Let me tell you a little story about having to roll with the punches …
Last weekend I was ready and revving to go for my first Spartan Race in about seven years. I trained hard for this one, I was in the gym 5 days a week, trail running and my nutrition was on point. Even thought I wasn’t sure that I was ready — I was ready. And excited, I talked about it to every single person I could!
Race day came and I arrived early on site for a proper warm up — and to take photos and videos of the grounds of course!
I got to the starting line, wished the people around me good luck, we said three “Aroos” and we were off. I settled into a good pace right away and felt amazing. I was going to crush this thing.
First obstacle, 4′ wall ..easy peasy.
Tons of trail running .. felt great (I’m not a runner!).
Then came the second official obstacle .. 7′ wall. I’m only 5′ tall so I wasn’t getting over this thing on my own. Another racer was offering help over and I stepped on his back, he lifted before I was stable and POP — my knee popped and I went down. Holy Ef– that was some of the worst physical pain I’ve ever felt.
I thought I was done — out on the fricken second obstacle when I’d been working towards this for six freaking months. I was heart broken, frustrated, angry and scared.
After a few minutes I was able to stand and put a little weight on my leg, so I saw medic from there and they weren’t keen on me continuing on, but I had it wrapped up for more stability and carried on my way.
It was clear that I was no longer going to crush this race, but I dead set on crossing the finish line if it took all day.
This race was a tough one for me, incredibly humbling. I knew I had it in the bag but my body wouldn’t allow it, one simple slip up and it all went out the window.
This is a week ago now and I’m still down with the knee injury but I’m proud of myself for taking every little step forward. For completing every obstacle I was capable of and taking the penalties on the ones that I couldn’t. Burpees on one leg, limping through the penalty loops, I felt like an absolute ass at the time but I did it.
I was determined to earn my metal, not just to receive it.
Lesson of the story… life is going to throw some curve balls, but you just have to keep on and it’s ok if it’s not at the pace you hoped.
Little disclaimer: injuries are no joke — listen to your body. I pushed through on this one, but it’s still tbd if that was a good decision for my long term health. Stay safe out there friends!
-Crystal
