Facebook Pop Up
- Karissa Duda
- Aug 21, 2018
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 3, 2018
Today, my Facebook had a pop up with a picture from a year ago! It was a picture of Casey and I running the Spartan Stadium Sprint at Dodger Stadium. This was our first Spartan ever and what started the madness.
I figured I would go over a bit of a reflection of the last year and what I have learned.
1. Setting a goal is extremely important for self-improvement and self-reflection
I decided to complete a Trifecta this year. Following a couple Spartan races, I learned that I can produce results if I work at it. I surely put time and effort into my practice and hired a personal trainer once a week but the other 6 days of the week I expect myself to be thoughtful and intentional.
2. Setting small goals helps you get to an even greater goal.
I will complete a Trifecta for sure, however I also have also finished a Ragnar Race, timed my mile for the first time since Freshman year of highschool, and set myself up on a training program that has made me a better athlete every single day. I am about to sign up for an Epic race and probably a half marathan. There are so many possibilities when training. I don't want to limit myself, but also need focus. My intention is to become a better runner and get a burpee free Spartan race before the end of the year.
3. Stop saying I can't
I will use climbing the rope as an example. My first Spartan race, I said I could never get up a rope. Fast forward to two weeks after working our with a trainer at Fitness on Fire - I got up the rope. Now I can climb up a rope multiple times within a workout. That was a stepping stone to being able to jump over a wall, getting across the Olympus, hiking/running in altitude. I have overcome so many athletic abilities that I thought I couldn't but then DID!
4. Community is Life
Surrounding yourself with people that make your day brighter is essential to staying in the game. I have met SO MANY incredible individuals by being a part of a gym that cares about its people. I have also seen the incredible drive that people competing in races exhibit. If I did not find Spartan, I may still be sitting on the couch not driven by anything. I went about two years without caring about myself in college. I am so blessed to see my community kick butt day in and day out. I am elated to celebrate others successes while celebrating my own. It is the absolute coolest feeling!
5. Rest is beneficial
Sometimes rest sucks. You feel stoked to get outta bed and go get that workout done, go run that errand, or pack every event into one day. I have shown up to a workout, try to get across the multi rig and have no grip strength. I take a break and come back stronger than before. It is important to rest the mind, body and soul. You will come bad with fire. I promise.
What are some things you have learned from becoming a Spartan? I would love to hear!
Spartan racing has taught me that my mind controls everything. Even when I am pushed past the point of utter exhaustion, if my mind is strong, I can and will keep going. The second I start having negative thoughts is when I want to quit and when my body starts to give up. Spartan has also created a community for me. After graduating college and playing D1 soccer, I missed being a part of a team. Spartan has created that team environment for me and it pushes me to be a better athlete every day because I am constantly working towards a goal.