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About Me

Reece

Traveller, adventurer and someone who likes to live life to the max, whilst challenging myself mentally and physically and can hopefully share some of the experiences here.

Recent Posts

Speedy Sprint – Spartan South West 2024

23 August 2024/

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Messing Up At Midlands – Spartan Midlands 2024 Review

26 July 2024/

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How To Complete A Spartan Race Ultra

22 July 2024/

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Trifecta World Championship Day 3 Recap Final day

Trifecta World Championship Day 3 Recap

Final day! With over half the total race distance to still go, the Beast was waiting. A 26km course and 30 obstacles in the magnificent Spartan hills.

The start is done differently and was my first experience of it. I managed to be good enough to be in the staggered start to the race, being 18:32 behind the lead.

One by one, I watched the faster athletes go, knowing that I had to try and chase them down. Then it was my turn to enter the race on my own. A different experience compared to last year when you start with those you’re directly competing with but a memorable experience.

Again, I made sure to settle into my own pace. Don’t worry, Z-Wall completed again, and then came the climb up. It was here that I faced a bit of a numb foot again, which reduced the pace annoyingly before it managed to clear and the pace was back.

When coming in and out of carries, I was able to see where I was relative to those in front of me and could see I was closing. Annoyingly though, a wrong turn before Armer and a missed 1st spear saw me lose time, having to fight to gain it back.

Thankfully, a strong & clean finish, brought me closer to those in front of me but sadly, by the finish line, it wasn’t enough and saw 23rd place finish just 33 seconds ahead of me, after them having over a 3:30 gap to me.

Final position:
24th; time - 4:12:15

Overall, I’m content with this performance. One of those mistakes over the races cost me that position but as a Pro debut, this was good baseline to build from in future years.

One more race this year in Abu Dhabi for the Beast World Championship before off season, allowing my body & mind to finally rest, reset & recalibrate for next year’s season.

AROO!

#quiltycovers #sparta #spartan #spartanrace #spartanraceuk #spartanraceeurope #spartanracegreece #ocrathlete #ocr #obstaclecourse #obstaclecourseracing #obstaclecourserace #trifectaworldchampionship #worldchampionship #trifectatribe #brandambassador #spartanambassador #ambassador #spartanathlete #aroo #twc2024 #visitgreece #visitsparta #racereview #review #weekendwarrior #weekend #obstacleraceathlete #competitivesport #traineasyraceeasy

Trifecta World Championship Day 2 Recap The secon

Trifecta World Championship Day 2 Recap

The second day of the championship meant it was time to take on the Super distance, which is more to my taste. With the earlier start to the day, it meant that it was a lot cooler but I still took a belt with me to carry water and gels with me so that I was better safe than sorry.

Thankfully, the start wasn’t as quick as the day before, allowing me to stick with the pack for a little longer before things naturally spread out.

As the pace settled, I naturally fell into a gap on my arm and allowed me to once again, race my own race.

After the failure the day before on Z-Wall, I made sure to take care with it this time, choosing a different lane to make sure that I didn’t have a bad omen. Thankfully, we did it today even if a little slower. Then started the climb to the village, with the pace getting quicker for me as the race went on.

I only had trepidation for two more obstacles: slack line and of course, spear throw.

As the slack line approached, I calmed the nerves and went for it, leaping from half way and sticking it. I really wish the photographer had captured that moment as I was in utter shock as I stuck the landing.

This spurred me on up the hill, having a strong few obstacles before the run back into Sparta. The pace picked up, the flow state came and as I reached Atlas Carry, I was shocked to come across one or two that left me much earlier in the race. This spurred me on more, hitting the spear throw before being able to catch them and overtake.

A strong finish to the race and quick sprint finish to the line gave me a 23rd place, with me still 25th overall.

This left me with around a 2:30 gap to the person in front of me heading into the staggered start.

#quiltycovers #sparta #spartan #spartanrace #spartanraceuk #spartanraceeurope #spartanracegreece #ocrathlete #ocr #obstaclecourse #obstaclecourseracing #obstaclecourserace #trifectaworldchampionship #worldchampionship #trifectatribe #brandambassador #spartanambassador #ambassador #spartanathlete #aroo #twc2024 #visitgreece #visitsparta #racereview #review #weekendwarrior #weekend #obstacleraceathlete #competitivesport #traineasyraceeasy

Trifecta World Championship Day 1 Recap Going to

Trifecta World Championship Day 1 Recap

Going to follow what some others have done, giving a recap of each day and showcasing the best pictures.

