Yelp 365 Challenge #237/365…read more Since 2011, I've been on a quest to be healthy. From joining up with SOHI Fitness and then reluctantly training on my own, I've actually done 4 runs since then. The Great Aloha. Ford Island Bridge Run. The Color Run. And now I can say...The Spartan Sprint! Aroo! Aroo! What an experience. I knew there would be obstacles. I knew there would be mud. I knew I had to hydrate myself from reading their website blogs especially because from most of their reviews, it's uphills, downhills, over and under the obstacles or shimmy up the obstacles. My experience: Parked my truck. The walk to the site was about a mile and a half. Got my bib and racing chip. Bag check-in: $5.00 with your name and bib number attached (thank goodness). Note: Very organized-thank you! Start line. Stretch. Jump. Leg lunges 1st obstacle: climb 4 foot wall 2nd obstacle: under the wall. Go through water...it's ok 3rd obstacle: climb over 5 foot wall Going through creek/stream. I'm thinking bacteria. I'm thinking of that survival show, Naked and Afraid. Note: I chose not to run and decided to just pace myself because I knew majority of the race was uphill. 4th obstacle: Climb up a netting to get to the path. Run (or walk) 5th obstacle: Slide down into the mud. Climb over and crawl under the barb wire. Note: If you have a hydration pack-I would recommend you leave it with the volunteers as you finish this obstacle 6th obstacle: (around the bend) 6 foot wall. Tried-didn't make it because I cramped. My first set of 30 burpees Tried running up the hill but got seized in cramps...BOTH LEGS and I'm thinking "Oh hell no...I ate all those bananas, wheat bread and Gatorade to be brought down by cramps?!" One girl stopped and massaged my right calf (thank goodness I shaved my legs that morning!) While I'm resting, the group asked if I wanted them to call anyone? NO. I wanted that medal. I shared with the girl to go because I didn't want to hold her up. She reluctantly went but I told her I'd be fine and will just rest for a bit. I drank from my hydration pack that had 4 tabs of the Nuun electrolytes. I got up and walked up. And up. And up. Around the bend for a water station. 7th obstacle: Climb over a seven foot wall. There were young adults so willing to help me over. Yay! No burpees. Run (or walk like me) 8th obstacle: 8 foot wall. Again, young adult and participants going their SECOND time around helped me. YAY! No burpees! Walk down and up. 9th obstacle. Tire pull. (Easiest one) 10th obstacle: Cinder block pull (One block for girls, two for the guys) *easy* 11th obstacle: Monkey bars. Tried it once and fell. 30 burpees. Boooo 12th obstacle: Sandbags. Huff. Huff. Pant. Rest. Huff. Huff. 13th obstacle: Atlantis lift? Carrying a block from one end to the other with 5 burpees. 14th obstacle: Climbing across a wall without falling off. 15th obstacle: Crawl under barb wire in a mud pit (BLECH) 16th Obstacle: Rope Climb. Yeah-I have no upper body strength. 30 burpees. Slide down and run around the bend. 17th obstacle. Slide into mud. Climb a slanted wall with a rope and climb down. Let's just say that I didn't make it and fell onto my back on the side with a cut on my arm. The volunteer told me as I climbed out of the water, "You tried-run on!" I didn't hesitate-I ran. That's right, I wasn't going to say, No, I'll do the 30 burpees" Jump over the fire. Go through the great and wonderful gladiators. Seeing my husband cheering me on was one of the best things to see with the guy holding my medal. Grabbed my finishers shirt (they ran out of headbands) and washed off. Trekked back a mile and half to my truck and knocked out when I got home. Tips for Spartan Races: 1) Train for it especially if you're going for timing. Check out Spartan website for their WOD 2) Hydrate well-don't be stupid and think its ok, it won't be when you cramp up. Read the Spartan blogs-great tips 3) Use shoes that are good for hiking or trail running. I used my Vibrams Sprydion and I love them! 4) Use clothes that have dry-wick NOT cotton. 5) Expect the unexpected and have fun!!! Boom-I did it. If I can, you can too.

