July 29, 2015

Spartan Race Workout Tour

In case you haven't heard, I'm signed up to run the Spartan Super in Red Deer in September, courtesy of Becky and her giveaway she had on her blog a few weeks ago. The super is 13+ km and I think I'm in denial about how hard it is going to be! The Spartan Sprint, which is only 5km, is in Calgary in August and I'm on the fence about registering for that one. On one hand, I think it would be good practice for the Super race, but on the other hand, I'm nervous it will scare me off even more from it. Sometimes it's better not to know what you're getting yourself into, ha!

But I digress. I didn't even know there was such a thing as a Spartan Race Workout Tour, but thanks to Laura, I found out that Calgary actually had the tour coming through. The workout is an organized event that occurs over two hours and is meant to teach you "exercises to help you over the toughest of obstacles while you train with like-minded Spartans". Registration was only $10 and that included a "I'm Training for a Spartan Race" t-shirt! And even better, partial proceeds went to charity, in this case, the charity being Huntington Society of Canada. So really, there was no excuse not to attend.

Training for a Spartan Race 

I was terrified to go alone, so luckily I was able to convince my Aunt's step-daughter Kate, and her husband Dan to go with me (they're already signed up for the Spartan Sprint in Calgary). I just didn't know what to expect. I was worried it was going to be very hardcore, and like a military boot-camp style class, where we'd be doing pushups and burpees in the mud with a trainer leaning over us yelling us to push harder! and, do ten more! Thankfully, it was nothing quite like that, but it was still a TOUGH workout.

Spartan Race Workout Tour Calgary 

For most of the gruelling two hours, we stood in one spot spread out over the large field and we're put through HIIT style circuit training. The class was led by David Wilkinson, the owner and head coach of Rooted Fitness Crossfit here in Calgary. The exercises he put us through were supposed to mimic a lot of the movements and body positioning that will be required of us during the Spartan Race. There was also some running/sprinting involved, and of course, a TON of burpees. And let me tell you, Spartan burpees are so much harder than "regular" burpees. The penalty during a Spartan Race for not completing an obstacle is 30 burpees. We were timed for three minutes to see how many burpees we could do, and I was only able to eek out 25. Seriously, I better not have to do any during the race or I'm screwed!

Spartan Race Workout Tour Calgary Spartan Race Workout Tour Calgary
{photos ℅ of Spartan Race Facebook page}

Of course, in hindsight, I would have been fine showing up to the Spartan Race Workout Tour on my own. The camaraderie was fantastic and there were a lot of other people there on their own. Plus, the age range was huge, from kids (you had to be at least 13 to participate), to adults of all ages and fitness levels. So, if you have an opportunity to attend a Spartan Race Workout Tour and you don't have anyone to go with you, do not be afraid! I promise it will be a fun and memorable experience! And, hey, you don't even have to be registered for a Spartan Race to attend.

Spartan Race Workout Tour Calgary
{photo ℅ of Spartan Race Facebook page}

I'm so glad I went and got my butt kicked for two hours - let me tell you, I was exhausted and sore the next day, but it was so worth it! Two hour workouts are no joke, but it reminded me that I'm stronger than I always think, but I also could stand to throw some burpees into my training. Thanks Spartan Race for organizing such an event! All of the photos from the workout tour can be seen on Spartan Race's Facebook page here.

Are you signed up to run a Spartan Race this year? 
Have you ever run a Spartan Race before? 



16 comments:

  1. I think that's so cool they offered this workout. Good luck in Spartan. I think you'll be able to rock it out.

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    1. Thanks! It was a fun workout, regardless if one is doing the actual race or not!

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  2. That is awesome!! Last Spartan I did I think I had to do 100 burpees lol. There are some obstacles I could not do, I was annoyed since a few was just because I am too short lol. Anyways, we will all rock Spartan together!

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  3. This is such a cool idea and I hope it comes to Red Deer.

    Last year's Spartan Sprint I ended up having to do a ton of burpees, I was off my game. However, with four of us together, we can help each other when we need AND share the burpees too if it comes down to it. Don't be scared, we're going to have fun!

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    1. I can't see any further information on where the workout tour is going next…but hopefully it makes it's way through Red Deer! I would think it would be better for it to go there seeing as how Calgary is only having the Sprint this year.

      I had NO idea we could share burpees - that makes me feel A LOT better ;)

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  4. i'm so jealous you got to go; darn work! it looks just awesome and tough for sure. i still need to get me one of those tees.

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  5. So much fun! I so want to do one of these and was going to do one this summer but decided against it preggo even though Becky did one while pregnant!! You will do great!

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    1. Haha Becky is crazy and a machine!! I don't think (actually, I know) that I could do a race like this pregnant!

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  6. So glad that you decided to go! I wish I could have come as I love a good butt kicking workout

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  7. Good for you! I let the fear of how intense a workout might be defer me from joining some classes, but it's usually not that bad in the end and I'm proud of myself for doing it. It seems like you have really been getting your but in gear lately!

    www.inloveinlondon.com

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    1. That's so true - I let fear get in the way too often. But what I am realizing all the time is that there's always all different fitness levels at these sorts of things, and for the most part, everyone is really supportive!

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  8. Bears tight end Martellus Bennett is getting ready for the grind of training camp by watching his diet and increasing daily exercise. http://finance.yahoo.com/news/fat-diminisher-system-wesley-virgin-124000642.html

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