My unexpected passion for this endurance sport led to a year of being fully consumed by training and races.

Since I’m unapologetically and obviously still in a fitness high, I figured I might as well keep a compilation of what went down! Take a closer look at what it’s really like joining an obstacle course race, specifically a Spartan Race. I’ll do my best to keep story time to a minimum. Haha!

A refreshing beach race in Anda, Bohol

This one was the first-ever Spartan Beach Race in the Philippines, so we were obviously stoked about it! As you can see, we’re not really covered in mud or dirt to a great extent. We ran along the scenic beach, tried to maintain or pick up our speed in the shallow Anda waters, and breezed through the beautiful forestry before heading back to the main plaza where the local spectators were waiting!

I can honestly say this was my 2nd favorite race this year. Swimming after the race was perfect!

Stadion Race in Capas, Tarlac

The Stadion in New Clark City Athletics Stadium last 2022 was also a first for the Philippines, so we just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to participate and see where our functional fitness training would take us! I decided to race with my friends and make our calves cry as we hopped up several flights of stairs before heading back to an open field and the track. We didn’t have a fire jump as the last obstacle for this one, but we did fool around as we made our way past the Gauntlet!

One hot race in City de Mare, Cebu

I remember not taking the course map seriously when it was released and regretting it after. That was my first lesson to never underestimate a Spartan Race! You’d be surprised at how much you’ll be challenged even if the course doesn’t appear that way at first.

This hot race in City de Mare is quite something! The first half of the race was manageable, but it became much more challenging for me during the second half (mostly because of the heat). I experienced terrible leg cramps right after doing the fire jump, but good thing a comrade helped me out, unlocking a sweet race moment I’ll never ever forget! This is what Spartan is all about! Never leave a fallen comrade.

The ‘muddiest race ever’ in Vermosa, Cavite

Does #VerMUDsa ring a bell? If you’re one of the fortunate (or unfortunate) ones to have experienced this, then you already know what racers had to endure during this particular race. It’s all about the raw natural terrain, greenery, thick mud (at one point, it was thigh-high), and more moooore mud from start to end! The course was so slippery, so everyone had to be extremely careful and strategic about how they run. 

You’d think this was the dirtiest you could ever get in a Spartan Race. Nope, you’re wrong. 

ALSO READ: From ‘Try’ to Multi-Trifecta: My Spartan Race Journey (2022)

Extreme elevation-gaming races in Timberland Heights, Rizal

My final races of the year took place in Timberland Heights, Rizal, and boy, was it brutal! I remember admiring the cool and beautiful trail during the first 40 minutes or so, before taking on different obstacles that are placed closely together, and heading straight to the mountains for a long run. Key moments for my races include losing my bib in the Cargo Net Crawl (I was able to retrieve it – thank goodness), conquering the seemingly never-ending rope for Tyrolean Traverse, and slipping down the final ahon during the Jerry Can Carry obstacle. And oh, the struggle with the elevation and the refreshing river crossings are definitely unforgettable!

Nothing compares to the fulfillment you’ll get after finishing a race!

When you cross that finish line, one of these things will happen: a) your lips will unconsciously curl into a smile, b) you’ll be flooded with full relief, c) you’ll feel an inexplicable feeling after the staff places the medal around your neck, d) you’ll go crazy together with your friends, etc. The race might be brutal, but the thing is – you won’t be miserable at the end. There’s just joy, pride, and total confidence in yourself.

It was hella fun, and you conquered it. Now it’s time to sign up for that next race!