Beast 21k – Saturday Sep. 16, 2023
My first trip to the Snohomish-area for a Spartan was surprisingly NOT a mountain goat event as one might expect that close to the mountains. The event did, however, make use of the inclines and during the Beast, specifically challenged runners along the river’s edge and the ankle-turning rocks that taxed your concentration and legs as you made sure of your footing.
The dryness of the area resulted in no fire jump; however, it also limited the mud accumulation on many of the obstacles during the Beast portion. This came as an advantage to completing the Z-Wall since the foot holds maintained a grip-able edge unlike the Z-Wall at Colorado Springs which was mud-packed into a slippery slant. My grip has improved a bit as I was able to cruise through Beater for the first time in quite a while and The Box was conquered after suffering through the Colorado Springs penalty hike up the hill at my previous Beast. My troublesome Multi-Rig and Road to Sparta continue to be an issue for my grip. (Losing a few more pounds would help!). I had considered tackling the Sprint following the Beast Saturday afternoon, however, I tapped out to rethink my Sunday approach.
Super 10K – Sunday Sep 16, 2023
Jumping into the Competitive Wave to start my Sunday morning, the soreness of the day before worked itself out surprisingly quickly and I felt pretty good for most of the race. I got a little over-confident on Beater, after having no issue the day before, however I didn’t get a solid grip on the second beater and fell off during transition. Frustrating! The Olympus and Road to Sparta climbers’ grips are still an issue which I’m going to resolve by buying some of those to practice with and get the muscle memory mind connection solid. Finished 15th in my age group with very little true running taking place. I am actively trying to learn how to trail run and build endurance in my 50’s…not the easiest task!
Sprint 5K – Sunday Sep 16, 2023
An extended wait to get my packet for the Sprint, meant some tightening up took place, especially in the hip flexors and calves. Finally getting the packet and jumping back into the corral, I was off to complete my Trifecta weekend on Sunday afternoon. The dryness had the trails pounded into a sugary-powder dirt by now, which meant a higher need to focus on the hidden river rocks buried in 2-3 inches of the powdery fluff just waiting to snap an ankle. Did I mention the blackberry bush thorns? Ya, much of the trails cut through thorn bushes that grabbed you at inopportune times and during the open waves, I had to be a bit careful of the people in front of me as some of those branches would come whipping back as others passed by.
A little over an hour out on the course and I was finished with my second trifecta of 2023. A satisfying finish that I was able to share with my girl Jen, who was attending the festival area for her first Spartan. We also got to hang with some great racers from around the country staying at an AirBnB in Duvall.
Next race that I have planned – WORLD’S TOUGHEST MUDDER in Granbury, Texas. Will be my first Tough Mudder ever.