the Path Through

Field Notes From the Course

Courses look simple on a map. Elevation, distance, terrain. But anyone who’s raced enough knows the real story is in the details: the parking nightmare, the shuttle that’s late, the unexpected climb at mile 9, the water you should have carried, the one gear choice you regret the entire race.

This section is where I break down the tactical side of racing. Not training plans, not motivational speeches — just field-tested notes on what it takes to get through Spartan races, ultras, marathons, and everything in between. After more than 225 Spartans and thousands of road and trail races, I’ve seen a lot go right — and more than a few stupid mistakes I wouldn’t recommend repeating.

Think of this as a logbook of experience: how to navigate venues, what to expect when you show up, and the little tactical edges that make the difference between surviving the day and actually racing it.

Race Reviews & Tactical Notes

Ohio If you like mud you came to the right place

Jacksoville Great early season venue

Houston Texas ranch, flat and fast

Colorado Springs Run on a historic and working military base

Palmerton PA, One of the original and hardest venues

Fayetville Great Ultra course for first timers, Tri Weekend

Asheville New(ish) venue is flat and perfect for first timers

San Jose Early seaon ultra and trie weekend

So Cal Reservoir run in January

Newberry, South Carolina End of Season Ultra fecta weekend

Atanta March calender staple

Spartan, Greece Great environment, Trifecta Championship

West VIrginia Tough venue with great views of the New River Gorge

Virginia New Venue that brings back a tough Virginia Mountain enue