Spartan Up! - A Spartan Race For The Mind!

Alyssa burst onto the OCR scene by winning her home race in Seattle, WA in the fall of 2015. Since then she has seen 40 plus podiums, including 3rd best in the world at the Spartan Tahoe World Championship in 2017. On today’s episode she talks with Matt B Davis about coming back from injuries and switching up her training and coaching to become a better athlete. LESSONS:   Coming back from injury. How manual labor can prepare you for OCR. High intensity workouts that work for her. Focusing on “Quality Running”. Choosing the coach that's right with you. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay   FOLLOW US: Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod Matt B Davis at Obstacle Racing Media on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/obstacleracingmedia/ Alyssa Hawley on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/alyssahawley14/   CREDITS: Host: Matt B D

Having hard conversations are part of life. Not the part that we always enjoy or look forward to but essential and unavoidable nonetheless. Because of the discomfort associated with hard conversations, we like to avoid them or engage in unhelpful practices that actually don’t serve communication or intent. Learning how to have a difficult conversation is something that many of us have to do if we want to elevate our relationships and move towards that which makes us more resilient. LESSONS: Having hard conversations is part of being human, especially if you are looking to build distress tolerance skills and effective communication styles. Remember the following when you go into a difficult conversation: Ask yourself what your intention is behind the conversation. Remind yourself that difficult conversations often help relationships, not harm them. Breathe and be calm. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay FOLLOW SPAR

Mixed Martial Artist and UFC Champion Keith Jardine, known as the Dean of Mean talks about his relentless spirit in fighting his way to infamy in and out of the ring. Famous for some legendary takedowns, a reality tv show and now a successful paleo business venture- learn what it takes to be a heavyweight in business and battle. LESSONS Find your purpose Be relentless in achieving your goals Know when to pivot LINKS https://cavemancoffeeco.com/ TIME STAMPS 0:00 Intro with Joe, the Colonel & Guest Host World Champion rower Josh Crosby 2:40 Interview begins drinking Caveman coffee & the “Dean of Mean” 4:25 Growing up playing football & wrestling in Oregon / California 6:25 The strange man nobody wanted to mess with 7:30 Training for sports as a way of life 9:00 Outlets for testosterone & proving yourself nonverbally 10:00 showing up “unattached” to world class wrestling tournaments 11:00 Starting MMA training & the drive to be a boxer 14:00 The joy of the fight 14:15 Burpee Break 15:35 Figh

We don’t always have the time to do a deep dive to uncover what might be impacting us negatively. Nevertheless, we need to pay attention to the things that are bothering us so that we can understand the way that we operate more intimately. It doesn’t take a whole lot of time to ask yourself a few easy questions that might pinpoint what needs your attention and remediation. Tuning into your hunger level, angry feelings, lonely experience, and whether or not you are tired can easily check off a few regular triggers. LESSONS: If you don’t have time for a deep dive to discover what’s bothering you, ask yourself these easy four questions to help uncover the answer: a. Are you hungry? b. Are you angry? c. Are you lonely? d. Are you tired? If you answer yes to any of those questions, see what you can do to address your needs and get yourself back on track. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay FOLLOW SPARTAN UP AND DR. L: Sp

He’s not the first to tell Spartan founder, Joe De Sena, he made it to the pro level of soccer, or that an injury changed his trajectory and set him on a new path. Like many there were successes and failures along the way, challenges to overcome and great rewards. But Andy Ramage is not here to talk about that. He’s with us to talk about the discovery he made that changed EVERY aspect of his life for the better. It sounds like a late-night TV ad, but it’s true. There’s one simple change you can make in your life that will make you happier, more successful, healthier and improve your relationships - and Andy is on a mission to teach you about it. LESSONS One lesson. There’s an easy way to improve your life. LINKS O.N.Y.B. https://youtu.be/NKSzxY8SFVw Interview with O.N.Y.B.Ruari Fairbairns VIDEO https://youtu.be/Ckwgpxiqswo AUDIO https://podcasts.apple.com/fi/podcast/177-one-thing-to-10x-everything-ruari-fairbairns/id952870930?i=1000399421715 Interview with Chris Herren VIDEO https://youtu.be/P7JK21-15zs AUD

