SNAP Infusion, one of Spartan Race’s newest partners, are the creators of SUPERCANDY and the official SUPERCANDY of Spartan Race for the 2013 season.  They made their debut at the Spartan Race at Citi Field. At 2013 U.S. events, SNAP Infusion will set up aid stations on the course providing SUPERCANDY to athletes to help get them through the race, and compete at their very best.

In addition, SNAP Infusion is a proud supporter of Vitamin Angels, a charity that brings health to millions of children throughout the world.  They recently launched a program, SUPER MOMS, that will be running through Mother’s Day and will feature special Spartan Race SUPER MOMS! We will be highlighting the SUPERMOMS of the Spartan Race Series, because we believe that every mom is super, and we are searching for the perfect pairing of the Super Spartan Moms whether it be for personal accomplishment, family or a cause. In a few weeks, we will also be launching a fundraiser page on vitaminangels.org where we will encourage SPARTANS to Compete For a Cause with a fundraiser to complete a spartan race and raise money for Vitamin Angels–info to come.

The first SUPER MOM selected is Katie Vescelus who is participating in the Indiana Spartan Race with her family. Mother to two sons, Magnus and Matthias she helped change the health habits of her whole family after her son Matthias was diagnosed with cancer. Now in recovery from cancer, Matthias, who we profiled earlier this week, is a St. Baldrick’s ambassador and will be taking on the Spartan kid’s race.

Lauren Formalarie, spokesperson for SNAP Infusion says, “Katie touched us in such a way that we are so excited to share her inspirational story as a part of our program SUPER MOMs of the Spartan Race. Her passion, drive and commitment to a healthy and active lifestyle are so close to the vision of SNAP Infusion SUPERCANDY. It takes a very special person to be a MOM and as every mom is truly SUPER, this is our way of sharing the stories of strong women across the country.”

Tags: Citi Field, Reebok Spartan Race, Snap INFUSION SUPERCANDY, Spartan Race Sponsors, SUPER MOMS, Vitamin Angels

SUPERCANDY® Energizes 2013 Spartan Race Series
SNAP Infusion® Partners as Official SUPERCANDY® of the Spartan Race™

The world’s leading global obstacle race series, Reebok Spartan Race, is proud to announce that SNAP Infusion, the creators of SUPERCANDY will be the official SUPERCANDY of 2013 season. This partnership aims to unite both brands in their missions of providing athletes the tools they need to compete at the highest levels of the obstacle racing sport and most importantly, have some fun along the way.

“The Spartan Race brand is a natural fit for our functional and delicious SUPERCANDY and we are very excited to join forces with them in 2013,” said Eric Stoll, president, SNAP Infusion. “The Spartan athlete works hard to train for each race and we’re proud to be able to deliver new flavors in a functional snack that will enhance their performance. Spartans Race athletes should look for every advantage as they compete in this exciting and fast growing global sport.

At the 2013 U.S. Reebok Spartan Race events, SNAP Infusion will set up aid stations on course providing SUPERCANDY to athletes to help get them through the race, and compete at their very best.

SUPERCANDY is a healthy snack available in five distinct flavors including: Mel, Gummy, Bean, Tart and Gum. Each type contains functional benefits that will help take every Spartan Athlete to their next level:
• Delivers an excellent source of B Vitamins, which naturally convert carbs into energy to gives that extra push late in the race
• Provides more antioxidants than a cup of fresh blueberries – antioxidants are a key component in muscle recovery
• Contains more electrolytes than the leading sports drinks to keep you hydrated and balanced in this summer’s heat
• Bursts with delicious flavors and fun to enhance any Spartan’s experience
• Offers a natural ingredient profile for today’s health conscious contenders

“We are excited to partner with Snap Infusion for the 2013 Reebok Spartan Race series. Snap Infusion is the world’s first SUPERCANDY and the first functional candy to support the sport of Obstacle Course Racing. Snap Infusion will provide a much-needed source of energy and electrolytes for our athletes to get to the finish line” Joe DeSena, Spartan Race CEO and Founder.

