How To Beat The Spartan Ultra

How To Beat The Spartan Ultra. Tips on how to beat the 31 mile, 50k Spartan Race Ultra. Check out our proven gear recommendations, training tips, and secret weapons on how to succeed at Spartan's hardest race. Links below, and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE!!
Spartan Race Ultra (All Obstacles):
• Spartan Race Ultra 202...
Shoes
Inov8 X-Talon Ultra 260: amzn.to/3Fk4Nqk
Packs
Ultimate Direction Mens Adventure Vest: amzn.to/45vPGVd
Watches
Garmin Instinct: amzn.to/3rPyD2J
Garmin Enduro: amzn.to/46PvPBl
Nutrition
Gu Energy Gel: amzn.to/46yCbp6
SKIPPY Peanut Butter Packs: amzn.to/46tyXTR
Gatorade 12oz, 24 pack: amzn.to/46MVUBa
SaltStick FASTCHEWS: amzn.to/46Qwket
Gear
Black Diamond Storm 400 Headlamp: amzn.to/3Q0vZiN
Sony Walkman 4GB Headphone: amzn.to/3PW52g2
Mack's 3M Gripping Material Work Glove: amzn.to/3tvZ51H
Damer's Mechanix Wear Tactical Gloves: amzn.to/3FiNy8F
Waterproof Bags: amzn.to/3ZZesMv
Practice Pinnie: amzn.to/46N8ArJ
Koozies: amzn.to/3ZTARe5
Drop Bin
Premium 7 Gallon Bucket: amzn.to/46L1X9a
00:00 Intro
00:12 Spartan Ultra Belt Buckle
01:09 Footwear
03:00 Spare Socks
04:10 Drop Bag
05:02 Packs
05:59 Secret Weapon (Koozie)
08:02 Headlamps
09:08 Secret Weapon (Waterproof Bags)
09:40 Gloves
10:26 Course Map
11:04 Nutrition
13:34 Practice Pinnie
15:17 Pinnie Modification
15:50 Always Test Your Gear
16:10 Watches
17:08 Power Banks
17:30 Earbuds
18:43 Drop Bins
21:45 Up The Mileage
22:48 Find Similar Terrain
23:03 Just Keep Going

[@KevinLe]

We got back from the Killington Ultra a couple of weeks back and the Ultra in Dallas from last year. So wildly different in terms of elevation, intensity and terrain. My wife was one of the 68 out of 650+ competitors (1 of 4 women) that actually finished and i didn't make the cutoff at 230pm. Everything you guys said here is 100% applicable for sure. I would even add to eat an avocado at the transition point. Great for so many reasons especially to overcome brain fog. My mantra has always been "Be a bison. Stay slow, stay alive" but this didn't work in my favor at Killington, but it worked for Dallas Ultra. Great video, as always, guys!

[@OCRKings]

Thank you my friend! And yeah man, Killington is a monster. So different from Dallas. Hats off to you and your wife for even attempting an Ultra up there in VT. Great advice on the avocado too, thanks for mentioning that!

[@markholman6315]

Great debrief and amazing tips. That has been on my bucket list for a couple of years, now just shifting my training focus to keep driving that distance and staying focused on one step at a time. Thanks for breaking it down for all us!!!! THAHF

[@OCRKings]

Thank you my friend!!

[@WpnX0351]

All solid info! I can honestly say that I finished the Ohio Ultra 2021 because I watched your previous Ultra video. I changed my shoes and socks. I also greased up my feet with Vaseline to keep friction at a minimum. I used Tailwind in a camelback with second one I froze and was in bin in second lap vest packed same as first lap vest. On course I ate Honeystingers and Skittles. In transition-I drank a Sprite and ate a Hostess Apple Pie. Left transition in under 15 minutes feeling powered up and finished the Ultra. I also started to hydrate 8 days before race, using watermelon juice and coconut water. Great video gentlemen! Keep them coming!

[@OCRKings]

Right on! Thank you for posting your tips my friend. Watermelon juice, haven't tried that but now want to test it out. Way to go getting out of the transition area so swiftly, super efficient, and well organized. We were a bit slower than that, I think 40 or 45 minutes, but we were charging crud and talking with folks. The sock change is a must, feet feel so good afterward. Might have to throw a Sprite into the mix too, that just sounds super refreshing. Any plans for another Ultra in 2024??

