Reebok Spartan Race [+FREE Race Giveaway!]

If you're a regular PB&P reader, you know I'm a big fan of setting goals and challenging yourself to see what you're made of, whether it be in the gym, at work or in your personal life!  For runners and other fitness enthusiasts, a Spartan Race is a perfect opportunity to do just that.  To find out exactly what you're made of...and according to the folks at Reebok Spartan Race, "you'll know at the finish line."

So...what is Spartan Race?

Spartan Race has been a leader in obstacle races since 2005 and has been voted #1 obstacle race by Outside Magazine.  

Spartan Race features a race for everyone beginning with the entry level Spartan Sprint (3+ miles and 15+ obstacles), intermediate level Super Spartan (8+ miles and 20+ obstacles), the advanced Spartan Beast (12+ miles and 25+ obstacles), and the ‘99.9% need not apply’ extreme level Death Race. 

Spartan Race prides itself on ripping its racers out of their comfort zones, and therefore does not provide course maps or details on what obstacles will be encountered.  But for an idea of what you might expect during a Spartan Race, check out the video below:





So are YOU up for the challenge?  What are you waiting for?!  Enter my giveaway below for a chance to score a FREE entry to a Spartan Race of your choice!  AROO!

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

And don't worry! If you're not lucky enough to win the FREE race entry, just follow this link to receive 15% off when you register for a race.  So sign up, show up and don't GIVE UP!

 

Disclaimer: The awesome folks at Spartan Race are providing one lucky PB&P reader with a free registration to any open heat Spartan Race in the continental U.S.  I have not been compensated for writing this post.  Only entries through Rafflecopter will be eligible for selection.  Giveaway ends 6/15/13.

My Sunday Runday

 Today was awesome.  So awesome I feel like writing about it.  After skipping my runs earlier in the week due to that silly head cold, I was more than ready to get in some mileage this morning.

Before I write about my stellar run, let me quickly say how proud I am of my dad!  This morning he ran the Heads Up Half Marathon in Concord, NH...finishing in 2:04:45! Way to go Dad! Looks like I'm going to have to pick up my pace to stay with him during the Staten Island Half next month! 

And now, back to me. :)

My alarm went off at 6:45am and I spent a few minutes trying to convince Rocky to spoon with me.  He wasn't having it, so I got up and had oatmeal with peanut butter and a big glass of water. I strapped on my fuel belt and Asics and headed out.  

The weather was absolutely perfect: mid-60s and sunny.

To get 12 miles in, my plan was to run down to Queensboro plaza, over the bridge, add 1.5 miles in Central Park and turn around and run back.  

I'm not exactly sure what's going on with the QB Bridge construction, but half of the bike path is torn up and with the storms this weekend, it was a puddly (not a word...) mess.  I quickly decided to scrap my original run plan.  

I knew I could easily add 6ish miles in Central Park and hop on the subway back to Astoria.  As soon as I crossed over 5th Ave, I got excited about my new plan.  I've run a few races in CP but rarely get over there for training.  

In a city where everyone is always in a big stinkin hurry, it's really nice to slow down and take in the beautiful sights and sounds of Central Park.  So I did.

I ran infamous Cat Hill.

And around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir.  Twice.  Smiling the whole way. I really got distracted by the beauty of this city and it was awesome.

When I finally snapped out of my happy place, I finished the last few miles on the Bridle Path. 12 miles at 10:16 pace.  Other than a tight quad and achy hip, I felt great on this run.  

After my run, it was time for weekly grocery shopping.  And football.  And of course an afternoon nap!

Finally, after some studying and more football, I cracked a Dogfish Head Punkin Ale.  It's the perfect taste-of-fall beer and is a great ending to my awesome day!