Gwendolyn Bounds’ book Not Too Late grabbed my attention September 2024. As a late 40s/early 50s recreational athlete, she trained and completed her first Spartan race and excelled at it; she’s now a competitive athlete. I found it so inspiring.

Back up a bit: the only reason I found that book was because research! A friend and fellow author and I decided to collaborate on a short story, a fantasy romance where a Cupid-in-training misfired…thus linking two first-timers at an obstacle course race.

Between reading Bounds’ book and writing the story, I wondered…what if?

What if I (a late 50s, overweight, back-of-the-pack woman) could do one of these races?

So I signed up for the 2025 SoCal Spartan Sprint at Pala Fox Raceway.

And went looking for a coach.

I found Keith at Run Lift Win and signed up.

That was the best decision I made.

Keith is amazing. Empathic, supportive, he set up a training plan that enabled me to finish my first Spartan event. He tailored it to my progress and schedule, pushing me to get better, but always cognizant of how I was doing and my body was reacting. I have some chronic orthopedic issues (heel spur that affects my Achilles tendon, for example) that he kept in mind. Joint mobility was a big part of my plan.

This past Saturday was the race. It was hot, I was terrified, but I did it!

Keith, wonderful generous Keith, did the race with me. He reviewed each obstacle with me as we came to it, giving me tips (and help) as needed. He talked me through my (very valid, I fall off curbs) fear of heights on the vertical cargo (the one I did didn’t have the shelf in front, just straight up, over, and down), A frame, and inverted wall.

Husband Dave was incredible, providing support and love and much-needed cold water at several points where the course intercepted the spectator area (and at least one sweaty hug when I was really demoralized).

(Note: I was doing the open, not the competitive, heat.)

Two hours, fourteen minutes, and some odd seconds, I finished. Totally back-of-the-pack, but I don’t care. I finished! It really was the hardest 5k+ I’ve ever done. In some ways it was harder than the hardest triathlons I’ve done (Wildflower Olympic distance, Escape From Alcatraz, Barb’s Race/Half Ironman). The switching between anaerobic/strength activities and the cardio is really tough.

Gotta say—Keith’s training regimen not only got me to the finish, it got me there without any injuries. Bruises and aches, yes, but no real injuries!

I’ve improved in strength, mobility, and cardio. I’ve lost weight and several clothing sizes.

And I’m signing up for my next race.