A month away from a Spartan Race

lhub2
lhub2 Posts: 18 Member
edited November 21 in Fitness and Exercise
Hello. Long time lurker. Back in April after completing an obstacle course race with some friends, I thought that maybe I'd like to try a Spartan. The race we had just finished was very much like a Spartan...3 miles of running and 14 obstacles, and I got through it just fine. Ok, so the monkey bars were a joke and I needed a little help on the 9 foot wall, but everything else I did just fine. This was in April. Did another one in May that was longer and had more challenging obstacles and that one kicked my butt. This was after continuing my running and gym routine. So I joined CrossFit. I figured if that program can't prepare me, nothing can...I'm useless. I thought I was in pretty good shape when I joined. Turns out I was so wrong. But now after three months of CrossFit I do feel I'm in way better shape. So now, I'm a month away from this Spartan. It's at Killington in Vermont which is the second highest peak on the east coast, so I know there will be a ton of climbing and general up-hillness. Should I step up my training in some way? Right now I go to CrossFit three days a week, and then do 3-5 mile runs for two days a week. I'd also like to add that I'm 54 and female, and I work full time and manage a home and college age kids by myself, so I'm pretty busy. Any suggestions?

Replies

  • Freischuetz
    Freischuetz Posts: 147 Member
    in four weeks, you will not be able to change any big things. instead of step up your training, at least two weeks before, you should reduce it significant!
  • rybo
    rybo Posts: 5,424 Member
    4 weeks isn't much time to reap much benefits, but I would swap out a run for hill repeats & make the other run a long slow easy one.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    +1 on finding some hills to run (If you were going skiing at Killington I'd be jealous....) I'm not sure a two week taper is called for but definitely dial things back a week out from the race.
  • cs4156
    cs4156 Posts: 27 Member
    Killington is KILLER....
  • lhub2
    lhub2 Posts: 18 Member
    cs4156 wrote: »
    Killington is KILLER....

    Have you done it? If so, any words of wisdom? (Other than make sure your team mates can carry your lifeless body back down the mountain)
  • fushu713
    fushu713 Posts: 2 Member
    I'll be doing Killington (Beast) for the 1st time as well (many other Spartans in my past). The only advice worth passing on that I've heard is keep moving. Just 1 foot in front of the other.

    We'll all be in it together, so don't worry about anything. There will be plenty of others encouraging you!

    And yes on the hill sprints. If you're only doing the Sprint, still expect to hit a black diamond ascent.
  • esjones12
    esjones12 Posts: 1,363 Member
    4 weeks ago I would have told you not to change your training - as you should progress and build up to tougher things and longer distances.

    I did Killington in 2015. I've got quite a few friends headed up there tomorrow. Advice - don't look up or down - just keep putting one foot in front of the other! Take a few seconds to pause at the top of the mountains (unless you are racing for a podium) - the views are absolutely breathtaking. Oh and don't forget your glow sticks and headlamp! Have fun! Enjoy the grind! The finish line feels very good on this one ;)
  • lhub2
    lhub2 Posts: 18 Member
    Will I need a head lamp or glow sticks with a 12:30 start time for a sprint? I'm hoping to finish this by 3:00. I've heard others recommend just putting one foot in front of the other, and don't look up, so I'm sure I'll be doing a lot of that.

    I've stuck to my training, and have added some very technically challenging hikes up some very steep terrain every weekend for the last three week. Also used those climbs to break in some new trail shoes. I've also made a better effort to get all my protein in, which is hard because I tend to not eat as much as I should. So now I think it's just a matter of getting a good night's sleep and showing up. I've done all I can do. I will say one thing...I'll be wearing my finisher t-shirt to my next crossfit class, and I'll be totally ok with people staring at my chest.
  • KANGOOJUMPS
    KANGOOJUMPS Posts: 6,474 Member
    YIPPPEEE! Best of luck! GO GO GO!
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