Cattlewomen prepare for 2016 Savage Race

A group of Florida cattlewomen are gearing up for one of the most challenging endurance competitions around.

Cattlewomen Beth Hunt, Reyna Hallworth and Ashley Hughes have joined forces with others to create “Team Beef.”

The goal: Complete the 2016 Savage Race, and encourage others to join the challenge.

The race — set for Oct. 22-23 at the Little Everglades Ranch in Dade City — is grueling. The 7.5-mile course features 25 military-style obstacles scattered throughout a humid, swampy terrain.

The event, in its third year in Dade City, is expected to attract 10,000 racers and 3,000 spectators from all over Florida.

Hughes, executive director of the Florida Beef Council, completed the race— “a huge physical challenge”— in 2012. Her advice: Push through and finish strong.

“Your adrenaline runs so high,” Hughes, 32, said, “because you know it’s going to be challenging, and you know it’s going to be hard, and you just pray that you have the stamina to be able to make it through.”

She added: “It really is an awesome opportunity for Team Beef to show that we completed this.”

Though the women are training individually, their objective is to stay together throughout the course, and finish as a unit.

“We need to stay together,” said Hunt, president Florida Cattlewomen Inc.

“The accountability factor is huge,” added Hallworth, a former beef extension scientist for the University of Florida.

To prepare for the race, Hallworth — now a stay-at-home mother of three — is following a six-week conditioning program that incorporates jogging, sprints and an assortment of body-weight exercises.

“Sometimes, I can work a workout into my daily routine, sometimes I have to do it on the side of a soccer field during (youth) soccer practice,” Hallworth explained.

“It’s not easy for any of us, but it is a priority.”

Finding the time, Hunt said, is key.

Hunt, who’s participated in several 5K runs and obstacle races, said incorporating daily 45-minute workouts helps build endurance for the looming event.

“Even if it’s getting outside and walking a couple of blocks,” said Hunt, “and working in some other strength training or air squats.”

“Getting out the door is step No. 1,” Hughes agreed. “If you can get your shoes on and get your running clothes on, you’re halfway there.”

She continued: “You have to train hard to be able to accomplish that (race), but always make sure to listen to your body…if something doesn’t feel right.”

Yet, perhaps the Savage Race’s largest obstacle isn’t even physical.

“I think the biggest aspect,” Hallworth said, “is getting over the mental hurdle.”

Hallworth, who suffers from bursitis in her left foot and also broke her shoulder a few years ago, added: “My circumstances aren’t going to define whether or not I can do this.”

To fuel — and replenish — their bodies, the group turns to none other than lean beef during meal times.

“Protein is such an incredible recovery,” Hughes said, “because you’re literally burning your muscles as you’re training.”

“You get 50 percent of your daily recommended (protein) value from 3 ounces of beef, and at a low caloric cost,” she added.

Although the lengthy trek is intimidating, Hughes said the Savage Race is “acceptable to everyone.”

“Even though the Savage Race is hard, you can do it at your pace. You can do it slowly, you can walk it if you need to, you don’t have to come out there like an elite athlete,” Hughes explained.

But, she noted prospective race-goers need ample preparation time.

“If you’re doing a straight-from-the-couch kind of program, give yourself a good couple of months, or a good eight weeks,” explained Hughes. “For people who are already in shape, (give) at least four to six weeks.”

For more information on the Florida Cattlewomen, visit FloridaCattlewomen.org.

For information on the 2016 Savage Race, visit SavageRace.com.

Published October 12, 2016