My wife and I did the Hawaii Spartan Sprint at Kualoa Ranch along with almost 5000 other people. We…read morearrived at the ranch around 8 a.m. and walked 1.5 miles to get to the staging area and starting line. The surrounding was lush and green with the awsome mountain range as our backdrop. If you've seen Jurassic Park, Kualoa Ranch is where they shot the scene with Dr. Grant and the two kids running from the pack of ostrich like dinosaurs then hiding behind a big fallen tree. Registration tents, packet pick up tents, bag drop, etc. were well organized. Our wave was at 9:45 a.m. so we watched a few waves start there sprint to get a feel for our start. We coudn't wait. There were 15 obstacles and the course is about 3.5 - 4 miles in distance. There were walls of different heights, a river we had to walk through, up and down the side of the mountain, two mud crawl while avoiding barb wires, mud walk, forested trail (single file only), monkey bars, semi truck tire carry and pull back, cement cylinder carry walk and back, pulling cement blocks tied to heavy chain up an around a hill, sandbag carry up and around a hill, dry river bed run, a wooden wall with little wood blocks for grip so you can get across, a ramp with ropes you can use to get up and over, climbing over a stone wall and then a wooden fence over a barbed wire fence, the rope climb starting with your body half submerged in mud and muck, jumping over fire and then the gladiators before the finish line. I probably forgot a couple of obstacles. The terrain and the difficulty of the obstacles made this the most fun race my wife and I have done up to date. We did the Tahoe Mudder back on July '13 with friends and even though the Mudder is 10+ miles up and down Northstar Ski resort, the Spartan Sprint at Kualoa Ranch is a lot more fun. (helpful hint: We run marathons so it came in handy as a lot of people started to loose stamina as soon as they had to run up hills. We just jogged past them as they were winded). Also Spartan has a course for children that is safe and looks fun. We've already signed up for the Super Spartan in Las Vegas, April 2014. Looking forward to more fun with our friends Adam, Peter, Yoshi, Chris, Joe T.

Yelp 365 Challenge x 2 #272/365…read more Yelp 100 Review Challenge #16/100 "Bring sally up I bring sally down Lift and squat Gotta tear the ground" I thought of this song as I was running all over Aloha Stadium yesterday getting very intimate with the yellow sections, the orange sections and FOUR of the spirals going up and going down. The "gotta tear the ground" part is probably relating to the total of 120 burpees I did because I did not do the monkey bars, failed epically at the football toss and spear throw, and waved my hand at the rope climb that everyone who was shopping for t-shirts at the Swap Meet could watch. And let me just say...as I sit here at my desk typing this review, my thighs are on fire. Not "this girl is on fire" but my thighs are on fire. My calves are taking a beating, which is why I am using calf compression socks underneath my pants because it helps. Anyhow, they have also held this Spartan Race Stadium Sprint series at Fenway Park and other stadiums around the United States and international (i.e., Mexico), which is 3 miles with 15+ obstacles. Because no mud or trails could be replicated into the stadium scenery, Spartan Race utilized the stairs, the sections, the spirals and the locker rooms to give Spartans and Sparkles (people who were about to become Spartans when they cross the finish line) to make up for the trails that is normally used for their off-course trail races. The starting line began by gate 5 with waves of 15 going every minute to prevent bottlenecking. You started running up the stairs into the north end zone. All zones used (north, Makai, south, mauka) running up and down the yellow sections and orange sections as well as running up or down the four spirals. In between the running up and down the sections and spirals, you encountered the following obstacles (30 burpee penalty if you cannot complete an obstacle): -6 foot wooden walls at the spirals that you had to run up -Tire pull on the third level bridge -Traverse wall -Hercules Hoist (sand buckets) -Monkey bars -Football toss -Spear throw -Water bucket carry -Lava seats /squats -Orange section row climb -Over, under, through the wall (to exit north end zone tunnel) -30 Step ups / jump ups (on the field) -Fifteen burpees in the locker room (south end zone) -Rope climb outside the entrance of the aloha stadium / ticket booth -Hands-free pushups (locker room) -Cargo net climb -Gladiators to the Finish line! What did I earn after I crossed the finish line: -memories that will forever be shared at family dinner because I ran this with my son AND dad! AROO! -A beautiful medal specifically made for this event -A finisher's shirt -Cramping in my calves -A sore body -And short-timer's memory because I have pre-registered for their Spartan Race trifecta weekend event that will consist of the Spartan Sprint (3+ miles); Spartan Super (8+ miles) and Spartan Beast (13+ miles) If you are interested in doing a Spartan Race and have signed up for the upcoming race but unsure of what to do, Spartan Race has free workout of the day as well as food of the day that gives great tips and suggestions to prepare for a race. There is also Spartan workouts that are held at Patsy Mink park in Waipio or HI Life Athletics that you can sign up to join their workout classes. Spartan Race street team also holds outings to Koko Head to build up the Spartan Spirit (AROOOO!) to get you excited and looking forward to race day. Overall: Price: Get the early bird special or look for a Spartan Race Hawaii Street Team member (Me! There are also other yelpers who are part of the Spartan Race Hawaii Street Team too!) for promotion discounts. Staff and Volunteers: Amazing! Pre-race and on-site, they were helpful and encouraging. Recommend: Definitely Obstacle course racing is a great object lesson of life. You have obstacles that you can either stop and not progress or go over, under, or around the obstacle to push through no matter what situation you are facing in life. For me, there is no excuse especially when it comes to life because you have to breathe to live and this is exactly what Spartan Race will teach you. Get off your couch, do something and start living. ***Forgot to add that there was also a small obstacle course for kids on the field and they earn a finisher's shirt and medal too. There was entertainment with music by Chaotic Five and there was also a zipline too!. There were vendors also, which I must make a note to check out Arm Bar(?) because they were giving out samples of their juice***