Everyone has a valuable contribution to make and everyone gets stuck. It’s part of what makes us human. Sometimes what works for one person doesn’t work for everyone. Which is why we’ve brought the Spartan Up podcast family together to ask what works for them when they feel stuck, Sefra the Seedhuntress, retired Col. Tim Nye and "Dr" Johnny Waite. Each answer is unique - a testament to each of us having our own unique journeys. The key here is to try each tactic out and see which one works for you. From remember the power of family, grounding yourself in the bite of ice cold water, or waking up each day with an intention - there’s lots to choose from to move you from feeling stuck to free. LESSONS: We can all benefit from hearing how others cope when they feel stuck. Try the following practices to get you on track: Reconnect with family and use the power of your tribe to get you grounded. Immerse yourself in a cold bath to reinvigorate the senses and get you grounded. Set an intention in the morning, taking i

This week Joe sits down with Jim Gregory a former Green Beret & Olympian (with an asterisk.) Jim didn’t always reach the ultimate goals he set for himself, but he always persisted with confidence and a positive attitude. The result is a life of incredible accomplishment. How can you grow from disappointment? What can you learn from failure? Does tough training in youth give you the foundation to withstand these trials? All these are questions Joe and Jim discuss. Learn what the asterisk next to Olympian means and the secret to a life without regrets. LESSONS Make pain your friend Find opportunities for growth in disappointment Take chances & throw yourself out there! Get uncomfortable Push as hard as you can Don’t give up LINKS https://f3nation.com This episode of Spartan Up is brought to you by Duke Cannon. Visit Dukecannon.com right now to get 15% off your first order with the promo code SPARTAN. Free shipping on orders over $35 TIME STAMPS 0:00 Joe, Sefra, Johnny and guest Host Dr. L introduce int

Ryan Atkins is the current Spartan Race Ultra World Champion and the winningest obstacle racer of all time. Ryan talks to Matt B Davis about a winning mindset, how he approaches his weaknesses, and how he mixes his training up to keep it fun and enjoyable. LESSONS: • Adding fun training like mountain biking or stand up paddleboarding.
 • What he eats.
 • Making workouts can be intense AND fun.
 • Getting better at running uphill has improved his performance.
 SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay FOLLOW US: Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod Matt B Davis at Obstacle Racing Media on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/obstacleracingmedia/ Scott Jurek on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottjurek/ CREDITS: Host: Matt B Davis (@mattbdavis) Show Notes: Matt B Davis Producer: Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Editing: Marion Abrams ©

Stress is a part of life. It’s nearly impossible to avoid. So the goal shouldn’t always be reducing the stress in your life but instead integrating ways to manage your stress and lower the intensity. Some of us are better and managing stress than others but the good news is that all stress management skills can be practiced and learned. First and foremost, we need to consider what we are putting into our body and the attention that we are giving our mental faculties. We must nourish our bodies the right way and treat our whole being with a level of respect and care. LESSONS: We all experience stress. So sometimes the best goal is stress management not stress reduction. To manage stress you must take inventory on what you are putting into your body food wise and whether or not you are fueling appropriately. Practice your stress management skills regularly for the best crystallization. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpP

If you could be any superhero who would you be? Todd Herman is a mental performance coach that utilizes the strategies inherent with embodying an alter ego to be successful as an athlete on the field or as an executive in the boardroom. Find out what role identity, clothing and mental preparedness can play in your success. Imagination is a powerful tool that can be practiced and honed to overcome perceived limitations and obstacles you never thought that “you” could overcome. LESSONS Mastering the self is our greatest challenge Preparation, routine, planning, relaxation & breathing skills are keys to success Seek mentors & apprenticeships Move forward & level up Alter Ego means a trusted friend or ally Utilize your imagination to reach your goals Act with intention LINKS More about SpartanX https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhvIba0mXsE More about Todd Herman www.toddherman.me/live2019 Todd on Facebook facebook.com/toddhermanconnect Todd on Instagram instagram.com/todd_herman Special Ops Survivors h

