Spartan Race Workout 1-11-2014

               Jan 11^th, 2014. The perfect day for 300 burpees and what felt like forever planks. It was 7:00 am when I walked to the registration table to volunteer. People in workout gear were lining up getting ready for the intense Spartan Race two-hour workout. Some came to the table in sports bras and Spartan headbands from previous races; others in t-shirts and workout pants anticipating a new type of workout. Everyone was equally excited to have the opportunity to complete an intense workout with the #1 MMA Welterwight Contender, Johny Hendricks and the Special Forces team in Tampa, Florida.

                The day started with plenty of jumping jacks for a warm up. The track around the football field was not just for the running that the workout participants were about to do; it was also for tire flips and climbing over a wall in between the running.  As I watched everyone do burpees, crab walks and bear crawls down the entire football field, I decided to try a tire flip that was set up. I was in jeans and ripped my pants! (It was worth it and I am a Spartan, so it’s all good!). Others were doing the tire flip during water breaks. One of the guys did over 150 tire flips! People were taking pictures with the fighters from the UFC Gym from Clearwater, Florida. Although this workout was a tiring one, everyone was having great time. There were people from all over the Tampa Bay area in one place. Some people even brought their kids!

Fifteen minutes before the end of the workout, I was asked to sing the National Anthem when the workout was completed. Honored to sing for our country through Spartan Race, I watched the workout from the top of the bleachers and finally met Joe DeSena, the founder of Spartan Race in person. It was an interesting feeling. It was an almost star-struck feeling. As I watched the tired new Spartans do their last ten burpees that were a reward for finishing the workout, I took a swig of water and received the microphone. As I sang the anthem, I can see the people that Spartan Race has united below, listening. In those moments of my life, I realized what Spartan Race has done. They have united so many people that might have never been united before. The applause came and Joe spoke about how we all need to work together to bring more people to these awesome events!

I have completed several Spartan races and also broke my toe during my Trifecta race at the Carolina Beast, Spartan Race’s 13+ mile obstacle course event. Have I known the culture and what Spartan Race was really all about, I would have gotten to more races. Speaking with and listening to Joe, I realized that it isn’t about the money and the profit that Spartan Race brings in. It is about ripping people off of their couches and giving people the experience of a life time. It’s about family, friendship and fitness. It’s about being part of a community that cares about one another and does it for the love of self and others. Becoming a Spartan is not about how big your arms are or about having a six pack. Becoming a Spartan is about doing something that you never thought you could. Something that in your mind, was impossible, becoming possible which in turn makes you into a better person. A person that made “impossible” possible. A fighter. A Spartan! AROO!

Feature of the Week: Mike Nelson!

This Week’s Feature of the Week is dedicated to Mike Nelson. He is the founder for The Strawberry Distance Challenge, the Creator and Race Director of MudTitan and MudSlayers and the COO of The Youth Alliance. (Websites are all below)    

A Man with a Vision

Working for Winn Dixie for 21 years, Mike Nelson decided to do something that meant more to him with his life. He became a youth pastor. For 17 years, he has dedicated his life to the youth by becoming a youth pastor and then by becoming the COO of the Youth Alliance, a “non-profit organization that impacts the lives of youth, families and communities across the country,” (Youth Alliance) was one of Mike’s most impactful moments in his life. The Youth Alliance (TYA) brings customized programs across the globe with the purpose of uniting families, schools, agencies to empower and encourage youth. 

For seven years, Mike has been organizing street races. The Strawberry Distance Challenge in Plant City is a 1 mile/5k/8k road race that has been growing every year since. Working with lifelong runner Brue Baerwalde, this race has become a very popular race in Plant City. Looking for bigger challenges in events, he began looking into the Mud Run world. Intrigued by the idea of Obstacle Races, he studied and formed ideas for well over a year.The names of the races, how to construct the obstacles and how to make his races unique to plenty of time and planning.

 

He’s a Natural

Life experiences made the transition from road races to the OCR world go smooth. Building houses made the building of the obstacles easier.The good thing about the obstacles for MudSlayers and the MudTitan, is that participants have a guarantee that they are constructed well! Considering that Mike has been a high school football coach for years helped him understand some of the aspects of the obstacles and mass amount of people running through them

As an old boss used to say, “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work,” and forming Mud Runs and OCRs are no different! Mike and his friend Ken Winter do almost all of the buildin and Mike’s wife of 31 years ensures that registration goes smoothly. She also works out all o the details!

 

A Bit about the Races:

                             The goal for The MudTitan and MudSlayers is to stay within the 3-4 mile length with 30 well-diversified obstacles. The main focus is to perfect the brand and their signature obstacles before anything else. Success for MudSlayers and              The MudTitan is to ensure that everyone has a great time with a well-designed course, well-built obstacles and their awesome volunteers! These races are not only fun, but they support an amazing anti-bully program called The Youth Alliance. These races will continue to stand strong in hopes that not only racers and spectators having a good experience but also to keep The Youth Alliance going! Hoping to continue to expand, Mike and his team have six races on the books for 2014!

https://www.facebook.com/AreYouMudcrazy

Go here for discounts to the MUDTITAN and MUDSLAYERS!

For more information on the races and the charity please click these links!

http://www.strawberrydistancechallenge.com/

 http://theyouthalliance.com/

http://www.themudtitan.com/

http://www.mudslayers.com/