Spartan Up! - A Spartan Race For The Mind!

Just move! That’s the bottom line for these three members of Oscar Mike and Operation Enduring Warrior, both organizations designed to get wounded veterans on the move! “Oscar Mike” means “on the move” in military parlance. These three adaptive Spartans, Jonathan Lopez, Noah Currier, and Earl Granville, have sought out the race as a way of eradicating any perception that they are victims. They are, instead, comrades in the human wide struggle to help one another excel at life. According to one of the athletes the greatest thing he witnessed during the race was not the elite athletes crushing the course or even adaptive athletes and veterans doing the improbable; it was seeing someone fall down face first and be picked up by his teammates, showing that Spartans fall, bleed and find the strength to go on, “just like us.” Lessons: 1. Seek out the obstacle, the struggle, for the valuable lessons it can teach you.
 2. More or less visibly, we’re all adapting to and trying to overcome something.
 3. Accomplishment

From house arrest to the NFL pro bowl in seven years, retired 49er Brian Jennings transformed his life in dramatic fashion. Then, after thirteen years of football success, like all star athletes, he was forced to start over again. As Jenning describes, “athletes are the only people that die twice.” With a podcast, as an inspirational speaker, and through his work with veterans he has proved himself more than equal to the challenge. What, for Jennings, were the keys to finding his true north not once but twice? Listen, watch and learn. Lessons: 1. To become irreplaceable, not only do you need to handle your business, you need to help the people around you.
 2. Harness the “screw it” moment in your life, when you’ve realized your worst fear that in turn liberates you to ”go for it.” 
 3. The transitions in your life are times to take stock of the wisdom and skills - decide what to take with you and what to leave behind. Links: The Brian Jennings Experience Podcast http://mindwellmed.com/the-brian-jennings-exper

Manufacturing socks in a small town in Vermont, especially in the 80s and 90s when most companies were sending this work offshore, is hardly your standard business plan. Still, as of 2016, Darn Tough Socks was a 40 million dollar business. The name “Darn Tough” is a brilliant pun. The socks, like the CEO, are resilient (carrying a lifetime guaranty,) and relentlessly and thoroughly vetted and improved to strengthen them further. When asked for business advice Ric’s was simple “never, ever, give up.” What he’s found is that the hard way turned out to be the best way. Lessons: 1.When things seem impossible, sometimes the answer is to double down on your strengths. 2.There is no such thing as negative feedback; it’s all valuable information that can steer you towards improvement. 3.Doing things the hard way can reap its own rewards. 4.Success is holistic - making the extra effort to support the community pays back in loyalty, quality and branding.
 Links: Darn Tough Socks https://darntough.com Darn Tough Story h

Why do you work out? Why don’t you? How do you think about how much you eat? Mind Pump podcast host Sal Di Stefano challenges a lot of hardened conventions in the fitness world. He discovered the route he took to health as an insecure teenager was leading to disaster, but fortunately he had an epiphany when he reached adulthood that lead to paradigm shifts he describes in this episode. Lessons: 1. Don’t exercise and eat based on hatred of your body; exercise and eat to love your body.
 2. Meet your body and mind where they’re at and move forward from there.
 3. Make new connections to the healthy (and unhealthy) things you do.
   Links: Mind Pump Media https://www.mindpumpmedia.com Mind Pump Facebook https://m.facebook.com/mindpump/ Mind Pump Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mindpumpmedia/ Sal’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mindpumpsal/   SUBSCRIBE: iTunes: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay http://spartan.com/180   FOLLOW SPARTAN

Katrin Davidsdottir, two-time CrossFit world champion Icelandic born, is happiest when she is working. She loves work - whether making progress or failing then moving forward again. How has she achieved so much so young? The attitude and the mindset that nurtured throughout her life. Kristin’s secret may be that she has no secret at all. Her methods are straightforward and that they work so well is surely due to her indomitable consistency and drive. Lessons: 1. Extreme success requires extreme sacrifice.
 2. Hard work brings joy and reward.
 3. Use your abilities and talents to build something that goes beyond your ego. 
 Links: Katrín Davíðsdóttir on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/katrindavidsdottir/ Katrín Davíðsdóttir on Twitter https://twitter.com/katrintanja Katrín Davíðsdóttir on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katrintanja/   SUBSCRIBE: iTunes: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay   FOLLOW SPARTAN UP: Spartan Up on Instagram http

