I Train Like a Spartan...And What is VO2 Max Anyway?

Endurance races are grueling tests of grit, composure, mental toughness, ability to process fear and perhaps most importantly, of the hard word of preparation. They test your discipline and fortitude. The first one I did was in 2012 and it was a Spartan Super in Vernon, New Jersey. A 12 mile course at Mountain Creek (NJ's highest peak) with 35 obstacles including the 8 foot walls, Cargo Net climbs, Hercules Hoist, Tire Drag and on and on and on.  Although I certainly would describe myself as fit and athletic, I was perhaps a little overconfident going into the race. I didn’t vary my workouts much leading up to the race. And on race day, I strapped on my running shoes and took off.   I succeeded in finishing the race although not with the time my competitive self would have expected and with more pain and suffering along the way than was necessary.  Some of the obstacles were exceptionally difficult and let's just say I did a lot of Burpee's (the punishment when you fail to successfully complete an obstacle).  Although I completed most, I also became fairly proficient at Burpee's at that first race.  I walked away with my medal and banana determined to do better next time.  To come back stronger and better prepared the next time.

Of course this experience maps to the rest of my life – the times I have been the most successful and things have gone the easiest, are the times I worked the hardest in preparation. Winging it and relying on innate talent is not only cocky, it seldom leads to the best outcome in work or school.  So it's true for a Spartan race as well. Over the next nine months, I mapped the course, plotted the obstacles and changed my training program to account for each for each.  I increased my cardiovascular endurance from “above average” to “excellent” as measured by my VO2 Max units of mls of oxygen per kilogram of body weight per minute (ml.kg-1.min-1). I evaluated the best gear and the best sports nutrition products to have on hand before during and after the race. And it worked.  The following year although the course was somewhat different, I reduced my time by 30% coming in the top five for my age class. My next challenge is an indoor tri. For that my focus is now on improving my swim technique.

Training began last week.