Spartan Race
flippy1234
Posts: 686 Member
I'm a 52 year old female and thinking of training for a Spartan Race. I am in pretty good shape but not great shape. Do you think I am too old?
It's ok, be honest.
I don't want to look stupid.
It's ok, be honest.
I don't want to look stupid.
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Replies
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No.0
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Definitely not too old, but make sure you've trained sufficiently to avoid injury. Good luck!0
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There is an 80 year old lady who does Spartan Races and does them fairly well. I personally know a 62 year old kick @$$ female in my training group who earned a 5x Trifecta this year.
Just take your time and make sure you are building up to distances, weights, incline, etc properly.4 -
You are not too old!1
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flippy1234 wrote: »I'm a 52 year old female and thinking of training for a Spartan Race. I am in pretty good shape but not great shape. Do you think I am too old?
It's ok, be honest.
I don't want to look stupid.
Be honest? Ok, that last line that I bolded is exactly what will stop you. I'm a 57 year old male who wants to start training for a spartan race and quite frankly, I look stupid all the time. It's hard not to as I'm learning and teaching my body things it's never done before, and it's awesome because the longer I'm at it, the less stupid I look.
So, me being older than you and already training removes your age as a barrier.
I also know several women that can pick me up and happily jog down the street with me on their backs, so that removes your gender as a barrier.
And we ALL started somewhere, so that removes your current physical condition as a barrier.
Any other questions? No? Good - Go kick some *kitten* and win a Spartan race.
PS - If you really do start, and take it seriously, please add me as a friend. I'd love to have someone to compare notes with. 3 -
No! You are not too old, and what cares if you look stupid? Trust me, I have done all the OCR races that exist, and no one is standing around judging others. Do it! You will love it and it will give you something to train for. The Spartan WODs are a good place to start. You will need good upper body strength for Spartan. Good luck and let us know how it goes!1
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OP - quick update here. It's definite. My youngest daughter and I are going to start training for Tough Mudders, similar to Spartan.. @pennystaplessnyder it sounds as if you may be familiar with it?
We're going to try to get my other 2 daughters and their husbands/fiancé involved for a team. I hope you go for it OP - You're competing against yourself, not timed - look up Spartan and Tough Mudder vids on youtube. 0 -
flippy1234 wrote: »I'm a 52 year old female and thinking of training for a Spartan Race. I am in pretty good shape but not great shape. Do you think I am too old?
It's ok, be honest.
I don't want to look stupid.
Absolutely not! Heck, we got passed by a guy in his 70's at our last race! You are not too old!
Also, I didn't train and was quite overweight when I completed my first trifecta. It was tough but doable. Good luck! It's so much fun!! 0 -
I'm not saying she shouldn't train. I'm saying it is entirely possible. There were plenty of 40, 50, and 60 year olds when we did our trifectas. Many with "dad-bods." I am now an active 35 year old stay-at-home mom. I wasn't when I did my trifecta. Not saying it was easy, but it is absolutely doable.0
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i volunteered one year i seen several over weight and older people doing it. it just makes me want to do it more2
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amyrebeccah wrote: »jagodfrey08 wrote: »I'm not saying she shouldn't train. I'm saying it is entirely possible. There were plenty of 40, 50, and 60 year olds when we did our trifectas. Many with "dad-bods." I am now an active 35 year old stay-at-home mom. I wasn't when I did my trifecta. Not saying it was easy, but it is absolutely doable.
I'm sure you have every reason to be proud of yourself, and you may notice that above I said similarly that I've seen people of all ages (and I can add, shapes and sizes) at Spartan races. I just question the wisdom of pointing out that you didn't train (which as a relatively active person now, you might recognize that you risked injury and I'm glad you avoided it) to someone who is already planning to train.
You risk injury just by doing a Spartan....trained or not.
Why are you singling me out when everyone else here is telling OP the same thing, which is "Go for it?"0 -
I have to add a vote for training as well. If I'm not mistaken Spartan has a recommended training program available on their site, as does Tough Mudders.