As tradition goes, the first race of the weekend is the Sprint, which is my weakest distance and didn’t help that I came into the weekend with a slight strain to my sartorius that I was managing. I always feel like with this championship, I get better as the weekend goes on and the distances get longer.

With the midday start to the race, the weather was at its hottest and driest, which seemed to affect me more than last year. I thought the number of water stations on course would be enough for me but I was definitely wrong! Hindsight says I should have taken some water on course. Lack of water in the river had an effect too, where that’s kept you cool in previous years. The dryness in the air & throat affected my ability to push too.

The start of the race was an experience I’ll remember. To be stood on the start line with this calibre of athletes was something!

The start of the race was a fast one and sticking with the main pack wasn’t easy. I tried to race my own race and make sure I had a clean one but that was quickly ruined at Z Wall. A loss of concentration & I was off, on my way to a log carry penalty loop.

Stupid mistake.

The rest of the race was damage limitation, trying to be as smooth as possible.

Thankfully, everything else went well and after nailing the spear throw, was able to gain several positions on those doing burpees.

Completing the final obstacle gauntlet without any risks, it was across the line in 25th place, 1 minute 25 seconds behind 24th, with the other @spartanraceuk team members ahead of them.

#quiltycovers #sparta #spartan #spartanrace #spartanraceuk #spartanraceeurope #spartanracegreece #ocrathlete #ocr #obstaclecourse #obstaclecourseracing #obstaclecourserace #trifectaworldchampionship #worldchampionship #trifectatribe #brandambassador #spartanambassador #ambassador #spartanathlete #aroo #twc2024 #visitgreece #visitsparta #racereview #review #weekendwarrior #weekend #obstacleraceathlete #competitivesport #traineasyraceeasy

@spartanracegreece Trifecta World Championship #me

It’s #firejumpfriday and race day! And so it be

It’s #firejumpfriday and race day!

And so it begins! The first race of the @spartanracegreece Trifecta World Championship starts day, followed by two more races over Saturday and Sunday.

For those of you that aren’t familiar with the format, it goes like this:

- Friday - Sprint Race
- Saturday - Super Race
- Sunday - Beast Race
- Results are decided by adding together all three times.

This is the race weekend I’ve been looking forward to all year. It’s a special place, a special race and a great test every time.

I know what I want to achieve, let’s see what I can do!

AROO!

#quiltycovers #twc #twc2024 #spartan #spartanrace #ocr #ocrathlete #trifectaworldchampionship #trifectatribe #brandambassador #spartanambassador #athlete #sport #sports #trainhardraceeasy #aroo #spartanathlete #obstaclecourse #obstaclecourseracing #obstaclecourserace #smileforthecamera #special #competition #spartanraceuk #spartanraceeurope #worldchampionship #competitivesports #raceday #race

Why @spartanracegreece Trifecta World Championship

Why @spartanracegreece Trifecta World Championship Is Special To Me

There are several reasons why I head back to Sparta annually and it isn’t only to race.

There’s so much more to it!

I’m looking forward to connecting once again with this great community, seeing what I can achieve this year as I step up and forming new memories!

The question is, will you be joining us?!

AROO!

#quiltycovers #mondaymotivation #spartan #spartanrace #spartanraceuk #spartanraceeurope #spartanracegreece #ocr #ocrathlete #trifectaworldchampionship #trifectatribe #sparta #greece #visitgreece #workoutroutine #training #trainingvlog #trainingdiary #trainhardraceeasy #athlete #proathlete #gymtraining #runningtraining #trainingforocr #ocrtraining #obstaclecourserace #obstaclecourse #worldchampionship #spartanambassador #brandambassador

Final hard week of training before @spartanracegre

Final hard week of training before @spartanracegreece Trifecta World Championship

2 weeks out of training at this time of year wasn’t ideal at all but we are back and last week was a really good one!

Looking back on it, it was well managed, managed to get some really good sessions in, only sessions I missed were from fatigue and managing that a lot better, and that’s left me feeling actually really good for this week.

The cobwebs were blown off the lungs, CV seems to have been brought back to a level that I was at a few weeks back, and actually I’m feeling stronger . A little tweak of the sartorius hindered a couple of days and needs to be properly looked after leading into the weekend.

Summary of last week:
Miles ran: 33 miles
Gym sessions: 6/7
Running sessions: 5/7

Time to deload from an active week, let the little niggles recover and be ready to give it my all in Sparta this weekend.

