Another blog section? Really Toya? Yup. Another blog section. I try to contain my insanity into tight spaces. A few of my closest friends and family members said that I'm pretty good at compartmentalizing shit so why not for this ludicrous journey that I'm about to embark in 36 days. Last year, my friend Bracha talked me into trying out the Spartan races. Why? Because she's fucking crazy too and super inspiring. Sometimes, I don't think she knows how much I thank her for entertaining and seeing my crazy as a great thing. Most people tried talking me out of most things until they see me do it and then, they pretend to have supported me all along. Lying fuckers. I still love them because I know that most times, it's coming from a place of concern. Too bad I took the term YOLO to an astronomical level. .For a few months, I have been eye molesting this race in Vernon, NJ. Countless times, I told myself that I couldn't do it because I am broke. When I could financially support it in my budget, I questioned my means of traveling. I am a typical NYC girl who utilize the hell out of public transportation. Why the hell would I care about getting license? It's biting me in the ass presently thanks to all of this spontaneous traveling that kicked into my bloodstream. Fuck, I need a license. Thanks to the DMV, I can't even practice for one because somehow, my learner's permit was suspended. I don't know how but somehow, I must have encountered a speeding ticket from breathing, walking or being a shitty resident.
Perhaps the air was a bit too perfect or maybe there was a lack of oxygen flowing to my brain because I had the money and balls to sign up for one of the hardest obstacle races in the United States: Tri-State NJ Spartan Ultra Beast. What's so bad ass about it? Oh, let me tell you about this crime against humanity. It's a 26+ mile obstacle race that will take place in the mountains. From my understanding, a year ago, the race was delayed thanks to a bear wanting to say hello to all of the runners. And for fuck sake...did I tell you about the not so success rate? Bruh, around 23 percent. For all of you math flunkees, it means that 77 percent of the people who eagerly entered this race either didn't show up, DNFed (did not finish), got injured or realized that this race is crazy as fuck and bailed out. The Spartan website has the audacity to put up a cute little disclaimer about entering this race at your own risk. My 5'3 and a half (it counts and don't argue with me on this), roughly 220 lbs full of fluffy yet firm ass decided, "Meh, fuck it." I hit the button, gripping my husband's hand all melodramatic like as he rolled his eyes and I was in. My smile went to the pit of my stomach, questioning the cyanide that laced my fingers. I signed up for a fucking ultra obstacle course race. As if I didn't get enough of doing an ultra marathon in Central Park, losing my shit for 9 loops, I decided that I just didn't quite have enough. I felt like puking and the sounds erupting from my ass told me that this was real. I'm really going to do this. Don't panic. Yes, it's 36 days until race day but if any of you saw my training regimen, you would know that I never stopped training for a Spartan event and thanks to my ten thousand running commitments, I MIGHT be okay for the course. Over the next 36 days, I'll be sharing my feelings, exercise regimen, journal and did I forget fears onto this dedicated blog space. After it's done, I promise to dish out all of the "fun" info about how I feel about this race. Why am I doing this? For myself. Despite my legitimate nerves, I really want to prove to myself that I am capable of practically anything that I set my mind and heart upon. Secondarily, I'm doing this for my plus size populous who follow me on social media and in real life, despite being an athlete or a dreamer. We all have something that we want to pursue but stop ourselves in mid step. Not all of my entries will be long. Hell, if I'm pissed, I might just log down that I'm alive but know that I'll be as transparent as possible with you guys. In the world of obstacle course racing, I didn't realize how few people of color actually participate in these things. I'm not striving to be a poster child but it would be dope to shatter a few stereotypes. This is not just a sport for a specific gender, weight class or racial background. You don't have to possess this six pack body to do these things but please don't think that training is not necessary. The hardest muscle to train is your brain. Despite the anticipation of earning an Ultra Spartan medal or not, I think that I'll be successful just in my ability to try and give it my all. If you are going to be participating in the NJ Ultra Beast on April 29, 2017, I'll see you out there on the course. Welcome to my transparent journal. If you ever have a question about the journey, drop a line or seven to my inbox, on this post or on my social media. Instagram: iamlshauntay Twitter: latoyashauntay Tumblr: iamlshauntay Facebook: Running Fat Chef/ Latoya Shauntay Snell Love and Light, Toya (or Toys for autocorrect sake) the Running Fat Chef Tomorrow's Goals: - Create a workout regimen for the next few weeks - Food planning for the next few weeks - Initial Weight - Rant
1 Comment
Melissa Wortman
3/26/2017 16:32:25
I had THE SAME exact reaction to hitting that "register" button. I totally freaked! Out of body experience. We can do this! I'm so excited for you (for us!) See you on the course, gorgeous!
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Latoya Shauntay SnellA blog about a freelance photographer and culinarian who's life depended on a lifestyle adjustment. She is a runner, yogi, cyclist, obstacle course racer newbie and pole dancing enthusiast. Latoya Shauntay is a mother to one, friend and family member to many and loves to talk about life. She has been featured on several platforms including Buzzfeed & Self Magazine for her inspiring fitness endeavors. If you want to donate to my one woman operation, please feel free to hit the button below.
ArchivesCategories |