SNAP Infusion will kick-off its partnership with Spartan Race at this weekend’s event at Citi-Field in Queens on Saturday, April 13, fueling participants with flavorful SUPERCANDY. For a full schedule of 2013 competitions or to sign-up to participate in a Reebok Spartan Race in your area, visit: http://www.spartanrace.com/spartan-obstacle-racing-events.php

We sat down with Mitch H., Navy Federal Credit Union User Experience and Design Manager and his daughter Lucy, 1st grade student to get the inside scoop on how they stumbled upon the obstacle course style race and their training tips.

Navy Federal: What got you interested in running the Spartan Race?
Mitch: The end of 2011 started my fascination with obstacle course racing, and the Spartan race series easily bubbled to the top of my list. I admire the comraderie and motivation you find in the Spartan community and from the people you run along side. They also have kids races, which lead me to the idea of having my daughter, Lucy, partake in a race too.
Lucy: I like mud!!

Navy Federal: How many Spartan Races have you both run?
Mitch: My first Spartan race, and only one I have completed thus far in my racing endeavors, was the 10.5 mile Mid-Atlantic Super in Virginia. The course was littered with what felt like over 50 horse jumps on top of the typical 20+ obstacles of a normal Super. I have already signed up to run this event again this year. My goal is to complete the trifecta, which includes running a Sprint, Super and Beast in one calendar year
Lucy: Just one, I was 6 then.

Navy Federal: How far out from a race do you start training?
Mitch: Training for these types of races becomes more of a lifestyle. The races challenge you both physically and mentally. Keeping yourself motivated and in relatively good shape is hard to do on a moment’s notice, so adapting your training to your normal routine is the best approach.
Training doesn’t always mean hours in the gym, it can be as simple as staying active as much as possible. I did make an effort to better condition myself for the challenge of the Super Spartan due to the longer distance and more physically challenging obstacles.
Lucy: I sometimes train, but I play all the time. Playing on the playground really helps me get ready for the race.

Navy Federal: What are your training tips for those new to the obstacle course style race?
Mitch: After competing in 12 races, I have found the most important thing to have in your training routine is cardio. Endurance easily will outweigh strength in the longer races. Many obstacles are about moving your own body, so strength is important, but being able to complete the races require endurance.
My personal tip is to have a wonderful significant other, like mine, who will keep you motivated and enjoy training and racing together.
Navy Federal: awwwwww
Lucy: You have to train and be strong. Don’t give up, you’ll miss out on the fun and mud if you give up!

Navy Federal: What’s been the hardest obstacle during a race?
Mitch: For me the hardest obstacle has been the rope climb. The Spartan rope climb (at the final obstacle) was the first obstacle I was unable to complete. After 10.5 miles of running and obstacles I had very little strength left and was unable to make the rope climb. It has become my goal to accomplish in my next Super Spartan this year.
Lucy: The mud pit. But it was also my favorite.

Navy Federal: What’s the weirdest thing you’ve done to prepare for a race?
Mitch: I think many would consider doing these races to be weird on its own. Grown adults romping around in mud and pushing our bodies to the limits even more than we did as kids, with no fear of death. I don’t partake in any ritual aside from trying to get sleep the night before. Oddly enough that’s weird for me.
Lucy: I practice wrestling to stay strong. My dad said that’s a good answer. I don’t think it’s that weird to practice wrestling though.

So, there you have it! Hopefully Mitch and Lucy have helped give you some ideas on training for race day.

As a proud sponsor for Spartan Race this year we look forward to seeing you out on the course!  Sign up TODAY!

Tags: kids fit foundation, Navy Federal Credit Union, Reebok Spartan Race, Spartan Kids Race

by Carrie Adams

Team Braveheart, a Team Gaspari crew, is heading to New Jersey for yet another Spartan Race.  When Team Braveheart shows up, you KNOW it’s going to be a good time!  Rolling 77 deep this time around, they are one of our largest teams in 2012 and we’re excited to have them take on our super course, that in recent days has had several black bear sightings!  Yikes!  Talk about being brave!  They’ll have company in their ten o’clock heat, UFC fighter Jim Miller will also be taking on the Spartan course.  We told you all about his home state appearance in a blog post earlier this week.

