My 2020 goal is simple: Embrace a fitness lifestyle. But it turned into one hell of an adventure when I signed up for this particular race.

Spartan Race is a series of obstacle races of varying distance and difficulty. It is purpose-built to test one’s courage, strength, and determination and made to challenge everything you’re made of.

Ah, yes. I’ve seen this before. This is super hardcore! There is no way I could possibly do it. I’m not that strong yet, and I only recently got into fitness. What are the chances of me finishing that race? /endofflashback

I initially had doubts, but as they say, if you can convince your mind that you can do it, then you can. It took a lot of effort for that goal to materialize, but in the end, it was worth it.

There’s a big chance you’re interested in this obstacle course race, but you’re held back by your fear (like me). I hope this list helps in some way.

Here are 10 things you need to know before you say NO to joining a Spartan Race:

1. You don’t need to be a god to finish the race.

I believe that people of all fitness levels can overcome the obstacles and make it across the finish line. Yes, even those who don’t work out regularly. If you don’t believe me, you can just search #spartanrace on IG and read the captions one by one. I bet you’ll come across a humbling story of someone who made it ’til the end.

You don’t need to be a god to finish this race. The courses are tough, but not impossible. Of course, expect that it will be tougher for the average person. If you didn’t train properly before the race, you might be more prone to injuries and intense body aches.

2. Don’t even start with “Only the boys can do it”-statement.

Spartan women had a reputation for being independent throughout ancient Greece. They enjoyed freedom and power (sometimes enjoying more than their counterparts), and actively engaged in many athletic competitions.

The Spartan Race may look like an exclusive boys club. It’s not. Before you doubt your capabilities, you should know that it is also home to some of the most respected and amazing female athletes!

P.S. Just to be clear. Gender isn’t really a big issue here. I’m sure that you can finish this race even if you identify as a female, male, LGBT, etc.

3. Joining the race will help you build a strong mindset.

To be honest, I love the mental benefits more than the physical benefits of joining a Spartan Race. We all know that building a strong mindset is the first step to success. This is because you are using the power of intention to achieve your goal.

Every Spartan race will push your mind and body to their limits. (Not just during the race day, but also during training period). Quitting won’t be an option. You’ll appreciate the race even more when you apply what you have learned here in other areas of your life.

P.S. It helps to visualize yourself going through the fire jump and crossing the finish line even before you experience it. The mind is everything. It can attract everything you’d ever want in life because its power is limitless. Lol sorry, I’m such a nerd for mind power stuff.

P.P.S. You’ll achieve more than you thought possible!

ALSO READ: Why People Should Say ‘Thank You’ Everyday

4. You don’t have to compete with everyone.

…unless, of course, if you signed up for the Elite or Age Group Category.

Our minds were already conditioned for the finish/win. So for our first race, we only had one goal in mind: to have fun. Competitive people won’t like it if they get left behind during the race. But hey, relax. You’re out there to push yourself past your limits, not to beat everyone on your first try (although that’s not such a bad thing, too).

5. It’s a fun activity you need to try at least once in your lifetime.

From the moment I signed up for a Spartan race, I knew I had to get used to the excitement! Real talk: it was seriously one of the most fun moments of my life. It introduced me to new friends and new fitness buddies.

The overall experience was new for me, a breath of fresh air in a once work and relationship-centered life.

6. You’ll never be alone.

Are you racing solo? Don’t worry. The Spartan Community prides itself on teamwork, a thirst for victory, and togetherness.

We joined the Open Category for our 1st Spartan Race, and I experienced firsthand how being a part of this community can be so uplifting.

Exhibit A: I struggled a lot during Bucket Carry. There was a time when I had to take a break because my right shoulder was already in so much pain. As I was getting ready to jog again, a fellow Spartan racer took the time to help me carry it. We jogged together for a while before he took off and shouted words of encouragement.

Exhibit B: When I was just about a km away from the finish line, a fellow racer suddenly tapped my back and gave me a reassuring smile. Then he told me, “We’re almost there! You can do it!” After that, I saw him cheering the other racers as well. I’m pretty sure they were given their much-needed boost!

If you’re joining this race alone, don’t worry. The nerves will die down, the burpees will feel less tiring, and the heat will be bearable. Why? The whole community is there to make sure you make it to the end.

7. You’ll be on a fitness tour.

Haven’t experienced this yet, but Spartan Race will take you to the most challenging (yet beautiful) destinations and make you hike through untouched wilderness and terrains in different parts of the country (or globe). Expect lots of travel if you plan to compete in several races.

If you are going on a day trip (meaning: you’ll leave your home > head to the destination > finish the race > go back home), you’ll probably spend a good time sleeping on the road. Book a hotel or an Airbnb if you want to stay the night. That way, you can explore the place the following day.

ALSO READ: Quick Binondo Foodtrip

8. Health will be #1.

I can still remember when I made fitness my lifestyle last year. I truly enjoyed getting active. It’s fun because I felt like I was really taking care of my body. I also got stronger day by day. It’s not all bad that working out gives you tons of endorphins, too! So I was just overwhelmed with happiness after exercising.

When I signed up for my first ever Spartan Race, I noticed a slight shift in my routine. I wasn’t training simply to be strong anymore, I was training with a purpose – a purpose to complete the race and celebrate that finish as a small win.

All of a sudden, I should eat the right food, drink the proper recovery juice, rest more, and train more. I got more conscious of my racing stamina (P.S. I don’t like running) and got myself fired up with motivation and discipline to work on my weaknesses.

At the back of my mind, I kept telling myself: You’re not just attending a one-hour gym class. You’ll be racing in the heat. You’ll be completing obstacles. You need to be prepared. You need to be HEALTHY. You can’t afford injuries.

Back then, it felt like I was only focusing on my racing stamina. I understood that there was a lot of effort needed for conditioning and training beforehand. But thinking about it now, I was simply putting my health first.

9. It’s a good challenge.

Think about it. If you commit to the race, you’ll be pushing your mind, body, and spirit to produce the STRONGEST version of yourself.

I became more confident (yet self-critical) of myself after the race. Confident because I got a sense of accomplishment and earned the “I can do anything!” affirmation. Self-critical because I learned what I did wrong (or my weaknesses) and what I should work on more.

If that doesn’t sound like a good challenge, then I don’t know what is. Remember, you are doing this for you.

10. You get to have bragging rights.

It’s true. You’ll feel like a badass after completing the whole race. Don’t feel guilty about feeling proud. You earned it. And you deserve it.

Now, let the response be, “AROO!”

Note: I wrote this article from the comfort of my home to pass the time. I am well-aware of the current COVID-19 public health crisis, and I fervently hope that this will all blow over soon.

If you reached the end of this article, my final message is to please #STAYHOME. This is the only way we can help our exhausted frontliners and HEROES (store clerks, sanitation workers, guards, medical professionals, volunteers, gasoline staff, delivery drivers, warehouse staff, volunteers, media people, etc.) who brave the threat of the disease every single day.