QuirkyDM deploys against the Kaiju

[The Swedish Ninja]

Awesome that they have these kind of things for kids!

[Chris-Tien Jinn]

Wow!!  I want to be a kid again!!!

 

Getting your kids involved in this is wonderful - I hope they had a blast. 

[Maledictus]

OK, part 2 of the report ... and not my race report, yet. But like Quirkyself said, I want to show off the kids race a bit. Last year, the kids did the Spartan Jr. course, but were disappointed in it. It was little more than a few paltry obstacles with a rope that went back and forth. They also didn't enjoy it because last year, I ran with my brother on the course and he found out how unprepared he was and the kids ended up waiting for over 2 hours before we finished. This year, signed our heats up to be at the same time and I ran by myself. While I didn't get to see the kids race, (and they didn't see me either) they didn't have to wait around much during the afternoon for me to finish.

 

The kids race this year was far, FAR superior to the Spartan kids race last year. The kids loved it and had an absolute blast doing it. My daughter is waiting for the day she turns 14 and can do the adult course .. but that's still a few years away. In the meantime, it means if I can get the kids and myself to do OCRs together, I will.

 

While getting ready for the kids' race, the obstacles looked pretty decent. But I knew this was going to be a real race when I heard the race director explaining to the kids about the 5 burpee penalty for not completing an obstacle. Now this is what my kids wanted- an actual Spartan race!

 

Here's a bunch of pictures of them being Spartans. They also had slip and slide, the rope climb, the wall climb, traverse wall, and the spear throw. Yeah, the kids had a spear throw! They had almost as many obstacles as I did. And my daughter was excited because they would actually get muddy this year.

 

(son is in gray shirt and orange shorts, daughter is in green shirt and pink shorts)

 

 

 

 

Yep, still nothing here about my race.    Next post, I promise.

That is SO much better than the kids races in the UK.  My eldest daughter ended up doing ten laps or so of it before my youngest had finished.

[Phytomancer]

I kinda hope I did that when I was a kid. It looks very fun.

[AverageJoe]

As usual I'm in awe of the family awesomeness!!  Hopefully one day I'll be able to do the same with my kids.

[Anamal]

Dude that is a seriously cool kids race! I wish that had that stuff when I was a kid, I would have loved it... probably an obvious statement since I'm doing it as an adult.

 

I feel your shoe pain, I have the hardest time finding shoes, but I will 2nd that Inov-8's are pretty rad. I have the trailroc 245 I think and I'm looking at something beefier like the mud-claw for VT UB since I know there will be mud unlike most of the races I do in Cali. Oh and you're totally not crazy about the heal drop! My road shoes are 0mm, my trailrocs are 4mm (I believe there is a 6mm and 2mm version too) and when I went to try them on I tested out a 8mm shoe and it felt like I was on high heels. Pretty crazy since I don't know if I'd notice 4mm here or there anywhere else on my body.

[QuirkyDM]

OK, time to write up the actual race report. It is nowhere near as exciting and action packed as the first two, but it was the focal point of the day, so here we go.

 

First, organization was top notch. The registration line was a walk up with no wait and quick entrance. I also love that they used headbands to mark us up this year instead of bibs. So much nicer and last year's course was littered with safety pins whenever anyone had to crawl. They also had a spear throw practice so you didn't have to go into that obstacle cold. The guy in front of me gave it three tries and never came close to the target. I grabbed a spear and sent it dead center with my first shot. My confidence went up.

 

Some waiting around in the shade and then off to the start line. And then through the start line and away we go.

 

The Spartan races here are really hill runs with some obstacles thrown in. We climb straight up a ski hill and since I didn't sprint at the start, there were lots of people ahead of me. Which really meant that I passed lots of people. After 5 minutes, you could only see walkers on the hill, and pretty soon, lots of sitters as well. I kept a continuous run up the hill, breathing heavy, but no issues with muscle tiredness. Still, I call this my first mistake of the day. (reasons to be explained later)

 

After the first ascent and 1 mile behind me, I finally hit the first obstacle- barb wire crawl. And despite being shirtless, there was no issue- my knees got more skinned than any other part of me. Then down the hill with a few other obstacles- dip walk and low walls.