Have you seen the iconic photos of Iceland's Blue Lagoon? On the way back from the Spartan Ultra World Championship we found Grimur Saemundsen, the doctor, and entrepreneur who founded the Icelandic spa visited by more than half of the country's tourists. Use his exceptional business success story as a parable to guide your own success. The indigo tint of the water comes from naturally therapeutic substances including silica and blue-green algae. Saemundsen worked with existing strengths in his environment, the natural volcanic springs and rugged landscape, to create something new. Even as the spa grows the new architecture follows the natural landscape. Do that yourself by identifying and adapting to the strengths in yourself and your environment. Make them work for you. Iceland took what many might see as negative, the attention a volcano brought to them by stopping air travel worldwide and made it a positive. The used the attention to springboard for their tourism campaigns. Is it something in the water? W

What would you pay for a 10x improvement to everything in your life?  One small change to improve your health, your relationships, your career.  Ruari Fairbarns has found that ONE simple thing, and now he's sharing it with us!What would you pay for a 10x improvement to everything in your life?  One small change to improve your health, your relationships, your career.  Ruari Fairbarns has found that ONE simple thing, and now he's sharing it with us!Is it dropping sugar? Burpees? Quitting carbs? Daily cold showers? Fasting? According to Fairbairns, creator "The Ultimate Social Challenge," it's one simple thing: dropping alcohol. He used his own abstention as a case study and experienced dramatic improvements in every aspect of his life, including his career, family, friends as well as his mental and physical health. But, how, exactly, do you drop a habit that is so deeply conditioned? Fairbairns shares concrete tips and tricks to try the challenge for 30 days, 90 days, a year or a lifetime.    Want proof? We in

Has fear been a problem in your life? Do you use terms like “overcome” or “suppress” in your relationship with fear? pioneering extreme skier Kristen Ulmer talks with guest host Amelia Boon about learning to love fear. They teach you a new way to relate to your own fear. Embrace it. If you want to live a full life of creativity, vitality, adventure, and success, it’s what you must do. Most people don’t and fear manifests itself in the forms of anxiety, anger, boredom, and mental exhaustion. What can we do to transcend this suffering and live rich lives? Ulmer achieved great successes but equally potent anguish repressing her fear until she found a better way. Learn her methods in this life-changing, podcast of the new year.Has fear been a problem in your life? Do you use terms like “overcome” or “suppress” in your relationship with fear? pioneering extreme skier Kristen Ulmer talks with guest host Amelia Boon about learning to love fear. They teach you a new way to relate to your own fear. Embrace it. If you

There are no valid excuses for staying on the couch, all 52 Spartan Up guests of 2017 agree. The panel is on site in Iceland for the Spartan Ultra & Agoge 007 on the cusp of  winter solstice, in the midst of a brutal storm, and in imminent peril from an active volcano. In other words, the perfect race scenario and an ideal backdrop for the theme of this week’s episode: no excuses.  Which 2017 podcast stories epitomize this the best and why? How can you eliminate excuses for 2018 and beyond? Listen; watch; find out, then get moving. Lessons: 1. It’s better to fail on the stage than on the couch.
 2. “Sneakers on, “ I.e., prime bigger actions through smaller ones that are easier to take each and every day.
 3. If you’re serious about meeting your goals, you can’t say yes to everything.
 4. Pain is inevitable, so instead of trying to avoid it, harness it in service of a better life. 
 5. As Robert Fulghum said, “... I may give my life meaning by throwing myself recklessly into it daily, as if something aston

What is the secret to longevity? For many athletes, their sports tenure ends, through injury or burnout, earlier than they hope. Through decades Mark Sisson participated in hundreds of endurance challenges including ultras and Ironmans. What helped him avoid that fate? What compelled him to switch from these grueling tests to sports like stand up paddling and ultimate frisbee? Known for his paleo nutrition blog Mark's Daily Apple, and books "Primal Blueprint" and "Primal Endurance" Sisson will explain his fitness reset and list the ingredients in what may be the world’s healthiest mayonnaise. Lessons: 1. A healthy lifestyle can make life more fun.
 2. The older you get, the more that attitude plays a key part in living a good life.
 3. Invest in yourself by doing the things that will pay off down the line.
   Links: Mark's Daily Apple https://www.marksdailyapple.com Primal Blueprint https://www.primalblueprint.com Primal Kitchen www.primalkitchen.com   This episode of Spartan Up is brought to you by Health IQ

