Embracing the Suck with Spartan Race

Did you know that there is a ski slope just outside of Cincinnati? No? Me either. I found out the day before running not one but two Spartan Races there. Spartan categorized this race as low elevation so I figured Cincinnati would be a nice flat Midwestern course. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Most runners run 5Ks or half marathons on flat road courses, and I enjoy these as well. But I love Spartan Races because of the unique challenges that come with them. 3500 feet of elevation is a fun challenge right? The Boston Marathon is roughly 800 feet of elevation change, for perspective.

2023 Spartan Cincinnati was a trifecta weekend. This means they’re running a Sprint (5K) a Super (10K) and a Beast (21K). Plus obstacles. I ran the Sprint on Saturday and the Super on Sunday.

It’s 5:07 AM and the American Dad theme song blasts from my phone to tell me it’s time to drive 5 hours to Perfect Slopes Ski Resort in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. This is not what people think of when they say they’re going to hit the slopes this weekend. “You’re a Spartan” my alarm label reminds me. But I’m already awake. Pre-race jitters rarely give you a solid night of sleep. Even if this is my 15th Spartan Race.

The drive through the smoky mountains is beautiful on this Saturday morning. The sun rises over the horizon as I pass through…