Wednesday, May 22, 2013

NO EXCUSES....PERIOD

This weekend in Texas I learned more about drive, dedication, determination, support, and strength than I have learned at any race thus far.  I had the opportunity to run and film the "sweeper heat" Saturday and Sunday night.  To date this was the most rewarding thing I have ever done with Spartan race.  

Saturday afternoon Tony, Joe and I set off just a little after the last heat and began to walk the course picking up trash and releasing volunteers from their stations.  We walked for two miles before we came to our first participant still on course.  It was there at the tire flip that we met Chris Reedy.  A man who forever changed my perception of what is possible when you believe in yourself and push your limits.  



Chris Reedy was not your typical Spartan racer.  Tipping the scales at 460 pounds and with a heart of gold Chris Reedy was in the middle of his first Reebok Spartan Race.  He was joined by his brother's who had flown out to complete the race with him and support his adventure.  

Over the next four hours we stayed with Chris as he conquered the tire flip, nailed the spear throw, beat his brothers at the Hercules hoist, rocked the tire pull, made a valiant effort at the slippery wall, rolled like a beast under the barbwire and finally jumped the flames to the finish line.  





It was not an easy journey for Chris but he never gave up.  He put one foot in front of the other and step by step completed the course.  He never complained or said "this sucks", he even smiled a lot!  Parts of his journey were painful to watch...the look on his face when he saw the uphill section after exiting the pipe crawl, the concern when we discussed the possibility of him being pulled if he didn't finish in daylight. But through the concern and pain Chris pushed forward.  He attempted obstacles I never thought he would even consider... the pipe crawl, the cargo net, the slippery wall... and he dominated them.  He told me about his struggles with weight and how he was trying to get back on track to be healthier for himself and to inspire others.  He inspired me with every inch of terrain he covered and as he crossed the finish line my eyes filled with tears of happiness.  



Chris is what Spartan Race is about.  He signed up for what even the healthiest individuals consider insane, difficult, and crazy.  He showed up with determination, a great family to support him, and the biggest heart I have ever seen.  He completed the course and never gave up.  He proved no matter where you are in life, no matter what size you are, no matter who believes in you or who doesn't... if you believe in yourself and if you set goals... anything is possible.  Thank you Chris for reminding me of this.  I reach out to anyone considering signing up for a Spartan Race and say - DO IT.... there are no excuses.  Give up the self doubt and put yourself out there.  If Chris can do it, YOU can do it.  



Sign Up. Show Up. Never Give Up.



Look forward to photos, interview, and video footage of Chris completing his 1st Spartan Race on the Spartan website in the future. 

Corinne, Ang, and Andi. 

Photo Credit: Anthony Matesi, and The Painted Warrior - thank you!

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