[@WpnX0351]

Thanks, gentlemen! I am actually planning on doing Carolinas Ultra in Nov 2024 since it's only one that fits my schedule for now. Hope to see you out on a course soon.!

[@aidanwright5]

Great video and advice guys. Picked up loads of tips. Cheers and Aroo!

[@OCRKings]

Glad it was helpful! AROO!

[@harrygrimley4352]

Great advice. I agree a million percent on the socks. In the service i learned take care of your feet! Thanks sgt Jackson. I like the warrior dash hats in the background 😊. Gave all mine to my granddaughters. They love them.

[@OCRKings]

Great catch on the Warrior Dash hats! Those were fun races, we miss those. And right on, you gotta take care of your feet!

[@larryreilly365]

nice update on the 'ULTRA-prep' videos guys. Thanks! Keep them coming.....

[@OCRKings]

Thanks my friend! Will do!

[@peterjensen2295]

Great video! Great advice! Your original video and personal advice helped me to 4 NJ Ultra finishes and a 2023 Killington Ultra finish. Never tried a sock change though. I just wanna get out of the transition area as fast as possible. Great update! Thanks for what you do. Best advice: just keep going. Slow progress is better than no progress.

[@OCRKings]

That is awesome! Wow, that is a lot of Buckles, and Killington is no joke, you are a machine my friend! And right on, slow progress is better than no progress, just keep going. Hope to see you out there in NJ next season. Might not be an Ultra, but we're definitely heading back there.

[@mhunt3000]

Outstanding, proven methodology!

[@OCRKings]

Thank you kindly!

[@mikeshaw4610]

Very good video / tips. I will be doing an Ultra in 2024 and will re-watch this again closer to the race.

[@OCRKings]

Thank you, and good luck out there at your Ultra!!

[@jimbragg8909]

Thanks again for an awesome and informative video gents. I ran my first Spartan with my Apple Watch and although it was only a Sprint, the battery died on my before the end. I assumed given the number of cell devices at the venue, the watch was roaming most of the time killing the battery, so I went to a Garmin Instinct, witch never failed even on a Beast. I have sine upgraded to a Garmin Instinct Solar. Great advice too on the mileage. The mistake I made in year 1 was to equally train for mileage and obstacles and man was I wrong. I learned really quickly that if you cannot get from obstacle to obstacle efficiently then the actual obstacle didn't really help much. Once I realized it I upped my days from 3 days running/3 days lifting to 4 days running/2 days lifting with 1 solid day of rest. I found I actually could conquer obstacles better by being fitter that I could prior.

[@OCRKings]

That's Damer's mantra, "you have to be able to get to the obstacles" which means run training. So true! And right on with Garman Instinct Solar. Damer has one of those too and likes it a lot. Who knows, perhaps when he gets something new I'll inherit that one! We'll see. Thanks my friend - AROO!

[@cthiphop]

All great points!

[@OCRKings]

Thank you!

[@CronusChronicles]

The ultra we did was 25 degree's the morning of and the first obstacle was waist deep water. The ropes to climb had ice on them from the night before (was a 6:30am start time) and were muddy from other people climbing them. And it hurt to grab monkey bars cuz there was pieces of ice still on them and your fingers are numb from cold exposure so you could barely feel what you were grabbing anyway. Would still do it all over again. Loved every minute of it. lol You guys are right on the money with these tips.

[@OCRKings]

Wow, brutal!! Where was your Ultra?? That sounds like a no joke epic adventure. And right on, thank you my friend!

[@CronusChronicles]

@@OCRKings Spartanburg SC. I actually used advice from you guys for that race. Putting on liquid band aid to common blister spots the night before definitely helped save my feet!

[@OCRKings]

@@CronusChronicles Excellent!

[@keltoibard]

Thanks for the guidance, gentlemen. I now have a pack of Orange Mud plastic bags on the way to me. I used to carry Clif Bars, Liquid IV, Instant Coffee packs (I have a friend that swears by them at mile 10 on Beasts), Honey Stingers, etc. I now only carry Justin's Peanut Butter and Honey pouches (same kind of thing as the Skippy you showed), generic peppermint hard candy because it's good for anti-nausea when your stomach goes WTF on whatever fueling you are doing and is a morale booster, and the SaltStick Plus capsules. It greatly simplified things, and I don't bonk, cramp, or get sick. The law of individual differences is king, but I thought I'd throw that out there.

