AROO AROO AROO!

So if you have been following me on any and all social media outlets you've probably figured out by now that I am openly obsessed with the Spartan Race/Spartan Culture. Everyone close to me has already known this for years now since 300 came out. It's one of the 5 movies I can watch over and over again and not get sick of it. 

Enter Real Life:

The Spartan Workout is the first step on your way to becoming a true Spartan. It is a completely free event.

Although I like to think I make good choice in life (pfft, who am I kidding)...it was DUMB to do a trail run the day before this Spartan Workout. My father and I hopped in the car and headed to Mohegan Sun for the Workout. We weren't sure what to expect but I know both of us got really excited seeing the signs for the actual event around the casino on our way to the Arena.

I knew I was going to be tired but I came prepared and ready to kick ass!

When we arrived at the arena there were already a good number of Spartans-In-Training signing in. We were sent a waiver prior to the day but had to sign another one for Mohegan Sun as well. We were given literally the SICKEST shirts EVER. I know my father and I are obsessed with them now. We also got thick bracelets saying 'unbreakable'. A great reminder that most of everything you deal with is mental.

We got to Mohegan early probably 8.30am for a 9am workout. As the time ticked away we noticed that more people started to stream in. As we got closer to 9am we realized there was no way we were able to start at 9am. We didn't end up actually working out until closer to 9.30am.

People kept streaming in even as we began working out. The final count ended up around 600 Spartans! More than the number of participants in their first Spartan Race (little tidbit for ya). It was pretty awesome to be a part of such an amazing event.

Although it was incredibly motivating to see hundreds of different kinds of people there was NO ROOM to do anything other than squats or jumping jacks. Anything where you were on the ground sucked and really dissapointed me. I was very contentious of those around me, yet I'm the one that gets kicked in the head.

This workout was one of the most difficult I have ever done, harder than any half marathon, harder than the previous days trail run. There were NO breaks. We started running in place, then picked it up, then dropped it down, then high knees, then back to a run in place, straight into jumping jacks, then 10 burpees, back to running in place, another 10 burpees, 30 squats, jumping with high knees, running in place. That was just the warm up. We did planks with push ups and bear crawls with superman arms and legs, abs wasn't too much of a traditional priority but we did do some.

Unfortunately although I was pushing my own self, some others did know their limits and I found a girl violently vomiting in the bathroom. I felt bad for her. We worked out for about an hour and a half and then took a group photo. I felt unstoppable after this workout, truthfully I felt great for about 24 hours until DOMS kicked in. Not only did we get great shirts and a great workout but my father and I walked out with a ton of knowledge to help us prepare for the Spartan Race. We learned different ways to use our own body weight instead of working out with only weight-training per say.

I'm so proud to be on this journey with my father, moj Ojciec. <3

We. Are. Spartans. AROO AROO AROO!

Congratulations to Crystal Duff the winner of my Spartan Race Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Reebok All-Terrain Series Footwear

Okay. What if I told you there was a pair of shoes that were so revolutionary, so different from EVERY other shoe that you would have your mind blown.

Well, I guess it would kind of be like telling you about Spartans. They were also revolutionary for their time. Spending years and years perfecting the art of battle, living and breathing it.

Lucky for you and unlucky for the Spartans (of past), Reebok teamed up with the Spartan Race and created the most bad ass pair of shoes ever.

Watch this video if you don't believe me.

Teeth on the toe to stop you slipping when climbing a wall...

Rope guard on the inside and outside...

Ports to drain mud and water on the sides...

COME ON! The drainage ports sold me personally, there is nothing worse than slushy shoes.

These sneakers run between $110-$120 and are now available for purchase, you can find them on reebok.com 

What do you think of these shoes? Would you ever purchase them? Do you do Spartan Races or Trail/All-terrain running?

Tonight, We Dine in Hell.

Spartan Races provided me with a race entry to giveaway at no cost to me, as well as an entry for myself, but as usual all opinions are my own, but y'all already knew that.

