Spartan Up! - A Spartan Race For The Mind!

What Is Mental Flow: A State Of Self-Motivation Do you remember the last time you completely focused on a task that was both challenging and satisfying? It may have happened during your last a long race (Sprint, Super, or Beast), or listening to an intense piece of music, or while you were solving a crossword puzzle. What do those moments have in common? They may have been times when you experienced “flow.” What is it? How to achieve it? WHAT WE TALK ABOUT Getting into “flow” (which is similar to what athletes call “the zone”) not only feels great, it has a great halo effect, too. One study shows that people who experience flow get positive after-effects – feeling more productive, creative and happy – for almost three days. So how do know you’re in the flow? And how can you increase your chances of getting into it? Here are some signs. The most common one is losing awareness of yourself and losing track of time. This is tightly connected with being completely focused on whatever task you’re doing and feeling

This week's Spartan Athlete host Matt B. Davis talks to Faye Morgan. She was a gymnast and spent time in the Marines. Now, she is a mom of 4 and a Spartan Pro. She talks about how she conquers obstacles and finds time to train, and how she thinks about an athletes unique strengths and weaknesses. LESSONS: You can’t just rely on speed anymore as a Pro racer. There are multiple ways to attack obstacles. You can train in smaller chunks of times. Once you start small, you can build up your training over time. 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/ Faye Morgan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fayemocr/ CREDITS: Host: Matt B Davis Show Notes: Matt B Davis Producer: Marion Abrams, Madmotion

Experiencing painful emotions is a part of life that we cannot avoid. But we try to through various types of numbing mechanisms. This could be anything from alcohol to drugs to food to over-exercise to gambling to social media. We are pretty proficient as a society in wiggling our way around uncomfortable feelings and moving towards either a numbing position or something more comfortable. But if you are looking to toughen up your mind and improve your performance in life, learning how to manage painful emotions is going to get you much further than numbing. LESSONS: Painful emotions exist for everyone and working to manage these emotions can build a healthy level of resilience and tolerance skills. Work on observing the painful emotion, acknowledging that it exists, and then ride the wave, trusting that there will be a peak but there will also be a lull where you can catch your breath. Remember, you are NOT your emotion. Being angry does not mean you are an angry person. And being sad doesn’t mean you are a d

World famous for his physique and his “Insanity” workouts, Shaun T has graduated from teaching healthy body to teaching healthy MENTALITY. His superpower is getting uncomfortable - the more uncomfortable he is, the more he is learning and growing. Shaun T tells Spartan founder Joe De Sena how he has spent his life confronting issues and resolving them with “truth, trust and transparency” and moving forward with “passion, power & persistence.” True strength is in vulnerability, honesty and letting your emotions come forth. LESSONS: Fit doesn’t have a size it has a mentality When people deny the truth that’s when turmoil begins Life is a journey not a destination Accept who you are Visualize what you want You can’t control the future but you can control your experience Confront yourself first - honesty leads to betterment Let your emotions out - connect to the feeling Be in dialogue with your food The more you know the more you grow This episode of Spartan Up! is brought to you by Tiger Balm Active. Trust T

When I find myself getting frustrated, struggling with events or life, being disappointed by others or my expectations it’s usually because I’m investing too much emotional energy in the area of interest. Or, not enough energy in the area of control. When we find ourselves going down the emotional or irrational mind path we need to create a trigger to get us back into rational and process oriented mode. This is where the area of control can come into play. Control what you can control and identify what it is you might be overlooking that is in your control. Once you’ve gotten practiced at that, start looking at this area of influence where you can really get ahead of the curve on control and interest. LESSONS: If you can’t control it, why are you trying to? Spending time controlling and influencing the things you can shouldn’t leave much time/energy left on trying to do the same for what is interesting. When you find yourself going emotional it’s time to reset by focusing on what you can control and acceptin

Ginseng has recently gained popularity for those looking to get an extra edge on the job, or to improve daily focus. It also has rejuvenating qualities that can support an increase in energy. There are two main varieties of ginseng, American and Asian (Korean) that have slightly different benefits, so talk to you doctor to make sure you’re taking the appropriate one for your needs. In addition to its well-known energy-boosting potential, here are three other reasons to use ginseng: 1: Stress Relief After incorporating ginseng into their diets, people taking American or Asian ginseng recorded a drop in stress and have also reported an enhanced feeling of well-being. Several studies have also measured ginseng’s effect by a self-reported increase in quality of life and improvement in mental acuity. 2: Immune Health Ginseng offers a natural remedy to help maintain a healthy immune system and keep away the sniffles during cold and flu season. By enhancing resistance to illnesses, the extract from ginseng roots, st