Man, I’m excited to be back in Sparta! It’s always an amazing event, ready to reconnect with some great people and see where I’m at against the best in the world at this sport.

#quiltycovers #mondaymotivation #spartan #spartanrace #spartanraceuk #spartanraceeurope #spartanracegreece #ocr #ocrathlete #trifectaworldchampionship #trifectatribe #sparta #greece #visitgreece #workoutroutine #training #trainingvlog #trainingdiary #trainhardraceeasy #athlete #proathlete #gymtraining #runningtraining #trainingforocr #ocrtraining #obstaclecourserace #obstaclecourse #worldchampionship #spartanambassador #brandambassador

It’s Race Week! And this is how I feel about it

It’s Race Week!

And this is how I feel about it as it’s not just any race, it’s time for the @spartanracegreece Trifecta World Championship!

This is my third time of returning to this race and city, and I’m so excited!

Sparta is a special location to be racing in and I love everything about it.

Not only are we in the city of Sparta itself, where we are so kindly received by the locals, often coming out to cheer us on throughout the weekend, we are able to race through the ancient city, challenge ourselves out on what is always a great course, and most importantly, come together with our fellow athletes from around to celebrate everything about the sport.

This is the location of my success last year that, with memories that I treasure to this day but now it’s time to go and make new ones, stepping up a level to the Pro wave and seeing what I can achieve. I have goals in my head of what I would love to achieve over the weekend, knowing for sure that I won’t be on the podiums this time. There are some talented athletes out there to compete against.

This is going to be another event to benchmark where I’m at, to embrace the challenge, to continue to connect with the amazing community, to enjoy some time away from work, and get some autumn/winter sun.

Who knows? I may be able to come back with an improved tan too...

Hopefully I’ll catch some of you in Sparta!

AROO!

#quiltycovers #raceweek #race #racing #spartan #spartanrace #spartanraceeurope #worldchampionship #trifectaworldchampionship #spartanworldchampionship #athlete #ocrathlete #excited #sparta #greece #community #brandambassador #trifectatribe #history #historic #landmark #visitgreece #visitsparta #community #spartanracegreece #celebration #obstaclecourseracing #obstaclecourserace #obstaclecourse #ocr

Are you ready for your FIX? This is @fixmcr and h

Are you ready for your FIX?

This is @fixmcr and has quickly become one of my favourite places for all things wellbeing and health. Having opened on the 4th October, I made sure to be attend their first official event and wasn’t disappointed at all.

After the session, I was feeling so much better. My mind was at rest, my body felt a lot more rested and was able to connect with some great people after the session.

Situated in the Northern Quarter of Manchester, having good accessibility with plenty of parking locations nearby, this plays host to an amazing set up to allow you to get your “fix” of mental and physical wellbeing during one of their many different sessions. These sessions are hosted within a well designed set up with a large social area, the UK’s largest sauna and double ice bath set up.

These sessions are one of the following:
- Sound bath immersion
- A variety of stretching/yoga sessions within the large social area and/or the sauna
- Breathwork that leads into hot/cold therapy between the sauna and ice baths
- The ability to create your own sessions with ability to free flow
- Social events with like minded people in their large social area.

These are just a few examples of the sessions that they offer here so be sure to head over to their website or Instagram page to see what else they have on offer.

I really do recommend this place and knowing some of the practitioners that are there, I trust in the sessions that they put on here and know that you will enjoy them.

It can be found here:
45 Newton Street,
Manchester
M1 1FT

#quiltycovers #mentalhealth #health #wellbeing #physicalhealth #fixmcr #sauna #icebath #manchester #northernquarter #socialise #socialising #community #recommend #recommendation #visitmanchester #mcr #discovermanchester #thingstodomanchester #whattodomanchester #bestofmanchester #bestofmcr #thingstodo #thingstodoinmanchester #community #practitioner #connect #friendship #takingcareofyourself #selfcare

Not the #medalmonday I wanted but.... (Couldn’t

Not the #medalmonday I wanted but....

(Couldn’t even do it on time!)

It’s a medal Monday that was so much more than some metal around my neck this time.

Let me tell you why.

This weekend was supposed to be the first @spartanrace World Championship of 2024, taking part in the inaugural Sprint World Championship.
However, injuries sustained to my feet during the Ultra only last weekend left with me a decision to make:
1. Take part in the race, risk setting the recovery back a week or two, leaving me unable to train into the build up to Sparta, and likely being disappointed with my results in both.
2. Be sensible, not race, allow the recovery process to continue, and use the weekend to rest mentally and physically.

