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A Kentucky State University research analyst recently competed in two Spartan races in consecutive days as a test of his strength and fitness. 

Shimar Keith, a 10-year employee at Kentucky State, said he began Crossfit-type training at GURU Fitness in Frankfort two years ago and is the basis for his Spartan training. Spartan, he said, is a competitive racing organization that has 10 different kinds of races that include obstacles such as climbing over walls, trudging through mud, rope climbing and throwing a javelin. 

“I love and hate stuff like this,” Keith said. “It is hard but racing keeps me fit, strong, and honest. There is a difference between being gym strong and field strong. Completing a race shows me just how strong and healthy I really am or am not.”

Being field strong is his motivation, Keith said, but he won’t take all of the credit because he said his friends drag him into things like this. 

Keith said he and his friends competed in two types of Spartan races in Atlanta in March this year. They completed the Super - a 10K with 25 obstacles - one day and the Sprint - a 5K with 20 obstacles - the next day. Keith said he plans to attempt the Trifecta - a combination of the Sprint and Super, as well as the Beast, which is a half marathon with 30 obstacles - this year. 

As one might imagine, such a weekend required much preparation. 

“I prepared for this weekend by working on my rope climbing technique and adding a run at the end of my workout,” Keith said. “My goal was to be able to run five miles after 45 minutes of weight training.”

Keith is a longtime runner and can be seen training around campus. A friend roped him into running, as well, he said. 

“I had a buddy who loved running 5Ks every weekend during the summer back when the Biggest Loser television show was a thing,” Keith said. “We took our wives all over Kentucky to participate in different festivals and run races. Once I caught the running bug I held on to it. The last 5K I ran was a fundraiser by the KSU alumni pre-COVID.”

Keith said he doesn’t run competitively much anymore, but “I’m certainly not above jogging across campus when the opportunity presents itself.”

For Keith, staying healthy is part of the larger picture as a father, family man and man of faith. 

“As a family man, I believe part of my job is being strong and healthy for my family,” Keith said. “Healthy and strong mentally, physically, financially, and spiritually. I’m also a minister and mentor of men.  I fail a lot but that is a part of the journey. I try to practice the art of excellence and grace.”