Top 5 Things You Must Do for The Killington Beast
It's just about the time of year again where the world is about to converge on a small town in the middle of the small state of Vermont. While most flock to this iconic part of the world in the fall to view the foliage, the obstacle racing world has a different objective in mind...The Reebok Spartan Race World Championships in Killington, Vermont.
This is the culmination of the Reebok Spartan Race series for the year. The company started just down the road from Killington in Pittsfield, Vermont and it's only apt that the toughest Beast distance course is held at the mountain known as "the beast of the east." Obstacle Racing athletes from all over the world will be converging on this small town in a few days and the internet is a buzz with anticipation for what this year will bring. There are a few things to do this week leading up to the big race that will help make race day more enjoyable.
Leading up to the race, hydration is a key factor of success on race day. Even with the fall temperatures keeping race day temps normally in the 60's it's important to hydrate throughout the week. Start in the morning with a gallon of water, then sip on that gallon throughout the day to make sure you are fully hydrated for race day. More »
Sorting out your gear for race day is important to do ahead of time. Set a list of the things you think you will need, then set out that gear on the floor in your house a day or two before traveling to the race. Having a few extra days will make sure you don't forget something like socks on race day.
Remember, be prepared to swim in at least one of the snowmaking ponds around the mountain. Know everything you carry and wear will get wet. More »
The Killington Beast is like no other Spartan Race, every participant needs to carry water as well as nutrition while on course. This means gels, bars, or other nutrition is a must on course. Be sure to pick up a few of your favorites and know you will need about 100-200 calories an hour on the mountain.
Taking on the Killington Beast can be a huge undertaking even for an experienced obstacle racer. It is normal to have some butterflies in the stomach going into the weekend. The race takes you over the unknown and even year-to-year the course can greatly change. Take time this week to do activities outside of obstacle racing; have dinner with friends, walk the dog, enjoy a sporting event. It's important to remain balanced going into a big race.
Take this week to focus mentally on your strengths, take the time to focus on how you plan to attack the course and remember to smile while on course. A laugh can get anyone though a dark moment.
The week before the Killington Beast is always a week of nervous energy online. The best course of action is to stay offline and not feed into the energy. Focus on you, yourself and your surroundings this week. Eat well, sleep lots, and as before hydrate! Getting caught up in the nervous energy can be a drain of your time and energy.
Use social media and all the online groups for help and support answering questions but don't get bogged down with what everyone else is doing, create your plan and make it best for you!More »
This is the culmination of the Reebok Spartan Race series for the year. The company started just down the road from Killington in Pittsfield, Vermont and it's only apt that the toughest Beast distance course is held at the mountain known as "the beast of the east." Obstacle Racing athletes from all over the world will be converging on this small town in a few days and the internet is a buzz with anticipation for what this year will bring. There are a few things to do this week leading up to the big race that will help make race day more enjoyable.
1. Hydration
Leading up to the race, hydration is a key factor of success on race day. Even with the fall temperatures keeping race day temps normally in the 60's it's important to hydrate throughout the week. Start in the morning with a gallon of water, then sip on that gallon throughout the day to make sure you are fully hydrated for race day. More »
2. Clothing/Gear
Sorting out your gear for race day is important to do ahead of time. Set a list of the things you think you will need, then set out that gear on the floor in your house a day or two before traveling to the race. Having a few extra days will make sure you don't forget something like socks on race day.
Remember, be prepared to swim in at least one of the snowmaking ponds around the mountain. Know everything you carry and wear will get wet. More »
3. Nutrition
The Killington Beast is like no other Spartan Race, every participant needs to carry water as well as nutrition while on course. This means gels, bars, or other nutrition is a must on course. Be sure to pick up a few of your favorites and know you will need about 100-200 calories an hour on the mountain.
4. Attitude
Taking on the Killington Beast can be a huge undertaking even for an experienced obstacle racer. It is normal to have some butterflies in the stomach going into the weekend. The race takes you over the unknown and even year-to-year the course can greatly change. Take time this week to do activities outside of obstacle racing; have dinner with friends, walk the dog, enjoy a sporting event. It's important to remain balanced going into a big race.
Take this week to focus mentally on your strengths, take the time to focus on how you plan to attack the course and remember to smile while on course. A laugh can get anyone though a dark moment.
5. Social Media
The week before the Killington Beast is always a week of nervous energy online. The best course of action is to stay offline and not feed into the energy. Focus on you, yourself and your surroundings this week. Eat well, sleep lots, and as before hydrate! Getting caught up in the nervous energy can be a drain of your time and energy.
Use social media and all the online groups for help and support answering questions but don't get bogged down with what everyone else is doing, create your plan and make it best for you!More »