 

So after almost half way through the course, the obstacles were pretty paltry. But like normal, they bunch all the obstacles at the bottom of the hill for the spectators. So in quick succession, we have rope climb, hercules hoist, traverse wall, platinum rig, sandbag carry, spear throw and monkey bars. This is one point that seriously annoys me about the local Spartan runs- almost 25 minutes with a few obstacles, a huge burst, and then repeat. They really need to spread them out.

 

Pictures are still coming in but there's some of the platinum rig, which is a ring, a 6 foot bar, three tarzan ropes and then 4 rings. Here's some great shots of my armpits as I cross it.

 

The traverse wall was a bit of a challenge because the blocks were spaced far apart away that I couldn't reach ahead to the next block while keeping my feet planted, and there wasn't enough room on one block for both my feet. So I had to hold on with my hands, take my front foot off the block and leap my back foot forward.

 

None of these obstacles were too bad, but I really didn't want to do 30 burpees, so I made sure I took a minute to rest before even trying any of them. Which was my second mistake of the day. I had the training and the strength to do them all back to back, so I just should have done it. Especially considering mistake #3.

 

Remember that spear throw I nailed at the start? Yeah, you can see where this is going. I know my spear throws drift to the left, so when I throw I aim to the right. This time, though, I aimed at the right edge of the target, which was overcompensating even for me. Especially since my spear actually went straight. There was an explosion of hay on the right side of the target as my spear went right through the side of the dummy and didn't stick. "Oh, that was so close," the judge empathized. But didn't let me off the hook. This was the only time I got passed during the race- while doing my 30 burpees. (mini-rant: and passed by more than a few who pushed out 5 burpees, decided that was too hard and then went on)

 

Following all the obstacles was a water station where I decided to rest up and drink my whole glass of water. Losing track of mistakes now, but I really was just letting myself off the hook here. I should have just kept going- for a 5K course, I didn't need water.

 

OK, back up the hill for 8' wall, inverted wall, cargo net, tire run, over/under/through. Then the atlas carry.  Which I can be pretty proud of because there were guys much bigger than me that had at least as much trouble as I did. The stones were 80 lbs spheres in a very muddy area. The carry was about 25'. Well, they carry for the men was 25'. The women got to roll the stones instead. Which meant when I went to grab the stone, it was caked with a good inch of mud which did nothing for my grip. After a good minute scraping the mud off, I managed to roll it on to my hands and then lift up. (yay for deadlifts again!) That thing weighs over half my weight, so I'm feeling good.

 

Then it's down the hill for cargo net climb, fire jump and slippery rope. Here's me looking like I'm dancing to the Spartan fire gods. I was trying to raise my arms in victory, but I don't think victory poses are my thing.

 

And then I realized what mistake #1 was. You see, last year's sprint was over 7K with 3 trips up and down the ski hill. I had paced myself for that. But after the fire jump and slippery ramp ... was the finish after only 2 hills. So I ran way too slow and had far too much energy left- I could have run another lap, honestly. This isn't the first race I've done where I've started light at the start and then felt like I was doing good because I was passing everyone I could see. The issue is, there's always that group that I should have tried to keep up with off the bat that I never see again in the race because I give them too much of a lead at the start. I'm getting better at running, but I think I need more experience racing.

 

For all that, I'm pretty happy. This was my warm up for the Beast to make sure I was ready and I picked up some good info. I got up very steep slopes with lots of energy left. I hit all the challenges and got through them except one, and I know how to fix that spear throw now. I even got through 30 burpees in the middle of the race and it didn't kill me either. I've got 3 weeks left to polish up and get ready for the Beast. Plus, OCRs are a blast no matter what- I'd take a slow OCR anyday over not getting to run it.

 

[Xena]

1. you are a rock star and it was really fun to read your recap.

 

2:

 

(mini-rant: and passed by more than a few who pushed out 5 burpees, decided that was too hard and then went on)

 

 

Seriously?!! WTF! I wouldn't all fault anyone who had to walk/stop/rest going up the hills. Wouldn't think badly of anyone who couldn't do any of the obstacles. But skipping a penalty that you could do just seems like poor sportsmanship. I don't know the full rules of the event, but I would have some sympathy for people who couldn't do full pushups and needed to modify etc. I suppose it would be ok if there were different categories for "strict" and "casual" competitors, but I don't think that's the way it works.

