I know that some people may consider surfing to be an “extreme” sport. The idea of trying to paddle in the ocean and through crashing waves and then trying to stand up, balance and maneuver a surf board – all within the unpredictable environment of the ocean – can be a bit intimidating.
It’s definitely not a sport that I ever thought that I would take up. I’m not that person – the one who takes crazy risks, the adrenaline junkie, or the daredevil. But then I caught that first wave and things changed.
Yes, it was partially due to the adrenaline rush and simple euphoria of riding a wave. But it had more to do with the fact that I pushed myself to my edge, faced one of my biggest fears and succeeded, and the camaraderie out in the water. I learned a lot about myself through learning to surf that has really helped to shift my perspective about fitness and life.
Maybe that’s part of the reason why action sports are growing in popularity – the test of not only your physical ability but your mental strength and the rush and the feeling of being alive.
Over the past year, I’ve seen and heard more and more people talk about mud runs and extreme obstacle courses like the Spartan Race. I’ve been intrigued by them because, let’s be honest, I was curious about those who would pay to jump over fire pits, crawl in the mud under barbed wire, hoist heavy objects, and complete other extreme challenges.
I got to meet up with some Fitfluential Ambassadors at the event. That’s Noelle, Ashely, me, Ava, Sylvia and Megan.
On Thursday, I had the chance to see a demo of the Spartan obstacles at the Reebok Spartan Race Times Square Challenge along with a few fellow Fitfluential Ambassadors – Noelle, Ashley, Ava, Sylvia, Megan, Alfonso, Andre, Meghan. I got to watch as seasoned Spartans, every day folks plucked off the streets of Times Square, kids and even former NY Giants Tiki Barber and actress/model Brooklyn Decker conquered the course which included a 7-foot wall climb, mud crawl, rope climb, monkey bars and big heavy tires.
Founded in 2010, the Spartan Race is meant to push people to their limit, mentally and physically, and try to break them. After all, it’s when people are put up against the wall that you see what they are really made of.
As a I watched the athletes, one thing stuck out for me. There was a sense of freedom and playfulness – something that you don’t often see in a gym but that you do often see on a playground among kids. These athletes were doing what our bodies were meant to do – run, jump, climb, move – and they were having fun, even though they were faced challenges that were daunting.
The kids in particular stuck out in my mind. Maybe it’s because I’m a mother but I loved watching the kids take a look at the huge 100+ pound tire, scratch their head and then proceed to flip it…twice. Their sense of accomplishment was palpable and inspiring.
The other group of participants that truly inspired me was Team X-T.R.E.M.E. The team features active and veteran military members and wounded service members who participate in races and events across the country, often completing the races while wearing a gas mask to represent and honor the sacrifice of our nation’s heroes and fallen soldiers. Oh, and the gas masks restricts oxygen intake by 25%- 30%. These men and women are amazing, not only in their athletic feats but the way that they symbolize community and teamwork.
Watch the guy on the 2nd rope in this video, starting around 30 seconds. That’s Todd Love, a triple amputee. What’s your excuse again?
Spartan Race used this opportunity to announced its new multi-year partnership with Reebok – “a marriage made on the obstacle course.” Reebok’s sponsorship of The Spartan Race means obstacle course-specific apparel and footwear, new markets and global expansion.
Reebok changed the world of Crossfit. It will be interesting to watch how this partnership will build and expand the world of obstacle racing and hopefully get people excited about sports and physical activity again. I think that it’s the possibility that ordinary people can accomplish feats of strength (and maybe a little crazy too) that is thrilling.
If you want to read a great commentary on the new partnership, read Heather’s post from Run Faster Mommy.
For you New Yorkers, there will be a Spartan Race at CitiField on April 13, 2013. Use the code CITIFIELD for $80 registration. Code expires January 21, 2013.
Have you run a Spartan Race or another obstacle course race?
{Disclosure: I was invited to participate in this even and was not compensated for this post. At the event, I received a gift bag. All views and opinions expressed her are my own.}
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My husband ran the Super Spartan here in VA last summer. I got to hang out with the kids and spectate. Team XTREME was there and it was just amazing to watch them complete all of the obstacles together.
I want to do a Spartan race but I am scared of getting hurt. I am quite injury prone and I would hate to hurt myself and not be able to run. It does look like a lot of fun though.
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Team X-TREME was really amazing and incredible people and athletes. I really wanted to do the course but I’m already a bit hurt and knew that throwing myself over a 7-foot wall probably wouldn’t be the best idea. What I did love was how they were helping everyone. I’m guessing it was because this was only a demo but there were lots of folks out there trying it. You never know!
I’ve never run an obstacle course race before. I have to admit – I’m fairly intimated by the Spartan Race after reading your post! I do love those slick Reebok zip up jackets…
Alicia at Poise in Parma recently posted..Vlog-A-Week: top five songs to sing on karaoke night
The zip-up jackets are awesome. Love it. I was totally intimidated and scared of the Spartan Race before watching it in person. Now, I’m still a little scared but totally intrigued. There’s something about it that makes you want to just try.
