Team Nova Completes Spartan Race
On October 20, 2024, Blue Mountain in Ontario set the stage for a Spartan Race which is an obstacle course challenge, pushing participants through a series of obstacles that demanded crawling, jumping, and climbing their way to the finish line.
Three of our Nova coaches - Zack, Colin, and Tyler - along with members Steve, Bonar, Jeremy, and Suzanne, proudly represented us. For everyone but Bonar, it was their first Spartan Race, so they tackled the 5K distance. Bonar, a dedicated Spartan enthusiast, completed the demanding 21K course!
Congratulations to our Spartan finishers! We’re incredibly proud of their achievements. Here’s what they had to say about their race experiences. We hope their words inspire you to take on a challenge, whether it’s a Spartan Race or another goal that pushes you outside your comfort zone.
NOVA: How did you prepare for the Spartan race - were there any specific exercises or techniques that helped the most?
ZACK:
“I was dealing with knee pain which limited my ability to do any intense training to prepare for the event. My workouts were focused on trying to improve my hip rotation and get my glutes active so my body would be able to get through all of the impact of the obstacles.”
COLIN:
“To prepare for the Spartan Race, I focused on hill training, circuit training (targeting upper and lower body, metabolic conditioning, and core), and a lot of grip work—such as farmer's carries, hanging holds, and deadlifts. These exercises built strength and endurance essential for the race.”
JEREMY:
“I didn’t do anything specific. I just have my regular routine of training at Nova and running outside of the gym. I’ve done a bunch of triathlons so my base level was totally fine to handle the 5k Spartan race.”
NOVA: Looking back, is there anything you would change or add to your training regimen?
ZACK:
“I would do more intensive grip strength work and more hill intervals for running / walking.”
TYLER:
“I decided to do the race at the last minute so I didn't get to really train specifically for it. Next time I would definitely train more cardiovascularly and do hill climbs!”
JEREMY:
“Running hills and more grip strength work!”
NOVA: What was the most challenging obstacle, and how did you tackle it?
ZACK:
“I am terrified of heights. So the pyramid net climb was a big hurdle for me to overcome. I slightly panicked at the top but I took my time and trusted in my strength that I could get over the wall without falling!"
COLIN:
“The most challenging obstacle was the 16-foot rope climb. I tackled it with a simple approach, pulling myself up hand over hand until I reached the top.”
TYLER:
“By far the most challenging was the initial hill climb. 2/3rds the way up my quads completely ran out of gas and I was crawling up. Had to take a few breaks after that. Probably one of the hardest physical challenges I've ever done.”
JEREMY:
“The opening climb - I just put my head down and kept going.”
NOVA: How did you stay motivated and focused throughout the race?
ZACK:
“Running with fellow Coaches was a great way to stay motivated. When others struggled I helped them and when I was struggling I could count on them for motivation and support.”
COLIN:
“Throughout the race, I stayed motivated with Zack and Tyler running alongside me. I also didn’t take it too seriously, and only focused on giving my best at each obstacle.”
TYLER:
“I completed it with Zack and Colin as a team. I didn't want to drag them behind or not be able to complete the race without them.”
JEREMY:
“I ran with my wife Suzanne so it was all about teamwork. When you are part of a team it’s harder to quit.”
BONAR:
“Completing the 21K Spartan Race was more challenging than I anticipated. Beyond the physical demands, it required significant mental endurance. After a few hours, that inner voice urging you to quit becomes louder, and overcoming it is one of the toughest parts. I’m glad I pushed through and finished.”
NOVA: What’s the biggest lesson or take away you gained from completing the race?
ZACK:
“I’m just amazed at Bonar - he’s a machine for doing the 21k Spartan race whereas I did the 5k!”
COLIN:
“Biggest lesson was to pace myself and push through the physical and mental fatigue, especially on the hill climb.”
JEREMY:
“The biggest takeaway from completing the race was a powerful reminder of the joy that comes from taking on tough challenges by choice.”
NOVA: What advice would you give to someone preparing for their first Spartan Race?
ZACK:
“Train your grip strength and have fun with it. Anyone is capable of completing these events... you just need to take your time through the trials!”
COLIN:
“For anyone preparing for their first Spartan Race, I’d recommend finding a good group to train with for motivation and teamwork. Get familiar with the course and obstacles if possible, and practice hill training, grip work, and circuit workouts to best prepare for the unique demands of an obstacle race.”
TYLER:
“Train specifically for the race. Hill runs, rope climbing, javelin throwing if possible, and monkey bars to name a few. It is a full body strength and endurance event so you need to train both aspects to be able to complete the race.”
JEREMY:
“Don't get too caught up in the obstacles, it's really for fun.”
BONAR:
“The event’s atmosphere is fantastic—great people, positive vibes, and you don’t need to be an elite athlete to participate. It’s about having fun and challenging yourself. If anyone’s interested in joining me for the next race, I’d love to chat about it.”
