(Part 2) Best products from r/spartanrace

I got a 70 oz Camelbak for my Super race and carried it again on the Beast. It was about $60 at the Academy store, and from my experience with it these past two races, held up very well. Cleanup was also easy, rinsing it with a hose to get the tougher dirt out and putting it in the washing machine was enough to make it presentable again.

Originally, I was concerned that it wouldn't be enough water for me on these longer races, but the water stations were a good enough supplement that I was never had to refill the bladder and still had some water left by the end. If you're not a big drinker, 70 oz should be enough for you.

As for snugness, this pack is well made to hug close to your body without being stifling. It didn't bounce around on me or ruined my running gait, and crawling over and other things, even on when I was on my back, was easy without it getting in the way. Just be sure to remember that you have to go down a just slight bit more than if you weren't carrying anything.

The one downside I have with this Camelbak model is that, since it's a basic model, it does not have much room for carrying anything else. The small zip pocket was only large enough to hold 3 small bottles of pickle juice, and it would be good for something as small as gels. If you prefer to carry a few more items, especially to sustain you during longer races, you'll still need your running belt along with this hydration pack.

Hope this helps!

This is what worked for me:

Go on amazon and buy some of these. I had cramps at every race but when I started drinking water with a tablet the day before and morning of race day I have not had a cramp since. My last cramp was late May 2018. Since then I have been through and Agoge, HH, 2 Sprints, 1 Super, 2 Beasts, 1 Ultra and SGX.

They work.

Nuun Hydration: Electrolyte Drink Tablets, Juicebox Mixed Flavor Pack, Box of 4 Tubes (40 servings), to Recover Essential Electrolytes Lost Through Sweat https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019GU4J56/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Y2BLBbMV7J0N1

-Pack your bucket with a duplicate of EVERYTHING on you for your first lap. Even down to the same brands, this will ensure you know your gear and can swap out quickly.

-Don't spend longer than 10mins at transition. It is easy to convince yourself to quit.

-Bring medic scissors to cut off socks if you plan to remove them for foot repair.

-Use Darn Tough socks. Since I switched in may I have not had a single blister even in wet conditions. They are cheapest in the festival area depending on how many you buy.

-Walk uphill, run on the straights and downhills.

-Train long distances and do a mock transition mid way. You will figure out with time what to carry on you. The first time you will carry more than you need, and after a few runs like this you will know the minimum you need to bring to make it though and save energy by not carrying extra stuff.

-Pack gear in a race vest I got the Solomon adv skin 5 and 12. I took both but the 5 is perfect for Ultras. There is a huge difference in carrying your water in a camelpak and wearing your water in a vest.

-Remove your pack to shed weight before obstacle attempts.

Welcome to the sport! I'll be doing the sprint version of that race with a friend (hes not ready for a Super haha).

Tips:

• If you care about time practice spear throw and rope climb before the race.
  
• Don't stand too close to the front, the timing mat is pretty sensitive. Last race I made sure to get in the front cuz I was going for time and never crossed over the mat but just being close it registered 30 start times and it took them a few days to fix my time.
  
• I like using a small belt with a pouch for any mid race nutrition but also serves as a good place to put your timing chip if the wrist strap breaks (has happened in half of my races when going over walls, I just started putting it in there to start with).
  
• Study the race map before hand and pay attention to where water stations will be so you know how much to consume.
  
• Pay attention to people doing the obstacles before you to learn from their mistakes or strategies.
  
• The later your start time the more in advance of your heat you need to get there for parking. Allot at least 30 min for parking, arrive >1 hr prior to your heat. Probably 1.5-2 hrs to be safe esp if you have afternoon heat as takes awhile for morning people to start leaving.
  
• Download offline maps for the area prior to going there, a lot of times cell service sucks and you might have a hard time using GPS to leave.
  
  I'll add more if I can think of it but don't stress too much your first time, just go out there and have fun. You'll learn at lot and hopefully have a blast!
  

I've had a GoPro Hero 4 Silver for a few years but just recently started using it for my last 3 OCRs.
I use a wrist mount (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L0X5ZW4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1). It's relatively easy to swivel the camera once attached to your wrist, 360 degrees, and it stays on and up through all the obstacles. You can even tuck it down flat against your wrist when you aren't actively filming because it can also rotate forward and back. Since the Hero 4 has a screen and a wrist mount allows you to actually see the LCD screen, you can also film teammates doing obstacles. I have no trouble taking it off as well, for when I wanted my fiance to film me throwing the spear. I've been pretty happy with this setup and would recommend it if you have a free wrist (I wear my Garmin watch on the opposite arm).

