on since I really couldn't feel them. I continued this a couple more times until I just couldn't go any longer. I dropped. I froze. I swam as fast as I could. I literally clawed at the giant hill we had to climb up to get out of the pond. Yeah, it sucked, but it was my favorite part of the race. After that, it was one long, muddy, barbed wire crawl and climb up another giant hill. I skipped climbing up the logs that were there because it simply looked really dangerous. I slid down the hill to the Gladiator pit. Biggest disappointment ever. They were in La La land, oblivious to a blood thirsty Spartan Chick headed their way. They didn't come at me, but I hit one of their puggles to wake them up. Gladiators, step up your game. Then the finish line.

Final Barbed Wire Crawl

 

The finish line

 

Best Pic EVER!

Spartan Race video is HERE.

 

 

 

Stupid Deer

I'll try to make this post quick. I have a lot of training to cram in since I haven't posted since Thursday. Sometimes life just gets in the way posting or quite frankly I just don't feel like sitting in front of the computer and typing after doing the same thing at work all day. But I do love to TRAIN!

Friday:
8 Hill sprints with 30 lb. vest; half of loop trail run
  Total Distance: 1.8 miles
 Total Time: 30:56

Friday evening, I cashed in a gift card and got a massage. It was amazing and very much needed. In the past I've gotten massages strictly for relaxation. This time it was to knead out the knots in my back, neck, and legs. Also, the masseuse, Chloe, was awesome. We got to talking and it turns out she's considering trail running. She had just made the commitment to herself to start running and was interested in trying the trails. I encouraged her to do so. I left my blog site and words of encouragement. Chloe, if you happen to read this, thanks for the massage, and by all means attack the trails. I promise you'll fall in love with the sport. The hardest part is having the courage to take the first steps.

Saturday:

I set out for Mt. Airy a little after 12pm on Saturday. My goal was to do a half marathon, 13.1 miles. Just as I was getting into my groove (.7 miles), I came across a sign. Apparently, they're deer hunting, so I had to get off the trails. Expletive, Expletive, Expletive. Dodging bullets and arrows is not a Spartan Obstacle. Turns out they will be hunting until February in 2 zones. Grrrr..... Just as I was getting used to Mt. Airy. Yet, there is some hope. The Greater Cincinnati Trail Runners are working on getting some time reserved so people can run without risk of being killed. Also, you can run after dark with a headlamp. I hope to join the group on an evening run so I can learn more and become comfortable with running at night with my headlamp.



Spartan Flying Pig!

Plan B sucked. It sucked because it involved road running. I didn't have my hiking book in my car, and I couldn't find anything really when I stopped at my parent's house to research options on the Internet. So I resolved to road running. I figured if I was going to road run, better to do it somewhere a bit more interesting. I stopped home, switched to my road shoes, added 8 lbs. of sand bags to my CamelBak and headed downtown. I parked at Sawyer Point and hit the pavement. I went up and down the Serpentine Wall. As I coming up one time, a guy asked me if I had just swam across the Ohio. That's how crazy I looked. I had my "Train or Die" BondiBand on my head, my blue and white sunglasses (think LMFAO'esque), and my pack. I looked like a loon. I proceeded across the Roebling Bridge to Covington and then over to Newport. Once to Newport, I decided I would run up and down the levy. Every time I came across a post I would sprint up and down. Mid-way through the levy, I had to take a detour through the Newport Oktoberfest. More strange stares....  Then across the Purple People Bridge back into Cincy. I hooked a right and continued up the sidewalk past the Boathouse. Wasn't feeling all too great. Decided to head back and drop of my CamelBak and do one more loop without it. On my way back, I got mean-mugged by two lady joggers. Second lap still sucked. I just ran it. My knees started hurting (gotta love the pavement for this) and I decided to cut my run short.

