Dan Nathan interviews Lenny Redrose

What is the Spartan race?
Spartan Race is an Obstacle Course Race (OCR) made for able bodied people which ranges from 5km, 10km, 21km and 50km.

What attracted you to it?
My initial attraction to Spartan was to stay clean from my drug addiction. I felt by setting this goal I would be able to maintain that. From then it’s grown as one of my passions in sport. 

What’s your history with the race?
My history runs for 7 years with the race. My most recent race was only last month on the 22nd

Who did you do it with?
I include anyone and everyone. Most of the lads are old soccer mates who have seen me prior to my SCI. It’s one of the most incredible feelings when you have mates dealing with their issues like drug addiction, weight issues and imposter syndrome all come together and break their own barriers down and achieve a goal. I absolutely love it!

What was your training routine?
Not easy to maintain with a 14 month old son lol. Typically 5-6 gym sessions a week and 3-4 cardio/push sessions also. Gym normally goes for an hour and the cardio/push from 5-15 km efforts.

What was the most challenging part of the race?
Honestly the whole thing is a massive challenge. Seven hours of racing up and down hills and obstacles is not the norm.

How did you overcome it?
I already know what I’m getting myself into so the only two ways of being prepared is mentally and physically.

What was the most rewarding part of it?
The whole collective of mates coming together and achieving things on a personal and team level. This race isn’t about me and that’s why I love it.

Have you ever seen another wheelchair user compete? 
No I haven’t. I’ve heard there’s one in the US, and one in France. Apparently there’s been a couple of wheelchair users that have competed in Australia in the past.

Any plans for another one?
Of course. I’m in the process of creating a foundation which will raise funds to support future athletes with disabilities to race. The team’s plan is to go interstate later this year and also race in the local Melbourne Spartan in August. I’ve currently got three others with SCI who want to join for the next one, and the Spartan Race organizers have said that anyone with a disability (and their carer) can enter for free. If you want to join us, get in touch with me! [email protected]

Any advice to someone who’s interested in giving it a go?
My advice is get out of your comfort zone and break your barrier. Shoot me an email if you want to get involved.