Underground strength coach Zach Even-Esh has a unique distinction, the only guest to be interviewed three times in Spartan Up! During the insane weekend that in Pittsfield, Vermont (birthplace of Spartan Race,) that contained the Spartan Wrestling Camp, Spartan Agoge and a series of Podcasts, Col. Nye made time to check in with with Spartan up regular Zach Even-Esh. Meanwhile the Summer Agoge class is fire walking at Spartan’s own Area 51.  They talk about how Zach trains youth, not just for wrestling, but for life. How the camp trains the mind is paramount, and the true foundation of strength. As always, Even-Esh is a wellspring of inspiration. Lessons: 1. True strength must transcend gym walls.
 2. Convenience and excellence are never found on the same road.
 3. To be great at something, genuinely care.
 Links: Spartan Wrestling Camp - http://www.spartanwrestlingcamp.com/ About Zach http://ZachEven-Esh.com Encyclopedia of Underground Strength http://a.co/0QR1FTs Underground Strength Coach http://Underground

Bruce Lee’s legacy was so powerful that it lives on through his daughter, Shannon, and the foundation named for him. He passed when she was just four, but his legend reverberates through books, writings, students, fans and of course films. We’ve all heard the famous quote “Be like water, my friend…” but do you know the story behind it? It arose at an epiphanic time in his life when he was not very water like. It took a trial for him to make the decision that his followers are all benefitting from to this day. Lessons: 1. Be like water…
 2. The medicine for your suffering is within you.
 3. The mind is a fertile garden that will grow what you choose whether weeds or flowers. LINKS: Bruce Lee Website & Podcast https://www.brucelee.com/ Bruce Lee Instagram https://www.instagram.com/brucelee/ Bruce Lee Twitter https://twitter.com/brucelee Bruce Lee Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BruceLee 
 SUBSCRIBE: iTunes: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUp

To climb Everest wasn’t quite enough for climber and documentarian Jimmy Chin. He had to ski it. Even the sherpas urged him not to do it. Despite the appearance of being a free spirit who may have lost control, this is far from who Chin really is. By his own description, he is someone who grew up being very disciplined. His life is about managing risk. What was his biggest risk? It was not encountered on Everest or El Capitan, or any other iconic mountain. In this episode he’ll describe it, and what it takes to reach our passions. Lessons: 1. If you instill a model of excellence early on in your children, they may not do the thing you had hoped, but they will likely be successful at whatever they do.  
 2. It’s a gift if you find something you love, because many people never do.
 3. The ones who are really good are able to calculate risk at a very high level: able to take things to the edge without going over. 
 Links: https://jimmychin.com/ https://www.hanahlife.com/ Meru Film http://www.merufilm.com/ Facebo

https://www.spartan.com/170 The story begins at age 5, he remembers the garbage man got to the best toy in the dumpster before he could get to it. He didn't understand until he was an adult how that moment formed him. Today Chris practices what he calls "venture philanthropy." He's left the world of finance and embraced his mission in life, his true "why." Stay tuned to the end to hear the take aways and lessons gleaned by our Spartan Up hosts Joe DeSena, "Doctor" Johnny, Sefra the Seedhuntress, and Col. Nye. Lessons: 1. “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” —Mark Twain.
 2. The three pillars of motivation: 1. Autonomy. 2.Search for competency. 3. Community. Link: Chris Cavallerano http://www.inspirethefire.com/ Chris on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/chris.cavallerano Chris on Twitter https://twitter.com/chris_cav Chris on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/chriscavallerano/ SUBSCRIBE: iTunes: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/S

If Jack Lalanne is the godfather of modern fitness, Elaine “Lala” Lalanne is the Queen! Jack Lalanne revolutionized the way we work out and inspired a generation to embrace fitness and good diet.  At 90 his widow, Lala, is still at it - riding skateboards and earning her breakfast with a daily workout. She’s living proof that their lifelong passion for a fit lifestyle pays off! Lala shares time-honored wisdom on how to live a healthy and successful life and continues the mission to help people help themselves. If Jack Lalanne is the godfather of modern fitness, Elaine “Lala” Lalanne is the Queen! Jack Lalanne revolutionized the way we work out and inspired a generation to embrace fitness and good diet.  At 90 his widow, Lala, is still at it - riding skateboards and earning her breakfast with a daily workout. She’s living proof that their lifelong passion for a fit lifestyle pays off! Lala shares time-honored wisdom on how to live a healthy and successful life and continues the mission to help people help them

