Race Day

I'm starting to get ready for Spartan Race day. On race day, my wave doesn't start until 11:15 and I have to be there 1 1/2 hours prior. So, I have some time the morning of. But, I like to be prepared. I need to set everything out and put it by the door. 

The only thing is that I don't know what to wear. I normally know what to wear to a race. But, this isn't a normal race, at least for me. I'm going to be drenched in mud, going under barb wire and so much more. I don't want to mess up any of my good race clothes. So, I just don't know what to wear. 

Do I go with capris? They could drag me down and be too heavy with mud and possibly get snagged going over a wall.

Or, do I go with shorts? I don't want mud in personal areas, or get more scrapes and bruises than I normally would. Don't get me wrong, I know I'm going to have scrapes, bruises,and possibly even blood. 

Please help me and give me our opinion of what you'd wear for a race like this...

2 days until the Spartan Race!!!!!!

Spartan Taper Time

I can't believe it's almost here!! The Spartan Race is this Saturday!! My free weights have been my best friends (even through my entire training). This week, my plan is to keep working my legs and abs. Yesterday, I included my arms. That was the last day. 

My arms have changed. I can even do 3 sets (5 per set) of pull ups. I was hoping to be able to do 3 pull ups, period. I'm so proud of myself! I've made a change that I wanted (actually a little more) and I know that is success, I have buff arms (for me)!!

How am I feeling?? My nerves are getting the best of me. I know I can finish the race (not sure how many time I'll have to do burpees, though), but I'm so scared!! I think it's because of the unknown. I'm super excited, but really nervous!!

I'm on a count down...4 days! Eek!!!

Have you ever done a race like this (or a Spartan)?

Motivation I Needed

Lately, I've been able to get in 2 or 3 runs a week (which is really good right now). I've been pushing myself and working really hard. Sweat, sweat and more sweat keeps pouring off of me.

I've also continued with my normal routine of arms and legs, in addition to running. I tell you, the arms workout has really been paying off. I've finally been able to do a 1/4 pull up. I have a stool that helps me reach the pull up bar (so I can lift myself up to hold myself for a few seconds) and I can now pull myself up from the stool (which is shorter than I can touch the bar). I'm so proud of myself!! I'm making progress!!!!!!

Lars loves it when we have a pit stop at a park and are able to play for a while. He's really into sitting on the grass and playing with the grass or leaves that are close by. 

I have a little over a month until my Spartan Race and am making progress. It's not the progress that I wanted (I wanted to be able to do a full un-assisted pull up by the end of the month).

Have you ever done an obstacle race? Should I wear shorts or running capris? Are your clothes trashed afterwards? Sports bras with running tank or just a sports bra?

How's your training going? What is your motivation?

It's my Birthday & I'll Train if I Want to

I don't know if I mentioned it, but my birthday was a few weeks ago (8/24). Jason knew the way to my heart, my all time favorite beer. If you like hoppy beer, you must try this!!! I cracked this open the night before.

The day of, my little family and I walked to our local park to play a little. It's about a mile away, so we got a lot of fresh air. I think Lars had fun too!

Jason made all my meals for me. While he was making me an awesome dinner, I sat back and relaxed (Lars was napping) with a popsicle and hung out with the kitty. 

It was an all around good birthday!!

I've been training for one of the best races I have scheduled. I'm looking forward to the Spartan race at the end of October!! Did you know that you can use the code SPARTANBLOGGER to receive 10% off any race!! How awesome is that!!! I have an awesome giveaway coming up. I'm getting everything together for it, so keep checking in this week and next for a trip of a life time!

Who would be up for an awesome Spartan giveaway?

Where Did my Motivation Go?

Last week was pretty dead (sweating wise). I haven't had any motivation to get my sweat on. I'm hungry all the time (I think that has something to do with Lars always eating...teething) and I'm tired. I don't feel like doing anything. I have my big race in less than 55 days!! I need to get my motivation back! And QUICK!!

My main thing I need to concentrate on is my upper body strength. As I mentioned before, I have NONE!!

I have managed to get in a few runs with my favorite running partner.

So, pushing the stroller does work my arms, but not exactly how I need to.

I was talking to Jason about this and he suggested putting in a pull up bar in the back yard, since we are re-doing the side yard anyways. Completed!!

As soon as the cement was dry, I gave it a whirl. As expected, I couldn't do a single pull up. So, Jason helped me. With his help, I managed 4!! I did some research of how to train to do a pull up. I read that you need to work those muscles. And to train those muscles, they suggest using a step to be able to get to the top of the bar and to hold yourself up. Do this several times a day to get these muscles use to it. 

This starts tomorrow!!

I have a Confession...

I can't do a pull-up. Not for the life of me. I can not lift my body weight up a bar and back down. This is very sad, especially since I only have 128 days left until the Spartan race. From what I've seen, upper body strength is a must! I have none! Some major training is in progress now. 

Since I've had Lars, my arms have felt weak. Since he's been putting on weight, they're feeling stronger. But, I'll need to be able to lift more than a 16 pound baby up during the race. When I started working out again, a few months ago, I was only lifting 5 pound weights. That was difficult for me. I have upgraded to 10 pound weights now. I needed this step!

                             

I followed this workout (yes, in flip flops and after a 2 mile run in running shoes) that I found online (I'm horrible at remembering where I find things). It was a killer! I did this workout on Tuesday, and my arms are just started to feel some what normal. I guess that means it's an arm day!

                            

After I finally took a real shower (which doesn't usually happen until after Lars goes to bed for the night), we headed to our local library for balloon animals. The way they described it online, I thought we watched someone make balloon animals (which he loves to do). Nope, this was a class on how to make them. Oh well. We stayed and watched all the big kids make balloon animals. Lars loved it! He kicked his legs and blew bubbles the entire time.

                           

It was worth it! I'm still glad we went!

How do you warm up before a workout?

Do you take a real shower after a sweaty workout before leaving the house?

Do you like balloon animals?

#SPARTANUP & a Giveaway!!!

What am I doing on October 25th, you may ask??? Well, I will be completing in the #1 obstacle race (voted by Outside Magazine) and the global leader in obstacle racing since 2005. Also known as the Spartan Race (use this link for a 15% discount).

They have races all over the place! Check out this map and see how many they put on all over the place. 

They have something called a Spartan Trifecta. That's someone who has completed a sprint (3+ miles, 15+ obstacles), a super (8+ miles, 20+ obstacles) and a beast (12+ miles, 25+ obstacles) in a 1 race year. That would be something to be proud of!

I have 5 months of training ahead of me. This is one way to loose the last bit of baby weight and get toned! There's a lot to do. But, luckily, I have subscribed to their daily workouts (emailed directly to me). 

Need some inspiration for your workouts (I'll show you my workouts tomorrow), here go:

And, of course, here's a picture of Lars. He's such a wiggle worm right now, I can only get blurry smiley photos. 

The Giveaway:

Leave a comment for each. I will randomly choose the winner and announce next Thursday.

How would you train for this race?

What city would you participate in?

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