Gaspari has been a sponsorship partner for Spartan Race throughout 2012 and Official Gaspari Nutrition® has handed out over 50,000 FREE drawstring mesh bags to our racers throughout the year with samples of their products. We’ve seen people fill these bags with sand or rocks and use in their workouts. We’ve seen Spartans use them as a place to carry their gym clothes or muddy shoes after a race!  They’ll be on hand as a title sponsor in the Tri-State and we couldn’t be happier about it.

Here Jen Rosant, coach of Team Braveheart talks about how they are feeling going into this weekend’s Super Spartan event.

With only one day remaining before the Spartan Race, Team Braveheart is fired up and more lively than I have ever seen them!  For many, we have been training for over a year.  For some, this will be their first obstacle race.  The excitement and anticipation in the air is thick, but the real magic lies in our enthusiasm. It’s the difference between mediocrity and accomplishment. This team is ready for one of the biggest challenges of our lives!  We are ready to take on our fears. We are ready to conquer the mud, fire and extreme ice cold mountain water. 

The Spartan folks are creative and we know they will design the most intense battlefield. We have been working extremely hard and we are ready to test our physical strength and mental resolve. We come large. We come loud! We come as a beast of a team!  Boasting a squad of 77+ Bravehearts, I plan on leading them through an experience which will only improve their vision, patience, persistence, courage and confidence.

Braveheart Danielle said, “I’m so ready for this Saturday, I’m a little scared but I know my team will pump me up and get me through this. I’m doing every obstacle, I don’t care if I fall, I’m getting back up and finishing!”

Being a part of Team Braveheart has been an amazing experience for many members.  “To be a Braveheart means that not only do you have the fortitude to try something new and challenging, but it means that you have a family of support right behind you to give you that extra push, high-five and that extra drive when you hear the Braveheart chant,” said Braveheart Jared.

Braveheart Greg says, “Being a Braveheart means to have an attitude and strength like no other. It has changed my life for the better. I see so many Bravehearts who never accept defeat and they always finish. I have learned so much.” Braveheart Manda said, “Being a part of Braveheart makes you a better person, not just athletically, but because you cannot help but be a kinder, gentler, more determined individual. Positivity radiates throughout this amazing group and anyone who encounters us is moved and affected in a way that has been described as life changing.”

Bravehearts push each other, motivate, inspire and genuinely care for each other. It reads in their eyes but most importantly you can see it out on the course. The Super Spartan Race is a challenge we have prepped for and are anxious to accomplish.  Braveheart Dave B said, “This race is another chance to push the limits, to change the routine and up the ante.” Team Braveheart faces daily challenges every day and they do not let anything get in their way. Braveheart Bryant was told he may never walk again after he was attacked by a metal baseball bat in college and spent 2 months in a coma. He has 14 plates in his head and many other terrible ailments, but today his perseverance and involvement with Team Braveheart has given him the extra drive to compete in his 2^nd Spartan Race.  He told me, “I’m excited for Spartan; I can’t believe it’s been a year, I’m stronger, faster and I get the chance to race against younger, stronger and faster athletes. I’m looking forward to testing myself against the best and break through my own walls.” Braveheart Jeanette said, “Defeat is not an option, not for myself or any of my teammates, it means I will give more than I got.”

Just to cross the finish line is the main goal for most of the team.  To wear the finisher medal proudly will mean the world to most.  Braveheart Ivette said, “This Spartan Race will be my first race and definitely not my last.  I am excited and anxious to put my physical abilities to the test. I am doing this for me because I want it and because I can! I want to inspire my kids to be active, fit and healthy.” Braveheart Mechelle said, “The greatest challenge for me this year at Spartan will be those obstacles challenging my upper body strength but I’m confident with our Braveheart trainings and Gaspari Nutrition’s amazing products I will improve and finish with a higher level of achievement than I did last year. I can’t wait to run with our team, the energy is going to be ridiculous.”  Braveheart Jayson said, “The Spartan Race is the one race I look forward to every year.  I can’t wait to be with my team, my family!  I’m excited for the atmosphere, the challenges, the uncertainty and of course the beer!”

