Spartan Race before IM

Unless you think that you son is going to try to go with the first wave and compete in the overall standings then it shouldn't be all that difficult. I've found that I never really ran as hard as I could. You should be in really good shape 30 days out from an ironman.

But here is the problem. You will have put in months of work just to get to 30 days out. Sure you can twist your ankle walking to your car. But, the chance for injury is there and quite a bit higher than your average road race. I don't think that fatigue would be an issue. I think that injury could derail your entire IM.

But, I get the whole do it with your son thing. I've done a few with my wife.

Tough call.

Putting aside the son / family situation or any risk of getting hurt, here is what I would add into the conversation. This is what I would consider and try to solve for:

Concerns:
How to keep the right build profile for the IM distance, would this event add/substitute or derail the build? 4 weeks out is about when you are hitting close to your biggest volume week with almost the longest ride/longest run depending on your training plan. You need to be clear with yourself on what that weekend would entail and what you mentally can afford to skip. i.e. move your long stuff to mid-week instead of the weekend for 2 weeks?

Specificity for the IM distance. You would have built the fitness/endurance to move in a straight line for the IM training but using completely different muscles than all the Obstacles would require. Would the Spartan race set you back recovery wise with trashed muscles and fatigue if not adequately prepared? I have not done a Spartan race so can't speak to that, just Xterra's, Adventure races and such.

IM goals - is this your first, third, fifth?


Ideally the Spartan Beast would be 30 days after, not before !!
I would personally go for it as a challenge/experience and memories with my child but that is the only reason you'd get me to make that choice so close to Chattanooga. Otherwise I don't see much of an upside to the IM experience.

Good luck.

Agreed.

My son is 14 and got excited after I did the IMWI 2015 and he watched the Spartan race on TV. I am excited to have something to share with him. He wants to do the Trifeca, which is 3 Spartan races in 1 calendar year.

After I posted this I spent some time laying out my 2017 & even 2018 races. I think you are right, this is too risky. Especially when you spend $750 + travel on an IM. I am going to take 2017 and do this with my son. I will do some local HIM and maybe a marathon. If I get injured, well at least I am not out as much time or money (he and I will have something to talk about!).

For you and your son. The running part of a spartan is the easiest part. If I were to train for one specifically it would be lots and lots of pull-up and more burpees. Most of the obstacles aren't fun but don't take any special skills or fitness to complete. But, some are straight off ninja warrior. Lots of upper body and grip strength.

Just did a Beast in SC weekend before this past. A ton of fun and pretty gruelling. The course was definitely harder this year. I think you could recover in time but definitely a considerable injury potential. A great activity to share with your son at some point. Did a Rugged Maniac with my son in May and had a blast ( posted on BT about it). You can always do after your IM as you suggest.

I've done 4 Spartan's with my son, starting when he was 13. I would say do not start out with a beast. All of these are different because of where they set them up. I've done the sprint which was 3.5 to 5.5 miles depending on the year. Granted the one I've done is considered the hardest one in the country because it is set up on the side of a double diamond ski slope.

My son was a high level travel soccer player with no extra weight on him, but does not train for endurance. There is no way he could have done 13 miles. Again this depends on the course and time of year.

Potential for injury is high, cuts, scrapes, bruises, twisted ankles are very common. My son had 6 stitches after one event and we didn't even know where he got cut.


Great bonding, great memories- I would say try to find a sprint about 2 to 6 weeks after your IM