[@OCRKings]

Wow, love the idea of peppermint hard candy, that's new for us, thanks for posting that! I hate that bonk/nausea feeling, going to have to try peppermint to combat it. Awesome!

[@danielcantu393]

I know if I dive into the channel I can find out (first video I've seen of you guys and loved it!) but were you guys prior Navy/military? Prior submariner here that got out 3 years ago and prepping for my first Spartan Ultra in Colorado Springs next summer, loved your guys' info and it is really helpful. 6 months to make this happen. Might be crazy enough and try to do the trifecta weekend! Did it in Hawaii in 2021 but the Beast instead of Ultra. Looking forward to diving into the channel and training for this upcoming event!

[@OCRKings]

Hey there my friend, thanks for checking out the channel! Thank you also for asking about prior military service and for your service in the Navy. My grandfather was in the Navy, USS Whitman DE-24, my father was in the Army, father-in-law in the Airforce (both Vietnam era). Damer's son is a Marine, 0321. We've been raised by, and grown up around folks who have served all our lives, but neither he nor I served ourselves. I know it doesn't transfer by osmosis if you've never been in, so I am hoping that in using familiar terms and the like for us does not make us lapse into stolen valor territory. Yikes. Just wanted to make sure we are wide open and on the level. So, back to Spartan. A couple of things, first, wow Hawaii, always wanted to go! I heard it is beautiful, and the Beasts and Ultras there are insane. What is the elevation profile like in Colorado Springs? I'm guessing you're gonna want to train hills. Gear up in everything you are gonna wear/carry, at least for lap one, and do work with elevation involved. Six months is plenty of time. Good luck in your training and at your event, and please let us know how it goes, from the course, to the weather, to the obstacles etc. Get out there and get that belt buckle - AROO!

[@NoFate247]

I think the mileage is the what is so unnerving. To be training so much mileage to prep for the Ultra, my body tends to respond negatively to increased mileage. (as you mentioned, you need to be training smart and not just hard) Fantastic video, super informative as usual.

[@OCRKings]

Right on, and thank you my friend!!

[@Hawk888]

I did my first (maybe last, lol) in Fayetteville this year. Someone mentioned putting a coke in the transition bucket (I put ice in to keep cold). Man, that was not only calories, but a good morale booster, I also put a snickers in. Between both of those plus the uncrustables I ate on the way out, i was good for a while and it just gave me a mental boost. Plus it was something different than the electrolytes and gel/gummies. Also, I think the LMNT and the High Carb version of Scratch kept me from cramping and bonking.

[@OCRKings]

Right on. At the Trail Half Marathon, we saw Coke and cookies handed out at a water station for the first time. That's a no joke way of getting those carbos in, and if they're cold, they ain't bad! Damer loves uncrustables BTW. I was looking for those for Dallas, but the nutella kind. I couldn't find them, so will have to try those another time.

[@angela1357ify]

Congratulations on this achievement, you guys rock, and are also funny. Thanks for these amazing tips, I’ll definitely add some. One question: one of you mentioned the one obstacle that you used gloves, which one was it again? And if you don’t mind telling what glove did you used? Thanks again 🙏🙌🤜🤛

[@OCRKings]

Thank you so much!! And great question. We both prefer to use gloves on Olympus. I love these gloved from 3M but they stopped making them: amzn.to/48UlEfG If you can find them, they are AWESOME, supper grippy even on wet metal. Damer has used these for years and years and swears by them: amzn.to/3wTZzAD He has used them on other obstacles too, but primarily for Olympus and Twister. Hope this helps!

[@angela1357ify]

@@OCRKings 🙌🙏

[@OCRKings]

👍👍

[@VOWMiguelZ.]

I ran the san jose ultra yesterday. My legs gave up during the 2nd lap. It was rough on the body. But I think my footwear played into that. I was using regular runners.

[@OCRKings]

Right on. Maybe different shoes next time?

[@aaronp.3230]

Good stuff guys. How well do those shoes drain out the water? I'm currently looking for new shoes to race in.

