Getting off the airplane the first thing that hit me in the was the heat, the second thing the humidity. We walked out of the airport and towards our rental car. We were the Spartan Women's Team and we were in Tampa, Florida on our way to Waldo, Florida for the Superhero Scramble and the first ever team event in Obstacle Course Racing history. I was honored to be invited onto this time for this event.
As we got into the rental car the first thing I did was turn up the A/C the temps that afternoon in Tampa were in the high nineties and I was coming from Vermont where the temps had been in the seventies for a couple days. The difference was striking. My other teammates came from warmer climates so the change was not as shocking. Luckily, I had begun my hydration plan days before the race but still felt that hadn't been enough. I walked around the race venue to check out the obstacles, as I walked I clutched my water bottle like a baby with a bottle. Luckily I had brought down a whole canister of Aminolast with me as I knew I would need the electrolytes!
Next thing it was race day and we were up and moving. We arrived at the race venue and the temps were already climbing and the sun was beating down. Still sipping from my water bottle I knew it was going to be a hot one. This was my first experience of Florida in July and I had decided to not only visit but also race. As we headed to the starting line, I knew it was ring to be a push. Lined up and ready to start we were informed the race would be delayed a few minutes to fix an obstacle, a few minutes turned into over forty. I tried to find the shade but to no avail. But then we were off and I was moving. It was a flat course and it wouldn't be a long race, I kept telling myself. The heat seemed to slow me, but thankfully it was a team event, and that gave me an extra push.
As I crossed the finish line and met my teammates, I inquired how we had done. I could feel the headache from the heat coming on. A few minutes later and some time by the timing computer we had done it. The Spartan Women's Team had taken first in the Superhero Scramble. Shortly after the awards ceremony I hit my post race rehydration fast. This plan includes a bottle of Aminolast that I mix and drink halfway then fill up again with water and drink fully. This way I get more water into my system with the Aminolast. Also with the Watermelon Blast you don't want the taste to end! Then I have another couple bottles of water. This all depends on the heat.
Well this race I threw out all the normal plans and found myself gulping down the yummy tasting drink and my body still wanted more. Having to wait until we were back at the hotel I switched to water and coconut water and hid in the shade. When I got back to the hotel I mixed myself another bottle of Aminolast and continued to hydrate the rest of the night.
The next day I woke up feeling, surprisingly great! In my effort to rehydrate myself I also consumed a healthy dose of BCAA's. BCAA's help to rebuild muscle and I have often used them to aid recovery. In my effort to rehydrate I had forgotten about this part of the product and was happily reaping the rewards. When I got home early Monday morning after a long sleep, I headed out for a recovery run. The thing I noticed was how great I felt! My muscles felt great and I took off at a pace I normally reserver for harder days. Note to self when asked to race in Florida in July, I think the next time I will decline for a more temperate climate. Looking forward now to a good training block for a week and change then head off to Amesbury, Mass. for the next Spartan Race!
