Keeping Pace

Keeping Pace

out of place

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The sun is out and we have been cooped up in our homes from several months now. Many of us, have gained a pound or two, or more.

We are ready for a change. We are out of sorts while we “shelter in place.” It’s time to get out of place and MOVE.

We put one foot in front of the other, swing our arms forward and back, and listen to the sound of our feet meeting the dirt and/or pavement. It’s music. It’s magical. It’s the great OUTDOORS.

Honestly, it doesn’t really matter what we do at this point. I think it is just a matter of getting out and about. It’s not normal to stay cooped up inside for months on end. It’s time to find a new normal again. So, we pack up a few things and take it outside. The sun and wind on our skin feels glorious.

When we return to our homes once more, we will be far better than before.

And when the masks come off, we will likely be smiling again.

Who are we?

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We are Spartan!

Well, Robert and I did another Spartan race. He has pulled his friend, Keith into the mix and we are showing him the ropes (literally and so-to-speak).

Aroo, aroo, aroo!

A month ago, I planned to run as much of this race as I could. I wanted to see what I was capable of doing. But, when the time came to hop into the starting corral, I opted to tag along with Robert and Keith (sticking to their pace). We didn’t break any records, and failed a handful of obstacles along the way. My burpee grand total was 180. They weren’t pretty but I did every one of them.

Progress Happens

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Last year, I set out to support my brother, Robert in his quest for his Spartan Trifecta. His journey was successful and I now feel that he is self-sufficient and well on his way to make it his own.

Meanwhile, I took a look at my own goal for Spartan racing. I can’t say at this point whether another Trifecta is in progress. But I can say that I have signed up to do the San Jose Super (which actually in Patterson, CA) in less than a month.

Robert has a 30 minute earlier start time than me. My goal will be to see if I can catch up with him. If I feel good once we meet up, I may continue at my pace and see what I can do on my own.

Change is inevitable. Progress is optional. -Tony Robbins

In the meantime, I am stepping it up in the gym and in my running game as well. Meaning: I am starting to run again — albeit mindfully.

Obstacles IRL

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Last week, I decided to do another Spartan Race. My training hasn’t quite kicked into high gear yet. It seems that my training obstacles are those of everyday life (work, family, illness).  For now, I cruise along in low gear and look for motivation anywhere that I can find it. Today, it was this tire on the football field. I couldn’t even budge it a teeny-tiny bit. But I tried a few times.

earned, not given

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Last year, when I was in the final stage of earning my Spartan Trifecta, my brother (Robert) decided that he wanted to do the same. You should know that I am one of 4 siblings who have all lead a quite athletic lifestyle – with the exception of Robert. His desire to complete the required races to gain trifecta status would not come easy. I decided that I would accompany him on his journey, and Lil Sis (Carol) volunteered to do the same.

We took on the Spartan Sprint in March, met the Spartan Super in June, and, this past weekend, faced the beast of all 3 races (the Spartan Beast). You should know that while Robert was enthusiastic following the Sprint, he was very apprehensive (if not reluctant) upon completion of the Super to continue on to the Beast. By the time he decided to bite the bullet and register, Carol and I had been signed up for a couple of weeks and all of the earliest start times were sold out. He put everything he could into his training but wasn’t feeling confident that he could go the distance and complete the obstacles along the way. At one point, he thought of quitting. He told me that he thought he was holding Carol and I back and was a little surprised when I told him that we were only doing it to support him. [No pressure]  Of course, he kept trying and added hikes at elevation to his plan of attack. In the months leading up to our final race, I made a couple of road trips to accompany him on some training hikes.

Long story, short. HE DID IT!

But it was NOT easy. His pain was palpable at times. His determination was admirable every step of the way. It was cool to hear him express his thoughts while navigating the steepest downhill sections (with some uphill thrown in for good measure) the final 5-ish miles. He wasn’t planning to do another Beast, so he was really taking in the experience. Being accepting of the pain, he took my input on how to encourage glute activation to heart.

Meanwhile, I learned to be more receptive to the heel pain which decided to accompany us every step of the way. When I felt like complaining, I’d look over at Robert and the feeling would quickly be buried in the heap of admiration that was growing. You see, this race wasn’t about me… or Carol; it was about Robert.

He put in the work and earned his trifecta!

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