For the first time, Soldiers To Sidelines took on a Spartan Race together, bringing Soldier Coaches to Lebanon, Tennessee, for a weekend of education, connection, and competition.
The experience began in the classroom, where Director of Endurance Performance Nate Palin introduced an interdependent approach to Obstacle Course Race preparation built around four components: Mindset, Fitness, Skill, and Strategy. Executive Director Harrison Bernstein explored mindset from a coaching perspective, emphasizing how coaches can inspire and sustain motivation. Palin then broke fitness into movement, output, and capacity, explaining how each component works together in preparing athletes for the demands of competition.
From there, learning moved outdoors. Spartan Coach Christian Bizzotto led hands-on skill development and a VIP course tour, giving our Soldier Coaches an up-close look at the obstacles and strategies they would encounter on race day. The experience was coordinated by Cynthia Ayo-Siegel of Spartan, whose support helped make the weekend possible.
Then it was time to race.
Our Soldier Coaches took on the Spartan course together, putting the weekend’s lessons into action while demonstrating the camaraderie, resilience, and teamwork that define our community.
We are incredibly grateful to Christian, Cynthia, and the entire Spartan team for sponsoring our Soldier Coaches, sharing their expertise, and welcoming Soldiers To Sidelines.
Our first Spartan Race as an STS team is officially in the books—and we crossed the finish line together.
Better Coaching. Better Lives.