Fenway Spartan Race - November 16th 2013

There is a beauty inside each Spartan Race I run and that is the fact that each one you are able to learn something new about yourself. If you have ever experienced the thrill of a Spartan Race then you know that a lot of the race is a big blur - Going from one obstacle to another there is little time to reflect on what you are feeling or doing until you realize that you are being tested, pushed to the extremes. For example when you are reflecting back on your past, MOST people (not all) will immediately start thinking about a time that was painful to them, a horrible experience, something surrounded by negativity. Why does this happen? This reaction happens because it was a time you were placed outside your comfort zone, when you are thinking and/or feeling the most. We all tend to be drawn to these moments that challenge or scare us. All OCR events hold similar moments of fear, constantly throwing challenges at you, but in a more positive light. Instead of focusing my energy on a meaningless negative energy ( ex: obsessing over what someone may have said about you, etc) I am now redirecting my energy reflecting on the pain I endured to reach my goals or face my fears. 

Unlike other Spartan Races I have competed in, Fenway held a whole new test for me. Three days prior to the race I came down with a sore throat which of course lowered my immune system, weakening my muscles. Resting in between the time of race and when I got sick was crucial, but may no have been enough time to regain my strength back in my body.

Once race day came I felt at a 90%. My throat was feeling fine and I felt pretty good overall so I was confident that I would be able to power through the course. --How wrong I was-- After completing the first couple of obstacles my strength was slowly slipping. I have never in my life felt like this before. It was as though with each step I took my muscles kept getting more and more contracted, never releasing. The more I tried to "Embrace the Suck" and push through the pain the more contracted and sore my muscles became. What was going on?? I guess this is what happens when you try to overpower sickness and it was just my bodies slap in the face to say "SLOW DOWN!" haha. Slow down? What doesn't that mean? :P On top of that I could barely breathe without the cold air ripping up my throat like razor blades. 

During the race I just got to a point where I surrendered to the red flags my body was throwing at me. I was only going to do myself more harm then good if I continued to push myself past the point of what I knew my body was capable of in its vulnerable state. Immediately I created new goals for myself which was *Make it through the rowers and make sure to NEVER stop moving forward* -- With these goals set I made sure to give those BRUTAL rowers my 110% and feed my mind positive affirmations to keep me moving. 

I watched as girl after girl passed me and at first I was upset. I trained for this race and wanted to succeed, but I quickly had to turn that self destroying attitude into a learning experience. It helped me recognize my growth just within this last year. Before I would have allowed my placement to ruin my day and because of that I would have "punished" myself - Saying, "I should have been stronger", "sickness isn't an excuse" etc. I would have been ashamed of myself and thats NOT living at all. Races are supposed to be fun no matter where you place because all and all in the end it is NOT all about you. Remind yourself why you come out to be a part of Spartan Race. For me its much much more then the time spent competing. I keep coming back for the people, for the stories they share, for the support, encouragement and unconditional love they bring into my life.

The camaraderie within Spartan Race is unreal. I am a completely different person because of it and for the better.

After the elite heat I went out again with Amanda Ricciardi, her family and several other amazing spartan racers. It was her sister Adriana's first spartan race and to be a part of that experience, watching her determination and struggles through each obstacle was truly powerful. Being asked to be a part of their team really meant a lot to me. After all its the little things in life that mean the most!

  

As if two laps were not enough I then decided to run again with Team Red White and Blue. Talk about a team with the biggest hearts! Running with meaning, with inspiration and discipline. They continue to prove to me and several others that we are capable of so much more then we think and I always look forward to learning something new from them! :)

So what did I learn at Fenway? I learned that though things may not go the way you may have originally planned, don't let that stop you from making the best of your day. Also the importance of knowing the difference between uncomfortable pain and damaging pain. Out of all the Spartan Races I have done Fenway was definitely one of the best I have been a part of. Great event, inspiring people, amazing staff, fun course and incredible athletes from all over. Its true when they say life is what you make of it-- and life IS beautiful! 