Successful but searching, entrepreneur Phil Randazzo renewed his purpose by helping veterans transition into successful civilian careers through a foundation that eventually became American Dream U. It fulfills two sets of needs: veterans need assistance transitioning into civilian life and the work world needs the unique skill set and drive that these veterans possess. Randazzo and Joe discuss what in their upbringing instilled their drive, and how to pass it on to their kids. Find out how to follow a similar path of success in this episode. Successful but searching, entrepreneur Phil Randazzo renewed his purpose by helping veterans transition into successful civilian careers through a foundation that eventually became American Dream U. It fulfills two sets of needs: veterans need assistance transitioning into civilian life and the work world needs the unique skill set and drive that these veterans possess. Randazzo and Joe discuss what in their upbringing instilled their drive, and how to pass it on to thei

Attacked by a Grizzly bear, twice, Todd Orr survived a modern day version of The Revenant. He not only lived through dual brutal attacks from a grizzly mother, but was conscientious enough attempt writing a warning note to hunters before driving himself to the emergency room. The extent of his injuries made this impossible. His survival was not due solely to luck, but to forethought and preparation. It gave him the best chance to walk away from these dire attacks. Orr is a true Spartan and his story will impart valuable lessons on how to face and transcend extraordinary challenges. Lessons: 1. Chance favors a prepared mind.
 2. The will to survive sets the standard for our innate resilience.
 3. Bad things have the potential to happen at any time and any place; be ready, but don’t be afraid. LINKS: Todd Orr http://www.thetoddorr.com/ Todd's Knives http://www.skybladeknives.com/ SUBSCRIBE: iTunes: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay CREDITS Pr

When Georgina Pazcoguin witnessed the second tower fall on 9/11, it codified her commitment to her ballet, something she had been practicing since preschool. Her mother urged her to quit and come home, but she doubled down knowing that the world needed the art that she could contribute to heal. In this episode, she describes the dedication and physical hardship it takes to make it into the New York City Ballet company. Despite what many people think of ballet, this is an endeavor that requires an excess of grit and determination. Lessons: 1. When you feel exhausted from your path in life ask yourself whether this is really want to do. If the answer is yes, keep on going.
 2. The journey of dedicating years, if not decades, to developing an art can be more meaningful than a meteoric rise to the top.
 3. In the face of calamity, you have to honor your unique strength. LINKS: More about Georgina Georginapazcoguin.com More about Orphaned Starfish https://video.aplus.com//j/zRxBDw1g/this-ballerina-is-teaching-orp

Win battles through trust, good stories, and building relationships - this is the surprising and refreshing approach of this paradigm shifting green beret, Scott Mann. He introduced “rooftop leadership” in Afghanistan to a skeptical  NATO crowd, but his courage to live it and its subsequent success changed minds. In this episode, Mann shows us his methods and how to work them at in all of our challenges. We need this type of leadership more than ever and it’s within our capabilities. Listen and learn how to develop them. Lessons: 1. Lead from the bottom up, through relationships and human connection.
 2. The greatest leaders have a vision they are able to articulate through story.
 3. Leave tracks in the world which serve the people that follow you.
 Links: Rooftopleadership.com MannUpReport.com Theheroesjourney.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialScottMann/ Twitter: @REALSCOTTMANN Instagram: @ROOFTOP_LEADER www.spartan.com/165   SUBSCRIBE: iTunes: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly

What can a member of the Royal Family teach us about grit? Does a privileged background make it tougher to acquire the passion to succeed? Peter Phillips, eldest grandchild of Queen Elizabeth, was brought up to make sure he didn’t take his good fortune for granted. As you’ll learn in this episode, there were several strategies to ensure that he would be a team player who had the tools to DIY. They also discuss the ways most people think versus the way successful people think. Find out which category you fit in, and if it’s the wrong one, how to change it. Lessons: 1. Favor lateral thinking, over linear thinking.
 2. There is no such thing as a “ Lessons: 1. Favor lateral thinking, over linear thinking.
 2. There is no such thing as a “ 1. Favor lateral thinking, over linear thinking.
 2. There is no such thing as a “ 2. There is no such thing as a “self made man.” You need people to help you along the way.
 3. A “fear factor,” having something up for 3. A “fear factor,” having something up for stake in busine