At the end of 2018, I decided to commit to the 2019 Spartan Race National Series, but why? 

Because I was tired of being ‘kinda’; I was tired of being ‘kinda’ committed to being an athlete, I was tired of being ‘kinda’ successful in OCR, but most importantly I was tired of shying away from competitions that would expose my weaknesses. Competing in the series would expose any and all weaknesses I had as an athlete, which was something I needed at the moment. I believe it is important for people to consistently test themselves in an area outside of their comfort zone, as these types of exposures to stressful situations help us better understand who we are. 

My goal for the 2019 season was to give an honest effort in each race and discover what I was truly capable of.

Jacksonville: 

  • Although I ran this race well, my obstacle execution was slow. Despite a solid 7th place finish, I could not help but notice that I ran well within my comfort zone throughout the whole race, which left me feeling unsatisfied, which was another thing I have experienced in past races and was tired of.
  • Lesson learned: Race like a rockstar, AKA race with bravery and confidence. Go up in flames or go down in flames.

 

Alabama: 

  • I came into this race with conviction to execute obstacles faster and run hard. This led me to miss the bell on the monkey bars about a half mile into the race. “Race over” I thought to myself
  • – I still fought my way back from 50th to 14th place. Furious with myself. Rather than letting go of this right as I crossed the finish line I carried this anger with me around the festival for a bit and had my own pitty party. Childish huh? 

 

  • Lesson Learned: Stay present and only worry about the next step. Undesired outcomes will happen in sport, embrace them and prepare for them. Do not let them define you as an athlete, they are merely an instance in your career. 

 

Seattle: 

  • I was nervous to not repeat what had happened in the last race but I was also frustrated with not having been able to showcase what I was truly capable of. 
  • During the running sections, I truly pushed into unknown territory running at paces that I generally only hit during interval training. I loved every moment of it. I slowly made my way to third place. I was confident I would be on the podium until ¾ of a mile from the finish. I found myself unable to climb the irish tabletop to get to the vertical cargo…. Just like that, my podium finish slipped out of my hands. I could not believe it, after completing the most technical obstacles without failure I was stuck on an obstacle that I usually do without thinking. After 4 attempts (3 of which made me flip upside down and look silly), I settled down, found my breath and watched Ryan Kent jog up to it hop on up and complete it with not sweat. 10 seconds later I proceed to do the same. Fought back to third place but not hard enough.  4th Place finish.
  • All in all I was happy with this, I confidently pushed into unknown territory and despite being faced with adversity I rolled with the punches and still made the most of it. 
  • Lesson learned: Push each part of the race, you are never safe. The race isn’t over until it is over. 

 

Big Bear: 

  • Seattle showed me that I had the speed to be on the podium, so going into Big Bear I embraced the “race like a rockstar” mentality and decided I would go up in flames or go down in flames. Either way I knew I would be satisfied. 

 

  • SUCCESS
  • Lesson learned: During this race, I struggled with self doubt-as I passed one of my idols in the sport on the second climb, I could not help but feel a wave of inadequacy come over me. Once I felt this, I grounded myself in the present moment and told myself that I am right where I am supposed to be. Believe in yourself.