Team Braveheart is coming fierce! Together, we work towards creating positive change in one another every day of our lives. It’s not just about fitness. It’s about self-worth, integrity, passion, inspiration and the drive to live strong.  We were born to take on The Spartan and blessed to have found one another to take on the battle with!  You’ll see us Saturday braving our red and black proud… and when you hear that Braveheart warrior cry, find security knowing you are surrounded by some of the most incredible people you could ever encounter! We’ll see you out there!  Be brave enough to recognize your strengths and take on your challenges!  Go Team Braveheart!

Team Braveheart will be warming up and cooling down at the Official Gaspari Nutrition® tent which will be located near the Finish Line. Be sure to stop by their tent, meet their team and check out some of the products available at the Gaspari tent! See you this weekend!

Tags: Jen Rosant, new jersey, super spartan, team braveheart, Team Gaspari, tri-state

Of all the questions that we get at Spartan Race HQ, many of them revolve around gear, specifically shoes.  Having the right footwear for a Spartan Race is a big part of the equation for race day success and Spartan was excited to announce our partnership with inov-8 shoes earlier this year as the official shoes of Spartan Race.  In fact, Spartan HQ rocks the shoes on and off the course ourselves!

inov-8 staffers in Chris's old pants

Recently, our own Chris Davis headed into the inov-8 offices to get fitted for a new pair of shoes.  We’ve been following his weight loss journey and road to the Spartan Ultra Beast September 22^nd that began with him at 696 pounds and has him currently weighing in under 300.  With only a hundred pounds to go, some new shoes would help him meet his goal and assist in his training.  Chris is a Spartan Race veteran, so he knows what kind of courses we throw at athletes and what he’ll need to be successful in training and on the course.

Helping in the effort was the amazing team at inov-8 who invited Chris

Getting Fitted

and Spartan staff onsite to get him laced in for his upcoming Amesbury race and his training towards the Ultra Beast!  The inov-8 team of Caitlin,  Nicole, and Lizzie will also be joining Chris to run their first and his third Spartan Race in Amesbury on August 11^th.  

From a recent blog post by inov-8,  Caitlin Fenn explained how they chose a shoe for Davis and what he can expect from his new kicks:

“Chris used to have trouble with fitting into his shoe size, and now we are helping him choose a shoe that will help him scale walls and climb mountains. Chris was a little worried that he wouldn’t be able to fit into a size 13, because he has a wide foot and had heard that our shoes were narrow. He also used to have to wear a size up because of the width of his feet. But since he’s lost so much weight, he was back to his normal shoe size, and they fit great!

 Chris had never worn minimalist shoes before, so we are transitioning him slowly. We gave him a pair of Road-X 255, our 3 arrow, 9mm drop road running shoe for his road and hard trail training, and a pair of Terrafly 313 GTX (also a 3 arrow 9mm drop) for his hiking on the mountain. He said he could feel the difference between his motion control shoes that were prescribed to him for over pronating. He liked the lightweight feel of the minimalist shoes and we talked to him about natural running and pose running, that with training, could help strengthen his feet and ankles. He was also excited because his last shoes held water and mud and had no grip during the Spartan Race in PA he did last weekend.”

We’ll be tracking Chris’s progress and finding out about his new shoes!  And stay tuned to hear about some other inspirational inov-8 Athlete’s we’ll be introducing you to and check out the inov-8 website for more information on how you can get into your own pair!

Inspired and want to get in on the Spartan action?  Get registered today!

About inov-8: inov-8 designs products to be lightweight, minimal and functional. Inov-8 shoes give runners the confidence and freedom to run hard through any environment and over any obstacle. The aim of our footwear is to keep the foot close to the ground so that runners can feel and adapt to the terrain beneath them. We offer a range of soles and cushioning. Each shoe provides the optimum grip and comfort for the terrain — from road to rocks, mud to sand, the mountains to the box.

