Spartan Aragon

Tuxedo NY Spartan Sprint
June 1st, 2nd, 8th 2013

(Part I)

It has been a Spartan filled weekend followed by a second serving. Crawling, jumping, climbing, pulling, and pushing onward to the finish line. Many Spartans were tested mentally, physically, and even emotionally. As a Spartan Group X Coach and Spartan Street Team member it is both an honor and a privilege to be a part of the Spartan Race mission of making better humans. In Tuxedo NY I was able to witness minds and bodies change from what they believed was personally possible to what a human being is truly capable of.

As many didn't know up until Saturday June 8th, I had twisted and sprained my ankle working the muddy walls helping Spartan after Spartan over the obstacle on Saturday June 1st (not even my wife knew). I knew I was going to pay with pain for it later, but I had hoped later then the 8th, I was wrong. After working the walls for 8 - 9 hours followed by doing a course sweep (another 3 ½ hours) my ankle had swelled up slightly and every step I took was a sharp stab. I was already set to take a group through the grueling course the following day, Sunday June 2nd, so I went home, ate, massaged it, put on an ankle support, took aspirin and off to bed for some rest. Come that Sunday morning I had told myself to forget the pain and SPARTAN THE @#%$ UP! The one quote from the movie 300 kept repeating in my head,

“Spartans never retreat! Spartans never surrender! No retreat, no surrender. That is Spartan law.”

Now let’s give you a quick scenario before I continue my double Spartan weekend. If you were in a car accident that landed you and your loved ones off the road down a steep 3 mile down hill with no phone or visibility to others and it looks like everyone has sustained serious to fatal injuries, would you, injured, but capable of moving, race to the top of that hill to seek help? Well the answer depends on how ready and confident of a person you are, and how determined you are to save your family.

I was confident in my capabilities and knew that the group was going to take their time going through the hilly 4.5 miles, 25 obstacles course and I was determined to get them to the finish line. As long as I remained cautious in my steps I would be fine. So on we went using will power, strength, determination, and team work. We all got through it and made it to the finish line to collect our well earned shields. Everyone in the group was so motivated and determined; I was watching the transformation right before me. Their will-power, perseverance, stamina and determination were all tested and were all conquered! I’m so proud of them!