Race: Spartan Beast
Runner: Coach Jenny Windham
Race Date: 10/22/2022
Location: Granbury, TX
Results: 5:35:39
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
Running with friends, the Spartan Community, the beautiful weather.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
The terrain was very technical between cactus, hills & rocky creek crossings. Blisters, learning lesson that I should size up 2 next pair of trail shoes.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Of all my past runs, this one I took a small tumble. Nothing serious, just more proof that muscles and brain fatigue despite the best fueling, hydration & training strategies.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I appreciated running with workout friends, and seeing our hard work paying off as we passed others who were having to rest, and some who could barely walk due to leg cramps. Giving our all at the obstacles was a mental exercise trying to prioritize how much energy we had just then vs what was ahead. My husband had fuel/HR issues, so we kept track and that’s the nice thing about this Community is you know they’ll take care of you even if your friend or family isn’t there. Our 63yr trainer friend was in the lead, and seeing him be able to complete a course he had previously dismissed was the ultimate inspiration!
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Bring more than what you think you’ll need in the way of layers, gear, fuel & hydration. There’s a free bag check, and I leave a combo of things there as well as the truck. If you can’t carry it on course, at least you’ll have it as soon as you finish. Enjoy the Community and atmosphere. Having FUN is the biggest part, no matter if you’re in a Competitive or Open wave.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
The course and obstacle order change every race, and I had brought liquid chalk for the first time. It was nice having it, but ended up not needing it. Each obstacle uses a different type of strength, so until you reach them, it takes quick assessment of mind and body. Pause to watch a few others and see how they fare. There’s no practice attempts, so don’t rush getting in line. I also bring a thin biking glove for things like the plate drag, Hercules hoist, rope climb. Some things are easier when you have more feeling though, especially that require precision. We had the sun in our eyes a couple of times, not much you can do except check your view with and without sunglasses. I always tell myself to watch my footing and pick up my feet, but you have people passing, so I would say my ultimate lesson is try to stay focused.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
Anything goes. Be prepared mentally and physically for a chilly start, wind, blazing sun, stop to rest in the shade if possible. One year they brought water in to make the ENTIRE course a big mud trail. The earlier you can start, the better for many reasons. Allow extra commute time for parking, and registration/portalet/bag check lines. Shop when you first arrive for merchandise, if desired, there’s no crowd and you can stuff it in your bag check.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
It was this year, but last year was at a nearby ranch with much more flat and sunny switchback lanes. This year we had longhorn cattle, goats & horses. Also a very scenic pond area. Much more hilly this year, but those always bring such inspiration with the reward of the view at the top. This year, there was more cactus and rock than dirt or grass.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
For sure! It’s designed to be. This is the longest of the Trifecta, 13ish miles. The shorter ones are less intense, but they reserve the biggest WOW factors for the Beast. They will combine several tough obstacles in a short section, then have long stretches of running and hills. Sometimes they combine a tough obstacle like 40lb sandbell carry up and down a steep hill. I stopped comparing one race to another, they vary so much. I had planned to do the Ultra, which is 2 loops of this Beast race, but had unexpected BP issues in April so decided to wait until all clear with that. I wasn’t able to train as intensely so am keeping it on my goal list for when the time is right.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
These races are historically top notch in everything from registration to volunteers to staff. There are others in my area I won’t even consider due to less organized or safety measures in place. I have personally witnessed several medical instances and their quick response, as well as participants, which are impressive and appreciated. It’s a family affair, with kids runs, spectators and vendor/festival activities.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
This is for sure the Elite and Age Group waves. Internationally known, super inspiring. I did an Age Group race in June for the first time, and did well though definitely wasn’t in podium reach. Open class is most inspiring and enjoyable for me personally, not only because you can start a bit late of your wave time if needed, and can join with friends of all different fitness levels/ages/etc.
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
The best deals are planned out. You can volunteer and earn a free race code. You can buy a Trifecta pass, if you know you’re wanting to do a Sprint (5K), Super (10K), and Beast (21K). Otherwise, you can signup individually and just check for Groupons, which may only apply for afternoon waves. People enjoy traveling as a destination race, so you get to meet folks from all over.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
There are water, water fill stations & someties Gu or Honey Stingers, just depends on that year’s sponsors. These are listed on the course map in advance.
Weather and typical race conditions
TX weather changes often, these courses typically have water and mud. The MC will give a good race report at the start line too.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
My preferences are a water pack with pockets for fuel, chapstick, sunblock, eye drops & my phone in a ziplock bag. Some people don’t carry water, but I like the freedom to add an electrolyte or in this case I used my performance fuel the entire way and supplemented with water at the aid stations. I also added 2 gels for extra stamina at miles 5 and 9. Some sort of sun protection like a hat, gaiter, arm sleeves, thin leggings or hiking/compression socks. Definitely trail shoes pay off for the terrain, mostly steep muddy inclines when you could have a sandbag or bucket in your grasp as well.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
It lasts 5+ hours, so knowing that ahead of time is helpful between meals at food trucks, watching others compete, start or finish. In this case, you could also walk the grounds and look at the longhorns and some ranch buildings. Some race distances are usually combined, so there’s always something going on. The Spectator pass is $20 race day, but if you know in advance you’ll need it, you can request a free one with your registration. I also pick a few top restaurants in the area ahead of time, as there could be long lines at the food truck, or even at the first stop with others refueling.
How’s the Swag?
The tees are top quality, but sizing is running small this year. You receive a medal with a detachable piece that fits in a display plaque. You can buy individual coins for each location if you like, get a patch, tshirt, tank, hat, decal or sticker. The merchandise tent has shoes you can try on. With a Trifecta pass, you get a $50 merchandise credit. You also will receive a recovery drink, water and some snacks or banana. This year was water, a banana, protein bar or fruit bar. Always a good variety. There are also official photos, so a nice variety to get just one or 2 things each time until you know you have a particular goal race etc you want to commemorate.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
5 for sure, and YES! Don’t be as intimidated as I was to just get out there are see what you can do! I still can’t do every obstacle, but I do my burpees or penalty loop and move forward. You’ll meet tons of friendly participants who love talking strategy and motivation.
Jenny Windham is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about her or to work with her, check out her coach profile.