Episode 34: The Spartan Way

2 min read

• Joe De Sena, founder and CEO of Spartan Race, discusses what drives him to push himself—and others—to their absolute limits. (2:10)
• Want to try something new that goes beyond setting a marathon PR? Throw some physical challenges into your next event. We take you inside what it is like to try your first-ever obstacle course race. (49:13) 
• In the Kick, what it takes to make thousands of Santas enter a 5-miler, the best way to fuel for cold-weather runs, and the first-ever “Beer Mile” shoe. (1:03:00)

This week’s episode is brought to you by Jabra. Listeners can go to jabra.com/runnersworld to sign up for exlusive discounts and special offers on Jabra products like the Jabra Elite Sport Wireless earbuds.

Listeners to this show can get a 26% discount on their next—or their first—Spartan Race. Enter the promo code “Run26” after you sign up at Spartan.com.​

The Spartan Mastermind

Joe De Sena is the founder and CEO of Spartan Race. If you know anything about Joe De Sena, you know he is no joke.

He’s a super intense athlete who practices what he preaches on a daily basis. His mantra is basically this—we’re all capable of going further, faster, and harder than we realize.

Editor-in-chief David Willey met Joe earlier this fall in New York City to discuss his no-nonsense approach to life and business (and why he walks around Manhattan with a 44-pound kettlebell).

You can learn more about Joe in his book, Spartan Up: A Take-No-Prisoners Guide to Overcoming Obstacles and Achieving Peak Performance in Life. He’s also the host of the Spartan Up! Podcast.

Joe De Sena, left, and David Willey on the streets of Manhattan. David conducted the second half of the interview while carrying around the 44-pound kettlebell Joe brought with him.

Trying Our Own Spartan

Willey lugging a 40-pound sand-filled “pancake” up (and later back down) the steps in the Fenway Park bleachers. Todd Leiser (right), who works in marketing at Spartan, was a source of valuable tips and strategies.

After speaking with Joe De Sena this fall, we got the itch to finally try a Spartan Race of our own.

So on November 12 inside historic Fenway Park in Boston, David Willey kept an audio diary of his first attempt at a Spartan Sprint. Check out his description of all the climbs, crawls, and burpees that come when a dedicated runner takes on his first obstacle course race.  

Further reading:

• Master Any Obstacle Race Challenge
• Train to Run Your Best Obstacle Course Race

Descending after ringing the bell at the top of the 20-foot rope climb. Todd Leiser’s tip to “step” with his feet (and not rely just on his grip) saved Willey from another set of 30 burpees.

Willey at the top of the 30-foot-high A-frame cargo-net climb in deepest center field.

The Kick

We wrap things up with a few notable stories from the week:

• The First “Beer Mile” Shoe Goes Live
• What You Need to Know for Fueling Your Winter Runs
• Eat These Foods to Boost Your Vitamin D
• Virginia Beach 5-Miler Breaks Record for Largest Santa Run

Episode Credits:

The Runner’s World Show is hosted by Editor-in-Chief David Willey.

The podcast is produced by Sylvia Ryerson, Mervyn Degaños, Christine Fennessy, and Brian Dalek. 

Interviews on the podcast have been edited for length and clarity. Got a story idea for the show? Send it to [email protected].

Brian Dalek

Director of Content Operations Runner’s World & Bicycling

Brian has spent more than a decade focused on creating compelling news, health, and fitness content—with a particular interest on enthusiast activities like running and cycling. He’s coordinated coverage of major events like the Paris Olympics, Boston Marathon, New York City Marathon, and Tour de France, with an eye toward both the professional race and the engaging stories readers love.