Spartan

This weekend, I got to run a Spartan Race for the first time in 18 months. As usual, I ran with my brother. We typically start the season with an easier warm-up race, such as the Citifield Stadion. However, that was postponed until November and we had to start with the 6.5-mile (yeah right, try 7.8-mile per my Garmin) Palmerton Super. The first mile was 1 mile straight up a 1000 foot ski run. At the top, we had to do a couple of obstacles, then come down the mountain, sometimes on some sketchy terrain due to the rain and the chosen path, and then some more obstacles. At this point, you are almost 3 miles into the race when you have to go back up the hill. This time it was in the woods. The climb was more suited for combat boots than for OCR sneakers. It was scary, but no injuries. Had to duck a few falling rocks though. It was a challenge, but we came out better for it.

The volunteers make the race. There are some that encourage you, some that work hard for you, and some that are just trying to complete their shift so they can get a free race. The best was the guy at the top of the mountain congratulating every racer, giving him or her a high five, and stopping to tell each racer how great they are was awesome. I need to create a job and hire him to great everyone who comes to work (or maybe I need to act more like him). The two guys in the parking lot were engaging, funny, and organized. (This was so much better than last time when it took over 35 minutes to park). I need to hire them too to move all of the buses, students, and staff members in the morning. Their efficiency, attitude, and cheerfulness made a difficult challenge positive. Everyone they interacted with smiled. All three volunteers passed the interview. 

Some of the volunteers at the water station were great. There had cups filled with water for every racer as they arrived at the station. Their areas were clean, and they were able to answer the racers’ questions while providing motivation. At other stations, there were long lines as each racer tried to fill their own cups, waiting until the volunteers got around to refilling the containers. It is hard to fill buckets with water when you are on the phone talking about how great it is that you are volunteering at a Spartan Race.

The worst was the bag check guy. At the end of the race, you show the bag check guy teh number onyour armband and the matching band and number on your bag or bucket. When I went to show him mine, he didn’t even look at the numbers. He just waved me on. My brother was fit to be tied when the guy just waved him along without even looking at his tag. My brother made us check our stuff right in front of the careless volunteer to make sure nothing was stolen. I do not think the volunteer got the meaning of our action.

The volunteers all got the same reward, but only some got my respect.

All in all, the race was a great success for me and my brother. We have a long way to go (me more than him), but we were better. The event was well organized and it was a nice start to the OCR season. Next Saturday’s 18-mile event over three races in one morning and early afternoon should be “fun”, but at least, it is on a flat course.