Spartan Up! - A Spartan Race For The Mind!

“The moment I had the courage to be completely honest with myself”….that’s when things started to change for Sarah Hildebrandt, our guest today on Spartan Combat.  Sarah is a 3x member of Team USA and currently the #1 ranked wrestler in the country in her weight class.    Host Ryan Warner and Sarah talk about the all important moment of turning PRO. You don’t have to be a professional athlete to be a PRO. Turning PRO is about the decisions you make, consistently, in all facets of your life, day in and day out.  Sarah talks about...   -How an elbow injury forced her to be honest with herself, and face the reality that she was not living a life congruent with her goals.   -Making the decisions to change weight classes, her diet, and the people she surrounds herself with -Sarah’s daily life pre and post the life-changing elbow injury   To learn more about Sarah, please visit the links below:  Sarah HIldebrandt Twitter: @sarhilde  Sarah HIldebrandt Instagram @sarhilde    SPONSOR This episode of Spartan Up! is bro

At age 27, Joe Decker was out of shape and out of hope.  He was an alcoholic and drug addict who had just hit rock bottom. Three years later, Joe broke the Guinness Record for World’s Fittest Man. He got there - from out of hope to Fittest Man - by mastering the goal setting process, and that’s the focus for today’s conversation. Host Johnny Waite talks to Joe about:    -Joe’s starting point. As we said, he was at rock bottom and could barely run a mile. He decided to fill the void with fitness.  -Using baby steps as you climb to reach your goal.  As Joe says, “you have to be able to run a 5k to run 150 miles.” -Balancing patience with optimism. What we mean here is, often times the optimism when first setting a goal makes you overwork yourself and potentially burnout.  Joe is all about patience and setting manageable goals.  -Executing: After you’ve set a goal, prepared and are at the event, it’s time to get robotic. Get out of your head and focus on the next task.    Background on Joe Decker: Joe Decker is

Fit Men Cook founder Kevin Curry joins Joe De Sena (Spartan Race founder & CEO) to talk about how Kevin changed his relationship with food.   This episode of Spartan Up! Is brought to you by GONEROGUESNACKS.COM - use code SPARTAN25 for a discount    FOLLOW SPARTAN UP: Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod   CREDITS: Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Host: Joe De Sena  Sefra Alexandra, Johnny Waite & Colonel Nye will be back soon, we miss them! © 2020 Spartan

If you want to make a change, start with a single person. In an age of more is better - more likes, downloads or views - Todd Durkin talks with hosts Jarog Cogswell and Yancy Culp on how to ‘light up the planet’ by starting with a single person.   In case you missed the first episode, Todd Durkin (@ToddDurkin) is an internationally recognized strength, speed, and conditioning coach, as well as an author, and a motivational speaker. He is the founder of Fitness Quest 10, an award-winning health and human performance facility in San Diego, where he works with a high-profile clientele of elite professional athletes. Throughout his career, Durkin has worked with NFL MVPs, Super Bowl champions, Heisman Trophy winners, Olympic and X Games gold medalists, and World Series champions.     Takeaways from today’s episode:  -Get out of your bubble.  To make an impact, you have to get out of your gym and talk with people.  Have real conversations with people you don’t know.  -It’s not about the size of your audience, it’s

Runners, when you hit the wall, Meghan Hicks suggests these two tips to push through. She would know, she’s run over 60 trail races and ultras, won and won the Marathon des Sables. She's is the managing editor for IRunFar.com. She’s also the author of Where the Road Ends: A Guide to Trail Running. Today she tells Spartan Trail host Mauri Pagliacci about her experience at Nolan’s 14 where she's set multiple records. Back in the 2000’s, Meghan quit her first 100-mile race. It’s hard to believe – even Mauri Pagliacci was shocked to hear the news. Meghan explains why she quit and how to push-through those all too common rough patches. In this episode we cover: #1 - When Meghan hit the wall at hour 13 of a 50-hour race, and how a few slices of pizza got her over the hump. #2 - The two things that will get you through the ‘wall’. One is obvious, the other is not. #3 - Why Meghan quit her first 100-mile race and how to avoid bowing out of races. If you want to learn more about Meghan, check out her work at IRunFa

Hooked on Sugar? How about "diet" sodas? Kara Goldin, founder of hint water and author of the new book Undaunted, fell for the advertising. For years she believed that something called "diet" must be good for you. One day she stopped and read the ingredients label and her journey to better health for herself and others began. Kara set the diet sodas aside and drank only water.  The benefits to her health were immediate, but she found the taste boring and she invented "hint."   Starting and growing the business was not easy, she chronicles the story, and some of the other challenges life has put in her path, in her new book "Undaunted."    Today she and Spartan Race founder and CEO Joe De Sena talk about the food business and her journey.   This episode of Spartan Up! Is brought to you by GONEROGUESNACKS.COM - use code SPARTAN25 for a discount    FOLLOW SPARTAN UP: Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod   CREDITS: Producer – Ma

