Race Like a Spartan

Obstacle races in my eyes presented themselves as one of the most daunting, amazing physical feats a person could partake in. I saw races on the internet and considered trying one, but I never actually participated until being asked to join a friend's team. The Montana Spartan Sprint in Big Fork, Montana yesterday was the hardest race I've ever done, but I am proud that I took on the challenge.

What a great crowd

From 13 year olds to 70 year olds, couch potato hopefuls to fitness magazine cover candidates; there was a spectacular array of Spartans getting ready to tackle the course. Waves of people were released from the starting line every fifteen minutes and would fight a physical and mental battle for the next few hours. Elite finishers could clock in at 45 minutes, leaving the four hour finishers astounded. Every Spartan dutifully cheered on their fellow Spartans and helped with challenging obstacles though, no matter the level of physical prowess.

Everyone got dirty right from the start

Attune to what Spartan organizers want racers to feel, I didn't entirely know what to expect. The course poured surprises over me with each mile. Hill after hill made my calves burn hotter than the festival bonfire as my oxygen deprived lungs drowned out the sounds of the crowd. Walls posed a threat, but I climbed over them easily, only to face an ominous mud pit on the other side. Spartans carried, climbed, and crawled their way to glory over the four plus mile course. Obstacles I feared proved simple and beginner obstacles made me think twice. By the end of the race, I was more exhausted than after watching a midnight premier of the latest movie.

I climbed over walls like a ninja

Nothing like cool, muddy water on a hot day

Despite the challenges, exhaustion, and filth, I would certainly sign up for a Spartan race again. The event was a wonderful expression of camaraderie, with so many different individuals all working positively toward a common goal. Physical and mental barriers were crossed as people finished the race and felt more accomplished than ever before. As I watched the muddy water swirl down my shower drain that night, I was grateful that became a Spartan and witnessed such an empowering event open to anyone who desires to participate.

I thought barbed wire crawling was by far the hardest obstacle

Finish Spartan strong

Maud S. Canyon

Maud S. is a fantastic trail system due to it's bird's eye views and versatility. Whether you hike Maud S. Loop up the inclined switchbacks or stick to the gently sloping "train tracks" (Maud S. Canyon), Maud S. offers a workout and scenery  you will be glad you came for. The trail I hiked today was the Loop, but both trails start at the parking lot just off the frontage road by Three Bears Alaska store.

Informative signs tell hikers about Butte and the trails.

After hiking up about five minutes, the train track  and Maud S. Loop allow hikers to make a decision. Going straight though the fence will lead up the switchbacks and turning to the right will lead down the train tracks. Both options are great for different reasons.

 The Maud S. Loop trail is steep enough to get a good workout in, but not too challenging to feel impossible.

The trail is surrounded by Aspens and willows.

 At the top of the Loop, hikers can continue on or go back to the parking lot. Don't forget to admire the views from the Vista. That's the best part!

Here you can see the views from the vista and the train track off at the base of the mountain on the left.

The Loop heads back to the parking lot by an easy, downhill trek. As you can see, Maud S. Canyon is a gorgeous trail perfect for a hike any day. The Loop's switchbacks or the train track's long, mildly inclined path provide anyone with a pleasurable outdoor experience. There are plenty of options for challenging yourself with hills or distance. Give Maud S. Canyon a try the next time you want to go take a hike!

P.S. Sorry about the misaligned formatting of this post. My computer was not cooperating well.