Tags: chris davis, inov-8, spartan race

by Pat Guyette, Spartan HQ Staff

Since mid-2011, Spartan Race’s main military partner has been the Air National Guard.

A countless number of our obstacle racers are military veterans and thousands of them are Airmen.  We could not be more proud to align our brand with such a courageous group of Americans!

If you are a Spartan Race finisher, chances are you have been face-to-face with ANG’s logo, as you were attempting to successfully complete the traverse wall obstacle.  Some of you, whether racing or spectating, have competed in the Air National Guard Pull-Up Challenge – the most popular festival challenge at our events.  All of you, have undoubtedly said “thank you” in one way or another to our military for keeping us safe.

If you’ve enjoyed the challenges a Spartan Race course offers, you might be surprised to find out that most of these challenges correlate to and help prepare you for real life situations. None of these challenges are more real or more humbling, than what Darrin Kesler encountered in his most recent deployment in Afghanistan.

The following is the transcript of an interview I had with SrA (Senior Airman) Darrin Kesler, who is a TACP recruiter based in Peoria, IL.

PG: I’d like to start off by saying thank you for serving. A huge percentage of our athletes are veterans and we have a great appreciation for our armed forces.

DK: No problem. My pleasure.

PG: Great. So, where are you based out of?

DK: Peoria, IL Air National Guard Unit.

PG: Is that where you grew up?

DK: Yes I grew up right here.

PG: I’m interested to know, at what point in your lifetime… what was the defining moment where you said to yourself  ”I want to join the military”…

DK: I was working as a welder for Caterpillar. I had already went to college and done that. Working at Caterpillar became really monotonous and I missed the team-like atmosphere that you have in school and playing football your whole life, and so I just decided one day that I needed a challenge, and went to a local recruiter and he said  TACP would be the thing for me.

PG: What is a TACP?

DK: A TACP stands for Tactical Air Control Party. They facilitate the use of airpower through the Air Force and Army. They are going to be the liaison between the Air Force and Army to direct air power; whether it is for calling in an airstrike, or for recon purposes, or surveillance purposes, anything like that. Anything with a plane in the sky we are going to direct the ground commander how to use that power.

PG: Spartans train really hard to get ready for their race as does the military to get ready for war. What are the fitness requirements to become a TACP?

DK: Right, yes. We have our own minimum standard to get into the career field and that’s called the PAST test, physical agility and stamina test. Things that are required are a mile and a half run in 10 minutes and 47 seconds, 40 pushups in two minutes, 48 sit ups in two minutes, and then there’s a 6 pull up minimum you have to meet, palms facing out, no kipping or anything like that. And then there’s a ruck march. If you aren’t familiar with rucking it’s essentially putting a book bag on your back with about 50 pounds and walking a 15 minute mile pace for about 4 miles.

PG: I don’t know if you are aware, but the Air National Guard is our Pull Up Challenge partner in every festival.  It’s the same rules, palms facing out, no kipping. That challenge is to see how many pull-ups you can do in one minute, so my question to you is how many pull-ups can you do in one minute?

DK: I can probably do about 20. 20 correct pull ups, if I cheat I little bit I could get about 30 or so, but 20 good ones.

PG: In the Air National Guard you can work part time and work other jobs while stationed domestically right? So what are Air Guardsmen’s main duties while stationed domestically?

DK: We have tons of career fields. So from working on an aircraft turning wrenches, or you want to fly on an aircraft, those opportunities are available. Or if you want to be a policeman or a firefighter, we have those opportunities available also. Maybe you want to work behind a desk and do you know logistics, intelligence, course readiness, personnel, we have all those kind of jobs also. So in any direction you are going in the outside world we will have something that correlates. Maybe not exactly, but something that’s going to be interesting for you to do for 2 days a month.

PG: So a really wide scope of jobs.

DK: Right, yes.

PG: So is it pretty safe to say that whatever their job is now they could find a similar position in the Air Guard?

DK: Something similar, yes. Like if you are out working in fashion design or something we probably we won’t have something for you there.

PG: Yeah, you guys buy all your clothes from one supplier right?