If you followed my story, you will know that I went for option 2, and though I had major FOMO all weekend, in hindsight, I’m glad I did it.

I was able to eat well, sleep well, take in the beautiful town of Hvar for a second time, spend time with great people both old and new, and try my hand at being an on the ground reporter/photographer/videographer.
It gave me a completely different perspective to a Spartan weekend, cheering on the other British athletes, being inspired by many amazing feats of athletic capability, capturing footage for them and @britishobstaclesports, and aiding @spartanraceeurope as a whole as a #spartanambassador. Oh, and there was the opportunity to be a podcast guest along the way with @obstacleracingmedia.

It ended up being a very fulfilling weekend. One where I could refill my cup mentally, physically and spiritually.
Focus turns to getting these feet back to 100% so I can give it my all for Sparta and Abu Dhabi and close this year on a high.

#quiltycovers #spartan #spartanrace #spartanraceeurope #spartanraceuk #ocr #sport #sports #athlete #sprint #spartanworldchampionship #worldchampionship #trainhardraceeasy #neededrest #physicalreset #mentalreset #fulfilled #wholesome #comebackstronger #podcaster #reporter #videographer #friends #community #brandambassador #obstaclecourserace #obstaclecourseracing #obstaclecourse

Not quite the #medalmonday & race review I had pla

Not quite the #medalmonday & race review I had planned...

Good news? I managed to finish my second @spartanraceuk Ultra and for around one lap, things were going better than last year.

Bad news? It started to all go down there...

A tale of two halves for me. I was mentally and physically ready, feeling excited for it. It wasn’t as ominous as last year’s & I was feeling confident that I could be closer to the front runners this time round.

It all started well & felt that I could keep pace, though I did have a couple of early hiccups on obstacles. Are you really shocked though at this point this season? With ground to make up, I was able to get into a good flow, closing the gap to within 2-3 minutes of the front runners. I felt I had plenty in the tank & could give the second lap a good go & see what I could achieve. I was pretty content to finish lap one in under 3 hours.

However, there was a slight problem...

Something about my footwear combination wasn’t working for me, leaving me in a lot of discomfort as I entered the transition area. Lap two was going to be a joy. After recently replacing my shoes for racing (as the others had run their course (pun intended)), though I’d worn them prior and they felt good, I found out that they didn’t work for that amount of time/distance.

As the second lap went on, the pain increased and the only way I could describe it was like running on razor blades.

What was a fight for a podium became a fight to finish.

4 painful hours later, I was finally crossing the finish line and was able to see the aftermath. Plenty of red is all I’ll say. Pictures on special request.

Overall, I finished 13th.

I took the decision to not complete the ultrafecta with the Sprint World Championship only next week. Hopefully they heal enough to give it my all.

#quiltycovers #spartan #spartanrace #spartanraceeurope #trifectatribe #beunbreakable #brandambassador #spartanambassador #sport #sports #ultra #ultramarathon #50k #50km #spartanultra #ultrafecta #competitivesports #athlete #ultraathlete #ultrarunner #ocr #obstaclecourse #obstaclecourseracing #obstaclecourserace #ocrathlete #proathlete #lessonlearned #trainhardraceeasy

It’s race day tomorrow! I’m very excited to b

It’s race day tomorrow!

I’m very excited to be taking on the ultra distance tomorrow @spartanraceuk London South East, challenging the mind and body further than normal. I’m sure there will be some great athletes to test myself against on that start line.

Everything is prepped (bar a little kit list hiccup), I had a great week leading into this race, feeling refreshed mentally after the session this morning @fixmcr, so it’s now time to see what I’ve got.

For those of you who are taking it on too, whether you be first timers or seasoned veterans, be sure to embrace the challenge. Enjoy the challenge. Feel the reward from the challenge. You’ve got this!

See you on the start line!

AROO!

#quiltycovers #spartan #spartanrace #spartanraceuk #spartanultra #ultra #ultramarathon #beunbreakable #spartanambassador #brandambassador #sport #athlete #sports #competitivesports #proathlete #trainhardraceeasy #challengeyourself #trifectatribe #ultrafecta #aroo #spartanraceeurope #obstaclecourse #obstaclecourseracing #obstaclerace #ocr #ocrathlete #50k #50km #raceday #racedayready

#FridayFeature What I Eat Before A Race I have fo

#FridayFeature What I Eat Before A Race

I have found a reliable fuel source for me that’s my go to before every race. Finding your own will be key to your success. This will make sure that you’re fuelled for your event, have a solid base to build upon for your intra-event nutrition and aid something that doesn’t give you digestive discomfort.

