Four words that I will probably not forget in a hurry, along with the 100 other participants that participated in the 2nd ever overnight Spartan Hurricane Heat. A 12 hour overnight event starting at 8pm, that will be testing me both mentally and physically, but of course it's not just the event that tests you, its everything around you too. Am I brave or just stupid for signing up, still a question that I will continue to ask myself, and will continue to ask myself until the next one.
Why, why, why the beep do you sign up to an event that you know that will be testing you at every opportunity, there will be no room for pussy footing around, you will be pushed to beyond your own capable limits, and its down to you whether or not you continue or tap out. Emotionally and physically it will be challenging, can I handle it? what the hell am I doing? what if I can't keep up? what if I can't do it? what if what if what if... There were many what ifs, but how am I to know what I am truely capable of without even trying. How far could I get to push myself?
HH Day came around way too quickly, I could hardly believe that it was here already, was I ready? probably not? but would I ever be ready? Not really knowing what I had signed up for was probably what was playing on my mind, coming up with weird scenarios based the mandatory list that was supplied.
The night prior and day leading up to the event were not the best preparation involved, my initial plan to have at least 8 hours sleep the night before to ensure I had some good rest, turned into about 4 hours. My day of food preparation and sleep also didnt happen, so I was extremely under prepared, I am not sure if this had an affect on me on the night, probably, or was this me mentally playing with myself, making excuses, I didnt eat properly, I didnt sleep probably no wonder I was failing. I told you this is a mental game as well as physical.
The morning started nice and early, leaving home to make our way to Geelong to participate in the 6km Stadium Sprint (probably another stupid idea), however I think even with all these contributing factors I would have still tapped out when I did, it may have made some difference to my overall performance, and yes it would have affected me physically and my energy levels would have wavered but I don't think that this did affect me (another excuse maybe).
Nutrition
My nutrition leading up to the event probably wasn't on par, with only consuming a banana and half a green smoothie before 6.30am, and then not actually having anything until 2pm. I had a handful of nuts as well as a small amount of chicken before we got underway and ready for the event at about 6.30pm. I would not advise anyone doing this, I would suggest not waiving from your usual diet but to have a good intake of food before you were to get started at 8pm, with a combination of good carbohydrates and protein. I have no doubt that the lack of food and drink would have contributed to my overall performance and probably the onset of the cramp that kicked in when I was running/marching... It would have had an affect on my energy levels too, I should have also made sure that I consumed more during the night, and had an easy access food source. During the 6 hours all I managed to have out of what I supplied was half of my hydration pack, 1 v fuel gel, half a powerade and 2 salt tablets.
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My initial plan was to have at least 1 gel every hour, and of course to drink as much as possible. I probably added an extra couple of kgs to my pack through food and drink, and not to have any would not have helped.
I took with me:
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Sleep
Sleep really didnt come easy, with four hours sleep the night before and then with a full day of activities, the time I hit the sofa of Fiona's b&b, I wasn't going to have much chance for a decent nana nap. The day was warm anyway, and every time I did manage to doze off, the next doors dog started to bark, plus I was consistently thinking about what was happening with Dave in hospital. Already filled with guilt that I didnt actually go to hospital with him, I couldn't quite relax. I did get a text at 4pm, so I went off to meet him then, after Lizzie and Greg kindly offered to drive Dave home, I went off to Coles to grab what food I could, plus try and get some sleep in the car (this didnt quite work), with it being so warm, you either needed to keep the air conditioning on, or the window open. At this point I was somewhat jealous of all those that lived in the proximity of the area, not a lot I could do, but to stay active, so I ended up getting up and trying to organise my bag as much as possible. At least I knew I had spares of everything.
Gear
I was so concerned that I would forget something, so with everything spread out over the bed, I went through the check list to ensure that I have everything included (at least I knew I had spares of everything if needed). I weighed my pack and I seemed good to go.
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1. Mandatory Gear List
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- 20m of para-cord (if you can't find some go next best)
- 1 x roll of duct tape
- $10 (2 x $5)
- 2 large black garbage bags
- minimum 2 ltrs hydration
- Sufficient nutrition (gels & solid food)
- 1 x Waterproof jacket
- 1 x Warm top & headwear (in waterproof/zip-lock bag)
- 1 x sandbag (empty)
- 1 x single length chain, min 1m length (5kg men) (3kg women)
- 1 x fresh raw egg
- 1 x straw
- 1 x mobile phone in waterproof bag. This is for emergencies only and must be off and stored in your pack at all times.