Total Distance: 9.7 miles


View from Roebling Bridge

Total Time: 2:19:16


Crazy Spartan Chick

Sunday:
Mental Health day (Cleaned my house so I could think straight)

Monday:
Mental Health Day Part II (Grocery Store, Laundry, more cleaning)

Tuesday:
Morning: 1 round of my arm circuit
Evening: One loop of my usual trail run and conquered Deer Fear!
  Total Distance: 3.2 miles
  Total Time: 38:36

Rockin' It

This morning's work out was to be a 6.8 mile trail run. Plus, I was finally going to be able to use my new Camelbak. Not to mention another run in my new kicks which I love. I hit the trails, and immediately started adjusting my Camelbak. It bounced and swished and just got on my nerves. My hair goes in a french braid because I can't stand when a pony tail bounces from side to side. So you can imagine how much the pack was definitely throwing me off. I went about half way through my first loop when I ditched it at my car. I told myself I'll get used, but to no avail. I still plan to wear it in my Super and Beast plus on my longer trail runs. It really wasn't necessary since I pass the water fountain 4 times.

After my first loop, I decided to move to some strength training. The top of my right foot was still a little sore, and I didn't want to push it especially with the Mudathlon on Saturday. I got to work doing a whopping 20 push-ups with 12 in a row. Woo Hoo! Then lunges to the creek bed and back. Followed by a plank to collapse. Then 25 straight leg lifts, 25 tuck leg lifts, and 50 crunches. And then I had a stroke of genious. Here I was doing these exercises next to a creek bed. A creek bed filled with heavy rocks. So, I went and fished me out a nice rock. I didn't really count but I performed the following with my new equipment:

Squat Presses

20 push ups

Chest Throws (Sprint to pick it back up)

Slams

Throw over my head backwards

Run up a hill 5 times

Afterwards, I released my new buddy back into the wild.

It's Log, Log, Log!

Yesterday morning I set out for Mt. Airy Forest for a nice, long 8+ mile trail run including the climb up the 200 Stone Steps. I was really looking forward to climbing those stairs. I love hills and steps. I printed the course from the Dirt Trail Series. I also printed the trail map from the City's park website. I highlighted the Dirt Trail course since the City's map was easier to read. I parked my car at the big oval, and into the woods I went. Mt. Airy is a great place for trail running. I will admit, I was a little nervous to run alone since its not on the best section of Colerain Ave. However, there were a ton of people on the trails. I saw hikers, dog walkers, and other trail runners. On the way in, I saw what looked like a men's running camp. So fear not Cincinnatians, Mt. Airy seems pretty safe on a Saturday morning. The city's trail map, not so great. Yes, it laid out all of the trails, but the map does not mark them. There were many forks in the trails that were marked with letters and arrows but my map did not mark the trails in the same manner. Needless to say there was a ton of back tracking. I definitely did not follow the course I had laid out. This was apparent when I reached the Stone Steps, but at the wrong end. I was at the top. Four Letter word expletive. Then I look down. Ahh...I believe a Spartan had been here before. There, next to the trail marker, was a log. A guaranteed obstacle in a Spartan Race is to carry something, whether its a log or a Spartan Pancake, up and down a gigantic hill. Here I was at the top of really steep stairs staring at a log. I knew what to do.

The rock was a little too heavy to carry, so the Log it was



View from the top. Notice that the stairs magically disappear. 

 I started marching down the stairs. Not the best constructed stairs and no handrails, so this was actually a little scary. I told myself this is great balance training, now don't fall down. If you do, all of your appendages will be bent in right angles in the wrong direction. Oh, and you won't be found for days. As I was going down, two ladies were going up. I stepped aside so they could pass. As they did, the second lady asked, "Why are you carrying that?" "Cause I'm a beast," is what I thought. "I'm training for a Spartan Race and they make you do this," is what I really said. How dare her question my training? Yeah, I'm carrying a log down steep stairs. Why not? I want to be strong, not skinny and dainty. In real life I'm more likely to have to carry something of awkward shape up a hill or up stairs, than have to lift a perfectly balanced metal bar using only my arms. Its called functional fitness. Whatever lady. Don't hate, cause you ain't.

Once at the bottom, I paused for a short photo shoot. This was my second balance work out of the day. Trying to pick up the log while holding my iTouch and getting it up on my shoulder. The result is below. Not pretty, but as I said before, if you look good, then you're not doing it right.

You can see the stairs in the background to give it some perspective.

The view from the bottom.



