Why Spartan Races: by Aurora Arlt
Welcome to our weekly guest blog! Each Sunday I will be featuring an article written by one of my closely respected colleagues. There is so much to learn, do and say when it comes to fitness & life I couldn’t possibly come close to covering it all. Now you’ll be able to learn a wide variety of information; and meet knew trainers to learn from as well. Enjoy!
Recently someone asked me why I do Spartan Races. At first, the only response that came to mind is, - “Because they are awesome, duh?”. But the question stuck in my mind, and I kept thinking about what is it about the Spartan Race that I love so much? I mean, if I am being honest, it is a pretty expensive hobby where I basically pay to torture myself for a few hours. So why has it grown to be such an important piece of my life? Why is it something that means so much to me and something I want to share with the world?
I think the answer to that question is - freedom.
I fell in love with obstacle course racing and especially Spartan Races from the very moment I began. I felt so free. Free from all of the shackles I and the world tied me to. It was just me - my body and my mind - working together to get through the obstacles and to that finish line. That is all I could think about - that is all that runs through my mind - that finish line, that medal. Nothing else matters.
And for someone who worries about every little thing every second of her day, who spends 98% of her time an anxious mess driven by her unrelenting fear - that emptiness of thought - that clarity - was intoxicating. It was like the cement block I had encased myself in had shattered and I felt as light as a feather trudging through that course getting from one obstacle to the next.
I had found my escape. On that course, I just do. I take action. I don’t have time to ponder, analyze, or overthink. The fear and anxiety and stress that I feel from life and on that course, I just sit with it. I don’t try to fight it or push it away. I use it to propel me forward to the next obstacle. It is in those moments where I feel so empowered. I feel so strong.
I had found my escape. And now it is my life. I get to share this feeling with friends, family, and clients. To this day, one of the happiest and proudest moments of my life is when I convinced 12 members & coaches at D1 Training of Dallas to join me in a Spartan Race. For many, it was their first race. So, I put together a 4 week Spartan inspired bootcamp for those who wanted to learn the basics like rope climbing, grip strength, and endurance. We did A LOT of bucket carries and sandbag runs and of course burpees. But on that day, all 12 of us started together and finished together. We were united the entire way through, pushing each other, encouraging each other, and supporting each other. Crossing that finish line with everyone meant so much to me. My heart was so full; I felt overwhelmed with pride and excitement for every one of us who finished that day.
I am so thankful for what these races have shown me I can do and who I can become.
I encourage everyone to try it for themselves. In my experience, we are all so much stronger and braver than we give ourselves credit for.
Thanks for your time,
Aurora
P.S.
If you have any questions about Spartan Races, or are looking for advice or assistance with your race, feel free to reach out to me anytime. I am always happy to help!
Article by: Aurora Arlt
To contact Aurora personally email: aurorahealth365@gmail.com
To learn more from Aurora visit: aurorafitness.org