Spartans Past and Present! Advice?

skinnyminikendra

Hey everyone! I'm signed up for my first Spartan race at the end of this summer. I was wondering if anyone has any advice. The Do and Do Not's or the Prep.

Clothing?
Gear?
Workout's?
Lifting?
Endurance?
Mental?

Anything will help.
Please and thank you!

-SMK

ew_david

Where's the event? Which Spartan (Sprint, Super, Beast)?

Clothing: no cotton whatsoever, not even socks. I keep my legs covered so they don't get torn up by rocks. Trail shoes definitely help. I spent $120 on Inov8 trail shoes and they're worth every penny (but I've done several OCRs in them).
Endurance: be able to run at least half the distance of the race. If the race is 5 miles long, be able to run a solid 2-3 miles.
Lifitng: prepare your upper body. Pull ups help, even if they're assisted.
Burpees: be prepared to do them, possibly a lot of them
Gear: depending on the length of the race a Camelbak may help. I won't do another Spartan without one, even a Sprint (thanks, Arizona). Also, maybe some gel packs. GU Chocolate Extreme is my favorite.
Mental: HAVE FUN!

skinnyminikendra

_dracarys_ wrote: »

Where's the event? Which Spartan (Sprint, Super, Beast)?

Clothing: no cotton whatsoever, not even socks. I keep my legs covered so they don't get torn up by rocks. Trail shoes definitely help. I spent $120 on Inov8 trail shoes and they're worth every penny (but I've done several OCRs in them).
Endurance: be able to run at least half the distance of the race. If the race is 5 miles long, be able to run a solid 2-3 miles.
Lifitng: prepare your upper body. Pull ups help, even if they're assisted.
Burpees: be prepared to do them, possibly a lot of them
Gear: depending on the length of the race a Camelbak may help. I won't do another Spartan without one, even a Sprint (thanks, Arizona). Also, maybe some gel packs. GU Chocolate Extreme is my favorite.
Mental: HAVE FUN!

Thank you! What's your thought on using compression sleeves for knees and elbows? I didn't think of taking a camelbak hmmm.

ew_david

skinnyminikendra wrote: »

_dracarys_ wrote: »

Where's the event? Which Spartan (Sprint, Super, Beast)?

Clothing: no cotton whatsoever, not even socks. I keep my legs covered so they don't get torn up by rocks. Trail shoes definitely help. I spent $120 on Inov8 trail shoes and they're worth every penny (but I've done several OCRs in them).
Endurance: be able to run at least half the distance of the race. If the race is 5 miles long, be able to run a solid 2-3 miles.
Lifitng: prepare your upper body. Pull ups help, even if they're assisted.
Burpees: be prepared to do them, possibly a lot of them
Gear: depending on the length of the race a Camelbak may help. I won't do another Spartan without one, even a Sprint (thanks, Arizona). Also, maybe some gel packs. GU Chocolate Extreme is my favorite.
Mental: HAVE FUN!

Thank you! What's your thought on using compression sleeves for knees and elbows? I didn't think of taking a camelbak hmmm.

Elbow sleeves wouldn't be a bad idea. I never used knee sleeves because my legs were already covered.

I've done Spartans in both extreme heat and cold. In both cases, I needed to have more water than the stations provided and would have been better off with a Camelbak, but that's just my personal preference. Muscle cramps were hell and I aim to avoid them as much as possible.

Oh, I almost forgot: run some hills. I haven't been to a flat Spartan yet.

skinnyminikendra

Awesome! Thank you. I'll have to go find my Camelbak

Pam_Shebamm

_dracarys_ wrote: »

Where's the event? Which Spartan (Sprint, Super, Beast)?

