SPARTAN RACE AT CAMP JOHN HAY: BUILDING MEMORIES AND STRONG MIND, BODY

By Zyrelle del Prado

“As a parent, it is important to maintain quality bonding and invest in memorable experiences with your children. The Spartan Race provides this chance for family bonding. It helps bring the family closer together while also making parenting more fulfilling. It contributes to a parenting perspective by allowing the kids to experience the realities of physical pain and mental toughness required to finish the race without being overprotective.” These are words coming from a true Spartan Dad.

Rodel Villanueva, a selfconfessed health and fitness enthusiast, prepared his kids Dean Lhoerd and Zaccheus Rhyen physically and mentally a week before the Spartan Race Kids. He assured them it is okay if they could not make it through any obstacle. He assured them that what is important is that they enjoy and finish the race, regardless of time pressure.

Indeed, more than just a race, Spartan Race Kids brings out the best in each child participant. It is a test of discipline, of the will to overcome each obstacle, and the internal battle as to which motivates stronger. Is it the mind that influences, or the body that performs?

To help his children hurdle the race, Rodel instilled in them the value of balancing achievement, where one can have the opportunity to demonstrate one’s abilities, and the potential to improve on them.

Although the family participated in last year's Spartan Kids event in New Clark City, his children were just as enthusiastic as ever. Rodel described, “Our family always looks forward to the upcoming races. The event excites us, especially the kids, who are always thrilled about it. With this in mind, they continue to practice and train in order to improve themselves, and conquer the obstacles they have failed to accomplish last time.”

It was the first time that Spartan Kids was held in Camp John Hay (CJH). Spartan Kids is an addition to CJH's well-known activities, such as running, biking, and hiking. Who does not want to enjoy the scenic views and cool weather it offers while conquering all the obstacles in the race?

Rodel’s sons finished strong in the race. He shared, “I encourage my family to be fit and healthy by engaging in family-friendly fitness activities, such as going for a walk on the

Camp John Hay trails, running, and doing basic exercises."

For Rodel, it was a memorable proud dad moment on Father's Day—of seeing his youngsters sprint towards the finish line and complete the endurance race and all the obstacles in high spirits.

In conquering the rings, Spartans need to have a strong grip, rhythmic momentum to transfer from one ring to another, and stay calm and focused on completing the challenge.