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Spartan Race...my Ninja Mom Hacks as a spectator.

We just got back from Spartan Sacramento.   6yo did the kids race, hubby did the Sprint.

This was my 1st ever experience going (hubby is on his 4th race).

My do's and don'ts

1) Sac is reportedly an easier course.   (compared to Diablo Hills)

2) Parking is organized chaos (so is everything else).   Plan to get there 2 hours before your event-  because parking took us 40 minutes (backed up miles down the road).     As for leaving, same time out... add 40 min to drive time home.

3) take food!  If you are like us and on a budget, we packed pizza, beer, waters, etc.   During daddys race we went back to car- got out the chairs, sat and ate cold pizza. yum

4) if you have a toddler/baby, I suggest you leave them at home. The terrain is rough, so only bicycle wheeled stollers/wagons will work.  (BOB).  It's also a ton of waiting around, and nothing fun for them to do.   DO NOT TAKE PLASTIC WHEELED STROLLERS!    Bring the baby carrier thing!

5) SUNSCREEN!  It's November- and 80 degrees!

6).  If your kid is racing, it's only a 20 min race!   Schedule kids race 90 min before the adult race. If not you are hanging out too long.

7) WAIVERS - PRINT AT HOME !  save the time in line

8) The $20 Spectator pass is worth it!  You get to run along almost all of it (not that you want too).    I got GREAT pics of my husband.    (Kids race comes w/2)

9) If you have weak ankles, bring your brace!  Hilly, rough terrain!  Like step wrong-roll and ankle- rough!      Bring the best shoes you have!  (think foothill hiking)

10) wear workout gear!  No one wears jeans!   Get those workout capris on, a workout top + sports bra-  enjoy the running around.    I clocked 13K steps today.

11) Do you need to sit a ton, then bring in your own chair!   People lined them up on hill tops & next to finish line.    (if it's cold out just sit next to fire pit at the end of the course)

12) Find someone who does not want their FREE beer, ask for their wristband- hello free beer!

13)  parking-  the ONLY negative thing.  get there early, and plan on a stupidly long exit to the street.

14) sure food for sale on site-  lines are LONG!    Just go back to the car...

15) Check in is super smooth and super organized - I quickly tweeted Spartan Race people about how awesome it was to maneuver around.

16) Yes Beer is for sale  $7

17) BRING CASH:  Parking cash only $10  + bag check (do this, so you don't lug around his stuff) $5   is the minimum you need.    Everything else took credit (I think)

18)  Prepare for the late afternoon grumpies--- it's hot, they just did 5 miles- everyone is tired...and easily angered.   Nice goes a LONG way!  


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