Clothing: no cotton whatsoever, not even socks. I keep my legs covered so they don't get torn up by rocks. Trail shoes definitely help. I spent $120 on Inov8 trail shoes and they're worth every penny (but I've done several OCRs in them).
Endurance: be able to run at least half the distance of the race. If the race is 5 miles long, be able to run a solid 2-3 miles.
Lifitng: prepare your upper body. Pull ups help, even if they're assisted.
Burpees: be prepared to do them, possibly a lot of them
Gear: depending on the length of the race a Camelbak may help. I won't do another Spartan without one, even a Sprint (thanks, Arizona). Also, maybe some gel packs. GU Chocolate Extreme is my favorite.
Mental: HAVE FUN!

All solid advice. The only thing I can really think to add is grip strength. If you've got a rock gym local, that's a fun way to help with that (that's what I've been doing), but there are other ways to work on it as well.

Have fun with it! And don't be afraid to ask for help. Most people who are there as a personal challenge are usually willing to lend a hand or give a boost. If you plan to run an elite/competitive heat, ignore this, you're on your own.

slowbubblecar

I've done a handful, nothing greater than a super though. I personally wouldn't carry water as it would be a burden to run with but I have never had issues with not getting enough water myself. There usually are water stations on course so I'm not sure what this issue was with Arizona above aside from it maybe being hot. I'd plan on drinking a lot of water the day before.

As far as what to wear, wear thin drifit clothes that don't hold water. Not sure what shoes you plan on running with, but if you run with lighter shoes that shed water, it will be easier as well. You will get wet so it will be easier if you are not carrying water with you for part of the course. I wear a new balance minimus shoe with a vibram sole (there are several varieties) but they don't provide much support so they do take some getting used to. You are probably best running with shoes you are comfortable with regardless if they are more of a heavier motion control shoe. Plan on getting them very dirty though.

As far as preparing, I don't necessarily agree with the comments above about being able to run half of the distance unless that means being able to run 3 miles a day (without soreness) as opposed to running it periodically. It may work for the previous poster and may be able to get you through it, but isn't how I would plan. Running on the ground/treadmill is completely different than running hills, sand, mud and difficult terrain-especially with wet shoes and clothes. If you are only able to run around 3 miles max before the race, I think you will be walking part of it and will be beat from the running. If you are able to run at least 3 miles daily without being beat (sprint) or 6-7 miles daily (super) you should be fine on the running. I never really had a training plan for running on a sprint, but for a super or a tough mudder, I would get to the point where I would run an hour a day (`7 miles) without being beat.

For lifting, I'm not sure how much time you have for training, but running and being able to do burpees will get you through the race. Having a lot of upper back strength will help for some of the more difficult obstacles but a buddy can help with some as well. If not doing with a friend, I'm sure you'll find others who can help you.

Have fun!

McCloud33

I just did my first Spartan a few weeks back. It was the NJ beast and it was definitely that. I've heard that others aren't as bad due to elevation and such, but they usually find a way to make it difficult in one way or the other. If they don't have significant hills, expect a lot of mud for example.

Clothing: I think it's been covered already, but tight fitting, non-cotton. I wore full compression pants, and compression shirt, but nothing on my arms. If you're worried about them and they're not uncomfortable for you to run in, than why not. Shoes can make a big difference. I prefer lighter minimalist shoes, but others prefer more support. It's really personal preference there.

Gear: depending on length and ability, I agree that a camelbak or the like is a good idea. My brother and I each had one for the beast and we're glad we did. I got water throughout the race and still went through my pack water 1.5 times. I've heard that on previous courses they've actually run out of water so definitely bring one for anything longer than a sprint. We also had Gu packets, caffeinated jelly bean things, and cliff bars as well as electrolyte tabs in our water packs. I'd also think about bringing some mustard packets to help with cramps if I was doing it again (which I am in August and September...trifecta here I come!). I also tore up my hands on the trail portion, so I'd consider either gloves or a small med pack with some med tape or something. I ended up having to run half the race with the plastic trail marker tape wrapped around my thumb.