Tiffany Y always gets the reviews right!…read more Aloha Stadium was a different experience! For me, it was time for me to get a little crazy. I was fortunate enough to have done it TWICE in the same day. I participated in the Hurricane Heat which is the first run of the day. It is untimed. We started with a mini workout and ran the course with the people who put the race together. The second time I did it was the timed event. I actually wasnt sure if I was going to be able to run the second time, which is the one that "counted". My legs were already beginning to feel like jello and running the second time was a little harder because I already knew which parts of the run I was dreading! However, I finished it and in a time that was quicker than I thought. If you run in a stadium, expect to do a lot of bleacher running. I dont want to give up a lot of what we did because it will probably dissuade you from wanting to do it. But dont dog it until youve tried it. Stadium series is gone, you missed your chance...but be ready because theyre back in August, and this time....it will test your mental and physical strength!

Just ran the 2012 Xterra Trail World Championship on Sunday, 12/2/2012. Had I known that this trail…read morerace was as amazing and scenic, as well as hardcore, I would have probably said no. Then again, with my extensive marathon resume and my curiosity for adventure and just for something to do on a Sunday, I signed up for this race in mid October not knowing what to really expect. At least it was a half marathon I told myself. 13.1 miles of rugged terrain in the lush valleys of Kualoa Ranch on the island of Oahu, a place where I haven't ever been, except passing by on Kamehameha Hwy on the way north to Laie and Polynesian Cultural Center. It was the first time running this race and my first trail experience in Hawaii. After tackling a 50K trail in Colorado in September (Bear Chase 50K in Lakewood, CO), I kind of knew what I was getting into. Well, not so much after all, it seemed. Maybe I probably should have known better, but surprises were out there for us all on the course. I didn't want to pay $25 for the private shuttle that the race provided, which was basically a rented yellow school bus. They shuttled runners from Waikiki to the race start at the backside of Kualoa Ranch. I got here by city bus, which is really affordable if you just plan ahead. The Xterra World Championship boasts the 21K / Half Marathon as its marquee event, attracting some of the most finest trail runner elites from all parts of the country. They also have a 10K, 5K, and an adventure walk that attracts anyone and everyone to Kualoa Ranch for an epic Sunday. Race registration hovers from $40-$55, so if you want the challenge, might as well register early. I held out and had to pony up for the later fee. It's bittersweet that I have signed up for this race, since the course was just as brutal as the majestic scenery that was the Koolau Mountains that surrounded Kualoa Ranch. It was great that I can notch another half marathon to my list of races, but at the cost of having virtually no trail experience whatsoever and my body and legs are telling me so. The course was basically mostly uphill and the first mile ascended like a bat out of hell and it didn't really flatten out till those grassy downhills at mile 2. There were some reprieve in the course where it kinda did flatten to moderate downhill, which was miles 5-7, but that was it. We climbed back up at mile 8 and snaked through the back of Kualoa Ranch. The biggest surprise was the massive hill at mile 10 and the rugged tippy toe über crazy down hill that you could not even really run, due to it being so crazy you may fall and roll off into the ravine. This part scared me, but I managed to get down one way or another and those ropes helped a lot! It helps also that Xterra allows everyone in, not just elites, so I could have help on the course, if I needed it. The last. 2.5 miles snaked around miles 3-5 of the course and it was a soft downhill to the finish line. Never in my life that I experienced something so powerful and epic that I would consider something like that next year. Maybe maybe not. Thanks to Xterra for keeping the finish line open for the last finisher. Met new friends and 2 yelpers that morning too. It was awesome to see Yelper Zar N. running the 10K and meeting Yelper Chris P. from Kapolei. Big thanks to Chris P. and her husband whom gave me a ride back to UH from Kualoa Ranch that afternoon. I thought of DNF when I came across that tiptoe section of mile 10-ish and I just wanted to cry. Knowing that I paid money for this made me realize that I can do this if I just break it all down and take each step one step at a time. The finish time didn't matter that day. What mattered was that I completed the course and survived. Run more! B+

