We got into the corral just as our wave opened and got hyped up and ready to go. The atmosphere was AMAZING. There was a mix of rookies and very seasoned veterans and everyone was supportive and encouraging to each other. If you weren't excited when you crossed the start line, that is your own fault.
The two things most stressed to us were (1) follow the course markings (don't simply follow the person in front of you because they might be lost) and (2) Spartans suck at math and even though it says 3.1ish, it is likely more than that. I won't lie, being strictly a road racer the past few years I am used to certified courses and them measuring out to the correct distance, so the term "ish" after the distance gives my OCD-self a little bit of anxiety.
A majority of the first obstacles were similar to ones that I have done at other OCRs such as walls, vertical cargo, rope climb, and monkey bars. Once we hit the eighth obstacle around mile two came the obstacles that were new to me (and that I was honestly the most excited about). First up on the "new to me" obstacles was the Clif Bucket Birgade. Basically, grab a bucket and carry it. There are black buckets for men that were around 70ish pounds and red buckets for females weighing in around 50lbs. We went down the hill and back up the hill. I don't know exactly how far we went with the buckets, but it felt like MILES. It was probably like .25 mile, but it felt like an eternity. At first I tried to make friends with my bucket, but I was soon yelling at it...
Remember how I said that I wasn't getting fixated on the map and the obstacles? That is because there are usually little surprises or changes along the way. Rolling Mud (mud pit) which was on the map and the dunk wall (SURPRISE!) were up next. That water was nice and chilly to say the least.
The best part of the day? Proving that I can do things that others doubted I could. I worked my butt off for this day and I proved doubters wrong.