Training: Anything and everything. I would say, the more you can run the better. Lifting, yes. It helped me a lot. The only obstacle I failed was the spear through (damn you) and the rest really weren't that difficult for me. I'm not a HUGE guy either, but definitely above average on a strength/weight ratio. Practice some heavy carries up hill if possible. Gravel carry was definitely the worst obstacle for me and my quads started cramping the second I was done.

Mental: this may sound weird, but revel in the pain. lean on your fellow Spartans for encouragement and don't be shy about giving them some too. Complain in a happy/sarcastic way. Everyone is in misery together and it helps lighten the mood. I remember one part in the race where we'd just climbed the mountain for what seemed like the 10th time and the volunteer was trying to be "helpful" and yelling at people to "pick up the pace", "push harder", "smile!" etc...and one of my fellow Spartans just said kind of under his breath "I think it'd make everyone smile if I just hauled off and hit that guy". To which my brother responded "it'd definitely make me smile". All of that being said...just have fun with it. Don't give up, never stop moving. Cramps may happen, but if you keep moving they'll reduce in intensity or go away on there own, especially with some gu, mustard, or some other electrolyte supplement.

esjones12

I wrote this blog post a few months ago that you might find helpful: http://www.pushinglimitsocr.com/home/what-to-bring-and-expect-at-your-first-ocr

General advice on these topics is highly dependent on which race you are doing (venue and distance). Why? Because the Palmerton Sprint is 4-5 miles but takes longer than some Beasts due to it's elevation. Certain venue's are cold weather while others will have you dehydrated before you even start the race! But here is general info:

Clothing? - go for spandex and polyester, avoid cotton. socks and underwear included. people wear everything from short shorts and a sports bra to pants and long sleeves...pick what is appropriate for the weather and your comfort level. One thing to note is rubbing....make sure you workout in clothes prior to racing in them to see if arms or thighs rub. Body Glide is an amazing product. I use it all the time "just in case".

Gear? - trail shoes are definitely recommended. if it's your first race I don't recommend you go out and buy $200 racing shoes with super aggressive traction. if you don't like the sport then it's a waste of money. If the race is very long (time wise) then some type of hydration or fuel pack is usually recommended for beginners. It should be filled with electrolyte water and some type of performance fuel (GU, etc). Some people use gloves, others don't.

Workout's? - you need to do cardio and strength. OCR is all about being a truly all around athlete. Everything from running to hill climbing to heavy carries and grip will be tested.

Lifting? Proper, full body lifting has enough benefits to make it a must for everyone. Body weight stuff is a great start.

Endurance? Work it up as much as you can. Being able to keep up a good jog/run for the distance of the race you are doing is a good idea. If the venue is on a mountain I suggest you lunge until you can lunge no more for days on end (that is dramatic, you need proper rest for your legs but you DEFINITELY need to train hills or you will regret it like none other).

Mental? - go in with a CAN DO and HAVE FUN attitude. I recommend everyone goes into their first race with an open mind and a positive attitude. You will meet amazing people on course who will help you through every obstacle. It is a complete blast. Everyone is usually nervous and that's okay. Embrace it and go have fun. You will definitely understand at the finish line


Feel free to private message me or add me for any other OCR related questions. I've run quite a few.

Jeremy_RB

It def. depends on which Spartan. I've done the Vermont Beast and the Barre, MA Sprint and a bunch more in between. Completely different races. I agree with the above - go run trails, and then run more trails and finally, run trails. Unless it is a Stadium Sprint, then disregard. Def. go and spend good money on a trail sneaker. For training, go down to the local park, push the kids off the monkey bars and have at it. Try to find some place where you can practice climbing a rope. Grip strength and the ability to pull yourself up and over walls (hint - swing a leg up and over and use it to pull yourself up). And master the plank because you will do a lot of crawling under barb wire.

skinnyminikendra

Thanks guys! I really appreciate the help and advice. I'm doing the Sprint in Washougal Washington. So I already know there will be a lot of hills. I will definitely be taking everything you guys have said into consideration. I did do a Survivor Mud Run but I think compared to the Spartan there's no comparison.