3 Lessons from the Spartan Race

Most of Saturday was spent covered in mud, running, and celebrating with friends.  A question many ask is "Why would anyone really want to spend a lot of money running through mud and barbed wire, just for the fun of it??"

Good question!  It was worth it; here's why and what I learned:

1. I'm Not as Strong as I Think:
   Sure, everyone standing at the starting line believes they're truly Spartan-Tough enough to conquer the race.  We all imagine we'll breeze through the obstacles if we have the right "go-getter" attitude.  But as I approached my first set of slippery monkey bars, or my first 300 lbs tire to flip, or the 20 ft rope to climb, I realized I was not nearly as tough as I thought.  It's good to be reminded of our limits and the need to ask for help--especially when it comes to tires...
   
2. I'm Stronger than I Think:
   And in the same token, everyone is secretly standing at the starting line wondering if they'll have what it takes to make it through even the first obstacle.  Sometimes in life, leadership, love, and other challenges of the heart (including Spartan races), we can actually benefit from no longer thinking about the challenges and festering over the worries, and simply just do it.  I had no idea I could climb that rope until I rang the bell, or that I could do many of the other things until I just jumped in and did them.  I think most people, even after just finishing the race in general, learned that they are stronger than they first thought--in the race and in life!
   
3. Getting Messy May Be the Best Way:
   I think the goal for many at the race, as well as in life, was to get through the course without getting too muddy, or without fully submersing in the mud.  That's admirable, but sometimes, our efforts to stay neat and clean in the midst of life means we also keep from getting fully into situations that can teach us much, give us life experiences, and that can reach to the depths of our protected hearts.  After a few cool dips in shoulder-high mud pits, I figured that getting messy was part of the day.  And so I did--to the point that mud continued to ooze out of my eyes hours after the race.  And today, I'm reminded that getting messy in the rest of life might also be the best approach.  

Of course there are other lessons to learn from this, but these were the first that came to mind.  Here's to life and living in ways that help us simply enjoy being alive!  

More to come!

Jason <><