DK: Yup, it’s already pre-determined, so…

PG: Now, you recently got back from a deployment?

DK: Yeah, I got back in April 2011.

PG: Where were you deployed?

DK: I was in eastern Afghanistan.

PG: Obviously war is very real and it’s an integral part to protecting the rights and freedoms of the civilians of our great nation. During your deployment, when did the reality of war first really hit you?

DK: Pretty much as soon as we got there. We had to go to what’s called a COP, a combat outpost. We had to take helicopters, that was the only way to get there. So upon arriving they said “Hey there’s a mission going on here, and we are pretty much dropping you guys off and we don’t know if it’s going to be a hot LV or not.” And of course coming there for the first time, you really only know what you see in the movies, and it’s definitely different than that. When you are initially landing in the enemy zone there, it really gets real for you for a minute there.

PG: And what were your interactions with the locals like while you were deployed?

DK: Yeah we would talk to the locals. That wasn’t my main specific duty, but while out on patrols I always enjoyed talking with the kids, helping them out, and giving them stuff, and just seeing what they had to say. They were always asking questions. They were pretty smart, you know, I remember talking to one specific kid, and they don’t really keep track of age in years over there, but he would be like what we could call 7 or 8. And he was doing college level algebra, in his head, because he didn’t have a pen or paper. So one of the most wanted items there is a pen. Every kid wants a pen because a pen is a sign of wealth. So all the kids are wanting “Pen, pen, pen, pen”. Pen or chocolate. So they’re always asking for “a pen or a chocolate”.

PG: So did you always keep pens with you?

DK: Oh yeah. And you would get swarmed. Once you gave out one pen or one chocolate you’d get literally swarmed by kids. Once one kid comes out thirty kids come out. It was a good time, we had some fun.

PG: Awesome, so I see some similarities in that story to Spartan Race. Spartan Race is all about creating friendships and utilizing teamwork by helping out others on the course that you may not know, when they are in need. Can you tell me about your experience in Basic Training and where you see the similarities with running a Spartan race in terms of teamwork and bonding while going through a challenging experience?

DK: Sure yeah. I guess an example that correlates pretty much hand in hand is the obstacle course in basic training. Having the background that I have, I’m fairly athletic and like to think that I’m in shape and can do all of this stuff. So I’m starting out on the course and passing people and I’m running and doing my own thing. Come to find out there’s parts on the course where you need assistance. You know what I mean? You know you can’t climb this wall or you can’t do that all by yourself. So I learned real quick that this is a team exercise as opposed to an individual exercise. So, it seems like exactly how Spartan Race is. I was watching videos yesterday, and I remember the wall. People covered in mud and trying to get up that wall and they can’t get over by themselves, so whoevers on the other side has to lend you a hand to help them over. It’s the same thing.

PG: Spartan Racers have to overcome 20-30 obstacles on the course. What was the biggest physical obstacle you had to overcome in the battlefield?

DK: The hardest thing that we did was, we had a mission where we had to climb this mountain that was supposed to take two hours and ended up taking nine and a half hours. We were supposed to be up there for only 2 days, which of course got extended. So we didn’t really have water for one and a half to two days. So that was one of the harder things, you know, ten of us sharing and combining resources, to save enough energy for the trip back down in the coming days.

PG: At Spartan Race courses we have aid stations, and it never fails, every time we always have suggestions that there needs to be more aid stations out there. More water, more food for energy. It kind of prepares them for the real life experiences like you were thrown into, where you just have to kinda, dig deep.

DK: Dig deep, and push it through.

PG: Are you excited to run the Midwest Spartan Race with your fellow airmen October?

DK: I am. I didn’t get to do it last year so I’m excited to do it.

PG: Last year it was 3 mile sprint, and this year it’s a super, so its 8 miles. Should be a great challenge for you guys. Do you know we are notorious for a 400ft plus barbed wire crawl, sometimes up steep hills. Are you ready for that?

DK: I didn’t know that, but I’m up for the challenge.

PG: Obviously you missed your family and friends while deployed, but what is one small thing you have while home that you may have taken for granted and missed while away?

DK: Shower.