Biochemical Engineer and Complex Problem Solving Specialist Ivor Cummins talks about the conclusions he's come to based on Covid data. At Spartan, we do the hard things. Today that means tackling a difficult conversation. Joe De Sena invited Ivor to share his information with you. Please, listen all the way through, give it some thought, and then let us know what he got right, and what he got wrong. Two things we can ALL agree on - we need to have open discussion and review of the data, and we should all be getting exercise, eating healthy, and getting outside.   FOLLOW SPARTAN UP: Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod   CREDITS: Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Host: Joe De Sena  Sefra Alexandra, Johnny Waite & Colonel Nye will be back soon, we miss them! © 2020 Spartan  

Ben Friberg, extreme endurance paddler talks with Johnny Waite, of Spartan Up Podcast, about how to prepare for the really big, self-supported, expedition-style adventures where you will be truly on your own. An example is Ben's dream crossing - the Bering Strait from Siberia to Alaska, alone on a stand-up paddleboard. Ben Stresses the importance of preparation - doing your research, knowing your gear and your body, and considering how to handle absolute worst-case scenarios, including injuries. He reminds us that when you have enough moving parts to a plan, you have to know that something is going to go wrong! JOhnny'ss favorite part is when Ben talks about the potential beauty of a Painted Corner (when you get yourself in a situation where you have eliminated all other options) and the spiritual epiphany that led to him composing a song by that title.   #1 - How Ben uncovers every stone (e.g., analyzing weather patterns, talking to locals, reading books on the terrain he’s going to traverse) to prepare for

Pain is easy to forget, says Louise Kobin, 4x La Ruta race winner.  In this episode, our first in the La Ruta series, Louise and Spartan Up La Ruta series host Roy Wallach introduce you to the 3-day, cross-country mountain bike race known as La Ruta.  In this episode, you’ll learn about Louise’s first La Ruta race, specifically...   -A deep dive of the 3-day race and the challenges presented throughout -Lousie’s mindset after she fell behind by 20 minutes on day two, yet still managed to pull-out a victory -How every rider falls off the bike a few times during the race, and how to persevere across the jungles of Costa Rica -How to view fear in the physical sense (i.e., crashing down a hill) and emotionally (i.e., fear of getting tired)   Please enjoy!   SPONSOR This episode of Spartan Up! is brought to you by TrueForm Runner.  Save 10% with the code ‘Spartan 10’ at TrueFormRunner.com/Spartan.   SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Spotify: https://open.spot

James Nestor, author of the hugely popular book "Breath" explains his deep research. Should you be breathing through your nose?  The answer is YES!  Today on the Spartan Up podcast,   He tells Spartan Founder & CEO Joe De Sena how breathing affects your performance. He also explains the history, the science, and some simple steps you can take to improve your breathing. As Nestor says “If you stick with this, the benefits are profound, you will most likely gain performance, you'll be able to recover more quickly, you'll be able to work out at the same level with the lower heart rate, so you'll be able to push it even more. And they've done this with cyclists, with rowers with ultra marathoners, with so many other people.” FOLLOW SPARTAN UP: Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod   CREDITS: Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Host: Joe De Sena  Sefra Alexandra, Johnny Waite & Colonel Nye will be back soon, we mis

Spartan Combat athlete Gabe Dean (@DabeGean) discusses his comeback to the mat, and how the passing of a family member helped motivate his return.   Gabe Dean is an assistant wrestling coach at Cornell - one of the top wrestling programs in the country - and was a 2x NCAA Champion for the Big Red.  Gabe recently returned to competition, and that’s the focus of our conversation today. Please Enjoy!   Find out more at https://spartancombat.com/   SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay   FOLLOW US: Spartan Combat: https://www.instagram.com/spartancombat/ Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod   © 2020 Spartan  

Adapting to drastic life changes Ryan KentRyan Kent (instagram: dr0p_the_hammer) was a full-time, professional athlete until Covid hit.  Now, he’s a full time worker with a pro athlete’s training load. Tune-in to learn how Ryan is adapting to the new normal, while still maintaining his fitness.   SPONSOR This episode of Spartan Up! is brought to you by TrueForm Runner.  Save 10% with the code ‘Spartan 10’ at TrueFormRunner.com/Spartan.   SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pYBkk1T684YQg7CmoaAZt FOLLOW SPARTAN UP: Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod   CREDITS: Producer: Ryan Warner Hosts: Yancy Culp, Jarod Cogswell Sr Producer: Marion Abrams   © 2020 Spartan

Evolution has left you with two basic drives - to survive and to procreate, but evolutionary biologist Rebecca Heiss, Ph.D. tells Joe De Sena how understanding those drives can lead us to overcome fears and achieve success. Fear, says Heiss, is an ancient signal meant to keep us alive, but most things we fear today are not life-threatening.  In this interview, she shares tactics to replace you A.N.T.s (automatic negative thoughts), to use triggers to heighten consciousness and to think like a Spartan.     As Heiss says - When life gives you lemons, bite down and keep going.     You can pre-order her book "Instinct: Rewire Your Brain with Science-Backed Solutions to Increase Productivity and Achieve Success " coming out in April.   “my entire field of study is based around understanding why we behave the way we behave based on these ancient stories. Basically I'm here to tell you that your brain is literally wired to survive and have sex. That's it. Two Worlds we live it right? Can I eat that or is it  gonna k