Edit:
Here are some photo examples from Video + Photo mode:

TM Log Carry

TM Electric Eel

SBeast Slip Wall

SBeast Bender

SBeast Bender

SBeast Z Wall

SBeast Barbed Wire

SBeast High Five

My training looks a bit different than the rest of the guys here. I am a more of a runner than anything else. I don't have the build most of the other guys have, I weight 160lbs, but it works for me. I run typically somewhere between 30-50 miles per week. I know there is a big variance there, but I'll do a few weeks of higher mileage, then scale it back for a week or two, then repeat. This worked for me for my ultra endurance running events and it works here too. The only difference is that when I am specifically training for a Spartan event, I add in body weight exercises 2-3 nights per week. Things like pull ups, burpees, planks, and variations really can take you far. I used this book to find and make a routine of body weight exercises.

The most important part is, you have to become the most mentally strong you can be. If you are mentally tough, you can finish this race today. During the log carry of the first lap, I said to myself, "I don't know that I want to go back out for a second lap." I talked myself into going to the transition area and taking it from there. I laid down, ate some salted potatoes (the best endurance food ever) changed my socks, and gave my legs a few minutes to rest. I was able to talk myself back into getting out there, and from there the rest was easy. This was my low point of the race and the only time I wanted to quit, but it happens to everyone nearly every race. Learn how to overcome this and you are golden right now.


Next up: NYC Marathon.

I just bought Under Armour ColdGear Armour Elements compression gear for the Lake Tahoe Beast. I chatted with a person at UA and told them that I needed compression gear that will keep me warm even if it was completely wet. They suggested the ColdGear Armour Elements compression gear. It was $65 for the long sleeve mock and $65 for the leggings.

https://www.underarmour.com/en-us/mens-ua-coldgear-armour-elements-mock/pid1280801

https://www.underarmour.com/en-us/mens-ua-coldgear-armour-elements-leggings/pid1280802-040

I'll find out in a week and a half how good they are and I can write you back if you would like. I've also heard really good things about Tesla Compression Gear on Amazon. It is pretty cheap compared to other compression brands.

https://www.amazon.com/TM-T32-PCK_3X-Large-Tesla-WinterGear-Compression-Baselayer/dp/B01N416OPX/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1505925812&sr=8-8&keywords=tesla%2Bmen%27s%2Bthermal%2Bwinter%2Bgear&th=1&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/TM-P33-BOZ-X-Large-Tesla-Wintergear-Compression-Baselayer/dp/B01M1CPSN5/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1505926021&sr=8-3&keywords=tesla+men%27s+thermal+winter+gear

Good luck!

Did it last year, going again this year. Really the main thing you need is comfortable clothes that don't hold water. They don't have to be waterproof, and you don't need super expensive compression gear. But they should not hold water. Basically avoid cotton clothing like the plague. A regular microfiber shirt will work. Light shoes that do good on trails. These dry up quickly, so they won't weigh you down. As well especially with the shoes, good shoes won't hold onto mud either. I can tell you from experience when I used to use "throwaways." When you have a shit pair that holds onto mud and water you're running with cinder blocks attached to your feet. It gets exhausting right quick.

Last years shoes I was wearing Reebok RealFlex 2.0 which are great on trails, great at not holding water/mud. But they absolutely suck on walls. They have 0 traction when trying to climb over a wall. I can't get a kick up from them, and that bites. This year I'm trying the Reebok Wild Trails because I got them on sale for about $55. Plus they look to be almost identical to the new Reebok Trail Supers designed in part by/for Spartan Race. Only without the water ports built in.

I've heard great reviews for shoes from Inov-8. I haven't used them so I can't recommend which exact one would do well. They do cost a bit more than your average Nike/Reebok trail shoe, but then again it's likely getting what you pay for (quality). After all it's your feet. If it separates you from the ground it is worth investing into. Shoes. Tires. Mattress. You'll thank yourself in the long term.

