There are no valid excuses for staying on the couch, all 52 Spartan Up guests of 2017 agree. The panel is on site in Iceland for the Spartan Ultra & Agoge 007 on the cusp of  winter solstice, in the midst of a brutal storm, and in imminent peril from an active volcano. In other words, the perfect race scenario and an ideal backdrop for the theme of this week’s episode: no excuses.  Which 2017 podcast stories epitomize this the best and why? How can you eliminate excuses for 2018 and beyond? Listen; watch; find out, then get moving.

Lessons:

1. It’s better to fail on the stage than on the couch.


2. “Sneakers on, “ I.e., prime bigger actions through smaller ones that are easier to take each and every day.


3. If you’re serious about meeting your goals, you can’t say yes to everything.


4. Pain is inevitable, so instead of trying to avoid it, harness it in service of a better life. 


5. As Robert Fulghum said, “... I may give my life meaning by throwing myself recklessly into it daily, as if something astonishing is happening and I am part of it. It is and I am.”


Links:

Spartan Agoge - https://www.spartan.com/en/race/endurance-events/endurance-events-overview?article=29031

Sneakers On https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/139-mordechai-wiener-the-simple-steps-that-changed-his-life/id952870930?i=1000384505740&mt=2

Not To Do List https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/140-dean-graziosi-the-not-to-do-list/id952870930?i=1000384753987&mt=2

Better to Fail on the Stage than the Couch https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/134-robert-herbst-powerlifting-champion-irrevocable/id952870930?i=1000382599754&mt=2

Rose Wetzel https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/163-we-interviewed-athlete-rose-wetzel-while-giving-birth/id952870930?i=1000393013328&mt=2

Pain is Inevitable, don’t let that stop you https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/162-sean-stephenson-has-discovered-simple-ways-to-overcome/id952870930?i=1000392719709&mt=2

This episode of Spartan Up is brought to you by Health IQ. Health IQ is an insurance company that helps obstacle racers like you get lower rates on your life insurance.  Go to healthiq.com/spartanup to see if you qualify.

SUBSCRIBE:

iTunes: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow

YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT

Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay

FOLLOW SPARTAN UP:

Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/

Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod

CREDITS:

Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.

Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, & Dr. Delle with gust Mike I

Synopsis – Matt Baatz

© 2017 Spartan

What is the secret to longevity? For many athletes, their sports tenure ends, through injury or burnout, earlier than they hope. Through decades Mark Sisson participated in hundreds of endurance challenges including ultras and Ironmans. What helped him avoid that fate? What compelled him to switch from these grueling tests to sports like stand up paddling and ultimate frisbee?

Known for his paleo nutrition blog Mark's Daily Apple, and books "Primal Blueprint" and "Primal Endurance" Sisson will explain his fitness reset and list the ingredients in what may be the world’s healthiest mayonnaise.

Lessons:

1. A healthy lifestyle can make life more fun.


2. The older you get, the more that attitude plays a key part in living a good life.


3. Invest in yourself by doing the things that will pay off down the line.


Links:

Mark's Daily Apple https://www.marksdailyapple.com

Primal Blueprint https://www.primalblueprint.com

Primal Kitchen www.primalkitchen.com

This episode of Spartan Up is brought to you by Health IQ. Health IQ is an insurance company that helps obstacle racers like you get lower rates on your life insurance.  Go to healthiq.com/spartanup to see if you qualify.

SUBSCRIBE:

iTunes: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow

YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT

Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay

FOLLOW SPARTAN UP:

Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/

Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod

CREDITS:

Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.

Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, & Dr. Delle

Synopsis – Matt Baatz

© 2017 Spartan

Underground strength coach Zach Even-Esh has a unique distinction, the only guest to be interviewed three times in Spartan Up! During the insane weekend that in Pittsfield, Vermont (birthplace of Spartan Race,) that contained the Spartan Wrestling Camp, Spartan Agoge and a series of Podcasts, Col. Nye made time to check in with with Spartan up regular Zach Even-Esh. Meanwhile the Summer Agoge class is fire walking at Spartan’s own Area 51.  They talk about how Zach trains youth, not just for wrestling, but for life. How the camp trains the mind is paramount, and the true foundation of strength. As always, Even-Esh is a wellspring of inspiration.

