Do you wonder why so many people sign up to push their bodies through the physical and mental challenge of the Spartan Race? We asked a few in the Nourish Community about their experience and what made them sign up to do it!

Luke Wills: The Optimal Health Method

Why did you do sign up to do the Spartan race?
The Spartan Race was an end goal, a challenge and a test of my training. I have always liked the idea of running but always hated the practice. Signing up for the Spartan Race made me start running three times a week as I knew that I was going to have to run a long distance between the obstacles and it worked! I almost enjoy running now.

How was the experience?
Tough! Very tough. I wasnt expecting so many steep hills and such technical running terrain. It is definitely a challege in every sense. It challenges your mental fortitude, strength, agility and stamina. It felt very primal, I felt like I was on some kind of mission and even though it is a competition there was a lot of support and comraderie among the participants.

What did you learn?
I learnt that I still have a long way to go with my running and that my endurance in my legs is lacking. I need to work on more strength endurance exercises like high rep walking lunges and step ups and my obliques were on fire the days after from running with a log on my shoulder.
I also learnt that the Spartan Race is the perfect test for human performance. It really shows you all of the weak areas in your training and I look forward to the next race in May.”

Rebecca Lewis: Natural Running Coach and MovNat Trainer

What did you sign up to do the Spartan race?
My partner, Scott, signed us up, without me knowing, to help me prove to myself that I could reclaim my health and stamina enough to participate.
After discovering the year long struggle with severe asthma and immune issues was due to mould toxicity, I took the appropriate (holistic) action to heal myself. It worked!

How was the experience?
The experience was amazing! Fun and liberating…. A feel good, real life, challenge!

What did you learn?
I learned that we are way more capable than the story we tell ourselves. At one point I didn’t think I would have the lungs or the stamina to do something like this, but I was proved wrong!
Every obstacle and movement in the Spartan Race incorporate fundamental human movements. It’s a great outline for keeping your body in super condition for all round functional movement.

Carys Andersson-Jones: Bliss and Thrive

What did you sign up to do the Spartan race?
Having participated in several different obstacle course races before, I was so excited when I head Spartan was coming to Mallorca! We signed up straight away! I was excited to see how this franchise differed to the others, I had read that the obstacles required more strength training and it was not just another muddy race, I loved the idea of this! I love a challenge and knew that this race would push me!

How was the experience?
One word. Hilly!! Haha! Wow, what a challenge those hills were! The feeling of of pushing through leg pain and muscle fatigue is fun though! I ran the race with my husband and we had an awesome time together. I liked that the course wasn’t too busy so the line for most obstacles wasn’t too long. Over all it was an awesome day, with fun obstacles and a great atmosphere.

What did you learn?
I learnt about myself that I like to push my self, I learnt about me and my hubby, that we work well as a team, and I definitely learned to do more hill training!
I had a great day and am already thinking of the next one! I love when fitness can be fun and challenging and not always about body composition. Spartan and other races like it are a great non-aesthetic goal to have !

Jeff Harter: Chef Jeff Mallorca

What made you sign up to do the Spartan race?
I did the race to help me start training for the Half Iron Man.

How was the experience?
I had a blast!!

What did you learn?
I learned that I could of gotten a much better time instead of having so much fun.

Ali Von Moltke:  Fit and Fast

Why did you sign up to do the Spartan race?
I have been into Spartan Race for a while, it is a perfect way to stay motivated and train in the right way (functional training).

How was the experience?
The races were truely fantastic. It was perfectly organised, a very tough challenge and had a brilliant atmosphere. Mallorca is a stunning location and it is said it was one of the hardest race courses in Spain ever with a lot of elevation.

What did you learn?
I learnt that the most important aspect is to be a good sportsperson and a kind human being. Competitiveness is not the best way to live by as a perogative. Spartan is about teams, about helping each other and looking out for each other. If someone gets injured you stop and help whatever category you are running.  Comparing times is not the ultimate objective. Being part of a team means training together and supporting each other and the principle of our team is STRONGER TOGETHER. Spartan encourages good realtionships and familylife. Creating better human beings!

Rachel Shuckburgh: Simpy Pilates

Why did you do you sign up to do the Spartan race?

I had wanted to do a Spartan race for a few years but they were always on the mainland, so when I found out it was to be held in Mallorca I just had to sign up. And then I got my friends/clients who come to my classes involved too. Spartan races are the best obstacle mud races in the world.
I have done many flat races and one other mud race but this Spartan medal was the one I truly wanted.

How was the experience?
The experience was fantastic!! Something I will never forget. Plus doing it in a team with friends from my own studio made the experience even better.
I felt elated crossing the finishing line and immediately thought…I want to do another one..this time the longer race!
I felt proud of my team mates and myself.
We laughed, encouraged one another and made unforgettable memories.

What did you learn?
I learnt that my body  is amazing…something I already know in my line of work but something that never ceases to amaze me.Your mind is the muscle you need to train to keep going…your body is more than capable …if you put the training. ( well that’s what I told my team…:))

Pippa Davidson: Nourish The Guide

Why did you do the spartan race?
I needed a challenge and something to work towards. I went on a big hike with a group of friends and the exercise and fresh air must of gone to our heads! We made the decision that day to sign up and do it as a team.

How was the experience?
A challenge but super fun! My amazing team (which dropped from 6 to 3!) and all of the others taking part in the race made it what it was. I was amazed by the positive atmosphere and everyone making an effort to help and support each other.

What did you learn?

That we can do anything if we put our minds and enough hard work and dedication to it. A great trainer and team are also essential! I also learnt that I need to do some serious work on my arm strength!