Kevin Gillotti talks with Ashley Heller, Kaci Monroe, Emilee Smith about what it takes to race together as a team & the nuances and considerations before a race, and out on the race course, and building a team & working with others to get the job done. TAKE AWAY POINTS: Consider your teammates across several criteria beyond just friends Be sure to train together as a team Know each teammates strengths & exploit them Have a strategy, but be fluid SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay FOLLOW SPARTAN UP AND KEVIN G Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod Kevin Gillotti on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kevingillotti/ Kevin Gillotti on The Web www.kevingillotti.com CREDITS: Host: Kevin Gillotti Show Notes & Artwork: Kevin Gillotti Producer: Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Videography: Madison McGahan, Mike Isabell, Alber

Sometimes, as Spartans, we get so caught up in doing more, that we actually work ourselves into the ground. That maximal work pushes you into the red zone. Here’s how to work smarter, not just harder! LESSONS: Identify what you are taking too far (fitness, work, nutrition, etc) to the point that things are actually working against you. Learn from your mistakes and, most of all, learn from the mistakes of others. Are you being productive or just busy? Remove the time wasting activities in your life. Focus on the result producing, productive things you do! 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

Insecurities can pop up at any time. We all have them and some of us use certain strategies to keep them at bay. One insecurity that can rear its ugly head, especially when we are in a group setting, is that around contribution. Sometimes we may hear our inner critic exclaim, “you’ve got nothing to contribute. Be quiet.” Typically, this is stemming from a fear of rejection or judgment. Working to fight off this insecurity can be hard but it’s essential to do so because we ALL have something to contribute. No, not in all situations or in all arenas. But we were all made to contribute to this world and it’s important to operate from this position so that your mind and self-esteem remain as healthy as possible. LESSONS: Remember, you are vital to the web of the world and positive affirmations can help you internalize a more stable and healthy sense of self. Work on reminding yourself that what you have to contribute may impact those around you and the absence of your contribution could be felt as well. SUBSCRIB

He was a sick young kid who went from doctor to doctor looking for a diagnosis, finally realizing to truly find a solution he would have to become a Doctor himself. Hear his take on fasting, saunas, cold showers and the best food to start the day. His holistic solutions are a hybrid of Functional medicine, Ayurvedic medicine & genetics that uses state of the art lab testing to guide holistic and traditional treatments. Listen to your gut Spartans! LESSONS Understand your digestive system & rebuild your gut Don’t discount traditional medicines Tailor your diet and treatment to your unique needs Manage your eating window Fasting for rest, recuperation & rebuilding Relaxation is vital for balance This episode of Spartan Up! is brought to you by Tiger Balm Active. Trust Tiger Balm Active for proven pain relief. Get new Tiger Balm Active in Gel, Rub and convenient Spray. https://tigerbalm.us/ LINKS https://stephencabral.com/ TIME STAMPS: 0:00 Joe, Col. Nye & Sefra introduce the interview 1:40 Tige

Our attitudes on how we approach or what we define winning as sets the stage for success across all endeavors. Winning is putting points on the board until the very last second. Being so driven that you constantly seek ways to do better, push harder, find more, etc… This is my attitude towards winning, it does not ever change per scenario or circumstance. Sportsmanship, Tolerance, Balance come into place on the situational level. But never be confused about the mindset that values WIN vs win.   LESSONS: You have one life, how many points are you going to put on the board? 14-13 is a ‘good enough’ mentality. Winning is about Max Effort SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay FOLLOW SPARTAN UP AND Tosh: Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod Tosh on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tosh.crookedbutterfly/ CREDITS: Producer: Marion Abra

Just when you thought you knew all the reasons why exercise is good for you, a new scientific discovery gives us yet another one. Today on Spartan Health we’re going to talk about something called “brown fat” or “good fat.” WHAT WE TALK ABOUT Recent research has found some possible explanations for why a substance called “brown fat” can actually increase your metabolism. Its beneficial qualities have motivated some people to call it “good fat.” But before we get too deep in the scientific weeds, let’s make a distinction between brown fat and it’s far better-known cousin, white fat. White fat is the fat most people think of when they’re focused on losing weight and is used mainly for energy storage in the body. It’s also an efficient insulator and helps to prevent the body from losing heat. Now to “Brown fat.” Its color is different from white fat because it contains a large number of mitochondria (energy structures in your cells that have high iron levels). This type of fat can actually produce heat on its o

After a solid 2018, Timmie Brann is on the Spartan Pro Team for the first time in 2019. She talks about opening a gym that allows her to help people of all levels. Her gym gives people the opportunity to try a lot of different things. She also discusses why she is an OCR nerd, and keeping her race day look on point. LESSONS: If you want to race fast, train fast. Try a variety of things in training. Race day look is everything. 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/ Timmie Bran on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/timmiebrann Timmie’s Gym https://www.rutcamp.com/ CREDITS: Host: Matt B Davis Show Notes: Matt B Davis Producer: Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Videography: Adam Coe Editing: Heat