Till next time,

Laura Messner

Lessons Learned (11-13-13)

This morning I woke up and I fell on the verge of tears. My heart was racing and my emotions were twisted in every direction. I took a second to stop, step outside of myself, to reflect on the meaning for this unidentified feeling I was experiencing. Suddenly tears began to slowly slide down my cheeks, but these tears were not formed by sadness or weakness, but by love. 

Growing up was not easy for me. The universe has certainly taken me on an extreme roller coaster ride -- and though I didn't understand it at the time, I do now. My struggles are what has made me stronger, my strengths are what held me together, my determination is what pushed me forward and my friends are the ones who mended the wounds I never bothered to heal. I am truly blessed for every road I have traveled, for every mistake I have made and for every lesson I had learned because of it. To find the problem that causes you pain is one thing, to remove yourself from your comfort zone to fix it is another. WE create our better tomorrow and we do that through positive thinking, by reminding ourselves that everything happens for a reason. You may not know the reason for your troubles inside the heat of the fire, but somewhere along this road we call life you will find that reason and be grateful for its scars it may have left.

I am the person I am today because of all of you! I am able to rise up when I am feeling down because of the inspiration shown inside YOUR strength, your love and your encouragement! So today I would like to take the time to thank every one of you who have touched my heart, supported me, believed in me and above all taught me the power behind true friendship. You've all made me a better person in more ways you may ever know and for that I am extremely thankful! <3

^ Photo by Erik Anderson (SB Pixs)

^ Photo by Nuvision at Superhero Scramble Tri-State NJ

Miller Park Stadium - Spartan Race in Milwaukee, WI

MILLER PARK (11-2-13)

It's amazing how each Spartan Race can be so similar and yet completely different each time. Competing at Miller Parks Spartan Race Stadium series was certainly a whole new and exciting experience for me because I had yet to officially race in the cold weather. Having Raynoud's disease (bad circulation in hands and feet) my hands in particular do not perform well in low temperatures. However instead of looking at it as something that would bring me back I viewed it as a challenge and an opportunity to overcome that obstacle. 

In the beginning of the race I started with a lot of confidence for I knew I had been training hard for the past few weeks before hand. The only struggle I came across throughout the race was my breathing in such thin, crisp air. Since I mainly train in the gym during cold seasons it is hard to become accustomed to the different temperatures and humidity levels that one may not be used to. When I had approached the rowing machine during the race this breathing struggle definitely became a problem. Already out of breath I strapped my feet into the machine and began rowing, but then quickly notice that my resistance was on 1 instead of 10 which I knew would not get me to 500M within the 2 minute time frame. Of course naturally, out of all the obstacles at a Spartan Race stadium event, I would say my least favorite is the row machine. It seems no matter how many times you practice to try to get better it still creates the same "I can't breathe, Im going to puke, I hate the world" feeling. At that moment that I realized it was on a low resistance I immediately freaked out because I knew my time had already started. Unsuccessfully for a good minute I tried to switch it back. I kept falling out of my seat, grunting while having an anxiety attack thinking I was going to have to burpee. All of those emotions traveling through my body at once I admit is definitely not the most comfortable feeling. About half way through the 2 minutes I got it back to high resistance and I find it truly a miracle that I was able to push through to make it to 500M within 2 minutes, but I am thankful I did. No one wants to have to do 30 burpees right after a 2 minute row I can promise you that! :P

After completing the rows I have NEVER felt so defeated by my own self. My legs were shot, my breath was gone and my motivation and drive had become a blur. I am sure anyone that had a chance to see the look on my face as I pressed forward could easily see the overwhelming pain I was being drowned in. I was not in a good state, but even when my conscious kept telling me to stop, that I have had enough, there was another little voice telling me that this pain will not last and I AM capable of SO much more then I think I am. How true and I prove its realism to myself every time I race. As many would say "Embrace the Suck!". 