PG: Hot shower?

DK: No, just a shower at all. Like a working shower. Not pouring Dasani bottles over my head or a baby wipe shower, you know?

PG: Do you have any kids?

DK: I do, and I’m surprised you can’t hear her crying. Yeah I have one, she’s 5 months

PG: So she’s a little too young for our Jr. Spartan…

DK: Yeah a little bit but she’ll be doing it for sure. She’s a motivated one. She’s in her bouncy seat right now trying to jump as high as can be.

PG: What’s her name?

DK: Mallory.

PG: And she’s 5 months, so we’ll be on the lookout in about 4 years for Mallory’s name on the leaderboards for the kids event.

DK: You got that right.

PG: So I just have a couple of more questions, I don’t want to keep you all day. What would you like to say to Spartan Racers who are on the fence about joining the military, and why the Air National Guard is a great choice to consider?

DK: Well, for the most part, Spartan Race is a great challenge for one day or a weekend. They get to challenge themselves, and enjoy challenging themselves, for however long it takes them to navigate through the course. Then it’s over. The Air National Guard will challenge you every single day.

PG: The Mid-west Spartan Race is an 8 mile course, with 25 or more obstacles. Any predictions on what your finishing time will be?

DK: Oh I don’t know. What’s a good time? I know that one guy that does all of them and wins them all, he’s pretty much a beast. What is a good time for him?

PG: Hobie Call, yeah, he’s an animal. Each course is different but he usually finishes supers in 40-60 minutes, a good 5 to 10 minutes faster than his closest competitor.

DK: Well it may be a stretch, but I’ll set my sights on that range. I have a feeling though, that I’ll be stopping to help out others on the course, so that may slow me down a little bit.

PG: Thank you very much for your time, and again, for helping to defend our nation.

DK: My pleasure, and I’ll see you in Illinois in October.

If you’d like to find out more about what the Air National Guard has to offer, check out www.goang.com, or call 1000-To-Go ANG to talk to a local recruiter today.

Tags: Air National Guard, chicago, spartan race

by Carrie Adams

Team Braveheart, Staten Island 2011

Since the arrival of Spartan Races on the scene in 2010, we’ve been grateful to hear from our racing community on how Spartan Races are changing lives and inspiring those who take on the challenge.  More and more participants are choosing to take on our races in teams.  Inspiring one another not just on the race course but in training for the upcoming races.  One our our 2012 partners, Gaspari Nutrition, features a team known as Team Braveheart that is led by a very special woman, Jen Rosant.  Jen Rosant brought her team to Staten Island in 2011 and plans on returning to several Spartan Races with her incredible team.  They exemplify the Spartan spirit, never giving up, never leaving one another behind, and committing to much more than just one race, but a lifestyle of getting off the couch and getting out on the course.

Rosant said of their Staten Island experience, “On September 24^th 2011, Team Braveheart confronted Sparta in Staten Island, NY.  The Super Spartan challenged us, exhausted us and changed our lives! In the end, our hearts felt ripped out but there was nothing like the feeling of VICTORY and honor to wear the Spartan Finisher Medal! The Spartan Race has energy about it unlike any other competition.  Here you could truly find the meaning of your strength, your courage, your beliefs and most of all YOURSELF!  Team Braveheart’s goal is to motivate the world while The Spartan Race is taking over the world! (A great match) Bring on the fire, mud and insane obstacles- “The hotter the battle the sweeter the victory.”

We are proud to have such motivated and inspiring individuals coming to our courses time and time again in search of the Spartan finish line!  You can read Jen’s blog HERE about all Team Braveheart’s adventures!

You can also check out Gaspari’s sponsored WOD’s every Monday night on our blog and on FB!

