(Part 2) Top products from r/spartanrace

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'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

Congrats on your first finish! While your shoulder is healing you could try these Captains of Crush . They really seemed to help with grip strength. Other than that try hanging a towel over a pull-up bar and just hang from it until you’re able to do more pull-ups.

...So if you have a backyard with a rig you can train for the rig? Who would have thought? When people say "You can't train for that" what they usually mean implicitly is "unless you literally have one in your backyard". :)

For those expecting something different from this video, I can recommend you one of those:
https://www.amazon.com/ProSource-Multi-Grip-Chin-Up-Pull-Up-Doorway/dp/B002YQUP7Q/ref=sr_1_6?s=exercise-and-fitness&ie=UTF8&qid=1503981938&sr=1-6&keywords=pull+up+bar

They really fit into every doorway. I put a towel on it and do towel pull ups which are great for grip. If you want more versatility in objects there are also various special grip things that you can attach to any bar/rig:
https://www.amazon.com/Apollo-Athletics-Grappler-Training-Attachments/dp/B015I1FNYS/ref=sr_1_10?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1503981976&sr=1-10&keywords=pull+up+objects
https://www.amazon.com/FITactic-3-Inch-Climbing-Training-Cannonball/dp/B01EL7U1EM/ref=pd_sbs_200_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01EL6Q90I&pd_rd_r=XCK62MRMYMM41PJ9V8K9&pd_rd_w=VhhEW&pd_rd_wg=SPBru&refRID=XCK62MRMYMM41PJ9V8K9&th=1&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/Pro-Ninja-Grip-Kit-Climbing/dp/B074332S6X/ref=pd_sbs_200_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B074332S6X&pd_rd_r=XCK62MRMYMM41PJ9V8K9&pd_rd_w=VhhEW&pd_rd_wg=SPBru&psc=1&refRID=XCK62MRMYMM41PJ9V8K9

It's not the same as having a rig but it's the closest you can get in a small apartment.

I have used one of these for a sprint (generally don't take stuff on a sprint though) and super with no issues. It's certainly not waterproof so I put my gels and salt tabs in ziplock bags. For beasts I've used a small military Camelbak, it isn't perfect but I'm glad to have it.

wait... back the train up... you just asked if you needed a shirt, agreed to make your child swim in 35 degree water, and wanted to make him suffer, but wana make sure his hands don't get cold...

looks around room

should go with mad grip gloves then lol unless you want something specific for warmth

https://www.amazon.com/Mad-Grip-Knuckler-Glove-Medium/dp/B0040GJ7W2/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1537904507&sr=8-6&keywords=mad+grip+gloves

Fatgripz is the big name brand. Like these:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005FIS14Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_.tl0Cb52C55RA

Maybe I already had pretty good grip strength, but most of the obstacles seemed fairly easy after using these on my pull-up bar for a month or so.

I'm definitely a keto advocate. That being said, do it right or your results will suffer. There's a plethora of people who try it, don't do it correctly, and then bad mouth it as a way of eating.

Since you're doing it for performance, I cannot recommend enough the following book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0983490716/ref=sxl1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468441396&sr=1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65

Do yourself a huge favor and read that. Also, I've discovered that between weight training and running four or five days a week my body needs extra electrolytes or I feel awful. Like lots of them. Especially sodium.

Anyway, very interested in your results. I am doing the Utah super in August on keto, keep me posted and let me know if you have questions. We can be Keto/Spartan pals.

I'm personally a fan of Balega for dry courses like stadium sprints and Drymax for the more standard wet muddy courses.

You don't want to have any extra water(weight) being towed around in your feet. I can't find the exact reference to Bill Bowerman saying it but I found an article mentioning the theory he said - "'He was always trying to figure out ways to make a shoe lighter,'' Knight, Nike's chairman, would recall. ''He figured carrying one extra ounce for a mile was equivalent to carrying something like an extra thousand pounds in the last 50 yards.''

Accumulate 3-5 minutes of dead-hangs in as few sets as possible. Start timer to hang. Stop timer when you drop. Repeat.

I also bought some iron bull grips to attach to my pull-up bar. They make the bar fatter and really tax your grip strength. I use them for dead-hangs and some of my pull-up routines. I HIGHLY recommend them!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B6I2TS6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_YFZ4BbV7BMYWK

Are you looking to showcase just medals, or a mix of bibs/medals/patches?

For just medals, I've seen a bunch of people using coat hooks. Since I have a mix of awards, I went with a felt wrapped piece of corkboard inside a picture frame - that lets me pin/stick/hang all sorts of keepsakes.

One of these works MUCH better than a zip lock. http://www.amazon.com/SealLine-Baja-Dry-Bag-Orange/dp/B000GF21GA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410802943&sr=8-1&keywords=dry+bag

I'd highly recommend this to prevent chaffing:

https://www.amazon.com/Body-Glide-Original-Anti-Chafe-Balm/dp/B0043S06GI/

You sound almost exactly like me. You are either heel striking or over-striding or both. Look into barefoot running to fix your form. If you're tired of doctors and PTs telling you what you can't do, you should seek out a running coach. I also highly recommend this book.

AH. in THAT case:

http://www.amazon.com/Iron-Gym-Total-Upper-Workout/dp/B001EJMS6K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418416599&sr=8-1&keywords=chin+up+bar

That guy is clutch. Doesn't damage the door/walls. Get up to doing as many pulls up as you can in the AM and as many chin ups as you can in the PM.

I used this with good results: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002ZAKOJK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Archery target. Smaller, makes the foam targets that Spartan uses seem gigantic.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006JYHFJA/ref=twister_B00P7MYS6I?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Works for me, 1 beast 2 supers and 2 sprints and no sign of tears. The bladder it came with was pretty bad, but i had other bladders.

No prob. Here are the holders I use.

4pc Large Size / MEDICAL ALERT-FIRST AID container PILL CASE - Key Chain - Water Resistant https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000SJG1E2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_1ApTDbRSD6T1F