The weather changes from running inside the warm building to outside in the cold did not help my performance either. The quick changes in temperature really started to aggravate my head which over time had slowed me down. When I had finally reached the spear throw, my hands were cold and tired, but I tried not to lose confidence. I didn't want to burpee so I made sure to take my time and concentrate. I had the PERFECT throw but not enough "UMF" behind it. It stuck and then I watched as it slowly released itself from the hay bail to touch the ground! NOOOOOO!!! haha. This meant burpees. I never thought 30 burpees could seemingly feel like an hour long, but they did. As if I wasn't exhausted enough, now I had to continue to push through the already aggravated pain that would help lead me to the finish line. 

At that moment I knew first place was out of my reach for I knew Karlee (First place female) had run a clean race and was at least 5 minutes ahead of me. This did not discourage me though because I knew that whatever place I did get I gave it my 100% to get there. 

Once I approached the last obstacle (Box Jumps) my gas tank was on E. All I could do to keep moving was repeat to tell myself, "Its not over until you cross the finish line. There is no quitting." Its incredible the amount of power we all posses with the positive mind and after that obstacle was the final stretch. I swear it was like a dream…I know corny right? haha. You hear your name being cheered by your friends, your fears suddenly disappear as your smile grows and you are slowly brought back into reality instead of the tunnel vision of race mode. 

I can't even begin to describe the feeling crossing that finish line brings because each time is a different experience filled with all different emotions. It reminds me of how far I have come in not only OCR but in life in general. We all have our inner/outer struggles we face in life and somehow, at least for me, Spartan Race has been a huge part of my rediscovery of self. With a continually growing Spartan Family, you are always loved, supported and cared for. Its like a never ending force of inspirational energy pushing you, motivating you, encouraging you to go above and beyond your original expectations. 

-- Receiving my First 2nd place podium I consider myself extremely blessed, its unreal and I am so happy that I was able to share the moment with so many wonderful people! :)

Until Next Time…

Laura Messner

Tough Mudder NJ (October 12-13, 2013)

Tough Mudder NJ Weekend (October 12-13th 2013)

Not often enough do we take the time to sit back and truly reflect on the moments that move us with inspiration and subconsciously encourage us to keep pushing forward. When you allow your mind to open up to soak in all of the earths beautiful energy, you suddenly become overwhelmed - We tend to forget how much good surrounds us in a world filled with so much negativity and we find ourselves at times following its flow because its what seems "normal", but only leaving us feeling empty and hollow inside. 

So sitting back today reflecting on this past weekend in NJ at Tough Mudder with The Powerful Yogurt Team and Team Ilene I am extremely overwhelmed with such a blessed feeling. Not being timed during each run I was able to pay attention to details that usually get blurred out when your mind is rattled with adrenaline. I got to experience the details in my surroundings, my teammates, my teammates emotions, their joy, their struggles, challenges, the distance, etc. As much as I LOVE going to bed with anxiety, freaking out wondering if I trained hard enough and whether or not I will be able to reach my goals for that race, it was comforting to be able to relax and instead be there for others instead of only myself.  

It was such a great experience running for Powerful Yogurt this past Saturday (A new yogurt brand based out of Miami, FL.) Being able to meet and talk to these like minded, athletic, driven people really opened my eyes to the fact that everything we do and everywhere we go holds countless opportunities. Every step we take is another lesson learned and another chance taken. Hearing others success stories within the group and their build to get to where they are now was extremely inspiring and another reason to not let these gifted individuals with giving words of advise pass you by. 

Sunday's adventures held a whole new experience with the members of Team Ilene! Having this be the second OCR event with Ilene I knew that I was in for a great day, surrounded by hysterical, inspirational, unstoppable, friendly and giving individuals. I was able to meet new people on the team as well as connect with several other familiar faces. This is one of the beauties of OCR - You start off as complete strangers and by the end of the day you feel as though you have known them forever.  Welcoming and inviting we all play a part in building a healthy change for others, making "Cant's" become "CAN"! 