This week Joe De Sena fills in for Zach Even-Esh and talks about commitment. Who do you quit? How can you game your own mind and emotions to stay on track and achieve your goals? Zach will be back soon with more of the great SPartan WAY episodes you love. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay   FOLLOW SPARTAN UP & Zach: Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppo... Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod Follow Zach on Instagram https://instagram.com/zevenesh Follow Zach on Twitter https://twitter.com/zevenesh Zach’s STRONG Life Podcast https://apple.co/2vFaCv1   CREDITS: Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Host & Show Notes: Zach Even - Esh © 2019 Spartan

We make thousands of choices in just one day. What we wear, choose to eat, and decide to do are just a tiny few. Micro-decisions are made constantly and it’s important to understand one of the phenomena that informs our choices. Something called confirmation bias is often behind many of our decisions and also behind the way that we develop a view of ourself. Confirmation bias occurs when we pay attention to and focus on information that confirms a pre-existing belief, value, or assumption. For example, let’s say you don’t think you’re very smart. Because of confirmation bias, you will naturally, though sometimes without awareness, look for information that confirms this belief. So you may pay attention to that one critique that you got on a project review instead of the fifty positive statements that came your way. It’s important to understand confirmation bias and bring into awareness how this may be impacting your beliefs and subsequent choices. LESSONS: Understanding why certain beliefs are held and decisi

Considered one of the world’s top sales trainers & real estate investors, Grant is playing in the big leagues. Joe walks with his kettlebell to his castle in the middle of London to talk about life and business with a guy who has made it his business to 10X yours. Hear Grand and Joe compare origin stories and at the end Joe’s behind the scenes take on his time in the “Cardone Zone.” LESSONS Make yourself invaluable When you meet someone, figure out how you can help them Take potential clients & do something challenging with them Happiness is wanting what you already have Let’s change the world together LINKS https://grantcardone.com/podcast/ This episode of Spartan Up is brought to you by Shady Rays Polarized shades you can afford to lose or break - because they’ll replace them for free. Go to www.Shadyrays.com and use code SPARTAN for 50% off 2 or more pairs. TIME STAMPS 0:00 Joe De Sena introduces interview with Grant Cardone of the Cardone Zone 1:00 Shadyrays.com intro “Built for Adventure” 1:25 In

When life gets busy and tough, we can sometimes focus on what we don’t have. Instead, we need to be grateful for everything we have, including the “obstacles” which are opportunities in hiding. Start writing down what you are grateful for in a gratitude journal. Start your day with a gratitude journal. Tony Robbins inspired me to do this around 2001. LESSONS: Write down 3 things you are grateful for, including the most simple things such as seeing the sun or the moon. Be grateful for everything, including the challenges that you’ve been stressing over. Make your gratitude journal part of your core morning ritual. Write in your journal every day, 7 days a week. It only takes 2 minutes MAX! LINKS: More about Zach https://zacheven-esh.com Read “The Spartan Way” https://www.spartan.com/en/race/learn-more/race-types-overview?article=the-spartan-way-book SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay   FOLLOW SPARTAN UP & Zac

Let’s face it. We all experience being overwhelmed. It is a common human experience. But the thing is, there are ways to manage being overwhelmed if you turn your awareness inwards. First, think about how you can use the work of the breath to calm yourself down. Try using the box method. Next, set your priorities. Think about what requires your attention next and where would your energy would best be utilized. And lastly, try and plan for what comes next. These tools can help ground you and create space for you to manage the feeling and the experience. LESSONS: Being overwhelmed is part of the human experience so don’t beat yourself up when you feel it. Try these strategies to overcome feelings of being overwhelmed: Remember your breath. Set your priorities. Make a plan. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay FOLLOW SPARTAN UP AND DR. L: Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ Spartan Up on

