Saturday Glen Rose Beast Recap

I'm not going to go through the race obstacle by obstacle but just give an overall impression of me and my performance. 

Results:

• Time: 5:39:30
• Pace: 28:17
• Overall: 2696/5100 - 53%
• Male: 2063/3477 - 59%
• M 40 - 44: 282/484 - 58%

Writing this last and putting it first and that is the main takeaway is that I have been doing these races for four years and training for them about five times per week and I am going backwards. I say this because my finish times as a percentage is falling. This is frustrating. I want to feel like I am dominating but I am far from it. 

Thinking more about this, I guess that I have to learn to focus on the things that I was or am able to do as opposed to my challenges. Being able to do these races is a lot better than not doing them and I am a healthier person because of it. I will continue to train for the races and work on my weak points. I am not a bad ass, I never will be and I have to accept it. 

Let me focus on the highlights:

• Missed the spear throw three times but I was very close each time. I will get it one day.
• Did the Z-Wall. Actually I slipped off the first time and the volunteer yelled at me and everyone else to get back on and do it again. Second time I nailed it. Success.
• Sandbag and Bucket Brigade weren't difficult although I had to break them up into small chunks - especially the bucket brigade. 
• Atlas Carry, Tire Flip, Spartan Sleds, Farmer's Carry were all a breeze. 

Frustrations:

• I could not make it up the slip wall at the end since my shoes were not giving me any grip. Two failed attempts. 
• I did all of my burpees except for the platinum rig where I did seven. Once I did a set of five I could only do two on the next set and my legs were dead. 
• I wish that I could have run more but I felt like I had dead legs from the beginning and by mile 5/6 I was just walking briskly.
• Missed the Monkey Bars which was disappointing.
• Almost made it across the Travolean Traverse which was also disappointing
• I've given up trying to get over walls without help

Goals for 2017:

• Walls without help
• Monkey Bars
• Travolean Traverse
• Run entire race

Training Going Forward and Path To Improvement:

• Upper body strength - more focus on it and prioritize
• Weight control through diet - gotta cut back on BBQ and carbs. More Tuna Fish Sandwiches for lunch and less eating a shitload of peanut butter at night
• Better conditioning (although it was not all that bad) making sure that I am doing more HIIT and distance running

In hindsight, I think that I am not going to taper or deaload or anything for any upcoming races. Just keep a normal schedule with a rest day beforehand. That is when I think that I perform best. Also, eat light the morning of. Simple banana with cereal and milk is fine and then supplement during the race. This way I won't feel bloated or bogged down.