Spartan Races

Lisa and I did the Warrior Dash in 2011. While it was kinda fun, it wasn't a race. Waves of 1000 or so people were released onto the course, some running, many walking. Big back-ups at the "barricades" of various forms, none of which were particularly challenging. Lots of people WAY out of shape having difficulties making for huge back-ups. Lots of mud (purposefully manufactured) making much of the course un-runnable.

It was an excuse to say "I did it" and have a beer afterwards. Personally, I've checked that off my list, and have no desire to go back.

Can't speak for Spartan races specifically, but I have done two Tough Mudders. They are blast. Very much more a challenge and for the bonding experience with fellow athletes of all varieties.

Which distance are you looking at? Typically they are much more physical strength challenges. If you're in decent shape (which I imagine you are if you're into triathlons) you won't have any problem at all. Generally these types of races are an excuse to climb and crawl through the mud and over walls, towers of hay bales, cargo nets, etc.

With bad ankles it might be a bit risky if you're trying to run flat out through the courses, but generally as mentioned already most people do not run, or just can't due to the deep and very thick mud.

All in all they are a blast. In regards to training, spend more time in the gym lifting than out running. If you're doing a 5k length you will do little if any running because the obstacles are generally very close together one after another. Lots of push ups, pull ups, squats, etc. will serve you much better.

Take your time through the course and you'll have fun. You'll be laughing the whole way through at all the people slip sliding around you. And the sense of accomplishment at the end is worth every penny. I love these kinds of events, and would love to do a lot more if I could afford more of them and more were closer to where I live in Ohio.

Cheers.

Alex

Your philosophy sounds precisely why I started doing them myself. Looking for new challenges. You sound like you have the perfect background for them.

I myself found them as a reason to also bulk up as I am not built like a linebacker. lol. I'm 6'0, 155 lbs and very lean. But I did put on some muscle while training and it was a huge help. I naturally have no upper body strength, but have really found a love for weight training. Its a slow uphill battle, but TM was a great excuse to be in the gym.

The 5k should be a good time. The two TM's I did were both 12 miles. I would like to do a couple 5k's for fun sometime in the near future.

Hope you go for it. They are a lot of fun.

I haven't done a Spartan race, but I've done two mud run/ obstacle course races. I'm 50% - the first one I did was a blast - so I came back for the second one. Last August I was 300 yards into the race - literally "hopped" into the mud and my acl on my left leg tore. Done for 7 months - rehabbing now. I ran my best mile last year at a 5k at 6:40 - I'm at 10 min. miles right now and I'm only up to two.

PR'ing a race that you're looking forward to is better than a race that everyone "thinks they can do". At least with a HM there is training that goes with it.

I'll never do a mud run/ obstacle course again.

Exactly why I've never done one of these types of events.  A lot of folks I work with do them and they always ask me to join their team but I always say no.  I'm not risking major injury to fuel my internal testosterone induced raging caveman!  They do look like fun though!

That must be the one at Miller Park. Sounds cool. Looks like it is more physical than some of the other obstacle races.

I did a Spartan Sprint (race report is complete) and it's over pretty quick. I would have no problem running one 3 weeks before a HM. The risk of breaking something isn't much more than any trail run IMO, or getting smacked by a car.

But the obstacles aren't a joke - leap over a 7 foot wall with no rope or footholds, walk a 2x4 beam, do a horizontal wall climb etc.

Signed up for another sprint this year, still haven't committed to the Spartan beast in the fall though.

I would never do a tough mudder - too many people, not timed, etc.

I will be there for the HM. too bad we couldn't catch a Brewer game the same weekend.

I did a Spartan Sprint (5 km) and had a lot of fun.  All around / upper body strength will obviously help, but I think that running ability was a lot more important.  I can't recall seeing any significant injuries amongst the participants.  Some random thoughts on my race...

• I did the it with my son who has not done a lot of running.  We stayed together so I wasn't pushing very hard and it felt easier than any tri or running race that I have done.  I'm sure the obstacles would have been a lot more difficult at a more serious race pace.
• Most of the obstacles were fun.  The spear throwing was lame.
• I think that the big muscled dudes with the padded sticks at the finish line dish out punishment based on the aggression vibe that you bring at them.  Don't lower your shoulder and charge at  them like you're a running back.
• It might be possible to finish faster by just jumping off of some of the obstacles and accepting the burpee punishment instead.  This would obviously suck the fun out of the event.
• The highlight for me was making it over the wall without using the ropes.  (You could choose ropes on the left or no ropes on the right.)  I'm 50 and the days when I could muscle myself up using arm strength are long past.  I was barely able twist my body sideways enough to hook the heel of one foot over the top.  Once I had the leg hold it wasn't too hard.