- mandatory skill requirement – must be able to tie a bowline knot.
- Clothing – You will receive a HH teeshirt to wear during the event but may wear something under it if you want e.g. compression, thermals, wetsuit (N.B. these are not necessarily recommendation, just examples)
- as much as possible clothing should be black .. it may pay to be hard to see at times ;-)
- HH racers must NOT wear a watch or carry one with their kit.
2. Pack weight requirements: Men 15Kg - Women 10kgs
This is the minimum weight the pack should be at any time during the event. So do not factor food or water into this weight, they should be extra. Pack weights will be checked pre-start. Any underweight packs during the event may result in a DNF or heavy penalties.
Items
3. Additional Recommended Items:
- Gloves
- Anti-chafe cream
Dave
Dave was also on the registered list for the HH, but unfortunately with a flying leap during the Spartan 300, he managed to tear all his ligaments in his ankle. During the day Dave had the medics, ambulance and trip to the hospital and a ride home, I cannot imagine the pain he was experiencing, and the disappointment that he can no longer participate in the event. Not sure if he was lucky he didnt break it, as if he did, it would be a lot quicker healing than torn ligaments. Until we had the all clear from the doctors, it was hard to determine exactly what I was going to do about the nights events, I was lucky enough to have some of the most amazing people around me, to ensure that he was ok and I could carry on with the task ahead...
Is nearly time - registration and bag check
It was eventually time to register, pick up your race kit and weigh in your pack. The nerves of course started to set in with a few runs to the bathroom to empty the bladder on more than one occasion. I picked up my race kit and informed them that Dave will not be attending. Then it was time to weigh my bag, so I took all my food and hydration out of my pack and went over to the weigh scales. As I nervously waited for the verdict, I got told I had 500 grams extra and I could remove some items if needed (what could I remove?), everything in my bag was needed (expect for the 1kg) weight that I put in to bulk it up, I could very well take this out, but then I would be 500grams under (dilemmas), I opted to leave it (I would rather carry the extra 500grams).
I was surprised that we didnt have our bags checked to ensure we had the mandatory list, I had it in my head that if I didnt have everything I would have been disqualified. Of course to check everyones bags would have been a logistical nightmare, but not to check that food and water were not a contributing factor to the overall weight. Some trust was involved I guess, plus there would be another bag check at the end of the event.
Warm up
I quickly downed a V drink just to get an additional caffeine fix (this is not my usually port of call, and it still tastes as disgusting as I remember an energy drink tasting), but at this stage, desperate times definitely called for desperate measures, and thought that anything that could help me stay awake all night will be a good thing. Before we even officially started we were off packing up the Spartan Stadium gear, from moving some of the fences, making a human chain as we passed dead balls used earlier in the days events and putting them in the van. The sandbags got carried up the stairs and back down again, just to place properly on the pallets. All this before we even started!. Not long after this, is was time to officially start.
It begins
Photo credit: Melanie Currey
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Photo Credit: Fiona Tanner
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There was no time to think, we had to quickly line up in four lines (I didnt recognise anyone that was in my line of about 25 people) but just stood there quietly. We were then allocated our team leaders and assigned Green Team (I think we managed to get the trainer from hell, a hard arsed beep that wouldn't let up). Mouth shut and get on with it, don't argue just do, was the best approach.
First things first, we had 30 seconds to get out our notebooks and pens, in which I had wrapped up in a bag (as I seriously thought everything was going to get wet), stupid, stupid, stupid idea this was, not only was it not quick to get out, I just ended up ripping the bag open to get to the notebook and pen as quickly as possible. It made sense at the time when I wrapped it up in a bag, I got it out (thank god). We were then asked if we read the race guide, of course I read the race guide. I read it as soon as I received it, and then went through the mandatory list again last night as I checked off all the items in my bag.
Ok - so write down the last four words in the race guide.
F@!# S$!@ what were they... We are Spartan ... nope can't be that, its only 3 words, maybe its got an Aroo at the end. S@!# what was it. My mind was left blank, as I felt like I was back at school, and the teacher asks you a question that you have no idea of what the answer is. This is not looking good, fortunately for me, it was not only me but probably about 96% of the group that didnt know the answer, punishment - burpees (this is going to be a hell of a long night)... not only were we doing burpees, we were doing them with our bags on, just to add to the punishment that we had actually signed up for.