That’s awesome! I’ve done one obstacle course race – LoziLu. It was women only and fun but could have been a little bit more difficult and muddy in my opinion.
Maybe I’ll take the plunge and do another this year.
Looks like you had a lot of fun!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama recently posted..Meal Planning: Week of January 20
i’ve never done a spartan race but it looks totally awesome!!!! i’ve done the warrior dash and ruckus run, but i would love to try a spartan race!!
Linz @ Itz Linz recently posted..I’m thinkin’…
It sounds like it was an interesting day, I can see how the kids and Xtreme team would inspire. I have zero desire to do any of these races, there, I said it. I don’t understand why someone would want to crawl through mud that hundreds of other people have been through. With that said, many people ask me “why I would want to run an ultra marathon?” so I understand and am inspired whenever someone follows their passion, from mud races to scrap booking, someone desire being fulfilled always puts a smile on my face.
Lisa @ RunWiki recently posted..Boston Training and the Plump Orange Bean
haha. love you and totally get it.
How exciting to be part of all of that! Great day and fun to meet up, too.
And looks like some nice Reebok gear, as well.
Elle recently posted..My Paleo Diary… #Whole30 Days 13 – 19
Looks like an awesome day with some other great NYC FFAs!
Kat recently posted..Weekly Workouts Roundup! I’m back!
I’ve never done one of these obstacle races but I love the idea of a team concept. I’ve tried to flip a tire like that in a boot camp class once (with other people) I can’t imagine doing it by myself. Well, I don’t have to imagine it. I know I couldn’t. I guess the closest thing I have done to this is a strenuous boot camp class. I love rooting for everyone and pushing yourself. I need to look for a Spartan race in my area.
Jamie@SouthMainMuse recently posted..Any way you want it, that’s the way to write it. #SOCSunday
The best part was watching these little kids flip the tires! They got a little bit of help getting up under it but pretty much did it all themselves. The looks on their faces were priceless.
I love your observation about it looking more like play. I think about that a lot at the gym- all the treadmills, ellipticals and weight machines look so unnatural. Awesome opportunity for you! It’s always fun to meet other bloggers, too.
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast recently posted..Homemade Refried Beans and Guacamole + Menu Planning Link Up
That looks crazy hard to me. I think running is about all this weak, uncoordinated lady can handle.
jan recently posted..Project 365
I like the idea of these types of events, but have not worked myself up to the point of trying one yet. I think the picture and the blip about the kids is my favorite part of this write up. Kids are so fearless I swear sometimes we should just let go and be more like them, right? Thanks for the great pictures and information.
Julie @ ROJ Running recently posted..Friday Food : No Bake Breakfast Bars
The kids were really fearless and didn’t think too much about it all, you know? I know I just get stuck in my head a lot of the time and overthink things. I just need to go out and play!
LOOKS LIKE SUCH A FUN EVENT! We ran the Spartan Race last year and I am definitely going back this year. Such a great event, and a fun change of pace to your standard running event. It adds a whole other level to things, and its so much fun!
Krysten Siba Bishop (@darwinianfail) recently posted..NeoCell Collagen Giveaway!
How cool that you got to go to this! I have considered mud runs and other obstacle races. Maybe one day…
ilene recently posted..Fierce Like Me
very cool!! i’ve still yet to try an adventure-type race – how neat to get a preview of this one!
lynne @ lgsmash recently posted..Fitness: What’s Your Dream Race?
Man, your video of the triple amputee literally has me crying right now. I am always SO inspired and amazed at people like that – rather than sulk at what they lost, they have embraced it and are using it to help others.
This sounds amazing – I have yet to try a spartan race but would be up for something like this. Lots of memories of my army days. HA =)
Seriously, I was in awe of Team X-TREME. And I would LOVE to watch you run a Spartan Race! If your race calendar wasn’t so full I would tell you to do the Spartan at CitiField in April.
I just cried watching Todd Love. Brcause I feel sorry for him? No. Because he gave so much to our country? No. Because he is so strong. Physically, but most important mentally. Many people have eating disorders, mental illness, deep depression, etc. because of some tragic event in their life. He has basically looked at his trafic events, gave it the finger, and moved on with his life with strength and perserverance. I have no excuse.
Sorry for the analogy. It’s all I could think of.
And I’m intrigued by these events because they give you permission to play like a kid. And get applauded for it.
Carli recently posted..Goals and #MenuPlanMonday Week of 1/21/13
Most definitely he is strong. And the nicest guy with such a sweet smile. I think that the analogy was apropos. You should look into these races!
So fun! I am planning to become a Spartan this year! I’m super excited about it!
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