 

 

3. (on a more positive note) I couldn't see the missing front teeth on your son in the earlier photos. Super cute shot of the three of you!

[The Swedish Ninja]

Haha, great rapport! Also understand your mini rant, if you sign up for the race, you have to follow the rules…..

 

Loving the pictures

[AverageJoe]

Great report!  And you learned something about race strategy. (Personally if I even finished a Spartan sprint, let alone had energy left in the tank, I'd be fist pumping for the rest of the week! So don't critique yourself too hard).

[AgentsSka]

Love the race reports!  That kids race is the best one I have seen.

 

I know what you mean about racing strategy.  I remember being annoyed with my effort in a Sprint last year... thinking it would be longer and having saved too much energy at the finish.  But, that's one of the things about Spartan Races.  It isn't like a 5K where you know that the distance is a set length.  And, you probably even have a good idea about the course.  The Spartan Races change it up and keep you guessing.  It's part of the fun and the challenge. 

 

The Platinum Rig looks fun.  I want to play!

 

3 Weeks until the beast?  I forgot that you had one coming up in July.  FUN!!

 

People that don't do the full burpee penalty annoy me, as well... At least give it a solid effort!

 

Awesome stuff, man!

[QuirkyDM]

Ah ha. A few more photos came online:

[sylph]

What a muddy hilarious mess. Glad the kiddos had a good time and you learned something to help you strategize for your next race. Sounds like a win to me.

[Anamal]

Man I'm really jealous of your race! First off I've never even heard of the plantinum rings, and second we don't get nearly as much mud out here in Cali, more dust than anything.

 

And WTF people skipping burpees! If it was something like a Tough Mudder where there is no timing component then I don't care, those people are only cheating themselves. But in a Spartan where you are timed and ranked?!?! That's like saying "oh I did 24miles, but I still get to say I ran a marathon, right?" NO! Also, the rolling of the atlas stones is lame. I always carry mine and they're at least 50-60lbs for the girls.

 

Anyway congrats! It sounds like you learned a lot. I still think your going out slower strategy is a good one. It's one I used at the beast and it really paid off when I started dropping everybody in my start wave by mile 6.

[Chris56Ryan]

That's awesome dude and great that you don't fool yourself by skipping the work you're given

[Elder]

Awesome job on your race!

 

Reading that report gives me a wee bit more courage for mine this weekend.  And when you said this >>"Plus, OCRs are a blast no matter what- I'd take a slow OCR anyday over not getting to run it." I totally agree.

 

I would rather come in last place than not run at all because just entering and finishing is the biggest reward.  

 

You are super duper!!

[Phayze]

Amazing. Simply amazing. Just reading about this makes me feel worn out, and you came out of it feeling strong!? O_0

You... you are a friggin SUPER HERO!

[Phytomancer]

Motivating pics and story! You look muddily happy.

[Chris-Tien Jinn]

Amazing pics!!  It looks like good not-so-clean fun.  You have the Beast in your sights now!!

[Elastigirl]

Great pic's from the race. Great thoughts on how it went too. Thinking those through will help you improve your time next time.

[QuirkyDM]

What a muddy hilarious mess. Glad the kiddos had a good time and you learned something to help you strategize for your next race. Sounds like a win to me.

If it's not hilarious when you get muddy, you're not doing it right.

 

 

Anyway congrats! It sounds like you learned a lot. I still think your going out slower strategy is a good one. It's one I used at the beast and it really paid off when I started dropping everybody in my start wave by mile 6.

For the Beast, I do plan on using that. It's just trying to know when to kick it into high gear should happen. Ah well, experiment a little here and there and I'll figure it out.

 

 

I know what you mean about racing strategy.  I remember being annoyed with my effort in a Sprint last year... thinking it would be longer and having saved too much energy at the finish.  But, that's one of the things about Spartan Races.  It isn't like a 5K where you know that the distance is a set length.  And, you probably even have a good idea about the course.  The Spartan Races change it up and keep you guessing.  It's part of the fun and the challenge. 