Born in the fields of Ireland, Mo was a guide, teammate and mentor when Joe began adventure racing 20+ years ago. Her ethos are deeply steeped in the foundation and inspiration for Joe to build Spartan Race. Have you heard him say “if your not cold, your wearing too much. If you're tired, your sleeping too much. If you're not hungry, your eating too much.”? That and other great lines like “ Quit moanin & get goin!” originated with Mo. This is a great conversation, where we learn were many of Joe’s battle cries of grit hail from!   LESSONS Visualize the things you want to happen Have a point in the distance to go towards Quit your moanin & get goin! Learn & practice patience Try things - don’t get stuck! Use fear as fuel Be cold, tired & hungry Soak up life - don’t wait for another Help those around you LINKS This episode of Spartan Up is brought to you by Shady Rays Polarized shades you can afford to lose or break - because they’ll replace them for free. Go to www.Shadyrays.com and use code S

Glutathione is not a word that trips off the tongue, but it’s very much worth remembering. It’s a substance that combats the problems related to oxidative stress. Let’s learn more about it. First, let’s describe oxidative stress in a little more detail. This happens when substances called “free radicals” and “oxidants” start to grow in number in our bodies. We need some of these radicals because they can act as “signaling” molecules that trigger important processes (like the heart pumping more blood during stressful moments). But if you have too many free radicals, this results in an unhealthy imbalance leading to cell damage. “Free radicals” might be understood as roaming individual atoms of oxygen that are desperately looking to pair up with other atoms (because atoms like to exist in pairs). This means that they’re pretty indiscriminate about where they pair up (sort of like a person who is “on the rebound”), which results in a variety of bad outcomes when this “outsider” settles down with some random ce

The first 2 minutes of something new is often uncomfortable, perhaps scary! Waking up earlier than normal = uncomfortable. But it’s just those first 2 minutes you gotta get through! LESSONS: Comfort is the enemy The discomfort goes away after only a few minutes Remind yourself that you CAN build momentum that works in your favor. Make an internal deal with yourself to just do 1 thing moving forward. Remember, doing 1 thing is 100% more than zero! LINKS: More about Zach https://zacheven-esh.com Read “The Spartan Way” https://www.spartan.com/en/race/learn-more/race-types-overview?article=the-spartan-way-book SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay   FOLLOW SPARTAN UP & Zach: Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod Follow Zach on Instagram https://instagram.com/zevenesh Follow Zach on Twitter https://twitter.com/zevenesh Zach’s STRONG

We all blame. Your spouse gets an earful when you forgot your kids lunchbox, the customer service agent becomes the punching bag when you accidentally deleted your photos from your iPhone, or your supervisee gets a talking to when you forgot to check your schedule. Blaming is never really a useful tactic but we do it because we struggle with difficult feelings. So we offload them. Feelings of disappointment, especially in yourself, can spawn lots of blaming because we struggle to tolerate that feeling. Reminding yourself that even painful feelings can be tolerated and worked through can help you move away from blaming behaviors.    LESSONS:  Understand and remind yourself that blaming is one tactic that we use to offload difficult and painful feelings.  Build up some distress tolerance around those feelings by sitting when them, breathing, and using positive affirmations.    SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay   F

The Death Race. Its name alone can be enough to undermine your confidence. An old friend of the podcast, Don Devany has taken the nickname of the Death Race “Taskmaster.” A decade long veteran of the infamous Death Race, he has inspired legions while they perspired to heroic feats of greatness. Joe De Sena sat down to talk with Don days after he cycled cross country east to west & back again! 9145.5 miles of riding to raise funds for DECA Journey for the One Step Ahead Foundation for kids with mobility issues. What is it that makes one athlete complete the Death Race and another fail? Did those lessons influence Don in his cross country journey? He shares lessons learned from not quitting and falling into the proverbial ditch. Is there a secret to success? Is it “burning the boats”?. To Joe Don is a “testament to what resilience is all about and understands what makes people tick & what makes them break!” There are some people that are simply from another era. Don oozes from every pore the archetype o