Spartan Sprint 19/6/2011

2000 Spartans. One mission. To finish the race.

The Spartan Sprint is a 5km marathon with obstacles. The obstacles at each Sprint event across the country are always different, so you never know what you will encounter. The Sprint I was entered in with two co-workers was happening at Kelso Quarry, not far from Rattlesnake Point and Kelso Conservation Area, and consisted of running through a field of thistles, then charging up a hill covered with rocks the size of fists and grapefruits, and descending a grass covered hill not 50m away. After running for 200m the participants had to storm through water, some walked delicately, others decided to move further in the quarry and swim, and once out of the water climb a 4ft wall, grab a car tire and ascend/descend a hill, all while trying not to fall down the wet slope and balancing a tire in your arms, then climbing another 4ft wall. If you're not tired by this point, which surprisingly I was not, you then need to grab a 20L pail and fill it half with water and walk through a very muddy section without falling over and dropping your pail, and at the halfway point I started to feel the fatigue in my arms, but knew I couldn't stop now. Once the pail hauling was done I sprinted to try and catch one of my co-workers, but failed to do so, and ahead I saw the next challenge, the 8ft wall, which turned out to be rather easy as there was a foot hold to assist with the climb. Shortly after the wall was the next obstacle, a spear throw, is when I faltered due to the consequences of failing to hit the target. If any Spartan misses the target they are required to do a grueling 30 burpees*, and in my training leading to this day I trained for 20, so anything beyond that was torturous, but I accomplished and felt the pain.

This is now the halfway point of the race and I see what my next challenge is, ascend another hill, and this one is steep and does not provide many footholds, and being exhausted from the burpee punishment I struggle to make the climb. Once the summit is reached I continue the course with walking to gain some of my composure, and after a couple minutes I start running again and don't slow down until I enter the forest, but only because the Spartan ahead of me is slow. The first challenge while in the forest is a rope tied to a 2ft long, 1ft diameter log that needs to be pulled roughly 10-12ft in the air, and lowered back down. Luckily at this point my arms are not tired, and coming to the next obstacle I am thankful for this as we needed to climb over rope netting suspended 8-10ft between two trees. The hardest part of this challenge was waiting in the queue for others to finish it and move on. After a quick run through the forest I was now back in the open, and needed to run back down the hill with few footholds, and towards the field with grass as tall as myself.

The course winded through the tall grass, and you never knew what the next obstacle/challenge would be. Well eventually the grass ended and you were face to face with a rope tied to a cement block weighing roughly 30lbs, and needing to drag it in a 20m loop. This is when I felt refreshed and I grabbed the rope, dug my feet in and started sprinting with the cement block dragging behind me and the resistance fighting back, but I kept moving as fast as I could, and because of this dedication I was able to pass other Spartans, drop the rope and run towards the logs that are on fire and leap over them. Once past the fire you know you are nearing the finish line and just want to push yourself, but unfortunately at the barbed wire ice pit it bottlenecks again. As soon as the persons feet in front of me are far enough in I leap head first under the barb wire and military crawl my way through the ice pit as fast as I can move (it must not have taken me more than 5 seconds to make it through). Then I started sprinting again towards the second last challenge, wall/slide climb. This is a sloped wall with plastic sheeting covering it to challenge the grip of your shoes, but there is rope to assist you if needed, then a steeper slope on the opposite side with plastic sheeting to slide down. Once off this obstacle the final challenge is only 5m ahead, the Spartans with jousts. They are there to defeat you before the finish line if the other challenges have not done so. I made a mad dash to storm right through them and across the finish line in a respectable 46:23, this time has placed me in the top half of about 1800 competitors.

If you want to see any photos:
Spartan Sprint Photos

Craig


*The burpee is a full body exercise used in strength training and as aerobic exercise. It is performed in five steps:

1. Begin in a standing position.
2. Drop into a squat position with your hands on the ground.
3. Kick your feet back while lowering yourself WITHOUT a pushup.
4. Return your feet to the squat position while straightening your arms.
5. Leap up as high as possible from the squat position with your arms overhead (you may clap your hands above your head at the peak of your jump).  - Courtesy of Wikipedia

Waterfalls of the Bruce Trail

As I stand at the base of Jones Falls attempting to capture the flowing water similar to professional photographers, I feel the mist hitting me and a calm feeling overcomes me.