[@OCRKings]

Great question. The shoes drain ok. They're not the fastest to drain like some of the other shoes we've fielded that have drainage holes in them near the bottoms. These shoes don't have any drainage holes, but with each footfall once you get out of the water, they push water out through the tongue area and the top of the toes where the material is somewhat breathable. They do ok as such.

[@emmasteven1]

You guys are so fun to watch! I wonder what time you have in the transition to rest? Also would you recommend attempting completing a trifecta on the same day before daring to register for an ultra for someone who has ran beasts and marathons, is it attainable?

[@OCRKings]

Thank you! Ok, so in the transition area, we took about 45 minutes. Some people zip in and zip out in under 15 minutes, some people take an hour. I would suggest taking as much time as you need to recharge, refuel, etc., but balanced with how much time you have left in the race. If your pace is on the slower side, I wouldn't spend too much time in there since there are cut off times and obstacles you have to get to before you get DNF'd. If you are on pace, or ahead of schedule, you can always take a bit more time in the transition area if so desired. And oh my goodness, a Trifecta before an Ultra? If someone is doing Beasts and marathons, sounds totally doable. If the Ultra is going to be part of a Trifecta weekend, that's a tall order. I guess it depends on the terrain? Our Ultra in Dallas was on largely flat ground. That makes a big difference compared to something like an Ultra at Killington.

[@emmasteven1]

Thank you@@OCRKings ! I will attempt these in that order next year, wish me luck :D !

[@OCRKings]

Good luck!

[@willbeardslee8833]

Thank you for the tips. I have my first ultra coming up in 13 days. Even though I train with a camel back, my plan was to run the race without it and rely on the drink stations. I was going to have a few GU packets and salt tabs in my pockets and then use the transition area for more substance calories. What are your thoughts about this? I prefer to run free without the camel back and when I did the beast I felt like I had more than enough water on the course. I would love your insight.

[@OCRKings]

We have to say, overall the water situation is pretty good out there. Spartan is pretty decent on providing water. Since we drink gatorade and/or water with tailwind, we tend to bring our own. Carrying some of your own hydration is not a bad idea too just in case the water is stank. We had that at a sprint and a super down in Jacksonville. The water was taken from the barn area there and it was sulfuric and nasty. Having hydro in between obstacles is nice too when you're a few miles out from the next water station. Would we recommend a whole 1 to 2 L camelbak? No, that's a lot to carry. One liter is 2.2LBS. For us 24oz was nice. It's up to you. I'd rather have some and not need it rather than need it an not have it. Just my two cents. You know your body best, and if you're not running in a super hot area, perhaps you can go without. If you were in Dallas or at Killington, I'd say definitely carry something. If you are running flat and cool, probably not. Either way, good luck at your Ultra, get that Belt Buckle!! Let us know how you do. AROO!

[@tyler-fd4gu]

I have a pack that holds bottles like yours do. Have you ever found that the bottles catch when going over a wall etc?

[@OCRKings]

Great question. Haven't had any bottles catch on walls and things. I wonder if maybe it's because the one on the right side is a bit lower, and the one on the right gets locked down with the little bungie cord thing they have? I'm not sure what the intent of the bungie doo dad above the right pouch was originally, but I wrap it around the neck of the bottle, just below the cap, and it seems to keep it closer to the body. We also tend to carry the smaller 12oz bottles. That probably helps too.

[@tyler-fd4gu]

I’m curious what obstacles were surprisingly tough the second time around.

[@OCRKings]

Great question! Twister is definitely up there, that one might be the worst the second time around. Olympus gives folks trouble on lap two also, and sometimes the carries are hard if they are uphill. In years gone by, the Her Hoist was always heavier at beasts and ulras, but we don't find that to be the case anymore. When they were, esp. if they were wet due to rain, those were really hard on lap two.

[@christopherpiatt492]

Great video as this gave me some new ideas. I have my 1st Ultra on May 4th in Fayetteville. I have done 3 Beasts: Ohio, Big Bear, and Killington. How long would you say people spend in the transition area? I know everyone is different. I want to give myself enough time for change of socks (awesome idea), charge Garmin, and hydrate/eat. I also don't want to waste time.

