We are week 1 into the Unleash Your Inner Warrior contest and we are excited to see all the entries that have come in. If you are having any doubts about signing up and could you do it, we want to ease your mind that YOU CAN!
Read Jessica’s story on why she signed up to do a Reebok Spartan race and how it felt to become a finisher.
As a very curvy girl who was never into playing sports growing up (slow runner and always picked last) and struggles with anxiety, Spartan races seemed overwhelming. I signed up as part of my better health journey to give myself a goal, so I would be encouraged to keep training. I needed to tell the scared, anxious girl inside that SHE COULD DO THIS.
Photo credit: courtesy of Jessica L, doing the Slippery Wall Climb.
On race day, there were people of so many shapes, sizes, and running speeds participating. Several other Spartans on the course helped me over walls and gave me encouragement, telling me I was doing great. No one said, “Keep up the good work, and you’ll lose weight.” They said “Keep going, and you’ll get a medal.” or “I’ll walk with you.” If I was good enough for strangers, I was good enough for myself: curves, imperfections, anxiety and all. If you have the courage to try, anyone can do a Spartan. And you’ll have help along the way.
Photo credit: courtesy of Jessica L., curvy athlete, runner and Reebok Spartan race finisher. Nice medal Jessica!
So what you are waiting for. ENTER NOW!
Here’s what’s included in The Ultimate Prize Pack - one (1) lucky Canadian and one (1) U.S. athlete will each get:
- One (1) free entry (excluding travel & insurance) to a 2015 Reebok Spartan race in their respective country, choose from a Sprint, Super or Beast
- One (1) $125 U.S. Katie K Active e-gift card to get your ultimate athletic training gear
- One (1) $100 CDN Sportsbras.ca e-gift card for the sports bra brand of your choice, plus a free bra consultation (available in person in Calgary or via Skype)
- Four (4) months of unlimited online motivational support and basic training recommendations from Fitness Instructor, Leah Gilbert of Body Positive Athletes.
Thank you to our sponsors for supporting The Unleash Your Inner Warrior contest and all plus size, body positive athletes.
About the Author:
Krista is the Founder of Born to Reign Athletics, a blog + portal website dedicated to motivating, educating and celebrating plus size women who unleash their inner athlete as a means of living a healthy life. She is an award-winning multi-sport athlete in triathlon and indoor rowing, and is recognized as a global leader in plus size fitness and athletics.
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I’d like to pick your brain, Jessica. As a plus-sized athlete, I have just registered for my first Spartan race later this year. What was your experience like? How were the obstacles for you?
Samantha,
First, congratulations on registering for your first Spartan Race! Overall, my experience was very positive. I enjoyed it so much, I’m going for my trifecta this year, but I won’t lie. It was a little scary at first, and it was hard (in a good way; after all, the point is to push yourself, right?). I’m in the process of becoming a runner, so I had to walk a lot (especially when it was hilly), but I wasn’t the only person walking. Some of the hardest obstacles were the wall climbs because I’m short, and I have a little more weight than some athletes to pull up. But, there were a lot of other racers who were great about boosting me up to help me get over the walls.
Other obstacles were also difficult but not because of my size or weight. They were difficult because it’s a Spartan, and they’re not supposed to be easy. But once again, other people will help. And regardless of size, the obstacles aren’t impossible. And it has never appeared to me that they are more difficult for plus-sized athletes aside from perhaps my issue of having more weight to pull up over a wall. You just have to train a bit. I recommend burpees and other things to help build upper body strength. I’ve probably given you more info than you wanted, so I’m sorry for going on a bit. Is there anything else specific I can answer for you?
Jessica
Awesome! Love it! Congratulations!
Love this! Jessica, you are my hero! I hope to do one of these Spartans one day, too.
Now’s your chance Amy, enter the contest! Good luck.