What I might do from now on is assume the race is always minimum length. If it turns out longer, that's when I get to dig deep and find out what I'm made of.

 

 

Thanks for all the feedback and good cheer everyone. I dragged those reports out over many days and now it's been 2 weeks since I ran it. Time for some updates.

 

The week after the Sprint was a little slack. I missed PLP and burpees on the day of and the day after the race while I was still camping. On Thursday I jumped back into it. Hard. Tough weight session in the morning followed by a hard 10K hill run at lunch. And then I crashed. Hard. Complete system shut down. I thought I might catch sick my body was so toasted. Especially after I played soccer for an hour with my son's soccer team at practice that night.

 

A good night's sleep and a lot of recovery calories later, everything was back to normal. I decided to count Thursday as my long run for the week. I tried taking a proper recovery run on Saturday- no iPod, no music. And to make sure I could hold a conversation, I read all the street signs, license plates and anything else I could read while I ran. (thanks, AwkwardActive) From there, things have been back to normal.

 

Sort of. A funny thing happened this week. I absolutely hate it when I have burpees at the end of the night to go through. So I started doing them in the morning and I also decided sprinting through them is easier then pacing myself. And I tell myself over and over that I need to move lightly on my feet, like doing "parkour burpees." And it's working.

 

The other funny thing that happened is that I'm rewarding myself with exercise. Worked hard in my cubicle for the last hour? I get to do my push ups for PLP in my cube. Pick all the weeds along the hedges? I get to climb the rope and practice spear throw. Somehow killing myself at all these things is now a reward. This is where I start to turn the corner into looney town.

 

I ran every day this week because there's only 2 weeks until the Beast and this was my last week of full training. I need to taper starting today. So my long run today was only 2 hours at the hilly wolf trail I did last month. I did 2 sets of burpees during it, one at 30 minutes and another at 1.5 hours. While doing the second set, a group of runners passed in the other direction and yelled" Training for Spartan!" Heh. I guess if I'm crazy, I'm not the only one. I also was thinking, under what universe do I consider this tapering?

 

After the run, I saw the same group in the parking lot and they yelled at me "We were just talking about you!" They're a local group of guys and gals who do OCRs. The one girl is doing the elite heat in the upcoming beast and gong to Vermont and a few others are in the normal heats like me. They pointed me to their facebook page so I can jump in on their meetups. Cool! I guess this means I should also break down and finally get a facebook account.

 

So a slacker week turned into a pretty good followup week. One week left until Bad Ass Dash and then the Beast after that.

 

PS. today is day 44 of PLP.

[Maledictus]

 

The other funny thing that happened is that I'm rewarding myself with exercise. Worked hard in my cubicle for the last hour? I get to do my push ups for PLP in my cube. Pick all the weeds along the hedges? I get to climb the rope and practice spear throw. Somehow killing myself at all these things is now a reward. This is where I start to turn the corner into looney town.

 

I ran every day this week because there's only 2 weeks until the Beast and this was my last week of full training. I need to taper starting today. So my long run today was only 2 hours at the hilly wolf trail I did last month. I did 2 sets of burpees during it, one at 30 minutes and another at 1.5 hours. While doing the second set, a group of runners passed in the other direction and yelled" Training for Spartan!" Heh. I guess if I'm crazy, I'm not the only one. I also was thinking, under what universe do I consider this tapering?

 

After the run, I saw the same group in the parking lot and they yelled at me "We were just talking about you!" They're a local group of guys and gals who do OCRs. The one girl is doing the elite heat in the upcoming beast and gong to Vermont and a few others are in the normal heats like me. They pointed me to their facebook page so I can jump in on their meetups. Cool! I guess this means I should also break down and finally get a facebook account.

 

 

 

All sorts of awesome right there.

[Chris56Ryan]

Great finding a training group like that especially with an elite athlete in the mix could lead to some great advice and improvements

[AverageJoe]

Officially jealous and blown away by your post.  10K at lunch!? Long run was ONLY 2 hours!?  Seriously!? I'm exhausted just reading this. 

[Xena]

It's awesome that you made new friends by doing burpees! I guess it would have been too nerdy to tell them you were killing imps at the same time...

 

p.s. I'm with you, doing burpees at the end of the day sucks.