Image: Instagram/@shotbymik via @tony.labrusca
The Spartan race truly gives justice to its name, as the series of obstacle races with varying distances and range of difficulty seems like an undertaking fit only for the fiercest and toughest warrior society of ancient Greece.
The Spartan race held in Foressa, Cebu last June 16 was a feat not meant for the weak, thanks to its rugged 6.5 kilometer terrain with 21 obstacles. For some, the idea of a first timer having a go at the behemoth race seems daunting, but actor and model Tony Labrusca proved that even a neophyte like him can conquer the said battlefield.
Labrusca took to his Instagram account two days ago, June 18, to share to his fans his 1st place win in the Age Group Division at the recent Spartan race. Labrusca posed for the camera right after the race, wearing his finisher’s medal and striking a Herculean pose that seemed to say, “I conquered it!”
“What a crazy experience. I’m so humbled to have been able to participate in my very first spartan race,” said Labrusca. “When I first started training I don’t think people around me really understood why I was training lol. But I was really determined. I wanted focus and drive in my life and I found that by being a spartan.”
But training to be a “Spartan” is a commitment that doesn’t come easy. Labrusca revealed that on the first times he trained for the race, he “felt like hell,” because it’s a mental and physical battle that often left him feeling beat up.
“Training to be a Spartan was honestly one of the hardest, most grueling things I’ve ever done and it’s true,” he said. Labrusca stated that his goal to cross the finish line saw him going to the gym twice a day and even forcing himself to go despite the bouts of laziness and weariness.
He also extended his gratitude to his coach, Andrea Arcega, who stayed with him from start to end.
“I wouldn’t have made it if it wasn’t for my amazing coach who kicked my ass every single time at the gym @cegiehd thank you for believing in me,” he said. “And of course to the Spartan fam all of y’all were so encouraging! And most of all, God. I give it all up to you.”
It seems as if the last time people went utterly crazy for spartans was over Gerard Butler’s “Awoo, awoo-ing” stint at the epic war film “300” back in 2006. But in this case, Labrusca took the cake for real-life spartanhood. JB
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