@flippy1234 - Flexibility and endurance will go a long way towards reducing the risk of injury. I'd read up on the various races and begin to train accordingly. Wishing you the best of luck 0 -
Ah. I see. Because I said I didn't train, you automatically assume that means I meant she shouldn't train. Got it. Way to jump to conclusions, SJW.0
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Basic level of fitness will take you far. If you can do a 5k you can do a spartan sprint. Spend some time watching obstacle specific video tutorials. Do a couple of drop ins at a ninja OCR gym to get a feel for the obstacles and learn how to climb a rope. Other Spartans will help you with walls if needed. Nobody looks stupid and you'll find plenty of encouragement and inspiration from others. You won't be sorry.0
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I injured out part of 2015 and all of 2016. The last Spartan I ran was Milwaukee 2015 (a Stadium Sprint).
During that race, I remember a middle aged guy with no legs racing in the sprint. He did the entire thing with only his arms. I forget the organization/group assisting him, but I gathered he is a wounded soldier.
After seeing that, I know that as long as I can move, I can finish.
I have met some wonderful people volunteering and running races. Some people forever touched my life with their stories and they have no idea they even did so.
Can you be a Spartan? Absolutely!
Training will make the race much easier. Obstacles require varying levels of strength and skill. Google some obstacles seen at races then google for videos on techniques for performing the obstacles. Trust me, time spend learning techniques is much easier than learning by trial and error and having to do countless burpees.
AROO!4 -
Thanks for the reminder! I love posting these videos about disabled athletes whenever I feel I can't do something, or see someone else struggling with it.
During that race, I remember a middle aged guy with no legs racing in the sprint. He did the entire thing with only his arms. I forget the organization/group assisting him, but I gathered he is a wounded soldier.
After seeing that, I know that as long as I can move, I can finish.
@flippy1234 Where did you go? You've got tons of great support here in your thread!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKptKcNJzvQ
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I'm a 44 year old guy working my way back from a bad truck wreck. Ten months ago the tire on my truck blew out sending me into a spin and launching me into the support beam on a highway sign. I broke my left femur in two places and both bones in my left forearm.
One of my goals for 2017 is to complete four obstacle course races. The first one I'm looking at is a mini-Mudder (5 miles) in Atlanta on the weekend of my birthday (April 30). I also know there is a local (NW Florida ) 5k fun Mud Run in May. I would love to do a Spartan race also.
My question is if it would be wise to focus on one "brand" of races instead of a variety of them? Anyone can answer but I'm gonna tag a few that mentioned different races. @pennystaplessnyder
@Cylphin60
@slider728
@jagodfrey081 -
KeepingMyCircleSmall wrote: »I'm a 44 year old guy working my way back from a bad truck wreck. Ten months ago the tire on my truck blew out sending me into a spin and launching me into the support beam on a highway sign. I broke my left femur in two places and both bones in my left forearm.
One of my goals for 2017 is to complete four obstacle course races. The first one I'm looking at is a mini-Mudder (5 miles) in Atlanta on the weekend of my birthday (April 30). I also know there is a local (NW Florida ) 5k fun Mud Run in May. I would love to do a Spartan race also.
My question is if it would be wise to focus on one "brand" of races instead of a variety of them?
First - it's good to see you jumping in instead of getting out, awesome.
My daughter and I are focusing on the Tough Mudder exclusively. Endurance is going to be a given for any race I think, so that's a given. We're also doing a mix of strength training and high reps for muscular endurance.
If it helps, Tough Mudder has recommended training guides on their site.
https://toughmudder.com/physical-training1 -
KeepingMyCircleSmall wrote: »I'm a 44 year old guy working my way back from a bad truck wreck. Ten months ago the tire on my truck blew out sending me into a spin and launching me into the support beam on a highway sign. I broke my left femur in two places and both bones in my left forearm.
One of my goals for 2017 is to complete four obstacle course races. The first one I'm looking at is a mini-Mudder (5 miles) in Atlanta on the weekend of my birthday (April 30). I also know there is a local (NW Florida ) 5k fun Mud Run in May. I would love to do a Spartan race also.