I marched up. It hurt so good. My legs burned the entire way up. Awesome. When I struggle or it hurts, I always remind myself that its pain now, but it will pay off on the Spartan course. One step at a time. As I approached the top, two young, strong trail runners ran by. The one saw me and tapped his buddy. I think they were shocked to see me climbing these stairs with a log. I wish I could better describe this moment. The one guy gave me a "Good work." Wow. That was a sign of respect and that felt good. In fact that made the rest of the run so much better.

I continued my run, checking my map, and back tracking from time to time. The top of my right foot started to hurt. Trail running causes more stress on your feet and ankles since you're running over roots and rocks. You are constantly maneuvering around obstacles on the trail. I tightened my shoes. That helped some. Then it started hurting more. Tightened my shoe again. And it started again. I laid off and did more walking. I made my way out of the woods and back to the oval. At my car, I chugged water and ate a Cliff bar. After evaluating the situation, I decided to end my run. I still had another 3 miles to go, but I didn't want to push my foot. Once on the road, I called my sister-in-law, Becky, who is the best physical therapist in the world. I told her about my foot. I made the right decision to stop. We figured its only a strain, however continued work on it can lead to a stress fracture. Basically, rest a little now or rest a whole lot later if it becomes a stress fracture. Once home, I iced it and took some ibuprofen for the inflammation.

Earlier this week I ordered a CamelBak LUXE, which is a hydration backpack. They are great when covering longer distances. I had hoped that it would arrive on Friday in time for my trail run, but it of course came Saturday afternoon as I was icing my foot. I bought it since my runs are getting longer and many of the racers recommend them for the longer Spartans. It has a low profile so I don't have to worry about it getting in the way. Plus, it has pockets for Goo's and Cliff Bars or whatever else I may need on the course. And, its Brown! Mud is brown, CamelBak is brown. Not too worried about discoloration. I got it from Rock Creek for $55. Its an older model so it was relatively cheap. This year's models run about $100, so I got a great deal.

Chest and waist straps so stays in place when running.

Its compact with a low profile. Bonus: Pretty sure that's Ryan Lochte on TV!

Its pretty with lots of pockets. The blue tube is the nozzle.

The hydration pack. Its a long bag, so its not bulky.

Sing-Along time!

Beast or Bust, Baby

Its official. I am signed up to race the Spartan Beast in Glen Rose, TX on December 8th at 12:30pm. Scared? Hell, yes. I get nervous just thinking about it. But it will complete my Trifecta (if I manage to complete the Super in Chicago), so I'll crawl across the damn finish line if I have to or if they make me due to an obstacle. As I've said before, I'm part of a FB group of Spartan Chicks. I've managed to figure out that two of them will be lining up with me at 12:30. Even though I will be racing as an individual and so will they, we'll be able to offer some mental support and reassurance at the start.

As far as my work out this morning, it went well with only 1 major mishap. Can you spot it?

3.3 mile Trail run

100 body weight squats
30 push ups
43 walking lunges
Step in dog poop
1 minute plank
100 crunches

3.3 mile Trail run

Today was a long work out. I definitely ran out of gas my second time around the trail. My current morning routine is to make coffee, assemble my lunch for the day, and then work out. So, the only thing in my tummy is coffee. For short sessions, this works. However, I am definitely going to need to add some sort of breakfast for the longer hauls. I'm thinking of trying a rice cake with almond butter (I can't eat peanut butter). Today also reaffirmed my need to invest in a CamelBak sooner than later. I planned on getting one anyways for the Super and the Beast, but now is the time. Not only will I have water with me, but I will also be able to stash goo, wipes, or anything else I may need. Finally, I'm a sweaty mess. I believe if you look good when working out, then you're not doing it right. After my work out, I took off my shirt and I was able to wring sweat out of it. Our laundry hamper hates Spartan Chicks. I have to bring an old towel to put on my driver's seat so I don't soak it. Learned that lesson not that long ago when I sat at work with a wet hiney. Nasty. My socks were an issue today. They are thick and padded which is nice, but by the end, they were just squishy with sweat. Everytime I stepped, it felt like I was running on a gym mat. I need to get better socks that wick moisture. Blisters and/or soggy feet are no good.