Last Updated on March 1, 2022 by Heather Hart, ACSM EP, CSCS
Question: “I’m signed up for the Vermont Spartan Beast. Am I going to die?”
Answer: Not likely. But you’ll probably feel like it.
We are three weeks away from what is arguably the toughest obstacle course race on the planet: the Spartan World Championships/Vermont Beast held at Killington Mountain. And the course is designed by arguably the most sadistic designer on the planet: Norm Koch, who truly gets a kick out of plotting the course through the steepest, most miserable parts of the mountain, and then makes you carry a 60 lb sandbag up it for good measure.
My favorite quote out of the race last year came from Jason Jaksetic, who said “This wasn’t some extreme sounding weekend activity engineered to make you feel good about your finish… this race was built to destroy.”
My entire body, namely my poor legs, would absolutely agree. Needless to say, this course has a reputation…and it is that time of year where people begin to freak out. Every facebook forum is filled with first-timer-questions and nerves. The search engine hits to this very blog have increased in number daily from those looking for Vermont Spartan Beast recaps.
Now I’ve had the pleasure of suffering through tens of thousands of feet in elevation and 40+ miles of this course during the 2012 Vermont SpartanUltra Beast & 2013 Vermont Spartan Beast combined. I am not an elite racer, but I’ve certainly done my time when it comes to the Vermont Beast, so yes, I’ve got some advice to offer.
Now I know what you are thinking. Heather, is it really that bad? And my answer is: yes, yes it is really that bad. Absolutely, 100% worth the suck, however, and a kickass, amazing day…as long as you let it be one. So heed these words, kids, and don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Heather’s tips on how to survive the Vermont Spartan Beast:
1. Smile, damnit!
Because you’re going to need it. Did I mention the race is going to suck? Because it is. You will likely start with a mile long death march up a double black diamond trail that will leave you truly questioning your spare time recreation choices. (Didn’t I get invited to a wedding this weekend? Shouldn’t I be cleaning out the garage?) Actually, you will probably spend most of the day cursing your idea of “fun”, so you might as well embrace the suck now and smile.
Honestly though, as much as it hurts, there are no short of one billion things you could be doing that aren’t nearly as awesome. Laundry, for example. Writing a thesis. Cleaning up dog/cat/kid poop.
And these are all first world problems, think of much worse realities that many of our fellow humans face everyday. War. Poverty. Starvation. Instead, you are surrounded by a group of kickass, inspiring individuals pushing their bodies to the extreme. And, let’s face it, we are playing in the mud. So smile, because life IS good.
2. One foot in front of the other.
Don’t think about how huge that mountain is in front of you, just GO. My trick is to put my head down and count 50 steps. If I get to 50 and I’m feeling good, I keep trucking. If I get to 50 and feel like I might keel over, I stop and rest for a few seconds. Then repeat.
Don’t think about how much further you have to go. Hell, don’t even think about how far you’ve come. Become robotic; don’t think, just DO.
3. Ameila doesn’t need a CamelBak…but YOU do.
Hydration and nutrition are EVERYTHING in a race like this; what you eat and drink will make or break your day. Sure Hobie and Amelia and the other elites often tackle that mountain with nothing but their sleek Reebok shorts and sports bras, but you and I are not them.
Yes, there are aid stations with water out there, but believe me when I tell you that they will not come soon enough.
The added weight and possible discomfort of a hydration pack is nothing compared to the discomfort and pure-suck of dehydration and bonking from low blood sugar. DO NOT underestimate your needs. Pack snacks for the whole day, if you’re lucky you’ll have plenty left over at the finish line. (Who wants a celebratory GU? I’ve got Margarita flavor!!!”)
4. Make Friends. Crack Jokes.
A cringe worthy statement such as “Run? I thought they said Rum!” is freaking hilarious 6 hours into a race. Equally as funny is whining at the start of a ridiculous barbed wire crawl that you don’t want to get muddy…when you are already unrecognizable because you are covered in mud.
You and everyone else on the course are all in this suckfest together, you’d be surprised how much a smile, a joke, or even a sincere “you are kicking ass today” to a stranger can not only brighten their spirits, but your own. Offer help, even if you aren’t sure another athlete needs it. It’s cliche but the statement is true: attitude *is* everything.
5. Attempt Everything.
Learn from my mistakes: try everything. When you are cold, tired, and soaking wet, something like the tyrolean traverse may just seem downright impossible, and the burpee penalty a far easier choice.
But you aren’t here for warmth and comfort, you are here for the experience. The whole, sucky, miserable, cold, exhausting, “why the hell am I here and not on some beach drinking frozen pina coladas?” experience.
Trust me when I tell you that you will get to the finish line and regret not trying everything (I skipped over a water obstacle because I was already too cold. I still regret it.) So unless you have a serious medical or safety reason preventing you from attempting each obstacle, suck it up buttercup (or as the Spartan’s like to say, STFU.) Trust me.
6. Believe you can do it.
Yes, I’ve said that this race sucks (in one form or another) at least ten times during this post. And while I’m only sort of kidding (it really does suck), the Vermont Spartan Beast is one of the most amazing athletic endeavors I’ve had the opportunity to tackle.