First things first, we had 30 seconds to get out our notebooks and pens, in which I had wrapped up in a bag (as I seriously thought everything was going to get wet), stupid, stupid, stupid idea this was, not only was it not quick to get out, I just ended up ripping the bag open to get to the notebook and pen as quickly as possible. It made sense at the time when I wrapped it up in a bag, I got it out (thank god). We were then asked if we read the race guide, of course I read the race guide. I read it as soon as I received it, and then went through the mandatory list again last night as I checked off all the items in my bag.
Ok - so write down the last four words in the race guide.
F@!# S$!@ what were they... We are Spartan ... nope can't be that, its only 3 words, maybe its got an Aroo at the end. S@!# what was it. My mind was left blank, as I felt like I was back at school, and the teacher asks you a question that you have no idea of what the answer is. This is not looking good, fortunately for me, it was not only me but probably about 96% of the group that didnt know the answer, punishment - burpees (this is going to be a hell of a long night)... not only were we doing burpees, we were doing them with our bags on, just to add to the punishment that we had actually signed up for.
30 seconds to get your chain out, ok that can't be too difficult, nice bulky 3kg chain at the bottom of the bag. Simple, no not that simple, had to put it at the bottom of the bag underneath everything else, as I was trying to even out the weight in the bag. Another stupid idea, got it and placed it on the floor. Then we had to find a cable tie, and link the chain up with the person next to us. Ok this was a problem, where the beep beep did I put the bag of cable ties. Checked front pocket, checked inside pockets (in which I have now discovered there are a lot of pockets. No luck, where have I put them, out of desperation I asked the girl next to me if I could have one of hers (I don't think she was that impressed). Now all I want to do is empty my bag and find the cable ties, I know I packed them, I went through the list 3 times. I even packed too many just in case. Its not something that I can dwell on now, just had to tie the chains together and get moving.
As we started to march out in our group, whilst holding onto the chain and ensuring it doesn't touch the ground, we got told to pick up a 'rifle' (a long metal tube, that was probably about 3kg in weight), so now both hands are occupied one with the chain the other with the rifle. At this stage its still day light outside, and we just kept on marching with either holding the chain or the rifle above our heads, left/right.
Im not even sure how long we were marching for, but all of a sudden it was dark, I didnt even notice it getting dark. We marched along a pathway and up towards The Rock Adventure Centre, we were then asked to sign and pass on waivers, oh this could be fun. How awesome was it to get an Adventure Centre involved, but before that we had some more work to do, with our beloved riffles. Testing our overall endurance and physically duration, doing a variety of tabata style exercises that were designed to fatigue your arms and of course quit, that was of course not going to happen. So towards the end of each of the tabata exercises, there were some gritted teeth and sheer determination to get through each of the sessions. A few people were picked out, as they were not completing exercises or answering back, so had to get to the front and complete some more burpees. Im not 100% sure on all the exercises involved, but having to turn the 'rifle' forward and backwards really did burn out your forearms, even just holding the 'rifle' at a 90 degree angle with your arms straight was proving to be challenging.
Rock Adventure Centre
Photo credit: Vanessa Letts
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Just focus on the task ahead, and it would soon be over, and it was... Next up we had the Rock Adventure Centre, we had to get into groups of four and were briefed on the tasks ahead 5 walls, 5 different tasks. At first glance, I took a massive gulp, how the hell was I going to make those bells?? My arms were fried from the exercises before, plus my biggest rings nemasis were also there, shit this is where I am going to get disqualified, can't believe it so early on... As I didnt really know anyone, everyone quickly got into their own chosen groups, and I was trying to lag onto someone elses, in which I was fortunate enough to be teamed up with four guys. I then found out that we didnt have to complete the walls on our own, but could have the help from our team mates. Thank goodness, a massive wave of relief hit me, when I realised that at least they were not going to be that mean so early on. Each wall had a bell, in which all team members had to hit in order to finish the tasks involved, we all had to complete the wall before the allocated time, and if we finished before, we all had to complete burpees until the change over.
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The first wall was to get across the wall only being in contact with the yellow grips, if you used a different coloured grip, you had to do it again. Next up was the inverted wall, having the guys there for support was a massive help and was really grateful to be teamed up with them.