Lessons:

1. True strength must transcend gym walls.


2. Convenience and excellence are never found on the same road.


3. To be great at something, genuinely care.


Links:

Spartan Wrestling Camp - http://www.spartanwrestlingcamp.com/

About Zach http://ZachEven-Esh.com

Encyclopedia of Underground Strength http://a.co/0QR1FTs

Underground Strength Coach http://UndergroundStrengthCoach.com

Underground Strength Cert http://UndergroundStrengthCert.com

This episode of Spartan Up is brought to you by Health IQ. Health IQ is an insurance company that helps obstacle racers like you get lower rates on your life insurance.  Go to healthiq.com/spartanup to see if you qualify.

SUBSCRIBE:

iTunes: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow

YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT

Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay

FOLLOW SPARTAN UP:

Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/

Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod

CREDITS:

Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.

Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, & Dr. Delle

Synopsis – Matt Baatz

© 2017 Spartan

Bruce Lee’s legacy was so powerful that it lives on through his daughter, Shannon, and the foundation named for him. He passed when she was just four, but his legend reverberates through books, writings, students, fans and of course films. We’ve all heard the famous quote “Be like water, my friend…” but do you know the story behind it? It arose at an epiphanic time in his life when he was not very water like. It took a trial for him to make the decision that his followers are all benefitting from to this day.

Lessons:

1. Be like water…


2. The medicine for your suffering is within you.


3. The mind is a fertile garden that will grow what you choose whether weeds or flowers.

LINKS:

Bruce Lee Website & Podcast https://www.brucelee.com/

Bruce Lee Instagram https://www.instagram.com/brucelee/

Bruce Lee Twitter https://twitter.com/brucelee

Bruce Lee Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BruceLee


 SUBSCRIBE:

iTunes: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow

YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT

Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay

FOLLOW SPARTAN UP:

Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/

Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod

CREDITS:

Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.

Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, & Dr. Delle

Synopsis – Matt Baatz © 2017 Spartan

To climb Everest wasn’t quite enough for climber and documentarian Jimmy Chin. He had to ski it. Even the sherpas urged him not to do it. Despite the appearance of being a free spirit who may have lost control, this is far from who Chin really is. By his own description, he is someone who grew up being very disciplined. His life is about managing risk. What was his biggest risk? It was not encountered on Everest or El Capitan, or any other iconic mountain. In this episode he’ll describe it, and what it takes to reach our passions.

Lessons:

1. If you instill a model of excellence early on in your children, they may not do the thing you had hoped, but they will likely be successful at whatever they do.  


2. It’s a gift if you find something you love, because many people never do.


3. The ones who are really good are able to calculate risk at a very high level: able to take things to the edge without going over. 


Links:

https://jimmychin.com/

https://www.hanahlife.com/

Meru Film http://www.merufilm.com/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jimmychinphotography

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jimmy_chin/

SUBSCRIBE:

iTunes: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow

YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT

Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay

CREDITS

Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.

Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, & Dr. Delle

Synopsis – Matt Baatz

© 2017 Spartan

https://www.spartan.com/170

The story begins at age 5, he remembers the garbage man got to the best toy in the dumpster before he could get to it. He didn't understand until he was an adult how that moment formed him. Today Chris practices what he calls "venture philanthropy." He's left the world of finance and embraced his mission in life, his true "why." Stay tuned to the end to hear the take aways and lessons gleaned by our Spartan Up hosts Joe DeSena, "Doctor" Johnny, Sefra the Seedhuntress, and Col. Nye.

Lessons:

1. “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” —Mark Twain.


2. The three pillars of motivation: 1. Autonomy. 2.Search for competency. 3. Community.

Link:

Chris Cavallerano http://www.inspirethefire.com/

Chris on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/chris.cavallerano

Chris on Twitter https://twitter.com/chris_cav

Chris on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/chriscavallerano/

SUBSCRIBE:

iTunes: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow

YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT

Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay

CREDITS

Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.

Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, & Dr. Delle

Synopsis – Matt Baatz © 2017 Spartan

If Jack Lalanne is the godfather of modern fitness, Elaine “Lala” Lalanne is the Queen! Jack Lalanne revolutionized the way we work out and inspired a generation to embrace fitness and good diet.  At 90 his widow, Lala, is still at it - riding skateboards and earning her breakfast with a daily workout. She’s living proof that their lifelong passion for a fit lifestyle pays off! Lala shares time-honored wisdom on how to live a healthy and successful life and continues the mission to help people help themselves. If Jack Lalanne is the godfather of modern fitness, Elaine “Lala” Lalanne is the Queen! Jack Lalanne revolutionized the way we work out and inspired a generation to embrace fitness and good diet.  At 90 his widow, Lala, is still at it - riding skateboards and earning her breakfast with a daily workout. She’s living proof that their lifelong passion for a fit lifestyle pays off! Lala shares time-honored wisdom on how to live a healthy and successful life and continues the mission to help people help themselves. 