Killington Mountain is truly a Beast; she is a force to be reckoned with. But guess what? So are you.
Believe you can cross that finish line, and don’t for one second doubt yourself. If you’ve got that, not much else really matters.
Are you a Vermont Spartan Beast veteran? Have any advice (serious or sarcastic) you’d like to add?
Vermont Spartan Beast newbie? Got questions? ASK!
Heather Hart is an ACSM certified Exercise Physiologist, NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), UESCA certified Ultrarunning Coach, RRCA certified Running Coach, co-founder of Hart Strength and Endurance Coaching, and creator of this site, Relentless Forward Commotion. She is a mom of two teen boys, and has been running and racing distances of 5K to 100+ miles for over a decade. Heather has been writing and encouraging others to find a love for fitness and movement since 2009.
Hannah Hawley
~ Left foot, right foot, repeat to the finish.
~ I can do anything for 1 minute and the next 10 feet.
~ Laugh. Seriously.
~ I am going to make this Beast my BITCH!
~ Its just a lovely day for a walk in the woods!
~ Laugh. At every opportunity.
~ Cheer people on, offer a knee, share your snacks.
~ Bring mustard packets.
~ HAVE FUN!!!!! Remember, you signed up for this so enjoy it for all that it is worth.
Hannah Hawley
One more! Find the cameras and ham it up 🙂
Levi Smith
Freaking awesome post Heather! Love it! (:
Danielle
This was great! I am really happy you posted this. My first beast will be this weekend in Vermont, i am freaking out (obviously). I have so many mixed emotions, but I can not wait to accomplish my goal of finishing. Thanks for this article and great blog 🙂
jaclyn
Hi, okay so my boyfriend did this beast and i know how insane and badass it was. i am definitely a beginner, but he convinced me that i should run this spartan beast coming in 2015 in NEW JERSEY* with him just to be able to say i accomplished this, just for complete fun, no competitiveness against anyone except myself, he’ll stay with me the whole way even though it will take me at least 9 hours probably. Like just to say f it, why not? You only live once why do you have to be elite or some really experienced racer to go these extra miles? I agreed, because i know it will change my life if and when i get to that finish line. Now i’m not going to tell anyone I’m doing this because i don’t want my motivation completely wrecked, but i do want your opinion on this crazy idea because i need to know how it looks and sounds to someone else who has done a beast. Keep in mind this one isn’t on the mountains of killington it won’t be that highest level of intensity.
Heather
Hi Jaclyn! My opinion? GO FOR IT! Don’t doubt yourself for one second! You have plenty of time to train, and completing one of these races will be life changing. Don’t be fooled, however, New Jersey, especially if they hold it in the same location as the Super, does have hills! So make sure you train for them! (Here’s my recap: https://relentlessforwardcommotion.com/2014/09/tri-state-super-spartan-race-review/) Also, while I completely respect your decision to NOT tell anyone, I think you should 🙂 You’d be surprised who will come to your side to not only cheer you on, but provide motivation! Sometimes telling others what our goals are is helpful because it holds us accountable. But again, totally your decision. If you ever have any training quesitons, feel free to reach out to me! In the meantime, be sure to check out my training tips for OCR & Spartan racing here: https://relentlessforwardcommotion.com/obstacle-course-racing/ Good luck! 🙂
Jen
LOVE your post! What did you do about food? Thank you ahead of time!
Heather K
Ok, so I’m not really in love with running long distances, i was a sprinter in school. However, i get really fired up for obstacle courses. Never done a distance one that required running before though. I have decided to go for Battlefrog in Ashville NC next year this time. So i have a year to get ready. Any tips on how to train running without beating the pavement for hours at a time? Or do i have to just suck it up?
Kim
I love your post,especially in the wake of my first beast, and it’s Killington of all places. So I’ve got my mind sent on the death march. One foot in front of the other. I’m prepared to do whatever I have to do, and try anything … but here’s the question: What kind of gear (I’ve got a headlamp and a hydration pack, so far) do you recommend?
Rick
Sounds like you were right next to me on Saturday during my Beast run. Great Post. God Bless the Spartan Family.
Bobby
I know I’m 3 years behind on this post but I just completed my first Spartan beast and of course out of all of them, I chose the Vermont beast. As part of my panicking leading up to the race I began to scour the internet for any last minute advice on the race and I found your post, and I have to say your tip on counting to 50 and continuing/taking a break when necessary is what got me through the race. So I enjoy giving you the pleasure of knowing that your knowledge and advice goes a long way and continues to do so years later. So thank you.
Dumond
I just did my first SERIOUS Spartan Super less than a week ago (did a super and a sprint previously, but without genuinely trying my hardest).
I am now contemplating doing a Beast so I can get the Trifecta by this year…and my only option is, of course, Killington.
I appreciate you underlining that it’s gonna suck, and that it’s gonna be awesome.
I have 3 weeks to train up and this is gonna suck and I can’t wait.
Thanks for the advice, people continue to appreciate it years later!!