I got to the race site at about 7 am after having a decent breakfast at the hotel (This was the first time I've actually had time to get a decent breakfast before an OCR). I always take too long getting ready. It was only in the low 30's when I walked into the gathering area. I waited as long as possible to check my back and remove my pants and hoodie so as to stay as warm as possible. I had a few minutes to stand by the fire pit before heading to the starting line. I got in a decent stretch near the fire pit and at the starting line but had to keep jumping around and flexing in order to keep the muscles loose.
The race started as they usually do. The MC got everyone pumped up and we ran off through the smoke and into the woods. It started off with everyone packed close together and I was right in the middle of it for the first mile but then started to slow a bit since my lungs were not yet used to the cold air. My legs were still sore from the night before and were feeling a bit tight. I honestly cannot remember the order of the obstacles we faced or even how far it was in between those obstacles. All I know is none of the obstacles created by Dirt Runner or by Spartan Race compared with the cold. That was the biggest obstacle for me and I am not usually affected by the cold.
The course was very slick in some spots and I saw several people go down in the first 10 minutes. I myself didn't start to fall until halfway through when cold and fatigue were setting in. I managed all of teh obstacels with the exception of the one where you have to jump from log to log that are standing on end and the rope climb. The rope climb was in 4-7 ft of water depending on which rope you chose. Of course I got the one in 7 ft of water. My body went numb once I got in the water and I couldn't muster the strength to pull myself up so I did my burpees.
There was quite a bit of running on this course and it was not nearly as hilly as some of the other courses I have run but the cold was a definite factor. I made decent time for the most part, except for where there were lines backed up at the obstacles. I ended up with a finishing time of 3:17:57. I was hoping to come in under 3 hours and I thought that I did. I have heard accounts from others that kept their time independent of the timing chips and said that there was a difference between the 2 times. But that is my official time.
In hindsight, I have no real regrets as to how I ran my race. I wish it was a little warmer for the race but you cant control the weather. Next year I plan on being more prepared. On the bright side, with my finish of the Midwest Super, I completed my Spartan Trifecta and earned my medal. With this race, my racing season is over and I will now go into full on training mode for next year. I still want to lose another 20 lbs and I hope that will help my times for next year.
List of obstacles at the Midwest Super.....
Rope Climb in water
Over Unders with Logs
Over, Under, Throughs with walls
Hercules Pull
Tractor Pull
Log Balance Beam over water
More Log balance Beams
Sandbag Carry
2 Barbed Wire crawls
Inverted angled wall climbs
8 ft walls
Log hill Climb
Gladiator Pit
Gear...
Under Armour Compression Underwear - Washed clean, no damage
Nike Dri-Fit Shorts - Washed Clean, No damage - 4th OCR
UA Compression long Sleeve - Washed Clean, no damage
UA - Short Sleeve Dri Fit Shirt - Washed clean, small hole from barbed wire on shoulder
Smartwool Socks - No damage, washed clean
Nike Air Pegasus 28's - Washed somewhat clean, no damage. Does not have adequate grip for OCR's.
Camelbak - Washed clean(as always), no damage
Ron
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