The Spartan Way of Life

Last Saturday was incredible as we completed the Spartan race after months of intense training!

The event held at Sentosa added an extra level of toughness with a 5k run on sandy and muddy terrain (as it rained just hours before the race) in addition to the 20x challenging obstacles. From climbing walls to hurdles, carrying heavy weights to crawling, and even jumping over fire, we faced them all with determination and grit.

I first heard about Spartan races when I was challenged to participate six years ago. Before that, I had never been into fitness or workouts. However, since then, regular workouts and training have become integral to my life.

I completed my first Spartan race in 2018 and another in 2019 before the races were temporarily halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I was thrilled to see the races return this year, allowing me to push my limits again.

💪🏽 The Spartan way of life symbolises the courage and mental strength of the ancient Spartans. They never allowed their fears to hold them back; instead, they confronted them head-on. This confrontation fortified their courage and mental resilience. Similarly, we must acknowledge and face our fears rather than let them control us. Spartan races are not about competing with others but about challenging myself – pushing my own boundaries and conquering my fears.

💪🏽 Becoming a Spartan is a challenge and a rite of passage that demands immense grit, perseverance, and determination both on and off the course. It’s about embodying traits such as grit, resilience, and passion. Participating in Spartan races requires discipline and consistent training. For me, it’s not only about being physically fit; it’s about cultivating mental fitness that can be applied to all areas of life.

💪🏽 Engaging in Spartan races has profoundly impacted my confidence and mental strength. It has taught me to believe in myself and face challenges head-on. The mental resilience I have gained from these races has translated into various aspects of my life, allowing me to tackle any obstacles that come my way.

This year’s race was extra-special because my teammates, Ghina Rizki Amalia, our Senior Social Media Executive and Jordana (Jana) Blanco, our Managing Editor travelled from Indonesia and the Philippines to participate in their first-ever Spartan race. They were the winners of Greenpark Fit O’clock Challenge, a part of our fitness and wellness initiatives. It was truly inspiring to witness their courage and commitment at the event.

Despite a few bruises and scratches, we emerged from the race feeling accomplished and with many fun memories. During the course of our training, one of my colleagues asked me why I put my body through such challenges. The answer is simple: to conquer my fears and work on my mental resilience.

Spartan races teach us that it’s not just about physical strength but also about the power of the mind. By training our bodies, we learn to overcome the limitations set by our fears.