My question is if it would be wise to focus on one "brand" of races instead of a variety of them?
First - it's good to see you jumping in instead of getting out, awesome.
My daughter and I are focusing on the Tough Mudder exclusively. Endurance is going to be a given for any race I think, so that's a given. We're also doing a mix of strength training and high reps for muscular endurance.
If it helps, Tough Mudder has recommended training guides on their site.
https://toughmudder.com/physical-training
Thank you! I'll check those out. Today was the first time I've actually ran. I have been focusing on building strength and walking hills on a treadmill. But I'm going to get outside more. Train in parks. Find work arounds for my left arm that lacks some flexibility and range of motion. But I'm determined to do it!1 -
amyrebeccah wrote: »KeepingMyCircleSmall wrote: »I'm a 44 year old guy working my way back from a bad truck wreck. Ten months ago the tire on my truck blew out sending me into a spin and launching me into the support beam on a highway sign. I broke my left femur in two places and both bones in my left forearm.
One of my goals for 2017 is to complete four obstacle course races. The first one I'm looking at is a mini-Mudder (5 miles) in Atlanta on the weekend of my birthday (April 30). I also know there is a local (NW Florida ) 5k fun Mud Run in May. I would love to do a Spartan race also.
My question is if it would be wise to focus on one "brand" of races instead of a variety of them? Anyone can answer but I'm gonna tag a few that mentioned different races. @pennystaplessnyder
@Cylphin60
@slider728
@jagodfrey08
I've done Rugged Maniac, Warrior Dash, Terrain Race, and Spartan. I won't do Tough Mudder because of the claustrophobia and electric shock challenges. There's no reason, in my opinion, to limit yourself to just one type of OCR. The skills will completely transfer over and there's a lot of overlap in challenges.
Thank you! I'm looking forward to the variety. It seemed like the skills would be transferable.2 -
Ok, this is where my "Weird" is going to show LoL. I am extremely claustrophobic, and also took a bad enough jolt on a construction job that I fear electricity more than I ought to.amyrebeccah wrote: »KeepingMyCircleSmall wrote: »I'm a 44 year old guy working my way back from a bad truck wreck. Ten months ago the tire on my truck blew out sending me into a spin and launching me into the support beam on a highway sign. I broke my left femur in two places and both bones in my left forearm.
One of my goals for 2017 is to complete four obstacle course races. The first one I'm looking at is a mini-Mudder (5 miles) in Atlanta on the weekend of my birthday (April 30). I also know there is a local (NW Florida ) 5k fun Mud Run in May. I would love to do a Spartan race also.
My question is if it would be wise to focus on one "brand" of races instead of a variety of them? Anyone can answer but I'm gonna tag a few that mentioned different races. @pennystaplessnyder
@Cylphin60
@slider728
@jagodfrey08
I've done Rugged Maniac, Warrior Dash, Terrain Race, and Spartan. I won't do Tough Mudder because of the claustrophobia and electric shock challenges. There's no reason, in my opinion, to limit yourself to just one type of OCR. The skills will completely transfer over and there's a lot of overlap in challenges.
I need to beat those Yes, weird I know, but it's a thing with me. 0 -
KeepingMyCircleSmall wrote: »KeepingMyCircleSmall wrote: »I'm a 44 year old guy working my way back from a bad truck wreck. Ten months ago the tire on my truck blew out sending me into a spin and launching me into the support beam on a highway sign. I broke my left femur in two places and both bones in my left forearm.
One of my goals for 2017 is to complete four obstacle course races. The first one I'm looking at is a mini-Mudder (5 miles) in Atlanta on the weekend of my birthday (April 30). I also know there is a local (NW Florida ) 5k fun Mud Run in May. I would love to do a Spartan race also.
My question is if it would be wise to focus on one "brand" of races instead of a variety of them?
First - it's good to see you jumping in instead of getting out, awesome.
My daughter and I are focusing on the Tough Mudder exclusively. Endurance is going to be a given for any race I think, so that's a given. We're also doing a mix of strength training and high reps for muscular endurance.