It will be the end of may/start of june. It will be warm. Like 85-90* warm. Was last year, all sun no clouds. And it will be on ski slope. Meaning mountainous/rocky terrain. Do not expect a mud pit for the barbed wire crawl. It will not be that nice. It will be crawling over rocks. I bought these and they have been a life savers on the knees for this obstacle specifically. I've worn them to Tough Mudder, a few Spartans, Savage Race, Warrior Dash, Superhero Scramble too probably I forget all the ones now. They are still holding up like new, same pair. They look like they won't do shit with how thin they are, but they are surprisingly great. I swear by them after the first couple years getting tired of bruised and cut up knees since here in the North East Every. Single. Event. Is up and down a damn ski slope with more rocks than dirt.

Also, the course is only about 4 miles. Save the weight and skip on the Camelbak if you were thinking of using one. There will be a water station or two, as well as one at the end.

Shit this got longer than I originally anticipated.

TL;DR - Wear clothes that don't hold water (so avoid cotton). Good shoes, again that don't hold water, is a solid investment. Expect a shitload of rocks compared to mud, it is on the side of a mountain. I recommend those kneepads but they aren't mandatory. It's only 4 miles, skip the hydration pack you'll be fine.

I own two:

MiR Airflow: This oneis my favorite. The material is very comfortable and you can put it in the washing machine. Downside, doesn't feel as durable as other vests. Time will tell.

Box Wighted Vest: This one is super compact, really feels like it's part of your body once you get it adjusted correctly. Also super well made. Downside: it's expensive AND you can't add weight to it.

Lock Laces are a brand, but there are similar alternatives. I just really like and rely on LockLaces because its what I know, ya know? They are no tie and use basically a clip to lock the laces into place. And the actual laces are a thick elastic so you can spot tighten where you want more support. So I make down near the toe box tighter, make them as loose as possible where the shoe is narrowest, and tighten it back up slightly at the top. Clip it, then tuck the overhang down under the zig zag.

Ill have to check out the Altras as well then. The grip on my Reeboks has mostly been ok, but on obstacles like Olympus, I feel like they're not so great. I can still get through but the grip isnt there. Slip walls have been fine. Downhill running has mostly been fine, but any slickness (mud or wet, soft grass) there is definitely some slippage

I've done 4 Spartan races - all sprints - but in a variety of temperatures and conditions.

I'm not about showing my junk either, so I go for a "superhero" style layering approach. Here's my go to gear:

• Tesla Long-Sleeve Compression Shirt: https://www.amazon.com/TM-T11-BKRZ-X-Large-Tesla-Compression-Baselayer-Sleeve/dp/B01MT5X19B/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492570859&sr=8-1&keywords=Tesla+Men%27s+Cool+Dry+Compression+Baselayer+Mock+Long+Sleeve
  
• Sub Sports long compression pants: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002VCPVHW/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
• Champion Performax running shorts with a rear zip pocket: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00S0JDCDU/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
• Mudgear compression socks (amazing!): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TSLYU5I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
• Ironclad Box Handler gloves: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004WZRJ/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
  For shoes, I've run 4 races and done lots of training in between in the same pair of Reebok Nano 4s. Not exactly specialized trail running/OCR shoes. But I just love their durability, foot protection, and their traction really shines on the climbing obstacles. I wouldn't mind upgrading but I just can't seem to wear this pair of shoes down! I expect they'll last at least another 4+ races.
  
  Picture of me rocking my gear: https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81Aw7uZaxOL.jpg

The ones at Dick's feel like they weigh you down because they're mostly made for biking. You'll find most of them have helmet straps. You want one that's made for trail running, like the Salomon ADV Skin 5L Set Hydration Vest. This is the one I use and I'm in love with it. Highly recommend. Ryan Atkins uses one of these.

I've been wearing these cheap ($40) ASICS trail running shoes. They don't provide any extra ankle support, but they have great traction. I can definitely tell the difference between them and road running shoes.

I would also add, bring electrolyte salt tablets with you to prevent leg cramps and guu packets/food in your running belt. Not so much of an issue in a Sprint since it's a short distance, but more of a concern in a longer race like Super or Beast. I like to set an automatic alarm timer on my Garmin to beep every 45 minutes to feed myself 200 calories and take 1 salt tablet. Never had cramps because of this strategy!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017O8EEAW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CQ7QDQA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1