iFIT Member Highlight: Shawn Beranty
Meet iFIT member Shawn Beranty. Shawn completed the 24-hour World's Toughest Mudder event on November 16, 2019, in Atlanta! This is an intense obstacle course race, where participants compete in a 5-mile looped course, trying to complete as many laps as possible in 24 hours. We interviewed Shawn about the race, and here’s what he had to say about his experience.
Why did you want to participate in the race?
I’ve been asked why I would do something like this many times, but the answer has been pretty simple. There was a day I couldn’t imagine doing anything like this. Just a few years ago, I was out of shape and felt embarrassed when someone would bring a camera around. I started out setting small goals and once I achieved those, I wanted to set bigger goals. I looked at this event as a pipe dream, but soon learned there are people and programs out there that are fantastic.
“Surround yourself with others on the same journey and it becomes a fun process. Everyone roots for each other to cross that finish line or crush that goal.”
What did your training plan look like?
My training plan began in the summer with the idea of trying to accumulate a lot of miles under my belt. I primarily used my NordicTrack incline trainer for the majority of the training. During a session with one of the trainers, I would pause the workout and go do a variety of pull-ups, curls, and abdominal crunches. Grip strength is one of the main things needed to have success, along with a good cardio base. There are a lot of obstacles where you have to pull yourself up, such as walls and rope climbs.
What workout series did you use to train?
I primarily used John Peel's End of the World Series. I love his longer workouts that are at a good pace and have a lot of elevation. He challenges you to keep up, but it feels like you’re out with a friend more than a coach. He has a way of inspiring you to become a better version of yourself through hard work and discipline. I was also using Ashley Paulson’s Boston Marathon Series to get those much-needed miles in. I fell in love with her positive energy and the rolling hills of the series were a perfect training companion.
What challenges did you run into and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I ran into was that the majority of the race happened overnight with a lot of water obstacles, and the temperature dropping in the mid-30s. Everyone wore a wetsuit at that time to help keep hypothermia at bay. I’d never worn a wetsuit in my life, let alone run in one for the majority of an event. There were nights that I put on the wetsuit and climbed on the incline trainer to simulate what it would feel like during an event. It was horrible and constrictive at first, but after a while, it became a little more comfortable. Keeping up with Tommy Rivs Puzey in Costa Rica while wearing a wetsuit was not as enjoyable as it may sound! In the end, the benefit of overcoming that feeling made for a more comforting experience during the race.
What race do you hope to complete next?
Some of my future goals include running in the Boston Marathon. I’m not fast by any means, but there are other ways to participate in the race. The environment in which iFIT has presented the course has drawn me to find a way to get there someday. The people along the course and all the stories of the runners’ journeys to get there would make for some epic memories. In all honesty, it would’ve never been on my radar if I didn’t get to experience it first on iFIT.
What is it about iFIT that keeps you motivated?
I love what iFIT has provided for its customer base. You can travel all around the world with trainers that feel like friends, even with never meeting them. In the end, they all have the same goal of helping you become a healthier version of yourself. This all takes place in some epic locations while exploring diverse cultures. This feeling is what draws me in, along with the fantastic and motivated online community. I love seeing people achieve their goals, whatever they may be.
Training for an event similar to Shawn’s? Give these workout series a try!
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FRENCH POLYNESIA FAST & FIT SERIES
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GRAND CANYON SOUTH RIM-TO-RIVER SERIES
Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFIT assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment.
Opinions of iFIT members are not necessarily the opinions of iFIT.
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