Spartan Up! - A Spartan Race For The Mind!

Ben Franklin has a famous quote that speaks volumes: Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise. What does your day look like? Do you get to bed too late and in turn, your morning is a struggle? Lack of sleep will negatively affect your health, relationships, energy levels and career! Listen to this episode to hear what successful people do.   LESSONS: How working late to get more work done eventually negatively affects your productivity. How to slowly begin waking up earlier than your normal routine. How to “put points on the score board” first thing in the morning.   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:

Engaging in a mindful practice each day can help reduce stress and increase your performance on certain tasks. But nowadays, individuals are feeling pressured to start this practice without acquiring an understanding of what mindfulness is and how to engage in the process. Simply stated, mindfulness is really just paying attention. It is bringing the focus into the present and developing a sense of nowness. You don’t have to engage in a sixty, thirty, or even twenty-minute practice of mindfulness each day in order to reap the benefits. Simple techniques throughout the day can help you become more present.   LESSONS: Mindfulness helps reduce stress, increases your performance on tasks, and keeps you focused on the present rather than always existing in the future. Try not to become overwhelmed by the idea of mindfulness. You don’t need to be a yogi, meditate daily, own a candle, or enjoy soft music to meditate. A simple technique to help bring you into the present and engage mindfully is called 5, 5, and 5. I

You want to shift your paradigm and find optimal health? Get ready to dig in for some hard work: break up with yourself, vision cast and sit down to do some writing. The new Director of Programming at Shrugged Collective and host of the Barbell Shrugged Podcast,  wants you to “live a pain free, empowered life through mindful movement,” and take time to give attention to your intentions. Shrugged Collective spread great wings of wisdom over this year's Podfest in at Spartan World Championships in Tahoe - we can’t wait for next year!     LESSONS Vision casting: focus your attention on where you want to be a long way from now Have a conversation with yourself about the grand vision and goals of your life- yearly Know why you’re working so hard to get where you’re going Create space, set your direction, find mentors Pay attention to where you are spending your time and who you are surrounded by Craft intentional actions to get where you want to be Break up with your “old self” and habits to make space for new po

Do you remember our earlier episode on how obstacles are opportunities? Well, if you’re stressed out, you likely have an obstacle standing in your way which is simply an opportunity in hiding! Here’s how to reduce stress and boost productivity by learning a simply system for organizing your day and week. LESSONS: How to multiply your success by being highly organized. How to structure your week ahead by organizing on a Sunday night. How to make each day count by choosing & organizing your top 3 daily goals   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

Shame is a focus on self, whereas guilt is a focus on behavior. When we use language that is self-deprecating and shaming in nature our self-esteem struggles. Shaming language, such as “I’m a failure”, “I’m an idiot”, “I’m a loser”, creates a belief system that our struggles are inherent to who we are and fixed rather than demonstrations of difficult moments in time. It’s important to transition from shaming language that focuses on self to ways of thinking and expressing that is more focused on behavior. In doing so, not only will you be more available to growth but you won’t feel as hopeless about change. LESSONS: • Shaming language that we use about our own sense of self reduces our self-esteem and contributes to a negative thinking pattern. 
 • Shift the focus away from self and onto behavior if you are interesting in making changes, becoming more available to growth, and increasing your motivation. 
 • A few examples include:
 1. “I’m a failure” becomes “I failed at that task.” 
 2. “I’m an idiot” become

The Managing Director at the helm of Craft Sportswear.  He tells Joe what motivated him to a position of success, hint: people told him he wasn’t qualified.  This week we learn that when someone tells you you can’t, that can be your fuel to show them just how well you CAN!   Lessons: Get past fear in life You don’t need a degree to get to the top When someone says you can’t, use that as fuel to show you can Find the balance between work, life and play Understand the value of your team Trusting your team is key   Bring positive energy and push boundaries Love the obstacles you confront in work Be outside your comfort zone in the UNCOMFORT zone   Be aware of cultural differences in business Don’t be your biggest obstacle TRUST IN YOURSELF   This episode of “Spartan Up!”  is sponsored by Athletic Greens.  Get 20 travel packs free when you order at https://athleticgreens.com/spartan   Time Stamps: 0:00 intro 0:49 Athletic Greens special offer 1:17 interview begins 2:00 invention of polyester clothing layering s

Have you ever felt like you’re in a slump? The less you do, the LESS you want to do! Take a noter from Tony Robbins; he always talks about “getting into state”. Do 1 thing to move you towards your goal. Move forward, never stay stagnant. LESSONS: Action always beats inaction Think about something you want to get better. Do 1 Thing to move towards that goal. Action beats momentum. The more forward action you take, the more action you WANT to take!   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 STRON