How do you find the motivation to start your first trail race? Tune-in to hear professional, ultra-racer Mike Wardian (@mikewardian) tackle this question.  Mike has set world records for the fastest time for 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days, and has also completed some of the most difficult races in the world like the Badwater Ultra.    SPONSOR This episode of Spartan Up! is brought to you by Athlet Brewing. Place your order today to get free shipping on two 6-packs or more.   SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pYBkk1T684YQg7CmoaAZt FOLLOW SPARTAN UP: Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod   CREDITS: Producer: Ryan Warner Hosts: Mauri Pagliacci Sr Producer: Marion Abrams   © 2020 Spartan

What goes into success in an expedition or adventure race? One huge element is your support crew. Spartan Up endurance host Johnny Waite talks to Ben Friberg, who has paddled from Cuba to the US and completed numerous ultra-paddle events, about what makes a solid crew.  The main lessons in this podcast are:  1 - Planning is Everything  2 - Work with optimists  3 - The importance of preparation     This episode of Spartan Up! is brought to you by Durolane.  Visit Durolane.com to learn more.   SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pYBkk1T684YQg7CmoaAZt FOLLOW SPARTAN UP: Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod   CREDITS: Producer: Ryan Warner Hosts: Johnny Waite Sr Producer: Marion Abrams   © 2020 Spartan

How many hours a day do you need to use your feet to get to your phone? One? Two? zero? Adam Alter, author of "Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked," has made a study of the outsized influence addictive technology has had on us and some basic steps to counteract it. An associate professor at NYU’s Stern School of Business, his research focuses on judgment, decision-making, and social psychology.   Today on Spartan Up podcast Adam Alter and Joe De Sena, Spartan Race founder,  hash out some simple steps to get your relationship with technology back in balance. Joe's involve a phone on a drone you have to chase to use, Alter's are more practical: Aim for 4 hours a day your phone is not within reach Spend the first and last hour of the day away from your phone No screens at dinner, even if you're alone   “It's almost like a gateway. Once you're in there, it's really hard to stop.  It's kind of binary, either you don't use these devices, or you use them more than y

Kat Shai is a 6x Team USA member for women’s wrestling,  She’s competing at the national tournament this weekend, aiming to make the 2021 Olympic team. In this episode, Kat talks self-doubt, her experience with it after the 2016 Olympic team trials, and how to overcome it.     Find out more at https://spartancombat.com/   SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay   FOLLOW US: Spartan Combat: https://www.instagram.com/spartancombat/ Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod   © 2020 Spartan  

Welcome to the DEKA series here on the SpartanUp podcast. Professional trainer Todd Durkin talks about that all important moment when you don’t ‘feel’ like doing what needs to be done, and how to persevere. About Todd - Todd Durkin is an internationally recognized strength, speed and conditioning coach, body-worker, author and motivational speaker. He is the founder of Fitness Quest 10 in San Diego, CA, an award-winning health and human performance facility where he works with a high-profile clientele of elite professional athletes including NFL MVPs, Super Bowl Champions and MVPs, Heisman Trophy Winners, Olympic and X-Game Gold Medalists and World Series Champions. Fitness Quest 10 has been named one of “America’s 10 Best Gyms” by Men’s Health 7 times, while Durkin's work there has earned him the industry's highest honors including being named Personal Trainer of the Year by both IDEA and ACE, a four-time Top 100 Most Influential Person in Health & Fitness, the 2017 Jack LaLanne Award winner, and 2018 In

Cindy Eckert has seen incredible success in the pharmaceutical industry challenging the boys club with the “little pink pill.” She and Joe De Sena talk about the crossovers between overall health, diet, and good sex, about challenging the status quo, and her advice for female entrepreneurs going against the odds.  Cindy says " I think that good sex is the trifecta of wellness. We talk about physical health,  mental health, and sexual health is a component of that. I mean, that's my perfect Venn diagram, all of those intersecting to  be at your best level of performance."   4% of all research dollars are going to women's health, Cindy saw that as an opportunity rather than an obstacle and she invests in products that make women's lives better. This episode of Spartan Up is brought to you by DUROLANE, a single injection that may provide up to six months 1 of relief from osteoarthritis knee pain. Risks can include general knee pain and pain at the injection site. You can see full prescribing information at DUR

Michael Wardian is the first guest on our new Spartan Up Trail running series, Michael is a professional marathon and ultra-marathon racer. He’s set world records for the fastest time for 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days, and has also completed some of the most difficult races in the world like the Badwater Ultra. Michael shares expertise on how to overcome the rough patches in races, particularly when those rough patches are related to nutrition and diet. He tells a few stories of his toughest moments, including one in his Olympic trials, and he shares some of the personal techniques he uses for hydration on the trail.   SPONSOR This episode of Spartan Up! is brought to you by Lumen.  Visit Lumen.Me to order and use the code ‘Spartan 50’ for $50 off.   SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pYBkk1T684YQg7CmoaAZt FOLLOW SPARTAN UP: Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ Spartan Up on