Over the May long weekend Emma, Carla, my mom, dad and I went for a tour of some of the local waterfalls along the Bruce Trail. Our first stop was Jones Falls only a 5-10 minute walk from the Springmount Visitors Centre. These falls are classed as a cascade and if visited in early spring they will look spectacular due to the amount of rain and melt water flowing over. As this spring was a very wet one the falls were still flowing strongly even in late May. To capture the falls from the front you need to scramble down a moderately difficult slope, but it will yield the best photographs. However as you can see I am unable to photograph it with the water looking silky, I am still in the process of learning to use my camera(even though I have had it for 7 years)

Jones Falls as viewed from the base

The next waterfall on the tour was Weavers Creek Falls located within the Owen Sound city limits. This waterfall is classed as a plunge and cascade. It was an interesting challenge trying to capture this one as I had to climb on a fallen tree over the flowing river, then scale a rather steep slope(had a few close calls to falling) then position myself just right. After snapping a few photos I had the challenge of traversing back to the fallen tree, which I assumed wouldn't be difficult as long as I could remember my path. However this proved to be more difficult than I thought, but I did make it without falling and injuring myself. As you can see with this falls I was able to capture it with the water looking sort of silky, but a small tree is in the foreground.

Weavers Creek Falls viewed from a precarious position on a steep slope

The third and final waterfalls of the day is Inglis Falls, quite possibly the most impressive seen so far. Inglis is classed as a cascade, however with the amount of water flowing over, I would class it as a plunge in early spring. These falls are viewed by more tourists and because of the old mill on site the conservation area in charge of them have provided ample lookouts along a predetermined path. If you want to view it from the base it is a decent hike down(I am unsure how long it will take as it was getting on in the day, and didn't have time), although the next time I go I think I will make the trek. With the lookouts provided you are given many angles and opportunities to snap some amazing photographs. As it is the site of an old mill the history provided was also quite interesting to read about and gives insight to what trades were in the area and how the cities were formed many years ago. I have managed to capture Inglis with a slight silky texture to the water, but the trees and sky look a bit dark or drab. Where the painting is located that is the site of the old mill.

Inglis Falls as seen from one of the provided lookouts

The waterfall tour is an ongoing process and I have four more falls to visit. Luckily my parents trailer is located relatively close to all these falls and they will be a great day trip.

Craig

Walking in Waterloo

While Emma was visiting I planned on walking at the Waterloo Cycling Club trails, but as the bus systems is appalling in the region it would have taken nearly an hour to reach the trailhead, as the route takes us into the city and back out again. In that time I could have walked there, but then we would have been walking for more time than we wanted, and would have had to walk back. Instead of the WCC trails, I remembered that there are trails not far from where we were staying, although I have never been walking in that area. We decided it was best to give it a try, and we are glad we did. The trails, I will call them the Wilmot-Wideman Forest Trails(not sure on the proper name) are located at Wilmot Line and Wideman Rd, with parking on Wideman Rd, are walking only in the spring/summer months and cross country skiing in the winter. 

The trails are really well maintained and offer some challenges, but nothing to challenging that small children can't handle with a bit of help from adults. There are plenty of forks that allow you to travel as long, or as short as you want, and ample opportunities to see wildlife. When Emma and I were there we found a pond with about 20 turtles, and after a few minutes of watching them we started on our way again and I noticed movement in my peripheral vision, the movement was a wild female turkey. About halfway through the journey we climbed to the top of a large hill and found a bench that gives you a spectacular view towards Baden. If you were to go in the autumn with your camera you would get some amazing shots of what that season is known for.

If anyone is interested in going for a leisurely walk in the area and wants to avoid the well known places, I highly recommend the Wilmot-Wideman Forest Trails as they offer a variety of hiking through forest and open fields in solitude and ample opportunities to spot wildlife and excellent views with the possibility of amazing photographs.

Craig

Disappointed

I am disappointed in myself for two reasons.

Reason #1: Not writing enough on this blog, but it's in part because I want it to be geared at adventure and feel I can't write about everyday interests, which leads to;

Reason #2: Not going out and be adventurous during the winter months. However spring is near and starting fresh will feel fantastic.

To resolve issue #1 I started another blog titled Elemental Alchemy that allows me to write about my other interests and thoughts on life, as with quirky things observed in a daily routine. As for #2 I have aspirations of starting to train for a triathlon, yet unsure if I will compete in one this year or wait until 2012. I shall see how the training progresses over the next few months.

Winter Biking

I know it has been a long while since my last post, but that's what happens when I don't get out and participate in activities for weeks, and that fact my blog is about a specific subject.

As the snow has finally arrived in my area of Southwestern Ontario I am looking forward to attempting riding the trails in Waterloo this winter. It is a sport I have been researching extensively online to find as much information I can. So far the only thing I have found is, it's very expensive. As it is winter the temperature is the main factor deciding on when and for how long you should be outside riding and working up a sweat. One good thing is I have some of the clothing already, and this week I will be purchasing a few more items that should keep me warm enough, but still allow my body to breathe properly and not sweat too much. I suppose after the first ride I will know what areas I need to improve on, and what does not need to be changed.

I want to try winter biking because who says it is only a summer sport? It will also give me a different experience of the trails and nature. I am looking forward to this, and I have the choice of never going it again if I don't enjoy it.

Happy trails,
Craig