[@OCRKings]

Good point on transition area, everyone spends different amounts of time there. I planned for us to spend no more than 60 minutes in the transition area. I planned out an average pace that would get us across the finish line before dark. If you have an idea as far as pace, and you know you're hitting your marks, you could give yourself extra time there, but I wouldn't recommend it. If you can do all the things you need to in the transition area in an hour or less, great. Some folks try to get out of there near immediately. If that's your thing, that's great too. I think the best strategy is to get in there and do everything you need to (eat, tend to your feet, go number 2, whatever), then take a few breaths, make sure the bod and your gear is good to go, then get out of there. Damer and I would both agree keep it to an hour max. If you're on pace, take a bit longer, if you are behind pace, better to make it a brief as possible. I think we ended up doing around 45 minutes. The earbuds and the watch had pretty much full power by that point and we were feeling great so we got up and got back out there. Hope this helps!

[@christopherpiatt492]

@@OCRKings thank you for the detailed response. This makes me feel better about not rushing out there say in 15 minutes. Will definitely gauge it on how my pacing is and how I feel.

[@OCRKings]

@@christopherpiatt492 Perfect!

[@user-zm2pl2lx5i]

What base-layers and compression would you advise to wear and is it best to go to the race in compression gear or should I wear shorts and shirt on top of the gear?

[@OCRKings]

Great questions! I always wear Under Armour heat gear compression tops and bottoms during the warm weather, and cold gear UA tops and bottoms in the winter. I wear shorts over the bottoms in both cases, I will only wear a t shirt over the compression long sleeve in cool weather. Usually I find doubling up to be too hot. Damer will wear a UA compression top in cooler fall type weather and just shorts, no compression bottoms, and just a short sleeve t alone and shorts in the summer. He'll only wear compression bottoms (with shorts on top) in the super cold weather it seems. Either way, we both recommend Under Armour. The stuff can take a beating in OCR and seems to be the most comfortable/reliable. Hope this helps. If not, hit us up.

[@alexheat4life]

Are y'all going to be at the Dallas Ultra this weekend, I will be there doing the AG

[@OCRKings]

Good luck this weekend at the Ultra!! We can't make it out there this year unfortunately. Get that belt buckle and let us know how it goes - AROO!!

[@jaypaulino9100]

How long did the ultra in Dallas take you guys?

[@OCRKings]

It took us 9hrs of moving time, plus we took about an hour in the transition area between laps.

[@mattsully2238]

Video idea: We are men... *Clears throat* of a certain age. As such, I'm finding my body doesn't respond as well to training like it used to. Any tips for body maintenance?

[@OCRKings]

Wow, excellent idea for a video! For us, more and more time is geared towards warm up and stretching before any type of activity. A lot of PT (physical therapy, not the other kind) of moves and stretches have been introduced into the routine. These have come to us after our many injuries, stuff mainly not from OCR. These type of things get us back on the road and just get worked into the mix. We also have a set warm up period while on the move. The first mile of the big runs is at slow pace (slow even for us). Warm up and cool down, better gear, lifting (sadly) lighter weights, these are all things that help.

[@xHelloSushix]

sounds very intimidating, but ill give it a shot. ive also seen ppl wear their purple in their back pockets, that legal? will volunteers tell u to put it back on?

[@OCRKings]

As long as you have your purple somewhere on you, I think you are good to go. I've never seen any official tell anyone that they have to put the thing on fully while out on the course. I would just prefer to have it on and completely visible so folks give way while we're on the trail and at obstacles. It's like a badge of honor, and other non-Ultras are pretty cool about giving you the right of way when they see your purple vest.

[@xHelloSushix]

@@OCRKings thank u!

[@OCRKings]

👊👊

[@harrygrimley4352]

I won't try and talk you out of the Gatorade but.... As a custodian I have seen how spills on multiple surfaces including sealed cement stains that become permanent in short time. Worry about your innards.

[@OCRKings]

YIKES!!

[@dysfunctionalfitness]

Are you planning on doing one in 2024?

[@OCRKings]

Not sure, don't think so though.

[@ThePathWeChose]

Perfect advice and tips

[@OCRKings]

Glad you think so!

[@wonderballz3]

Bucket list

[@OCRKings]

Go for it!