Not a runner at all, but saw that they offered the option to walk the 5k or even just take an…read moreadventure tour, I signed up the hubs and daughter just so we could check out the trails that aren't open to the public. Big props to the race organizers for making everything so easy, from picking up the packet in Waikiki to finding parking on the day of the race! My daughter wasn't happy about waking up so early to get to Kualoa Ranch, but once we got on the trail with the magnificent landscape and cool movie set locations, she was smiling from ear to ear. The Boneyard, with huge skeletons of a triceratops and ape skull, will definitely cut into your race times because you'll want to stop to take pictures! The 5k trail can be a little demanding on the uphill sections but those are few and far between - you'll have enough time to catch your breath and enjoy the scenery. I saw several racers with babies on their backs and little ones in tow, so you can definitely do this with kids. Highly recommend this race - great activity if you've got guests on island at the time!

Nite run = cooler temperature = better performance…read more Race Course is pretty nice but i guess when you are focusing so much on running you forgot to enjoy the night lights. The area you are running are along the Kawainui Marsh. Pretty much its pitch black i did see some stars but was trying to catch up my partner. The event overall was pretty organized they had parking at Kailua Highschool and a shuttle that pick and drop at the race location so after we picked up our packets we went back to our cars to drop it off. Saw this event on Groupon so there was some discount and we got a shirt as well woohooo ! In my opinion I like the fact that they have plenty of refreshments and snacks during and after the race. Coconut water, Poweraid, Muffins, Fruits and even smoothie FOR FREEEEE Will i do this again YES I WOULD !

By far one of the more fun mud runs I've done! We ran the 2019, 10am heat and it was a blast ever…read morein the drizzle! The obstacles were the right level of challenging for the casual OCR'er though I wish the high walls had footholds for those of us height and upper body challenged lol! The river walk was refreshing after the mud crawls but definitely watch your knees because the net crawl included lots of rocks! Outside of the obstacles, the event was SUPER organized even with the ranch tour groups passing us by. Seriously will run this one again BUT will have to take a 4-wheel drive truck to get OUT of the parking lot. Huge thanks to the guy behind us that helped us get the car out of the mud!