Internal emotional boundaries refer to the boundaries that are required for you to set in order to avoid absorbing and taking on the emotions of other individuals. It’s important for us to set these boundaries so that we don’t become overwhelmed by the other people’s emotions and then become overregulated ourselves. We often need to become intentional with these boundaries and develop an internal coach that can remind us that we do not need to bring in feelings that are not our own.    LESSONS: Internal Emotional Boundaries are important to set so that we reduce the risk of taking on the emotions of other people. Develop an internal coach that reminds you that you do not need to absorb other people’s feelings. Use a mantra to assist in setting these internal emotional boundaries. Something like this could be helpful: That’s their feelings, it doesn’t have to be my feeling. Those are their emotions, not mind. Dr. L’s favorite: That’s their crazy, it doesn’t have to be my crazy. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podc

An adaptive professional athlete, veteran,and Adaptive Athletes Liaison for Operation Enduring Warrior he has been “Lopezing” friends, comrades and racers sparking their passion and fortitude to conquer the obstacles of life and on the course - over walls, up the ropes and on extended endurance challenges, all with one arm and a ceaseless smile on his face. The excuse destroyer knows you can do more than you think you can! In this interview Lopez gets honest about the difficulties he faced, even considering suicide at one point, and how he found the passion to get others moving. Lessons: • You decide how you define yourself
 • It’s important to clearly define your mission  
 • No matter what, just keep walking 
 • Make someone’s day better, be a “spark” in their life
 • Always put things in perspective 
 • Learn what hard work actually means 
 • Love the fear of a new direction 
 • Use what bothers you as fuel 
 • Your story is not who you were, but who you are and want to BECOME 
 • Be better today then you

What’s the most common excuse for not exercising? I don’t have the time! Well, we’re about to show you that you DO have time. Not only do you have time, but there are more options than you know to exercise with just your bodyweight or in your backyard. Opportunity is knocking, as always! LESSONS: You can train in your backyard, in your house or just take a simple 10 minute walk. You don’t need to travel to the gym. Pick 1 exercise a day. 1 exercise is 100% more than zero. You can do 1 exercise for 1 set in the morning and again at night, now you’re 200% ahead of doing nothing. Action always beats inaction!   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

As a Spartan, resting your body is part of the training program. You rest to reduce the risk of injury, increase performance, and avoid burnout. Your mind, like your body, deserves the same level of attention and mental rest is essential for the very same reasons you rest your body. Resting your mind with intention and purpose gives your mental faculties greater clarity and availability for focus when you return to the task at hand.   LESSONS: • Your mind needs rest so you avoid burnout and have greater clarity and focus.
 • Remember that resting your mind is not ‘doing nothing’ - it is doing something purposeful and effortful that moves you towards the goal of mental toughness.
 • Use these three tactics to help rest your mind:
 1. Plan your rest with intention.
 2. Get out of this world with a book, movie, art or other creative medium.
 3. Inform someone of your intention to rest so they can help keep you accountable.
   SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUp

Imagine 24 hours locked in isolation in a completely dark shipping container competing to see who can run the furthest on a TrueForm treadmill.  Retired United States Marine, Major Brian Chontosh (aka “Tosh”) and three others (John Witzing, Josh Chessman, and Isaiah Vidal ) accepted this challenge to raise awareness around mental health with the Whiteboard Project’s LL24h ( https://www.thewhiteboardproject.com/24-hours-of-isolation ). The recipient of one of the highest military honors: the Naval Cross- Tosh, has shown unmatched fortitude in combat and combating the stigmas around post traumatic stress. Jump in the shipping container with us as we learn how to “suck a little less each day.”   In this episode, Joe Desena interviews Tosh before he enters the shipping container, and then all 4 athletes the moment the box is unsealed.   Lessons: You are what you advertise Do a lot with very little Surround yourself with great people Want “in” on the hardest things Do things you don’t want to do Identify your

Whoever said you must CLIMB the ladder of success was wrong! You can JUMP the ladder of success thanks to technology and the speed of access you have to information and people who have already achieved what you want to achieve. LESSONS: Learn from the best of the best by finding a mentor. Learn from prior episodes of Spartan UP! Change your environment by attending a Spartan Race or a Spartan event to learn from others and get inspired. How to be a great mentee if you want to be mentored by someone who is already doing what you’d like to 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 on Instagra

When we overgeneralize, we tend to create statements and stories that are based on a single event rather than a reasonable amount of evidence. We take one instance and string it out, cutting out possible counter evidence and leaving us tethered to a single moment. Unfortunately, this can lead us to believe things about ourselves that just aren’t grounded in truth. We need to become more aware of when and where we are overgeneralizing and effortfully engage in thought processes that refute the faulty conclusion. LESSONS: Overgeneralizing occurs when we draw a faulty conclusion from a single event or instance. To combat overgeneralizing, develop intention around seeking out evidence that refutes the general story that you have drawn from that one experience. Ask yourself, What is the truth? And then gathering all the evidence and your current experience in the present and see if the story still holds. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://