This Tough Mudder was not Ilene's first. She's battled OCRs all over leaving her mark of inspiration and hope all over. She powered through obstacle after obstacle that came her way, getting muddy and wet in cold temperatures without a single complaint for 10+ miles. There are only two words for that: BAD ASS! Its wonderful leaders like Ilene who are willing to take chances by staring fear straight in the eyes to prove to oneself and others that its our struggles that make us stronger. When I am running competitively Ilene is one of the many inspirations that pass through my mind when I am fading or wanting to give up. - Her strength gives me strength- its important to remember the stronger and more positive you are the more of an inspiration you're creating for someone else. 

However, it was not only Ilene who inspired me that day. Watching the team work together, putting others first, helping out complete strangers with several smiles and continuous jokes was, in my opinion, the true magic of this team. Although it was not raining the conditions we had on Sunday were still not ideal. We pushed forward with cold weather, wet clothes, holding heavy weights…  Step by step this revealed the incredible amount of spirit, power, determination, drive, and love that was present for the 8.5 hours it took to dominate the challenge. Together we went in and together we came out. I could not feel any more honored to have been a part of something so real, so energizing and motivational that will stay with me forever. Thank you to all who were involved, THIS is the change we need to see in the world! :)

Until Next Time…

Laura Messner*

Citizens Bank Park Stadium Spartan Race in Philly (9-28-13)

Citizens Bank Park - Spartan Stadium Race - Philly

Even just a year ago I would have never imagined I would be where I am at right now. Whether it be related to OCR, the completion of my goals in life and/or my new surroundings built around so many wonderful people whom I now call family. Its incredible the power that we all posses with a positive mind and a determined punch. 

Looking from the outside in throughout the year I was able to truly understand and appreciate the true beauty of a Spartan Race. Watching people struggle as I did, cry as I did, overcome their fears as I did and pushing past their pains as I did. This hit me with the clear sense of reality that this course I run is not a mean game or a competition, but a path of self discovery - Creating moments that we will never forget.  These moments we apply to our everyday lives to remind us that we are capable of so much more then we think whether that be through physical strength or mental strength. 

As I meet more friends in the Spartan Race community I become more and more filled with inspiration and love for what we all do as athletes. Some battle the course with missing limbs, disabilities, extra weight, illnesses…and if they can cross that finish line giving it everything they have then we should have no problem pushing past those moments we want to give up or quit. Let the people around you be a reason to keep moving forward. We are all athletes on different levels, but all going through the same thing.

This past weekend at Spartan's Citizens Bank Park Race in Philly I caught myself in many moments where my thoughts drowned me with negativity. Its not an easy thing to control. For most of the race I held my ground around 3rd or 4th place. I kept thinking to myself "This is not my day.", "I don't crossfit", "I didn't train right for this kind of race.", "I am not a runner.", "I didn't put a fresh piece of gum in my mouth and now my mouth is too dry " ;) (lol) Even during the dreadful row I was grunting, almost crying thinking "Im not strong enough"-- All these words kept sneaking their way into my mind as I am running and gasping for breath, but then I would see a familiar face- I would hear an encouraging cheer from a spectator or volunteer - Catch a smile from a stranger. All these things gave me the push I needed to give myself a little extra kick in the butt.  I was able to prove to myself and others that what used to seem impossible IS and has all the potential in the world to be possible. 

It was the one foot in front of the other attitude that got me though it knowing that in this race anything can happen. The burpee penalty for not completing an obstacle could be the make you or break you of a Sprint race. Luckily I was able to run a clean race which gave me the energy and time I needed at the very end to power though and reach the finish line for my first Stadium Spartan Race win. 

The experience is incredible, unreal and a perfect blend of struggle and success on so many different levels- and if you know you were giving it your all it doesn't matter where you place. What matters is you know you pushed yourself, you know you did the best you could for that day and for the day that's all that matters. 

Love Always, 

Laura Messner

Someday you will be able to achieve the things you once thought were impossible...all because of that little voice that told you to never give up- That pain is only temporary.