Another inverse climb and ring the bell at the top, the benefit here was the giant fan (wearing additional clothing, due to be afraid of being cold, probably didnt help that much at this stage, as I was sweating)... After that was the wall traverse, with a transition to the rings to bell. Not so easy for me when I first saw this and seriously thought that this was going to be the end, but it wasn't. Another wall traverse, across to a beam where the bell was hanging.
Sadly we were finished, and it was back down the hill, luckily with no 'rifle' in hand.
Another inverse climb and ring the bell at the top, the benefit here was the giant fan (wearing additional clothing, due to be afraid of being cold, probably didnt help that much at this stage, as I was sweating)... After that was the wall traverse, with a transition to the rings to bell. Not so easy for me when I first saw this and seriously thought that this was going to be the end, but it wasn't. Another wall traverse, across to a beam where the bell was hanging.
Sadly we were finished, and it was back down the hill, luckily with no 'rifle' in hand.
Bands, bear crawls and hill sprints
By this stage it had got dark, so as soon as we got to the next station had to find and put on our head torches. Getting in a circle and in pairs of two, we then had a band between us and did a combination of paired exercises including bear crawls and squat thrusts, flashbacks of hurt camp were coming back to me in quick waves. I was paired up with a tiny girl that if you did the bear crawls too quickly she would have been at risk of going flying, so I played it a little cautiously knowing I still had a long time to go, plus I really didn't want her to go flying, so my bear crawls were a little laboured, with smaller steps so I wouldn't go as far, when we swapped places, this was my chance to rest, as she probably only weighed less than 50kg I just needed to dig my heels in and hold. Once up, we headed over to Richard.
First things first arms in the air, it didnt take long for him to spot me, so I was a little nervous that he was going to be extra hard on the group. Arms still in the air, they slowly started to shake, this doesn't sound that difficult, but I dare you just to stand there after doing a barrage of exercises that included arms to see how long you can actually hold your arms straight above your head.
Then it was 30 seconds to get your red and green glow sticks out and attach them to your back pack. This was easy enough as I knew exactly where I had packed them, clicked them on and then realised my red glow stick was actually pink (shoot, hopefully Im not the only one). I also then came to the realisation that I had thrown out the ties that came with it (why did I do that?), what was I going to tie the glow sticks onto, others were using their cable ties (but somehow I had lost these earlier on in the day), all I had was some bands that were attached to the bag, I was just hoping that they were tight enough to hold the glow sticks in place. Once we had them attached we then had to sprint up the hill with bags on and head back down, we got told not to work together, as in the previous group, the fastest person was waiting for the slowest so it took longer to get up and down the hill. OK everyone was out for themselves, I held back and allowed for the faster runners to go up first and then I headed up, chest high with mini steps (still worrying that I was going to lose the glow sticks), twisting my arms around to check that they are still there (yep), thank god. Once we got to the bottom, we took our bags off and then we had to sprint up the hill again, at this point I was cursing Richard since it was only a couple of days prior that he had me doing the exact same thing, at least this wasn't for time. We got to the bottom again, and for some reason it was over, we were again told to put the back packs back on and once again we were heading off.