A man who needs little introduction is Paul Teutal from Orange County Choppers. This week we learn how he literally built his business out of the ashes, spent years overcoming obstacles with alcohol abuse and how strong bending steel really makes you. Many may wish for overnight success, but would you be ready to handle the consequence? Lessons: Be a man of your word If you make a commitment stick to it- no matter the adversity It's all about perseverance You can be successful even if those around you don't believe in you Don't be afraid of work: work HARD Never give up what you're doing Lead by the power of example Make decisions that will give you a healthier life How can you change people, places and things for the better? Teeter has a special offer just for our listeners. Get the Teeter with bonus accessories and a FREE pair of Gravity Boots by going to https://teeter.com/spartan/ Time Stamps: 0:00 intro to episode 0:33 Teeter link 1:30 Paul’s father’s influence 2:20 Starting his own business

Many of the most “successful people”in the world have a tough back story. They experienced tough times and instead of allowing those experiences or circumstances to define them, they chose to use those tough times to DRIVE them to greater heights. Lessons: Use your tough times to empower you vs over power you Remember that people who are achieving success often times had the odds against them, but they chose strength & success over giving up There are other people out there sharing their stories that you can relate to. Find 3 other podcasts to learn from and give them a listen today. Sometimes you simply need a reminder that it can be done and your situation is not unique. Change you frame of reference as Joe always says. Listen to another Spartan UP podcast episode and you’ll hear someone who has used their tough times as fuel for success!   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

When presented with both positive and negative feedback, why is it that we tend to focus on the negative? Ninety-nine positive comments followed by a single negative one, can lead us feeling determined to zoom in on the one rather than relish in the glory of the ninety-nine. This is called Filtering and it’s a common way of thinking that has the propensity to increase negative thoughts, decrease self-esteem, and exacerbate anxiety or depression. Recognizing when you are engaging in filtering and purposefully paying attention to the positive can help in preventing this mindset trap. LESSONS: Filtering occurs when we filter out the positive and bring in the negative. Though some believe that focusing on the negative makes them stronger and better, it actually does the opposite, decreasing self-esteem and increasing negative thinking patterns. When you catch yourself filtering, make an effort to bring in that which is positive as well. For each negative point that you focus on, try to focus on at least three pos

Can eating only raw fruits and vegetables improve your performance, health and recovery in racing? This week Myriam and Jacky explain how eating raw vegan has enhanced every aspect of their life - from a decade adventure racing to now conquering the obstacle courses at Spartan. Where can you find protein and what is your body really craving? … maybe they are onto something drinking seawater each day! Lessons: • Eating raw may help reduce the chance of injury and inflammation  • A healthier diet can potentially alleviate allergies and asthma  • You have to push your body hard to know it well  • To change from a normal diet to a vegan diet should be done in steps  • Put more vegetable juice into your diet by drinking it before meals • Your body is craving minerals and vitamins  • Watermelons are great for the end of hikes  • Juicing the night before a race may help you feel lighter and ready to go  • Protein can be found in fruits, vegetables and juices  • Palm syrup and a little seawater may be great for you?!

Obstacles can stop you in your tracks or, with the right mindset, you can find the opportunities in these obstacles. Dan Sullivan of Strategic Coach has a great quote, all those things that seem to oppose our goals are actually the raw material for achieving them. LESSONS:   Write down a list of “obstacles” holding you back in any area of your life (Work / Career, Health, etc) Get creative with these obstacles. What action can you take that will move you through the obstacle and turn this obstacle into an opportunity. Take immediate action to transform your obstacles into an opportunity. LINKS: Dan Sullivan of Strategic Coach https://strategiccoach.com 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://w

We have a lot of power and control to change our own trajectories. We can pivot at any moment though we often get stuck in certain thinking patterns that become barriers to us shifting direction. One of these thinking patterns is something called all-or-nothing thinking. It is a tendency to think in extremes - I’m either all in, or all out. The problem with this type of thinking is that if you start walking down one path you can feel stuck on that path because your mindset makes you believe there is no turning back. Shifting out of all-or-nothing thinking by reminding yourself that you can pivot at any point is a useful tool and it can help you change course with greater ease.   LESSONS: There are points of pivot available to you at any moment. You just have to be open. All-or-nothing thinking is a pattern of thinking in extremes - All in, or All out. Identifying all-or-nothing thinking can help you acknowledge that you have greater control to shift direction. Remind yourself that points of pivot are