Following on from my previous post Starting Your Spartan Journey: The Sprint, I wanted to introduce the squad I will be conquering the Spartan Sprint with on April 8th. They have never ran more then 5km, they aren’t your super fit elite racers you see so often, they are everyday people like you and I. The only difference is that they are willing to take that first step into the unknown, which is slightly unnerving, but damn right exciting. Lets see their thoughts on taking on the Spartan Sprint!
Cantara ‘Atlas Stone’ Armah
Introduce yourself
I’m Cantara, aka ‘Michael’s better half’ haha. I’ve seen him travel all over the country to complete different Spartan races for the past 2 years, yet I’ve never done anything like a Spartan. So now it’s my turn to get stuck in and give it a go!
My training mostly involves lifting weights in the gym. I’ve managed to build up some decent strength in my lower body, but my upper body is severely lacking. I’m hoping my leg strength will help me with obstacles like the Atlas Carry and Bucket Brigade but I’ll have to pray for help with anything involving upper body lol.
What are you looking forward to the most?
The atmosphere. With everyone tackling the obstacles no matter their ability, no matter their pace. I can’t wait to be in amongst the crowd, getting dirty and yelling ‘AROOO’. This will be my biggest challenge so far so it will definitely be an experience, that’s for sure!
What are you most apprehensive about?
The running between obstacles. Both Michael and Mary run regularly and I run, well, never. I’ve actually never run more than 5k before so I have no idea how I’m going to fare on the Spartan course. Michael has promised not to run ahead without me, so hopefully with him by my side I’ll be able to go the distance. Wish me luck!
What do you want to achieve from the Spartan Sprint?
Bragging rights lol. Michael has done soo many Spartan races and proudly hangs his medals in our bedroom, so I can’t wait to hang my medal and be able to say I’ve completed a Spartan race too.
Mary ‘Spear Throw’ Adeniran
Introduce yourself
I’m Mary, Michael’s sister. He has been telling me to try something like this for ages and I’m pretty happy that its finally happening! I have never done a race of any kind before, let alone an obstacle race. My training consists of going to the gym twice a week where I lift weights and a session of pilates for the extra strength and conditioning.
What are you looking forward to the most?
I am really looking forward to trying something brand new and pretty far removed from my everyday office life. I can’t wait to get really stuck into getting past the obstacles without having to complete any penalty burpees!
What are you most apprehensive about?
I’m apprehensive about wall climbing. I have never climbed over a small fence let alone an 8ft wall. I know that Michael will be there for the much needed leg up if I need it, or i’ll just stand on his shoulders anyway.
What do you want to achieve from the Spartan Sprint?
I would really like to test my stamina and strength in a way I have never done so before. My biggest achievement would be actually finishing the race and with this I hope to do a few more in the future.
I’m looking forward to seeing how we fare against the Spartan course on April 8th and I’m excited to be able to introduce both ladies to the world of Spartan racing for the first time. I encourage everyone to get out there and sign up for your first race and you never know, you might just love it enough to sign up to another. If you are still waiting to sign up go ahead and visit www.spartanrace.uk
Are you taking on your first Spartan Race this year? Are you facing the Sprint on April 8th? Comment below if there is anyone you would love to introduce to the world of Spartan. Enjoy and thanks for reading.
[…] in a race before and get them to try something for the first time despite nerves or fears. In a previous post (go and meet them first) I introduced you to two ladies who were up for a challenge, not […]