Patch Blog: Preparing for the World's Most Difficult Race

This is where I (and hopefully my crew and fellow racers) will keep a blog about the next two months as we prepare for the Spartan Death Race, The world Championships of Obstacle Racing and considered the most grueling, punishing race on the planet.

The Death Race is an adventure unlike any other.

The race participants never know the challenges in front of them. The race is usually 48-hours long, without aid stations. Every year, 200 athletes are invited to attempt it and only 10 percent of those athletes finish it. Last year, my friend Yesel Arvizu and I lasted over 20 hours but did not finish.

This year we return with our crew: Head wrestling coach Al Shutton, Aracely Rodriguez, Louis Lopez and Phillip Ocosta, who
all are on my race team, the Weeple Army. Meanwhile, some new faces will attempt to conquer the Death Race for the first time: Orange County-based endurance athlete Michelle Kruse, Edgar Landa former South Pasadena wrestling coach Jeff Robinette, who now lives on the East Coast, and a few other friends we have made the last few years.

Not finishing last year was the single most difficult thing I have had to overcome;  not because I didn’t finish but rather because the race isn’t a race at all. In the end, it’s a test that only you can give yourself.

The mad men behind the race, Andy Weinberg and Joe Desena, put together an event that is about testing our personal limits, overcoming adversity and trying to succeed at something you can never prepare for. 

It’s the truest test of life and breaks or lifts the most amazing people and athletes. 

As my friend told me “Its not a 'death race,' it’s a 'life race.' The only thing we need to do is show up, toe the line and make the choice to move our feet forward as fasts as were able in every given moment. The rest takes care of itself.”

This year there is no other option but to finish. I will show myself and my daughter that anything is possible if you believe in yourself. I am much more prepared mentally this year for this “race."

This is my journey and I will share the training with you as I move along.