Yelp 365 Challenge x 2 #277/365…read more Yelp 100 Challenge #21/100 You always read about supporting local and buying local. But, you mainly associate it with food (produce or meats), clothing, household items, etc. However, here is something local in regards to sporting events! And not just any sporting event but an OBSTACLE COURSE RACE / MUD RUN EVENT! I'm so surprised that there is no review of this event unless it is under a different name? The Makahiki Challenge has been around for the past three years I believe because I remember one of my friends sharing about her experience last year or the year prior but I paid it no mind until the Warrior Dash. One of my co-workers was so hyped about completing the Warrior Dash and the fact that it was stress-free for her because there were no penalties if you decided not to complete an obstacle, that she was anxious for the Warrior Dash to roll around again. I shared with her about the Makahiki Challenge. She signed up. I decided to sign up and surprise, surprise...my family signed up too. What is the Makahiki Challenge? From their website info: Makahiki Challenge is meant to be an annual challenge for the people of Hawaii and it's visitors. It is a chance to compete, challenge ourselves, celebrate, enjoy, and respect this beautiful island that has continued to provide for us. Here's a few more things about the Makahiki Challenge: -It's held at Kualoa Ranch (same location as the Spartan Race) -It's 3+ miles -10 to 12 obstacles, which includes an AMAZING huge slide! -Cool swag -Beautiful finisher's medal -Paina after-party (I didn't get to stay but it looked fun and crazy!) with well-known local bands -Beautiful scenery -It's filled with aloha and full of fun -The price of the event was really reasonable for an obstacle course/mud run event -No penalties if you do not or cannot complete an obstacle -Local sporting event with local sponsors (Note: If you're a company looking to sponsor or volunteer check them out if you want to help out this event. It's worth it!) The 2014 Makahiki Challenge was my first year to do this event and I have to say that it was one of the most fun events especially because my family joined in (we created our own team name and wore team shirts). The registration and packet pick-up was smooth. The obstacles were challenging, fun yet sturdy (I still can't get over the slide). It didn't matter if it rained in the 2nd half of the race because it was getting too hot anyways. From the parking to the vendors, everyone was super friendly and helpful. In my opinion, if you're looking for an event that is not really intimidating, family-friend/group oriented or individual and local with the taste of the islands, be on the lookout for the next Makahiki Challenge (2015!!!) because you don't want to miss out on this obstacle course/mud run event. Check out their website or Facebook page!

This was the first year they started this race. I had the pleasure of following and taking photos…read moreof the brave cyclist from the start to the finish line in the comfort of my SUV. This race was nothing but a hill sprint! Hard? It looked hard! I was tried just watching the cyclist climb the elevation of "Pineapple Hill".

Yelp 365 Challenge x 2 #252/365…read more *Note: This should have been written and posted before the Honolulu Marathon Another Turkey Trot on the opposite side of the island...from the Windward Side 10K at the Marine Corps Base in Kaneohe the weekend before Thanksgiving to the North Shore side of the island at the Turtle Bay Resort on Thanksgiving Day! Seriously, you cannot go wrong with this event if you ever decide to do a simple 5k on Thanksgiving. I believe I came across this event in the Hawaii Sports Magazine that has a list of upcoming events and it was the 5k that zoomed out and waved at me excitedly. Actually, I'll confess...it was the sponsor and purpose that got my attention and interest for this 5k. The North Shore Kawela Bay 5k is sponsored by Oakley and a portion of the proceeds goes to theTurtle Bay Foundation that supports the communities of the North Shore and Ko'olauloa side of the island. The perks for a participant is receiving a performance shirt from the sponsor and a turkey leg upon completion of the run! Pacific Sports and Events Timing provided the race chips for each participant / timing stations for the event. The run starts and ends at the Turtle Bay Resort poolside, which you have the opportunity to watch surfers as you wait for the run to start. The course is a trail run. It begins running around the resort to run across to the golf course path. After the path, it takes you into the trail run, which you will run through and end up along the shore to run past the stables that will take you back to the pool. As you finish the race, there is always the support from finishers, friends and family members cheering you on AND there is a volunteer handing out a huge turkey leg. There are prizes for the fastest times in each age group as well as best turkey trot costumes too! It was not a difficult course to run. I wasn't sure if it was a rough trail run to where I decied to use my Vibram Sprydion but I could have used my regular running shoes. This is definitely on the top of my list for my future holiday running events because it was very organized and friendly with the bonus of running along the beautiful scenic North Shore Kawela Bay.