Tags: Gaspari Nutrition, super spartan staten island, team braveheart

If there were a shoe company to embody the Spartan code- it would be inov-8.  That is why we chose them as the official shoe sponsor of Spartan races, and why they chose to sponsor us. Everything inov-8 does is designed to celebrate the grit and glory of the committed athlete. And inov-8 knows that real Spartan competitors are committed athletes. Rugged, determined, and aggressive: these are the Spartan of shoes!

inov-8 shoes handle even the most extreme, muddiest obstacles like a Spartan. The traction and flexible sole of the shoes help with climbing and gripping slippery surfaces. The secure fit and light weight design allow you to move quickly and feel assured that you won’t be leaving your shoe behind in a pile of mud.  The highly breathable mesh upper allow mud and water to drain, so you aren’t sloshing around in your shoes while running through the course. inov-8 has a line of over 25 trail shoes for different terrain and experience levels, with a whole new trail series releasing later this summer. inov-8 makes award winning trail shoes and you can bet you can win some Spartan awards wearing inov-8s.

Inov-8 is giving away a pair of Roclite 285s to a lucky winner who tells their friends they’re ready for the adventure by “liking” inov-8 on Facebook and by sharing this Spartan Race post on their own wall.

Finisher medals are getting even better. Yes, it’s possible.

Nothing is more personal than the sweat and pain that go into earning a Spartan finisher medal.  So we decided that we wanted to give you the ability to personalize yours.

This is why at the Georgia Spartan Sprint this weekend we will be unveiling the new iTab system for Spartan Race finisher medals.

Your finisher medal tells a story that began when you decided to get fit and change your life till when you crossed the finish line a changed person.  iTab will help you document this journey with your ability to emblazon your medal with your finishing time and other info unique to your race.

As racers we understand the importance of a finisher medal in a way that our friends might not get.  We know you get it.

See you at the finish line.

Tags: finisher, itab, medals, Spartan

by Carrie Adams

In 2012, Spartan Race is giving you yet another reason to get dirty. We’re excited to announce our rad new sponsor; Dial® for Men. Over the course of the 2012 season, Dial will make it their mission to aid you in your quest for filthy glory. Not to mention, aid in cleaning you up afterwards.

Not sure how to get started? We’ll make it easy for you. In honor of our of our new friends at Dial® For Men and their never-ending mission to keep you clean, we give you the five steps to becoming a master of mud.

1. Find a Spartan Race. There are 36. Here’s the website: www.spartanrace.com. Get your friends, gather around a computer or your smart phone and get signed up. Teams save some green when they sign up together so the bigger the better. (Plus, scaling an 8 foot wall by standing on your boyfriend’s/boss’s/brother’s/wife’s back is way more fun.) Size matters, and the largest teams are winning big in 2012.

2. Sign up. If you don’t sign up, it will cost you. More cash for one thing, the earlier you register the cheaper the cost. It will also cost you your bad ass card. Spartan up, and register. You won’t regret it. Training starts now. Get our WOD’s to help you get ready. Free to your inbox every night.

3. Show up. You did the hard part by signing up and training hard. Now it’s time to have fun. Have you seen the obstacles? Fire jumping, spear throwing, wall climbing, barbed wire, mud pits, bucket carries… toe the line and run like hell.

4. Never Give Up. When you’re halfway through the course and your lungs are burning and your legs are cramping, just think about the bragging rights! Think of the story you’ll regale your co-workers with Monday morning around the water cooler, medal hanging from your neck. And you’ll have photographic evidence. ALL DIGITAL PRINTS ARE FREE IN 2012. That’s right. All your muddy, mucky Spartan glory will be immortalized forever on film in high resolution. So find that finish line.

5. Clean Up. With Dial® For Men supplying the soapy goodness, men and women alike will be squeaky clean in no time post-race and showing off your battle scars. Nothing hotter than a chick with a barbed wire scratch or a guy with a bruise the size of a dinner plate on his back.

2012 is the year to get dirty.

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Dial® for Men brand is thrilled to sponsor Spartan Race in 2012 as a part of our continued support of muck masters around the country in their quest for muddy glory. With products engineered to deliver the cleanest clean this side of anywhere, we have no doubt that we can combat the toughest grime the obstacles of Spartan Race have to offer. So carry on Spartan warriors: Get Your Dirt On. We’ll Get It Off.®

Find Dial for Men on Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/dialformen

Tags: aspirational dirty, Dial for Men, muck masters, team racing