Okay, so, Spartan Beast this Saturday went... well, let's just say it didn't go exactly as planned. 13.7 miles, 30 obstacles, and I was feeling pretty good going in. Physically, I was ready. Strong training, all the long runs, you know the drill. Emotionally, though? Not so much. Something kept whispering in my ear that something bad was about to happen. Probably a sign I should've listened to a little more.
Anyway, despite the pre-race jitters, I had a solid start. The energy of the whole thing was amazing. But then, BAM! First obstacle, I cleared that six-foot wall and, mid-air, somehow twisted my body wrong. Landed hard on my right knee, which buckled beneath me. I went down, and there I sat, fighting back tears (unable to stand) until the medics got there. I tried to power through it, convinced I could just “walk it off,” but it was pretty clear something was seriously messed up. Turns out it wasn't just a tweak. Doctors say I might have a torn meniscus.
So yeah, totally deflated. Embarrassed, defeated, and pretty bummed. It felt like all that training, all those hours, just went down the drain. A bit of a kick in the gut, right?
It's taken a few days to really process it all. But now, I'm ready to re-focus. This isn't a setback, it's a chance to learn and adjust.
The Grace Thing:
Honestly, this whole experience really hammered home how important it is to be kind to yourself. We push so hard, right? Trying to do everything perfectly, conquering every obstacle, crushing every goal. But life doesn't always play by our rules. Injuries happen, doubts creep in, plans get derailed. It's okay to acknowledge those feelings. Giving yourself some grace is key.
This wasn't just a physical injury; it was a reminder about listening to my body, respecting my limits, and acknowledging my emotional needs. The real lesson? Learning to listen to that inner voice. Being more mindful.
Learning from the Fall:
So, what have I learned? Besides the obvious (listen to your body!), I've realized that setbacks are just...part of the journey. They're chances to learn, to adjust, and to grow. I definitely need to work on my emotional resilience. This race was supposed to be a test of strength and endurance, not a mind-reading exercise.
Looking Ahead:
Now, my focus is on recovery. Adjusting my training schedule, focusing on healing. And seriously, making sure my emotional well-being is a priority too. I'm not going to rush back to the top of the mountain. This time, it's about re-evaluating my approach, my priorities, and my goals.
I plan to push out my races scheduled for the 16th and 17th. I'm hoping for the opportunity to complete the Spartan trifecta (Beast, Super, & Sprint distances) in 2025. It's a long-term goal, but I'm not going to rush back. Healing is my top priority right now.
This Spartan Beast experience? It was a tough one, no doubt. But it's taught me valuable lessons about resilience and what truly matters. The race isn't over; it's just taking a slightly different turn. And I'm ready for whatever comes next.
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