This past weekend I had a bittersweet moment. I became a finisher in the 2021 Spartan Ultra: A 30+ mile, 60 obstacle race. It only took 10.5 hours. It was a sweet feeling because I finally completed all of the Spartan races. It was bitter because I had completed all of the Spartan races. Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) changed me, and I wouldn’t be the same person without it. I like the idea of continual growth; the idea of getting slightly better, all of the time. To do that, you have to constantly be pushing yourself to your absolute limit. It is at your breaking point where you find out a little something about yourself. OCR, especially Spartan races, are perfect for finding your breaking point. Each race is longer and has more obstacles than the last. Each race demands more, both physically and mentally. The course can be brutal, but also creates an opportunity to test your character, build camaraderie, and have a new appreciation for teamwork. Spartan races also bring out your primal skills, and give a small glimpse into how tough your ancestors had to be to survive. Finally, there is satisfaction. Knowing you completed something incredibly difficult and having the weight of the medal around your neck gives rise to a very satisfying feeling. That is the feeling of growth.
“If you do what’s easy, your life will be hard. However, if you do what’s hard, your life will be easy.” ~ Les Brown