If it helps, Tough Mudder has recommended training guides on their site.
https://toughmudder.com/physical-training
Thank you! I'll check those out. Today was the first time I've actually ran. I have been focusing on building strength and walking hills on a treadmill. But I'm going to get outside more. Train in parks. Find work arounds for my left arm that lacks some flexibility and range of motion. But I'm determined to do it!
You'll do it. You don't come back from a wreck like that only to be slowed down by a race. 2 -
amyrebeccah wrote: »
Ok, this is where my "Weird" is going to show LoL. I am extremely claustrophobic, and also took a bad enough jolt on a construction job that I fear electricity more than I ought to.amyrebeccah wrote: »KeepingMyCircleSmall wrote: »I'm a 44 year old guy working my way back from a bad truck wreck. Ten months ago the tire on my truck blew out sending me into a spin and launching me into the support beam on a highway sign. I broke my left femur in two places and both bones in my left forearm.
One of my goals for 2017 is to complete four obstacle course races. The first one I'm looking at is a mini-Mudder (5 miles) in Atlanta on the weekend of my birthday (April 30). I also know there is a local (NW Florida ) 5k fun Mud Run in May. I would love to do a Spartan race also.
My question is if it would be wise to focus on one "brand" of races instead of a variety of them? Anyone can answer but I'm gonna tag a few that mentioned different races. @pennystaplessnyder
@Cylphin60
@slider728
@jagodfrey08
I've done Rugged Maniac, Warrior Dash, Terrain Race, and Spartan. I won't do Tough Mudder because of the claustrophobia and electric shock challenges. There's no reason, in my opinion, to limit yourself to just one type of OCR. The skills will completely transfer over and there's a lot of overlap in challenges.
I need to beat those Yes, weird I know, but it's a thing with me.
Totally gotcha. Not for me, but not judging others. They're so addicting that I may back off from it and do one someday.
Very much the same here. Not every challenge is for everyone - could imagine how boring that would be?
It's just really nice when we run into folks pursuing the same goals.
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KeepingMyCircleSmall wrote: »I'm a 44 year old guy working my way back from a bad truck wreck. Ten months ago the tire on my truck blew out sending me into a spin and launching me into the support beam on a highway sign. I broke my left femur in two places and both bones in my left forearm.
One of my goals for 2017 is to complete four obstacle course races. The first one I'm looking at is a mini-Mudder (5 miles) in Atlanta on the weekend of my birthday (April 30). I also know there is a local (NW Florida ) 5k fun Mud Run in May. I would love to do a Spartan race also.
My question is if it would be wise to focus on one "brand" of races instead of a variety of them? Anyone can answer but I'm gonna tag a few that mentioned different races. @pennystaplessnyder
@Cylphin60
@slider728
@jagodfrey08
Wow! That is an awful ordeal! I'm glad you have made a great recovery! I have not run any races other than the Spartan. I have heard the Tough Mudders a bit easier than the Spartans, but that is only what I have heard. If you want to do one, and your doctor says you're good to go, then I would start with the shortest race with the least obstacles and go from there. For the Spartan, that is the Sprint. It's roughly a 5K. There are "penalties" (burpees) for not being able to complete an obstacle, but those aren't enforced except for the elites (the professionals).
As long as your doctor says you're able to do it, and you get training in for your legs, you should be able to do it. There are so many wounded warriors that do these. Operation Enduring Warrior is a group that helps amputee vets complete the races. It's extremely inspiring to see all different types of people completing the races.
Best of luck to you!2 -
This year at age 53, I did my first Tough Mudder. As others have said endurance is big. I actually started running in June running 3X a week. Did the Mudder in September.
I began working out at greater intensity January 2015 which attributed to my decision to do the Mudder and a few 5Ks this summer.
You can do it but workout regularly! Yes, I did the electroshock therapy!
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@bketchum1981 Awesome 1
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Besides following the Spartan daily WODs I follow Matt "The Bear" Novakovich on Facebook. He is one of many other Spartan champions that have really good insite and videos on his page to help prepare for Spartan races. I'm sure others on here could add some that they may follow.0
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