Spartan Run / Marathon

jasonsunlee

Has anyone else competed or finished one of these races? There's an upcoming race in December at Castaic and it looked like a fun yet challenging way to exercise.

If you've ever run one of these, how long do you train for before the event? Any tips?

Mike_take2

I've run 2 marathons,2 tough mudders, and 3 rugged maniacs, but never a spartan, although I really hope to soon. As far as a marathon, I trained for about 3 months, gradually increasing mileage and then tapering off the last two weeks. As far as tough mudder,(or really any obstacle course race), the conditioning needed there is more strength based and less endurance/ cardio based. Before tough mudder, I didn't really add anymore running to my normal training schedule, but did work on strength building that would be more specific to that event...lunges,squats,pull-ups,farmers walk,upper body,etc. Both are great races, but totally different. Have fun and good luck on whichever one you choose!

ew_david

I'll be doing my 4th Spartan (1 Super, 3 Sprints) in October. I increase my running and upper body strength training. You'll be pulling yourself up and over many obstacles, so make sure you do exercises that will support that.

Other tips: don't wear cotton. Get good trail shoes. Get a team going. And have fun.

kwtilbury

_dracarys_ wrote: »

I'll be doing my 4th Spartan (1 Super, 3 Sprints) in October. I increase my running and upper body strength training. You'll be pulling yourself up and over many obstacles, so make sure you do exercises that will support that.

Other tips: don't wear cotton. Get good trail shoes. Get a team going. And have fun.

Good advice.

It really depends on what race you're running. Anyone can finish a Sprint (but it may take all day), you need to be in good shape to run a Super, you've got to train to run a Beast.

I ran Sprint a few weeks ago. The only obstacles that I struggled with were the rope climb and z-wall. Work on grip strength and pulling strength.

ItsyBitsy246

I'm hoping to do the Virginia Super Spartan next year. That gives me about a year to get in shape. I'll need it, I do little exercise now other than hiking once in awhile. Big goal, but I do better that way, I am more easily motivated by fear of failure than achieving success.

McCloud33

No marathon, but I've done a sprint and beast Spartan race (super to be run next month ). Spartan is really going to depend on what length race...sprint 3-5miles, super 8-10miles, beast 12-15+ miles, ultrabeast 26+) It also matters what terrain you choose for the race. Some of them are in stadiums, some in "flat" areas of the country and some are done on ski resort mountains.

When I did the beast, I wish I would have trained more, but I worked up to 9+ miles at about 8.5-9min mile pace with some elevation gain. As stated previously, strength training for Spartan is highly recommended. Every obstacle you don't complete is supposed to come with 30 burpees as a penalty. The hardest ones for most people are the spear throw, rope climb, monkey bars and rig. I'd practice good form for those three and if you can make it up/over an 8' wall, you should be ok.

carolyn000000

I did three sprints and one super. I did the last sprint in Chicago and followed by the Sprint in Indiana. The Sprint was harder. It was up and down ski slopes for 5 miles. The Super was 8 but no hills. You have to be prepared for whatever they throw at you. Here is my advice:
1, Run. Many people forget it is a running/endurance event.
2. Hill train. If you do not have any hills nearby, do bear crawls.
3. Find some monkey bars to traverse and rope to climb.
4. Spend 30 bucks or so and buy a spear. Just practice throwing it straight and far. I got mine on Amazon.
5. Kettle bells;swings and farmer's walk- they both improve your grip strength.
6. Pull-ups- you need crazy upper body strength to get over walls.
7. Burpees-lots of them
8. Watch how too videos on the main obstacles
9. Read up on race day nutrition and hydration
10. Read up on what to wear and decide on gloves, shoes, etc. Then, work out with them.

I also agree with the last post- watch the gopro videos.

Good luck and have fun!

esjones12

Well a Spartan Race and a Marathon are completely different.....but I assume you are looking at the Spartan Race part of it.

In a nut shell: slowly build up without rushing to the distance the race will be. Longer if you can, but if you are doing a Beast that most likely won't be the case. Follow a reputable training plan for running. Try to do all your running on trails and add in as many hills as you can. Work on body weight exercises (pull ups, burpees, pushups, lunges, etc). Also work on grip strength and carries (farmer's carry, etc).

Basically start training now for December. The amount of training required depends on your goals and current fitness level. Feel free to PM me for more info. I don't check the boards too often.