Spartan Race World Championships - September 21-22, 2013.

   Spartan Race VT Beast.

        What a weekend!  Another opportunity to prove to myself what I am capable of, to overcome my fears, and discover my breaking point.  Running through the course this past Saturday tattooed a whole new vision and level of respect to all those who took the challenge to push past their pains, their doubts and their uncertainty of their strengths. I have never in my life battled the combination of exhaustion and dehydration with determination and heart the way I did in racing at Mt. Killington,VT.  Despite having competed in many Spartan Races over the past thirteen months, this time I experienced a whole new understanding of the Spartan Race's saying  "You'll know at the finish line".

               This was the first race I had entered without expectation of the race's outcome. I went into the starting line as an individual, alone, as though I was running the race all by myself. This dismissed any anxiety or stress to try to "be the best" because then I wasn't looking to be the top overall racer, but to be the best that I could be for that day. With this thought process, others who I crossed paths with were not viewed as my competition, but friends, gifts. Even at times when there was silence between each of sufferings, there was a shared energy in the knowing that we were all experiencing the same thing. Hearing so many words of inspiration being shared and watching so many helping hands being given to those in need really proves the magic inside a Spartan Race. You go in as an individual and you come out as a family.

         

Before the race I had a quick conversation with Chris Davis. Chris is an amazing friend and inspiration who, in life, was able to achieve for himself what others may have thought to be seemingly impossible. I was expressing my fear of the beast course, for distance running was never my specialty. He comforted me by saying "It's all about pacing yourself. If you have to stop, only rest for 5-10 seconds and keep going." Hearing Chris' advice echo in my conscious mind throughout the course helped me to push past my comfort zone--focusing not on the distance, but on each step I took--one foot in front of the other. 

             Around mile 11.5 I could sense myself starting to fall apart. My camel pack was drained of its fluids, my anxiety was increasing and my breath was becoming more panicked and labored. I was a mess.  My body was telling me I can't, but my heart was screaming "I can!" Being a strong believer in the saying "Everything happens for a reason" I realized I was sent an angel at the moment I was tempted to quit. Jackie Rust, an incredible athlete and friend, who I officially/ironically met the night before, came  running up behind me. I explain to her that I had reached my breaking point and I encouraged her to keep up the good work.   To my surprise, she didn't jet past me. She ran with me side by side, feeding me words of motivation and confidence that collided with similar words from another fellow Spartan Racer as I ran sandwiched between those two rock stars. I was embarrassed because I had never mentally felt so defeated - at that point the mountain owned me.  Each branch that danced across my skin, felt like a knife. Each roll of my ankle was another earthquake released inside all of my unstable emotions.  My senses were in rage, but I still found myself running, putting one foot in front of the other and not giving into the negative cries of defeat.

          The finish line was breathing down the back of my neck. I knew it was close, but was still hidden from view. As my friends continued forward Jackie then reassured me that this was home stretch and they would meet me at the finish line.  Hearing her say this gave me another reason to not give up. I stepped outside of myself as I sniffled up and down the final hills to truly take in and reflect on what it feels like to overpower the voices of doubt in my head. Quitting was not an option.

          My tears disappeared as I rounded the corner that led me to the finish line. I didn't quit!. My tears turned to a smile, the smile to a laugh, as I leaped over the fire and past the gladiators--to be greeted by Chris Davis with my metal and a hug.  Suddenly, my hidden emotions resurfaced and I began crying uncontrollably.  I was so blessed to have received the strength, endurance, family and love I needed to help me see past the pain, worry and fear. This is why the sport of OCR is so addicting. No race is the same, and you always come out having learned something new.

          To those who were challenged by the Spartan Sprint, Beast, Ultra Beast, Death Race, Double Beast and/or Beast/Ultra Beast you are all my inspiration. Inspiring me to never stop challenging myself because it's the uncomfortable experiences we encounter in life that develop the knowing of who we are today--to find the person we always knew we could be. AROOO!!!

~Laura Messner