Running Through Fire and Ice: The Two Spartan Races That Changed Me

Jono Blodgett
May 18
6 min read

Resilience isn’t built when things are easy. It’s forged in the moments when you’re gasping for air at 8,000 feet or dragging yourself through mud while sweat stings your eyes under an unrelenting tropical sun. My Spartan Race experiences in Hawaii and Lake Tahoe taught me this firsthand, in the most grueling (and rewarding) ways possible.

Lessons From the Hawaiian Heat

Hawaii, August 2017. If you’ve never raced in Hawaiian heat and humidity, count yourself lucky. The air doesn’t just feel warm; it clings to you with an oppressive weight, challenging you to keep moving when your body is screaming to stop.

Within the first mile of the course, it became clear I was in for a test way beyond the obstacles. The real battle was against the environment itself. Mud-slick trails, scorching sun, and air so thick you could nearly drink it were my constant companions. Water stations became small sanctuaries.

But here’s what Hawaii taught me: Adaptability is everything. Your perfect game plan? Useless if you’re not willing or able to tweak it along the way. I quickly learned to pace myself differently, hydrating like it was my full-time job and leaning heavily on my fellow racers for motivation.

Altitude and Weather in Lake Tahoe

Fast forward to Lake Tahoe, September 2019, where my next big challenge awaited. This race made Hawaiian humidity feel like a walk in the park. Lake Tahoe’s biggest weapon is its altitude. At over 6,000 feet and climbing, lack of oxygen was a foe I didn’t fully understand until I was gasping halfway up a hill that my sea-level lungs weren’t prepared for.

To make matters worse, just as I was adjusting to the thin air, Tahoe decided to throw in the wild card of weather. A crisp autumn morning turned into sudden wind and snow, leaving the course almost unrecognizable and adding a mental layer to an already brutal physical test.

But the exhaustion, the doubts, the “why did I sign up for this?” moments all melted away after crossing the finish line. Tahoe taught me that no obstacle was as big as the ones I built up in my own mind. Pushing through showed me that redefining personal limits isn’t just motivational nonsense. It’s real.

The Takeaways

What these two races gave me wasn’t just sweaty T-shirts and sore legs. They were experiences that shaped how I tackle challenges in every aspect of life.

Here’s what I walked away with (besides a solid tan in Hawaii and frozen fingers in Tahoe):

Adaptability is king. Whether it’s the tropics or the mountains, conditions will never be perfect. Thrive by adjusting, not resisting.
Preparation matters—but not the way you think. Sure, train for the race, but also study the environment. Conditions you can’t see coming will test you more than any obstacle.
Community is underrated. There’s something about suffering alongside other racers that creates an unspoken bond. A cheer from a fellow racer can carry you farther than you think.
You’re always stronger than you believe. Push past the voice in your head saying “stop.” It lies. Every finish line proves that.

Why It Matters

Racing in Hawaii and Lake Tahoe wasn’t only about completing physical challenges. It was about confronting myself in extreme environments. Somehow, those sweaty, gasping moments out in nature reveal more about who you are than you expect.

The Benefits of Spartan Races

Sure, training and participating in a Spartan Race will leave you with lots of physical benefits, like feeling stronger, maybe a few pounds lighter, and increased endurance, but it also delivers some serious life-changing perks. Here’s what people who’ve taken on the challenge consistently rave about:

Enhanced Mental Toughness

Spartan Races push your mental limits like nothing else. Imagine being halfway through a grueling obstacle course, your body screaming to stop, your mind begging to quit, and then pushing past that barrier. That’s the magic of Spartan. It’s like immersion therapy for your mindset, forcing you to confront discomfort and doubt head-on. Science backs this up: challenging physical activities build resilience and grit, training your brain to persevere in tough situations. Completing something like a rope climb or a wall you thought was impossible doesn’t just boost confidence on the course, it shifts your mindset entirely. You start to ask yourself, “What else have I underestimated myself on in other areas of my life?”

A Sense of Accomplishment

Few experiences rival the feeling of crossing a Spartan Race finish line. Whether it’s your very first race or your fiftieth, each finish brings with it an incredible surge of pride. You’ve tackled mud pits, unforgiving climbs, and exhausting obstacles, and you’ve come out on the other side stronger. That medal isn’t just a piece of metal; it’s a symbol of the mental and physical battles you’ve won. It’s proof that you didn’t back down when things got tough. That “Hell yeah, I did that” moment stays with you long after the race, becoming a powerful reminder of what you’re capable of achieving.

Community and Camaraderie

Spartan isn’t just a race, it’s a community. From the moment you step onto the course, you’re part of a tribe that shares a common goal: to push through challenges together. Strangers become teammates, offering a hand when you’re stuck on a wall or shouting encouragement when you’re struggling. You’ll laugh together, sweat together, and maybe even shed a few tears together. The bonds formed on the course are authentic and lasting. Many racers find themselves returning year after year, not just for the thrill of the challenge but for the shared camaraderie that makes Spartan feel like home.

A New Outlook on Challenges

Spartan Races don’t just challenge your body, they transform your perspective. Tackling barbed-wire crawls, spear throws, and mud-soaked obstacles forces you to rethink what you’re capable of. It’s not just about overcoming physical barriers; it’s about learning to approach challenges with a can-do mindset. After experiencing the highs and lows of a Spartan Race, you’ll find that everyday obstacles, whether it’s a stressful meeting at work, a tough conversation, or a minor inconvenience like a broken AC, start to feel more manageable. Spartan teaches you to embrace challenges, see obstacles as opportunities, and approach life’s hurdles with renewed confidence and focus.

Hawaii Spartan Race is Coming!

If I haven't scared you away yet and you're feeling inspired but also a little unsure about how to get started? Relax, I’ve got your back! Whether you’re a weekend warrior or total gym newbie, my online 12-Week Spartan Race Training Program is designed to transform you into a race-ready machine.

What’s in the Program?

This comprehensive program hits everything you need to conquer the course, from your first step to your victory fire leap. Here’s what it includes:

Weekly Strength and Endurance Workouts: Build total-body power and stamina with weekly routines.
Obstacle Technique Tips: Learn the secrets to mastering tricky obstacles like the rope climb and monkey bars.
Gear and Equipment Guidance: Wondering if trail shoes really matter? (Spoiler alert: they do.) I’ll make sure you’re geared up for race day.
Nutritional Guidance: Fuel your body the right way with tips on what to eat before, during, and after the race.
Breathing Techniques: Yes, training how you breathe makes a huge difference when scaling mountains or sprinting to the finish line.
Mental Toughness Training: We’re not just building biceps, we’re building resolve. You’ll develop a mindset that thrives under pressure.

Why Train With Us?

Could you wing it and show up on race day? Sure, but that’s kind of like showing up for a marathon without running a single mile first. Not the smartest move. Instead, this program gives you a structured and effective roadmap to build confidence, avoid injury, and dominate the race.

Join Us For In-Person Training!

Remember all that stuff I said about community? If you live on Oahu, then come join us for our group training sessions where you'll get to meet other race participants, make friends, cheer each other on, and cross that finish line together.

See details on in-person training sessions HERE.

Take the Leap

If you’re ready to start, the 12-week Spartan Race Training Program is there to guide you every step of the way. By week 12, you won’t just be ready for the race, you’ll feel unstoppable. Sign up, commit to the process, and discover a stronger version of yourself.

If you’re considering your first Spartan Race or even just taking on a tough new challenge, know this: The experience won’t just test you. It will change you. And honestly? That’s kind of the point.

Learn More

Join Mauka Makai Fitness!