John Landy Athletic Field
Photo credit: Vanessa Letts
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Photo credit: Vanessa Letts
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What a difference jogging/marching with a backpack does, your legs start to feel tried extremely quickly, I am doing my best to keep up as we headed towards John Landy Athletic Field. Have to say the Spartan team had done an amazing job securing these amazing locations. Torches off, not to waste any batteries. We got told to get out our eggs, so as I searched in the depths of my bags for my carefully wrapped egg, opening the containing and then unwrapping all the tissues, praying that it was cracked... Only to find it didn't matter, we were cracking an egg and putting into a turbo shaker and drinking it. Down the hatchet it goes, only to find that it quickly turned my stomach, not sure if it was the taste, or generally lack of food, but all I could hear in the background, is make sure you drink all of it, as you sure as hell gonna need it. We then got told that if we needed a break then this was the time to do so. Only to come back with a toilet break penalty, 40 burpees!! Annoyingly I didn't really need to go, but thought I should just in case, I probably would have given it a miss if I realised that I had a penalty. Next up Jim, shouts that he needed 4 volunteers, I was quick to do so, we needed to get 4 battle ropes out of the van. OK easy, problem was when I got back, I think I somehow joined another team (by this stage I am a little hazy, and not really sure what was happening), so I just joined the lines and squatted holding the rope above my head whilst doing so. As we were doing this, we were being briefed on what was up next, being split up into four teams, we all had to hold onto the rope and run to the next cone, once we reached the cone we had to do 10 burpees, however if we caught the team in front, they would have to do 50 burpees. I seemed to be one of the shortest, and as we ran around the track we were trying to work on tactics and strategies, as we ran the guy next to me tripped over the track, I quickly asked if he was ok, and he got up and carried on. First cone, 10 burpees and then we started to hurry, sprint from one cone to the next, the burpees taking any of the additional energy that you may have had after the sprint. 1 1/2 laps and we managed to catch up with the team in front, 50 burpees for them, also at this stage we were somewhat conscious of the team behind catching up, but we needed to make sure that we all completed all the burpees as a team. We managed to get around the track again, and caught up with the team that were doing the 50 burpee penalty that we had given them. Obviously we were not playing this very smart, and as we completed our 10, and we moved onto the next cone, so had the other team (obviously catching up with us), I am not a 100% certain how this worked, but the trainer then inflicted us with the 50 burpee penalty (hhhmmmm, we should have waited), as we started as a team, we just got on and did it without argument, we got up to our 10th and were then told to move (at this stage, this is a major result, and I think we were all secretly pleased we got out of those).
After the sprints we then had the field exercises, a few at this point were throwing up the Turbo drink that we had earlier, this really wasn't sitting well in my stomach either, but I was determined to keep it down, even as the mouth burps kept coming into play. Keep it down, don't throw up, keep it down, don't throw up. OK we are doing frog squats, just let the people around be sick, and then out of the corner of my eye, I see someone hand in their headband. Into plank position, and I start hearing the girl next to me mutter under her breath, all sorts of different words directed at the trainer. I just kept my mouth shut, and just wanted to keep going. Listen and do, this is what we signed up for, and no point was I thinking it was going to be easy.
A few more exercises that built up the lactic acid, and just made everything get heavy, we were then on decline pushups. Starting at 20, bear crawling to the cone, 18 bear crawl back, 16 etc.. I started on my knees, and it wasn't long before this got picked up, so on my feet I went. My arms just were not having any of this, and it took me forever just to do one, but slowly I would get there. The guy next to me was flying through them, but since he wasn't doing chest to ground, I wasn't surprised. Of course, the slower we got, the more often they restarted the sequence, back to 20 (you could hear the groans).
A few more exercises that built up the lactic acid, and just made everything get heavy, we were then on decline pushups. Starting at 20, bear crawling to the cone, 18 bear crawl back, 16 etc.. I started on my knees, and it wasn't long before this got picked up, so on my feet I went. My arms just were not having any of this, and it took me forever just to do one, but slowly I would get there. The guy next to me was flying through them, but since he wasn't doing chest to ground, I wasn't surprised. Of course, the slower we got, the more often they restarted the sequence, back to 20 (you could hear the groans).
Our next station was Richards and the EBC crew, I still hadn't finished my burpees from when I went to the bathroom, so he informed us that we had to complete these first (damn it, more burpees).
Have you noticed the common theme here??? There were a lot of burpees...
Once completed we had to find a piece of equipment and hang off it, ensuring that we did not touch the ground. I found the monkey bars, but used the two poles, and wedged myself in it, using mainly my back and legs to hold me. This also gave me the opportunity to stretch out the calfs (thank god), after a while it actually got a little relaxing, and then we got told to move, next one was a little easier with perching yourself on top like a seat, of course nothing is ever that simple, and I found that I was clinging onto a post for the next. People were hanging upside down from their legs and swinging, others were holding on using their grip, their feet getting closer and closer to the ground. I didnt quite trust myself to have the strength to pull my legs up and over the bar, something I used to do all the time as a child, but as an adult (fear comes into play). After a round, we had yet another set of burpees (at this stage I have no idea how many we had done, but it obviously was in the hundreds).
Have you noticed the common theme here??? There were a lot of burpees...
