Spartan

Obstacles are one of the most feared elements of a Spartan race, but with consistent training and adequate preparation, you'll be able to conquer them in no time. Here are all of the signature Spartan obstacles, plus tips to get ready for each one.

No Obstacles: A Race For The Warriors was born from the idea that we can all do hard things, and we shouldn’t let challenges get in the way of us completing the mission at hand. Together with our sponsors and the participants, we are striving to make sure there are “no obstacles” in the way of caring for our military veterans and their families. We are excited to partner with Paine Schwartz Partners to raise both funds and awareness for the non-profit Hope For The Warriors because they provide specific, impact-focused support for these service men, women, and their families. Click below to learn more and help this important cause. https://lnkd.in/eBPipD3x

Your cardiovascular fitness level is one of the largest indicators of how happy and healthily you will live your life (and for how long you will actually live it). When you think of performing cardio training, you probably think of the basics: biking, swimming, running and walking. According to a new study, this underutilized form of cardio can help you burn more calories and become more well-rounded.

This weekend concluded Joe De Sena's favorite two weeks in Vermont each year. The Festival of Death. Death Race is a no-holds-barred, 48-72-hour (and beyond) battle against everything me and the team’s twisted minds can throw at you. You can’t train for this. It will piss you off, and you most likely will not finish. It is so hard we essentially force participants to quit. At the first Death Race nearly 20 years ago, only eight people signed up. This year, 300 people were running around the farm. 51 got cold feet and bailed before the event even began. Each year around this time, a lot of grandmothers die. The remaining brave souls made the voyage to the farm in Pittsfield, Vermont. 4 finishers earned the coveted Death Race Finisher skull making our total earned skulls just under 5% of all participants since inception. YIKES! Death Race is complete unorganized yet purposeful chaos. There are no rules, participants are lied to, and there is no start or finish…until there is. It is physical and mental torture designed to break you, to make you want to quit. However…for the 4% that have finished (and even the 96% who don’t) deep and meaningful change happens. They emerge tougher, stronger, and unbreakable. There is some method to the madness. This year, here’s how Joe planned it for the adults: Stage 1: Confusion Upon arrival, participants are tested much like ancient warriors preparing for battle. They undertake farm chores and run around town looking for checkpoints, not fully understanding what is happening during what should be the event registration. About 10% of participants drop out at this stage. Stage 2: Fitness Test Participants’ basic fitness is tested, similar to ancient Spartans marching hundreds of miles to war. Stage 3: Mindset Reframe The lesser known feature of Death Race is the mental challenges like solving puzzles, starting fires, or deciphering an ancient language. Because our minds are our weakest links, this stage is crucial. Stage 4: Limited Rations Participants must eat whatever is available, from onions to raw eggs, simulating the harsh realities of survival. Nearly everyone considers dropping out at this point, as inadequate nutrition can break one’s resolve. It’s not hazing, but meant to develop extreme mental toughness. Stage 5: The Battle The actual race begins now, with all the physical challenges you could imagine. This stage is about pure will, and only the toughest earn the skull at the end. Everyone tells Joe the Death Race is nuts. But it works. The event never fails at pissing off the outside observers year after year. Those watching just don’t get it. Death Race is about stepping into the arena, facing your fears, and proving that you can survive and thrive against all odds. It’s about shaking up your life, forging new friendships, and rediscovering what it means to be human. Come visit the farm next year. If it doesn’t change you…well…you’d be the only one to say that after visiting.

Trying something new can be intimidating, especially when it's something physically demanding and you're worried about what others will think of you. The good news about signing up for your first Spartan race is that the racing community is willing and ready to support you. If you don't believe us, here's what the Spartan community had to say about whether fitness newbies are capable of completing an obstacle course race.

HeroAid, one of the leading premium hydration beverages, is thrilled to announce its partnership with Spartan Race as the Official Sports Drink and Finish Line Beverage Partner for the 2024 season. This strategic collaboration brings together two forces committed to promoting an active lifestyle, pushing boundaries, and ensuring optimal performance for every participant. Read more about our partnership with HeroAid here: https://lnkd.in/eaNVrUeS

There are virtually millions of ways to build a positive mindset and become mentally stronger. But how many of those ways have led to 16 Olympic gold medals and seven Tour de France wins? Just one, and this is it.

Trying something new can be intimidating, especially when it's something physically demanding and you're worried about what others will think of you. The good news about signing up for your first Spartan race is that the racing community is willing and ready to support you. If you don't believe us, here's what the Spartan community had to say about whether fitness newbies are capable of completing an obstacle course race. 

Want to be better at business? Here are five small habits that have transformed Joe De Sena's my life as a CEO, gleaned from people he's encountered over the years. 1️⃣ Praise When You Can (from his wife): A few words of praise can go a long way. Recognizing and appreciating the efforts of others builds strong, positive relationships. It’s a principle that’s so powerful, yet so underused. 2️⃣ On Time is Late (from a mafia boss):  Punctuality isn’t just about being on time; it’s about respecting others’ time. Being early shows you value your commitments and the people around you. 3️⃣ Have Gratitude Like a Monk (from his dad): Gratitude is a powerful tool for a fulfilling life. Practice developing a deep sense of gratitude for everything you have, much like a monk who finds contentment in simplicity. This attitude leads to happiness, resilience, and a positive outlook. 4️⃣ You Have to Eat a Barrel of Salt with Someone Before You Can Judge (from his mom):  Building deep, meaningful relationships takes time. Before forming opinions about others, invest time in understanding them fully. 5️⃣ Never Ask for Money (from a mafia boss): Money follows value. Before seeking compensation, make sure you’re delivering exceptional quality and benefits to others. When you provide something truly valuable, the rewards will follow naturally. What advice has made you a better leader? Share it here.

How does stress really work, and can being overly stressed – whether it's mentally or physically or both – adversely affect your athletic performance? On this episode of The Hard Way w/ Joe De Sena, learn how to reduce sources of stress to perform better consistently.