Gives you chills right! Now, it may be the incredibly fit and delicious looking Spartan men *cough cough* Gerard Butler but truthfully for me what I love most about the Spartan culture is the dedication and loyalty to a people. Honor, Glory, Trust. Although I am more than just slightly obsessed with the movie 300 I didn't think I could ever really become a SPARTAN.

That was until Joe De Sena came up with the modern day concept of testing human endurance and strength in the form of Spartan Races.

Direct from the Spartan Race Website:

Spartan Race is on a mission to get you active, healthy, excited about change, and return to our ancient roots where running through woods, getting dirty, and facing adversity was part of everyday life. Our events are all about challenging today’s perception of normal.

Our events challenge the familiar, today’s perception of normal living and getting you out of your comfort zone! At Spartan Race, we do this every everyday and it shapes everything we do.

Having experienced many different racing events, we wanted to make adventure racing more accessible to everyone, but do not be fooled by the word ‘accessible’, as our events have a challenge for everyone’s needs. 

Spartan Race now introduces a level for everyone beginning with the entry level Spartan Sprint, intermediate level Super Spartan, the advanced Spartan Beast.

Whatever your level, Spartan Race will test your strength, stamina, and sense of humour. 

Are you a Spartan?

• A Spartan pushes their mind and body to their limits.
• A Spartan masters their emotions.
• A Spartan learns continuously.
• A Spartan gives generously.
• A Spartan leads.
• A Spartan stands up for what they believe in, no matter the cost.
• A Spartan knows their flaws as well as they know their strengths.
• A Spartan proves themselves through actions, not words.
• A Spartan lives every day as if it were their last.

Click Here to see where the closest Spartan Race to you is.


Don't worry if you don't win, here is a 15% off code for you to use.

I cannot wait for June when my father and I will be challenging our selves to complete a Spartan Sprint Race which is 4 Miles and 15 Obstacles. I love the Spartan Code.

If you're ready to Spartan Up then enter the rafflecopter below. You are entering to win a code to register for an unconfirmed start time at any Spartan Race that is not sold out.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spartan Up!

Disclaimer: I was provided a synopsis of Joe De Sena's book Spartan Up at no cost to me, as always all opinions and views are my own, but y'all already knew that.

If you haven't heard of the Spartan Race series than I am confident that you have been living under a rock.

The Spartan Race series is one of the largest growing physical challenges out there. There are various levels of difficulty from basic beginner to 'oh shit you might die'.

Yup. I said it.

Die.

If you have seen the first 300 movie you know who the Spartans are and what they are about.

Joe De Sena took that mindset from ancient times and gives it back full force to modern day people.

(Source)

After reading the synopsis I was provided I can tell you I feel a conglomeration of feelings: empowered, terrified, excited, unsure, confident, nervous but mostly ready for change.

I don't read. Like ever. Okay... except for the Shades of Grey series. Guilty as charged. (How can you not!) But for some reason I want to know more. I want to be as strong as these Spartans were.

In his book Joe talks about how each of the obstacles in the races has a reason, whether it was meant solely for him to understand or for change to be required in us, the participants...there is a reason. I LOVE this. Joe wasn't out to make a buck, he was out to rescue the United States. How many people do you know, maybe even yourself who have neglected their health, who freeze in certain scenarios, who just coast through life with no real epiphany, no motivation? That is what Joe talks about. 

He also highlights the benefits and the needs that delaying instant gratification provides. Our entire society is built on 'where can I get it' and 'how fast can it happen'. BUT when we work hard and delay that drive to instantly gratify (or become stronger than the self doubt that comes with not getting what you need in record time) the rewards are much greater and last longer.

Maybe it's the language that Joe uses that I connect with... Hey maybe these studies are true. At least this is how I feel.

(Source)

After reading the synopsis I cannot wait for the full book to come out. You have the ability to pre-order the book already and if you are looking for something real, something to evoke change in your life...I firmly believe this book is going to be a best friend.

Pre Order Here

Would you do a Spartan Race? Will you order his book?

Keep a look out for my next post, going live 12.01am Friday for your chance to win an entry to any available US Spartan Race!