Once completed we had to find a piece of equipment and hang off it, ensuring that we did not touch the ground. I found the monkey bars, but used the two poles, and wedged myself in it, using mainly my back and legs to hold me. This also gave me the opportunity to stretch out the calfs (thank god), after a while it actually got a little relaxing, and then we got told to move, next one was a little easier with perching yourself on top like a seat, of course nothing is ever that simple, and I found that I was clinging onto a post for the next. People were hanging upside down from their legs and swinging, others were holding on using their grip, their feet getting closer and closer to the ground. I didnt quite trust myself to have the strength to pull my legs up and over the bar, something I used to do all the time as a child, but as an adult (fear comes into play). After a round, we had yet another set of burpees (at this stage I have no idea how many we had done, but it obviously was in the hundreds).
It wasn't long enough, it was back to the bags, get something to drink, some salt tablets and someone shared a bit of someones banana, bags and torches on, we went back into our team lines with our chains, and then got told to line up and put them in the truck. Not sure if its the last time we would see the chains. We then had a quick brief from Max, encouraging us to keep going but it was going to get a hell of a lot harder here on in. What can I do? Tap out? Nope wasn't gonna happen... Yes, I was extremely nervous about the water that maybe approaching, and my head and mind are playing tricks on me, as I have images in my head of just using the straw to breath whilst under water, but before my imagination could get the better of me we were heading off to the next location
Cramping
This felt like a long trek, my legs were starting to get heavy and I could feel the tightness in my lower back going down my leg to my knee (still cursing that bloody car hitting me), trying not to think about it, shit I forgot to take my pain killers, damn it too late now, not much I can do. As we continued to trek, I could feel the twinges in my calf as the onset of cramp kept making its way, please not now, just keep going, work through the cramp its fine. OK, quick stretch, with a squeal and an ow ow ow, bloody stupid cramp, go away. I was slowly falling behind. At this stage I was not going to let cramp get the better of me, so with some quick step shuffles to keep moving. I managed to catch up with some people, which made me feel a little better, I could see the remaining head torches in the distance and as I was making up some ground. Damn it, as I march and stretch at the same time, a very weird combo indeed, but at least I got the job done.. I was more afraid of the trainer, saying if you fall any further behind we will take your band, Richard had already gone ahead, as I tried to hide any anguish that I was currently experiencing. Finally I made it with the rest of the team congregated together, thank god. Little did I know that the punishment was only about to begin.
Torture
Line up in your teams with our bags on your back, see the light at the end of the paddock, you are heading towards that light. Ok easy enough, what are we going to commando crawl to light and back, I can handle that, it would get a bit heavy with the bag on, but I can do this.
NNNNooooooo, I was so totally wrong, now pencil roll with your bag on towards the light (shit what???), as each team left we were the final team standing, down on the ground we went and then we started to roll. Not thinking about it just doing, it wasn't long until people around me started to puke (don't want to hear it, don't want to see it), just keep going. I am slowly starting to go dizzy and my stomach feels like a washing machine, just churning and churning and churning, but still I rolled and rolled and rolled. Yes I eventually got to the end. Richard saying to me about taking my band, and I was a bit cocky saying I will give it to him next week when i see him for training. A short walk around, to get your bearing and yep we were heading back. Just do this, I am more than half way there, still ignoring everyone puking up around me, I can do this, just keep on rolling. I hear Joe above me, saying that if Im last I will be disqualified, ok now is the time to start to hurry (not a good idea), as I roll and roll and roll, I eventually made it to the end. I knew I was close to the end, as I heard some of the trainers turn around to some of the finishers and say dummies out and go again. Whhhhatttt!!! No this can't be true, do it all again, I was already on the verge of puking and just made it to the end, I had no idea what time it was or how long we had been out there for...
NNNNooooooo, I was so totally wrong, now pencil roll with your bag on towards the light (shit what???), as each team left we were the final team standing, down on the ground we went and then we started to roll. Not thinking about it just doing, it wasn't long until people around me started to puke (don't want to hear it, don't want to see it), just keep going. I am slowly starting to go dizzy and my stomach feels like a washing machine, just churning and churning and churning, but still I rolled and rolled and rolled. Yes I eventually got to the end. Richard saying to me about taking my band, and I was a bit cocky saying I will give it to him next week when i see him for training. A short walk around, to get your bearing and yep we were heading back. Just do this, I am more than half way there, still ignoring everyone puking up around me, I can do this, just keep on rolling. I hear Joe above me, saying that if Im last I will be disqualified, ok now is the time to start to hurry (not a good idea), as I roll and roll and roll, I eventually made it to the end. I knew I was close to the end, as I heard some of the trainers turn around to some of the finishers and say dummies out and go again. Whhhhatttt!!! No this can't be true, do it all again, I was already on the verge of puking and just made it to the end, I had no idea what time it was or how long we had been out there for...
