In a time when division runs deep and empathy feels in short supply, the unlikeliest of role models comes not from a history book or a politician’s podium, but from a Japanese anime about ninjas. His name is Naruto Uzumaki. Born an orphan, shunned by his village, and burdened with a destructive power he never … Read More
Inspired by Jon Townsend’s “Development is Not Winning” “This mindset fosters a culture of blame and insecurity. Players conditioned to seek external validation often mirror their coaches’ behavior, shifting blame onto teammates in the same way their coaches may blame them.” —Jon Townsend, Development is Not Winning Jon Townsend’s recent article stopped me mid-scroll. As … Read More
Recently, Joe De Sena shared a post celebrating the chaos of our current moment—economic downturns, political instability, and societal strain—as if it were all part of some glorious training plan. He wrote, “This is exactly what we train for,” casting suffering as a badge of honor for those who’ve supposedly prepared to thrive in it. … Read More
Trigger Warning: This post contains discussion of sexual assault, trauma, and mental health. Please take care while reading. If you’re in a vulnerable place, feel free to skip or come back when you’re ready. When I met my wife, she saw through me faster than anyone ever had. She asked a question that cut straight … Read More
When the world feels like it’s spinning out of control, most people look for comfort. Me? I lace up my shoes, shoulder a log, and head into the unknown. The Death Race is pure chaos. No course map. No guaranteed finish line. No mercy. But I’ve found more clarity there — and on the flanks … Read More
We all love a good struggle story. You pushed through the pain. You crawled through the mud. You clawed your way to the top, bloodied but victorious. There’s something primal and poetic about doing the hard thing—especially when you didn’t have to. Joe De Sena, founder of Spartan and the king of the “suffer more” … Read More
Photo Credit: Marion Abrams – Madmotion I was standing at the edge of the Chittenden Reservoir, shivering, panicking, and crying. The second Death Race I ever entered had brought me to this moment: a three-mile swim in freezing, murky water. I wasn’t prepared. I didn’t have the right gear. And worst of all, I knew … Read More
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: there’s no glory in comfort.The Death Race taught me that. The kind of brutal, soul-stripping event that doesn’t care how strong you think you are—it’ll break you just to see what’s underneath. But I never expected to feel that same tension, that same grind, in the … Read More
The Unseen Burdens of Endurance Athletes When I started recording The Legend of the Death Race podcast, I expected to hear incredible stories of resilience, endurance, and grit. What I didn’t expect was the common thread running through so many conversations—unresolved trauma. Again and again, I heard fellow Death Racers talk about using the race … Read More
When I set out to write The Legend of the Death Race, I wasn’t just telling the story of an insane endurance challenge—I was crafting a legend. One that, at its core, mirrors a legend that has shaped my life in a different way: The Legend of Zelda. At first glance, the Spartan Death Race … Read More