After completing the Kapilina NiteRun earlier this summer, I got emails about the Kailua NiteRun…read morehappening on October 10, 2015. Since I didn't want to pay to actually run the 5k, I decided to volunteer instead. I eagerly signed up to volunteer from 4pm to 9pm as a Family Fun Fair Attendant. As a volunteer, it was pretty unorganized. They didn't have any work available so they had us sit around for a substantial amount of time. I even asked if I could grab a bite nearby and come back! Even after being gone for more than 30 minutes, still no work. LOCATION/PARKING: The run was held at Kawainui Marsh (the closest address is 910 Kailua Road). They had tents set up for easy spotting! Parking available on the streets or at Kailua High School. Shuttle buses were available to bring runners to the start line from Kaiser High School. ACTIVITIES/VENDORS: This particular NiteRun does not have all the vendors and inflatables like Kaka'ako, Kapilina or Haleiwa! Many people were disappointed in this. However, DNLR does not allow much on their protected lands. They did however have Jamba Juice and Coca Cola, free smoothies/coffee/Powerade/coconut water/Honest Tea, etc. Informal costume contest at the end of the run! RACE INFO: If you're running no need to come really early but if you haven't already picked up your packet before race day, come a little earlier so you can put your packet away! They don't really hold anything for you! You receive a free headlamp with entry and some coupons for Sports Authority and Jamba Juice! Race length is 5k or 3.1 miles! Not officially timed (no timing chips). Run begins once it gets dark and often starts later than scheduled. :( On this particular route, be sure to have enough lights! You run along the marsh, partly on the pavement and a good amount of time on gravel! Since it wasn't busy, the volunteer coordinator let me run! Let me tell you, running on gravel with little to no light is worse than walking in heels! Wobble this way, wobble that way! Just be careful. People are running with costumes and everyone is soooo friendly! I kept pace with several guys and they were cheering everyone on! How do you talk and run at less than an 8 min mile pace! Gah I'm panting! And of course, I try to not sound like a gorilla so I'm breathing quietly as I pass people and as soon as I'm a good distance away, GASP FOR AIR PLEASE! Inhale like there's no tomorrow! SNACKS: Grab more Jamba Juice smoothies or Coca Cola products to replenish your energy stores after the run! Muffins, oranges, bananas, trail mix, and cookies were available also! Nom nom nom. Especially when you're panting because you're so out of shape that a 5k makes your squirm. PRICING: Entry fees are $39.50 for adults, $25.50 for children ages 10-17. Same day registration is $49.50. Save $10 if you are a student, military, or HGEA member! Look on Groupon for specials to save money too for individuals like me who are too old to be considered a child, is unfortunately a wannabe student, is to weak-minded to be in the military and I don't even know what HGEA is. Time to Google! RANDOM FACTS: Each NiteRun benefits a different organization. This particular run benefitted the Boy & Girls Club of Hawaii - Windward. Come to the next event, Haleiwa NiteRun, on December 19, 2015 at the Haleiwa Beach park! This one should have all the festivities! Any takers?! :D

5k fun run in dark, lit by glowsticks? Sign me up!…read more I couldn't make either packet pickup and arrived an hour ahead for late packet pickup. I was surprised to find no line, just walked right up, signed the waiver on an iPad, and had my bad and t-shirt within a couple of minutes. It was smooth, definitely something other events could replicate. I walked around the fair / market for a bit. Luckily, I had come early because traffic was looking like a mess. The start was a bit confusing though - everyone had naturally lined up at the starting gate, then we were moved towards the mauka side near the stage. I couldn't hear anything, then we all started walking back to where we were...then right out of the road! The course map then made sense - we walked across the street to another starting area, complete with an inflatable arch and tents. It was dark by the time we started, which was good. It kind of lost steam though. The first part of an event is usually energy charged and exciting, this one wasn't. A few people were commenting on this, but oh well. We were off! I heard about the Seattle night run and was expecting some strobes, flashing lights, or something. The course was mostly just a jog in the night, with an occasional halogen light. The aid station at the halfway point was nice though, plenty of volunteers, a band, lots of cold water. The cold water was welcome - and full bottles of water! Think that's the first time I've seen that at an aid station. Then, just the light jog back. I was expecting a small congregation, but most people just walked back. I'm guessing there were 200 people, mostly teens (fitting though, given all the proceeds went to the Boys and Girls Club). Was a cool idea and if they could find out a way to pump some more energy in it, might go again.