Bringing you some fire from a Teddy Roosevelt book in today’s episode! This book is a reminder that our work is a gift. It is something we GET to do, not something we HAVE to do. LESSONS: Reconnect with WHY you started working the job you currently have. Find the deeper meaning behind your work. The deeper meaning might be as simple as your job giving you the ability to put food on the table. Take pride in your work! 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 Life Podcast https://apple.co

Imposter syndrome is something we all struggle with from time to time. It occurs when you doubt your own contribution and experience yourself as fraudulent in any given situation. No matter how common this way of thinking is, however, it’s not healthy and if you don’t build resilience around it, your self-esteem can suffer. It’s important to catch yourself when you engage in such thinking and work to challenge the inner critic that is looking to capitalize on your self-doubt. LESSONS: Imposter Syndrome: the experience of believing yourself to be fraudulent or having significant doubt about your contribution. If you experience imposter syndrome, ask yourself, How does this way of thinking serve me? Make sure you are telling your closest friends when you experience this so they can provide empathy and help you work to fight it. 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 h

Pete Tanzilli, a police officer shot in left hip in the line of duty, faced chronic physical issues from the incident, he speaks with us just before taking on his first Spartan Race with the Task Force Sentinel / OEW team. Chris Thorp has served in many uniforms, from EMT to Police Officer. As a public servant he’s had to deal with many tragic and difficult situations. In a small gesture of gratitude he created a patch to say thank you, that small gesture lead the way to Task Force Sentinel - the law enforcement branch of Operation Enduring Warrior. Learn to take on an attitude of gratitude and always help to inspire others - no matter your situation. LESSONS Take control of your situation Extend gratitude to public servants Take one step at a time & keep stepping Reach out- knock on a door Be an inspiration to others LINKS https://www.enduringwarrior.org/ TIME STAMPS 0:00 Charlie Brenneman, Col. Nye, Doctor Johnny & Sefra introduce the interview 1:30 interview begins with Colonel Nye and Chris Thorp

Perfection is a wonderful ideal. But when we take it out of balance it can stagnate efforts and become an impediment to the essential action of ‘start’. If we keep in mind that the ideation and planning phases that are only equal parts to the phases of rehearsal, execution, follow up, assessment, redesign & reiteration we might allow ourselves to just build momentum by getting started. You will spend more time stuck in trying to design perfect than you will by executing and staying invested in learning and redesigning on your path to achievement. How many times have we started something only to realize that all the anxiety in preparation over trying to get it just right was wasted because through action we’ve found a better appreciation of a standard we thought we originally had? What we aren’t saying is to be reckless, that planning isn’t purposeful, or we should leap twice then think once. LESSONS: Go for it, forgive yourself so long as you are invested in assessment & refinement 80% now & aggr

One in three adults in the U.S. don’t get a good night’s sleep. Some reasons might be physical problems (like apnea) or mental distress. But for many, it’s simply bad habits. Here are five easy ways to improve your chances for restful sleep. WHAT WE TALK ABOUT Number 1: You’re Using Electronics Right Before You Fall Asleep We’ve all done it – spending minutes or even hours scrolling through social media before bed. Researchers have found that people who used electronics before bed saw a significant reduction of melatonin in their body, a chemical that regulates our body’s sleep patterns. The decreased levels of melatonin in their bodies made it harder to fall asleep. Replace your phone with a book or newspaper for a much better bedtime ritual. Number 2: You’re Drinking Caffeine Within 3 Hours of Sleeping Caffeine is a stimulant that can make it hard for you to fall asleep, so try to make your last cup more than three hours before bedtime. If you’re looking for a warm drink before bed, many herbal teas like ch

We learn a little about Spartan Pro Team racer Ryan Kent. He talks about his running background, how he trains during the offseason, and finding a balance between strength and speed. He also has some tips for larger runners. LESSONS: Stay consistent for a higher fitness level Less volume on race week, maintain or increase the intensity Find things that suit your strengths on each course. 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/ Ryan Kent on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dr0p_the_hammer/ CREDITS: Host: Matt B Davis Show Notes: Matt B Davis Producer: Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Videography: Adam Coe Editing: Heather Knox © 2019 Spartan

A long time ago a friend of mine and mentor told me that he kept specific books on his work desk, just so he could see the title. He told me how the title of the book alone would fire him up to do work, to set bigger goals and to get after it. I remember a book that did it for me was Jump In!: Even If You Don't Know How to Swim by Mark Burnett Here and there I would flip open the book to a random page and read a page or two. The stories inspired me to think bigger and go bigger. THESE are the types of books you need on your desk! LESSONS: Leverage your time. Sometimes just seeing the Title of a powerful book will spur you into action! Put 3 books on your desk that will inspire you to take action. Every day, flip open these books and read a page or two. You’ll often find stories and information that drives you to greater heights. 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 P