Lessons:  1. If you do everything in moderation, you can’t go wrong.
 2. When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.
 3. It’s all up to you! Don’t play the blame game.


Links: 

Read more about Lala https://life.spartan.com/post/spartan-interview-elaine-lalanne
Lala on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/officialelainelalanne/
Lala’s web site Lalanne http://www.elainelalanne.com/
More about Jack Lalanne jacklalanne.com
Lalanne on Facebook facebook.com/officialjacklalanne

SUBSCRIBE:

iTunes: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow

YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT

Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay

CREDITS:

Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.

Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, & Dr. Delle

Synopsis – Matt Baatz

© 2017 Spartan

Successful but searching, entrepreneur Phil Randazzo renewed his purpose by helping veterans transition into successful civilian careers through a foundation that eventually became American Dream U. It fulfills two sets of needs: veterans need assistance transitioning into civilian life and the work world needs the unique skill set and drive that these veterans possess. Randazzo and Joe discuss what in their upbringing instilled their drive, and how to pass it on to their kids. Find out how to follow a similar path of success in this episode. Successful but searching, entrepreneur Phil Randazzo renewed his purpose by helping veterans transition into successful civilian careers through a foundation that eventually became American Dream U. It fulfills two sets of needs: veterans need assistance transitioning into civilian life and the work world needs the unique skill set and drive that these veterans possess. Randazzo and Joe discuss what in their upbringing instilled their drive, and how to pass it on to their kids. Find out how to follow a similar path of success in this episode. 

Lessons:
1. Don’t coast through the second half of your life, but find a way to make a contribution.
 2. Choose three things you can work on today and do them.
 3. The most successful people are usually not the ones who talk about it.


Links:  American Dream U - Helping You Transition out of the Military http://americandreamu.org/American Dream U on Facebook www.Facebook.com/AmericanDreamUAmerican Dream U on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/americandreamu/

SUBSCRIBE:iTunes: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShowYouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYTGoogle Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay

CREDITSProducer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, & Dr. DelleSynopsis – Matt Baatz© 2017 Spartan

Attacked by a Grizzly bear, twice, Todd Orr survived a modern day version of The Revenant. He not only lived through dual brutal attacks from a grizzly mother, but was conscientious enough attempt writing a warning note to hunters before driving himself to the emergency room. The extent of his injuries made this impossible. His survival was not due solely to luck, but to forethought and preparation. It gave him the best chance to walk away from these dire attacks. Orr is a true Spartan and his story will impart valuable lessons on how to face and transcend extraordinary challenges.

Lessons:

1. Chance favors a prepared mind.


2. The will to survive sets the standard for our innate resilience.


3. Bad things have the potential to happen at any time and any place; be ready, but don’t be afraid.

LINKS:

Todd Orr http://www.thetoddorr.com/

Todd's Knives http://www.skybladeknives.com/

SUBSCRIBE:

iTunes: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow

YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT

Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay

CREDITS

Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.

Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, & Dr. Delle

Synopsis – Matt Baatz

© 2017 Spartan

When Georgina Pazcoguin witnessed the second tower fall on 9/11, it codified her commitment to her ballet, something she had been practicing since preschool. Her mother urged her to quit and come home, but she doubled down knowing that the world needed the art that she could contribute to heal. In this episode, she describes the dedication and physical hardship it takes to make it into the New York City Ballet company. Despite what many people think of ballet, this is an endeavor that requires an excess of grit and determination.

Lessons:

1. When you feel exhausted from your path in life ask yourself whether this is really want to do. If the answer is yes, keep on going.


2. The journey of dedicating years, if not decades, to developing an art can be more meaningful than a meteoric rise to the top.


3. In the face of calamity, you have to honor your unique strength.

LINKS:

More about Georgina Georginapazcoguin.com

More about Orphaned Starfish https://video.aplus.com//j/zRxBDw1g/this-ballerina-is-teaching-orphaned-abused-girls-how-to-dance

From Ballet to Broadway http://tv.ivy.com/drive-from-ballet-to-broadway/

SUBSCRIBE:

iTunes: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow

YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT

Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay

CREDITS

Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.

Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, & Dr. Delle

Synopsis – Matt Baatz

© 2017 Spartan