The final moments
I made it, took my bag off, found the dummy, put it in my mouth and on the floor I got. I noticed that some had switched off their torches and wondered if this helped, but left it on anyway. It was a lot lighter to roll without your pack on, so you moved a lot quicker, this of course started to add to the stomach churning and dizziness. OK, as I lay there looking at the stars, thinking how amazing lucky we were to have such a great clear night and it wasn't pissing it down with rain, I started noticing that I was soon to be left alone, I knew that I needed to start moving again. Ok, 1, 2, 3 do a couple of rolls, by this stage I notice that I am spending more time looking at the starts then I was actually moving, my whole body was having the shakes and I was feeling like I just have the worst hangover ever possible. This feeling was not going anywhere, I can't move and just feel sick, I can't even remember the last time I felt like this (since I stopped drinking), but knew that my time was done, as I took my headband off and gave it to Jim. He congratulated me, and said what an amazing job I had done, we were 6 hours in and have travelled 14kms.
I am feeling extremely sick and dejected, how can I tap out on such a stupid thing, but I know that there was nothing I could do, even as I lay there listening as they were all moving onto the next location. What could I do, but try and make the world stop spinning. It was the worst feeling, something so minor and simple had gotten the better of me. Even now, I am trying to think if there was any way that I could have stopped feeling so sick, in a way I am glad I had eaten and drank so little, as I knew I would have been seeing it again otherwise. I don't think there is anything that I could have done to make me feel any better. However I have no doubts, that this will be included in the next HH, so all I need to do now is find a field and starting rolling.
My time had come to end, and so had many others...
The final 6 hours
Unfortunately I was not one of those that continued on the journey, the half way point had been reached, and I was thinking of all those that were still on the path to completion. As I lay in the paddock, beneath the stars, I wondered what would have been in store for me if I hadn't had tapped out.
A huge effort and congrats to all, but especially those final 39 that made it through to the final minute. I have huge respect for you all, you would have gone to hell and back and came out triumphantly, my only selfish wish, is, I wished I was part of it, but I was thinking of you all as you completed your journeys.
From what I have been told and the stories I have read, it was not going to get any easier but a lot lot harder, carrying buckets filled to the brim, in which they could not lose any water, as for every inch of water they lost it was 10 burpees, of course. Some smart people used, the black bin bags and gaffa to hold the water in, and to capture any water than may have escaped, a tactic that only saw them receive 30 burpees. Punishments were being disrupted at this stage for incomplete tasks including having buckets of water poured over you. Of course it didnt quite end there, with up hill bear crawls and sprint runs.
Some beach workouts including getting into the water up to your chin, doing sit ups and push ups that would have added resilience and drained any energy you would have had. More hill sprints were added for additional punishments as well as rolling around in the sand.
All these things I know would have tested me physically and mentally, I am still not sure if I would have been able to complete the tasks at hand, but I guess will find out at the next one.
I really hope if your reading this that I you think I am not being negative, YES this was one of the hardest nights of my life, but it also will be one that I remember for a long time, YES I have regrets, but I am not dwelling on them, I will work on them and I will be there for the next one. I had the best time, and YES I did have fun, YES there were a few squealing moments and YES I was in a world of hurt, but YES I would do it again and again and again until I can complete the full 12 hours. It is a powerful wake up call, but also a massive achievement. I would be lying if I was to say I was not disappointed, of course I am, and I think that anyone who's says there not is also probably lying. Your goal is to finish, and when you fail at it, you do feel ultimately disappointed in yourself and your capabilities. But now, I have something even more to prove... I will get this done...
Isn't this what life about conquering your own demons, and never given up, to get back up and to try, try again.
Geelong HH12HRAt 8pm on Saturday 5th Dec 100 Spartan storm chasers prepared to take on the toughest challenge we have ever set.. #HH12HR, 12 hours of physical and mental attrition, and a chance to truly discover the limits of endurance. 39 finished, but all 100 learned plenty about courage, teamwork and humility. For those who were there to see it, it was a testament to just how stubborn Spartan racers can be. #unbreakable #HH12HR #fortunefavoursthebrave
Posted by Spartan Race on Wednesday, December 9, 2015
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