SPARTAN RACES: I f you read this newsletter, you know I write a lot about the mountain bike races I compete in every few months. Initially, I had to train a lot for these grueling endurance tests — and honestly, I still do. But these days, I’m embarking on new races as often as I can. After years of less-engaging types of exercise, I find mountain biking refreshing. The tracks are variable, so the exercise is mental as well as physical, and you get to enjoy some beautiful scenery in almost every race. That’s part of why it’s become more popular recently. In addition to mountain biking, there’s a new kind of race motivating participants on a global scale: Spartan Races. Established by Joe De Sena in 2010 as a more accessible alternative to the brutal 48-hour “Death Race,” Spartan Races are intense obstacle courses, packed with different types of challenges. With competitors scaling featureless walls, clambering beneath a snare of barbed wire, or leaping over a pit of flames, Spartan Races are designed to confront participants with adversity, the likes of which they’ve never seen. Maybe because of our inherent, childlike love of conquering obstacle courses, or because of the raw thrill of surmounting seemingly-impossible tasks, the popularity of Spartan Races has exploded. In 2016 alone, organizers held 170 races in 25 countries, a number that’s only continued to climb.
Another Kind of Challenge
As competitors will tell you, Spartan Races can feel like more than a
sport when you’re “in the gauntlet.” Evangelists speak of the Spartan lifestyle, adopting a comprehensive nutrition program, reading all of De Sena’s books,
loading up on gear, and fully embedding themselves in the online community.
Whether it’s a sport or a way of life, it’s clear that Spartan Races are here to stay. If you’re interested, check out the organization at Spartan.com, and maybe sign up for one of the many races held right here, in California.
Star Cookies HOLIDAY
Have You Updated Your Trust Recently?
Recipe inspired by elanaspantry.com/star-cookies. Looking for something a little lighter to eat during the holiday season? Try these paleo-friendly star cookies! INGREDIENTS
• ¼ cup coconut oil, melted • 5 tablespoons agave nectar or honey • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2½ cups blanched almond flour (not almond meal) • ½ teaspoon Celtic sea salt • ¼ teaspoon baking soda • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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DIRECTIONS
6. Remove top piece of
1. In a large bowl, combine almond flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon. 2. In a small bowl, mix coconut oil, agave, and vanilla. 3. Mix wet ingredients into dry. 4. Roll out dough between 2 pieces of parchment paper until ¼ inch thick. 5. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
parchment paper and dust dough with almond flour. 7. Cut out cookies with a small star cutter. 8. Using a metal spatula, place stars on a parchment-lined baking sheet. 9. Bake at 350 F until edges are lightly browned, 5–8 minutes.
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