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
You are awesome and amazing. Love you!!
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