My thought process behind this is as follows:

- Simple carbohydrates - berries - Simple sugars to easily digest and be ready for the start of the race
- Complex carbohydrates - oats - Once digested, give a steadier fuel supply further into the race
- Healthy fats - chia seeds and nuts - A different type of fuel source for the body for further into the race
- Keeps me feeling full for the duration of the race, if its up to around 2 hours
- Stops me wanting to snack prior to the start of the race, making me susceptible to digestive discomfort
- I feel great after eating this and always feel ready for the race
- A good source of fibre to promote a bowel movement before the race
- Always agrees with my nervous stomach before a race, kind of soothing it

I ensure that I’m eating this at last 2.5 hours before the start of the race so that my body has the time to digest it. This will mean that I wont have any digestive issues during the race from eating too close and have the time for the energy provided to get into my system to be effective.

However, sometimes you can’t sort out your go to for one reason or another so having a back up is key. It may be suboptimal but if you have something that you can fall back on will help settle the nerves and allow you still perform how you want to.

#quiltycovers #spartan #spartanrace #spartanraceuk #ocr #obstaclecourse #obstaclecourseracing #obstaclecourserace #ocrathlete #sport #sports #raceprep #fuelyourselfright #fuelright #priorpreparation #spartanambassador #beunbreakable #youarewhatyoueat #fruit #berries #foodie #food #eatright #breakfast #fuelyourrace #sportsnutrition #preracemeal #foodprep

2 weeks out from @spartanraceuk Ultrafecta weekend

2 weeks out from @spartanraceuk Ultrafecta weekend

Last week was a bit of a mixed bag. Some quality sessions whilst due to one thing or another, I wasn’t able to hit everything that I wanted. However, sometimes not everything works out and it’s about making sure that the sessions you can get to, you give them your all.

Trying to combine speed training with endurance training has been an interesting combination but it’s one that I’m enjoying. It definitely gives a different flavour to the training, keeping it varied.

Hopefully next week can be one last big training week before we get into deloading for the ultra.

I’m definitely looking forward to taking on another ultra. It’s a true test of endurance, both physically and mentally, and the satisfaction when you cross that line is like no other Spartan race.

#quiltycovers #ocr #ocrathlete #athlete #proathlete #sport #sports #obstaclecourse #obstaclecourseracing #obstaclecourserace #ocrtraining #trainingvlog #trainingsession #spartan #spartanrace #spartanraceuk #runner #runningtraining #ocrathlete #trainingforocr #brandambassador #beunbreakable #spartanambassador #trainingdiary #howitrain #howitrainforocr #howtotrainforocr #howanocrathletetrains #returntotraining #trainhardraceeasy

#fridayfeature Race Day Morning Routine The best

#fridayfeature Race Day Morning Routine

The best thing about this routine is that it works for any event or race distance!

Making sure that you are prepared to the best of your ability before a race is key to performing of your best. This is how I prepare for a race, using these principles to design my race day morning routine:

1. Wake up 2.5-3 hours before a race - this is to give me plenty of time to eat my pre race meal to allow it to digest so I have the energy in my system lady to perform at my best. This also ensures you don’t end up with discomfort such as stitch or seeing the food again.
2. Drink caffeine between 45-60 minutes prior - with it taking roughly 20-30 minutes for caffeine’s effects to start to kick in, this gives plenty of time to receive those effects and prompt that wanted bowel movement. You don’t want to have to emergency stop!
3. Hydrate right - this isn’t just with water. Making sure you have electrolytes in your hydration plan is key to performing of your best and preventing things the cramp.
4. Kit check - giving yourself plenty of time in the morning can mean you have the time to thoroughly check you have everything you need. Better still, pack the night before.

#quiltycovers #spartan #spartanrace #spartanraceuk #ocr #obstaclecourserace #grwm #getreadywithme #ocrathlete #raceprep #sportsnutrition #hydration #priorpreparation #raceprep #howtoperformyourbest #betterperformance #sportsperformance #sportshydration #runner #running #instarun #howto #competitivesport #competitivesports #sports #sport #racedayroutine #morningroutine #raceday

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