Sure, there are bigger hurdles to jump (literally!!!) in a Spartan race than deciding what to wear, how to keep your hair tangle-free, if you will be able to find a porta-potty when nature calls, and so on! But, some of us who are considering running a Spartan race for the first time can be overwhelmed by these little unknowns and this anxiety can keep even the most prepared, fitness-savvy person from hitting the “Commit” button. In my first Spartan race years ago, I had no idea what to expect (outside of studying the obstacles) and the imagined possibility of all the little things outside of running and obstacles that could go wrong made me uncomfortable. Ahh, what I wish I knew then that I know now!
I hope these Spartan questions I’ve been asked by various women answered based on my own personal obstacle course racing experience and insights helps calm any pre-race jitters. Feel free to leave a comment if you need another question answered in addition to these Spartan personal care tips race day logistics.
TIP 1: How do I Keep My Hair Untangled? Braid your hair flat to head, if possible, so that it does not tangle or snag on any obstacles, tree branches or brush. I’ve had my hair get tangled in the barbed wire crawl and a judge had to come cut me free (no joke)! Use bobby pins, a beanie hat (if cold) or your Spartan headband to help keep shorter hairs from turning into distracting flyaways. Some ladies sporting Spartan braids even swear by a little Vaseline or styling crème rubbed vary lightly over the braid to help comb out sweaty, wet strands afterwards without breakage.
TIP 2: Does My Bra Style Matter? What bra to wear at a Spartan race of course depends on the fitness style that supports your body type, whether a curvy or more athletic silhouette. Consider how front closures will feel and possible rub you the wrong way while carrying heavy loads at the chest or climbing walls. Also, for bras with thick padded inserts, take those out on cold days. They will sop up water like a sponge in obstacles like dunk wall, rolling mud, and creek crossings and others – this will feel pretty gross later on the run and also keep you from warming up back up if it’s a chilly day. On hot days however, the reverse holds true, they can be interestingly cooling and also act as a cushion on impact when hoisting yourself over walls and such.
TIP 3: How do I Keep from Chaffing? Ain’t nobody have time for chaffing. Skin rubbed raw from friction is the worst and can stop you in your tracks in painful discomfort during the race . . .. and then have you shrieking in the shower later that night. Plus, chaffing isn’t just for thighs . . . it can get you anywhere you have skin-on-skin, skin-on-fabric, or even skin on obstacle rubbing together. Butt cheeks, boobs, armpits, and use your imagination to come up with more potentially horrific chaffing situations. Sweating and being wet only make it worse, and these are two things that have a pretty high chance of happening to you in a Spartan race. Lessen your chances of chaffing by choosing technical performance wear that dries quickly and has flat or no seams – the Spartan Shop always has great stuff. Also, use an anti-chafe balm and, if you run without a bra (no judgement), maybe some nipple guards.
Should I Wear Make Up & Sunscreen? My personal opinion is you don’t need makeup for a Spartan race, unless you’re donning warrior paint! You make be thinking, but WAIT, what about my lashes and in that case, I get it! Make your eyes pop for those free Spartan race pics with a little Sports Mascara that is water-proof, sweat-proof, smudge-proof and budge-proof. Also, don’t forget SUNSCREEN, you’ll want to apply before the race (even if it’s cloudy) and then again afterward if you’re staying to enjoy the Spartan race festival.
Is There a Place to Check my Bag? One of the first things I check on before my first Spartan race, was . . is there a bag check? I mean, I have a lot of stuff to bring including pre-race snacks, dry clothes, a hat, a brush and sunscreen – and also a place to stash my jacket, sunglasses, and phone while racing. YES, there is a complimentary Bag Drop that is included with your registration. Upon entering this zone in the festival area, you check in with volunteers who hand you a numbered wristband and matching bag band and hook. . then you walk into the area, use the hook to hang your bag, and then exit to the start corrals. When picking up your bag, a volunteer will check your wrist band to ensure that it matches your bag band. If you’d like a more secure place to stash your stuff, there are typically “for pay” lockers available run by a vendor. By the way, I like to use a Dry Bag in case it starts to rain while I’m out on the course, the free bag drop is in an open place and will get wet. Sometimes, if it’s raining or misting from the get-go, I’ve seen volunteers pass out a plastic bag to put your backpack or duffle in – but I wouldn’t count on that.
What about Pre-race Nutrition? I don’t know who needs to hear this, but many women I know tend to under fuel before a race. I suggest making your lunch the day before the bigger “carb loading” meal and eat a lighter (but adequate meal) meal the night before so that it doesn’t interfere with sleeping or make you feel bloated and heavy. Also, cut back on the fiber. If you are a salad girl, chia pudding person, or otherwise eat your daily recommended value of fiber or more. . do that earlier in the week, not leading right up to the race. Fiber makes things move quickly through the digestive system and you don’t want “that’ happening on the course. IF you are looking for specific products to help your race performance and recovery, check out Spartan Nutrition.
What if I need to Use the Restroom? Speaking of “that” happening on the course, visit the prolific village of porta-potties in the race festival area. Spartan does a good job of having plenty of portable toilets to use before and after the race. Even if you don’t’ think you need to visit one before the race, do it anyway. This may be a mute suggestion as chances are pre-race jitters will have you there a couple times anyway! Thankfully these days, there ARE some porta potties on the course for use . . . .typically at the couple of water stations on the course that are manned by volunteers. Just hop in one of those and keep it quick, the clock is ticking. Although, probably not the corporate Spartan message, there are always the bushes. If you’re not a squatter, carry along a disposable female urination device to stand and pee (why should guy’s only have this superpower?).
How do I Handle “That Time of Month”?: As a female athlete, dealing with the various stages of the menstrual cycle (and the unpredictability) and training or competing annoying. WHY must periods arrive on race day, and even worse and more worrisome if the situation is in full force. Even racing and PMS symptoms aren’t so fun. So, as mentioned earlier, there ARE a few porta-potties on the race course. They are not as huge in number as you mind find in a major marathon, but they are still there thank goodness (back in the day, Spartan had none!). You can carry your your supplies in a zip-top plastic bag that’s tucked in a race belt, hydration vest, or even shoved in your sports bra. Ensure the baggie seal is tight, because there will be water obstacles and a Spartan is expected to traverse all obstacles with every single item, they brought on the race course.
Is There a Place to Clean Up After Finishing? You’re going to get dirty in a Spartan race. If you haven’t been face down doing burpees in the mud, you’ve at least dunked in a murky water pit and crawled around on the ground. There is typically a “Cold Wash” area in the finish line area where you can spray down with hoses to get the dirt and debris off. Mind you the water is cold, the area is unisex, and soaps and shampoos are not allowed. It’s water only. There is also a separate Men’s and Women’s Changing Tent where you can use sports wipe you’ve brought along to finish sprucing up before you change into dry clothes. Have fun getting that wet sports bra off, haha!
I’m Racing Solo, who will take my photo? Lol, we get it!! An epic post-race photo is a forever souvenir that you achieved a huge accomplishment – plus, it’s fun to share on social media. If you brought your photo to the race (carry in a waterproof arm case) or festival area, ask any fellow Spartan to snap a quick pick of you . . . the Spartan community is amazing and will be more than happy to help (unless they are in the middle of burpees or something). Also, with your registration you will receive FREE Spartan race photos that you can download from your Spartan Race account about 3 to 7 days after the race. These are super cool action shots of you on the race course, crushing obstacles. Make sure the race number on your Spartan headband is being worn properly and facing forward to ensure that you are tagged.
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