The Spartan Race Series: Toyota Park Stadium Sprint (what a mouth full, right?) was my first attempt at a Spartan race. A race not too far down the road, and as a stadium version? How could I say no.

The Stadium Series is a newer addition to the Spartan races, and (as far as I know) only features the Sprint distance. This year was the first year of the Stadium Sprint at Chicago's Toyota Park, home of the Chicago Fire MLS soccer team.

The registration process was super easy for the race, but make sure you hold onto your confirmation emails. These will be the only ones you get with details about race morning. All information is readily accessible on the website, though. The Spartan also allows you to register for one of three categories: Elite, Age Group, and Open.

There is no pre-race packet pickup, so you'll have to do it the morning of the race, so give yourself extra time for that. The check-in process is easy, provided you have your barcode prepped either as a picture, in your email, or on a webpage. You'll need this barcode to get your packet; although I think the race will look it up for you. In your packet you'll get a timing chip to put on your wrist, a wrist-band saying what wave and time you start, a Spartan sweat wrist-band, a headband (which is also your bib), a wrist-band for your free beer, AND the race shirt. Basically there is a lot.

Also keep in mind that parking costs $10 at the stadium, so bring cash for that.

If you want yet another wrist-band, head over to the bag check (which costs $5) to get one for that as well. Yes, your wrists will be full of things.

The pre-race area is filled with athletes, merch tent, bag check, and various sponsors; basically it's like having the expo and start line in the same area. Oh and indoor bathrooms!! And since there are multiple waves, the bathrooms never got too busy since everyone starts at different times.

Be prepared that once you head over to the start, you'll have your first obstacle before the race starts, as you have to jump a wall (your first of many on the day) to get into the start corral.

The Sprint version of the Spartan ranges anywhere from 3-5 miles. My Garmin picked up this race as 2.7 (and the person running the start area said it was just short of 3 too), but Athlinks lists the race as 4. So who knows how long it is.

Your race will be filled with walls, ropes, stairs, more stairs, weights, and burpees. If you're like me and train purely for running, your upper body might be a little sore after this one is done (I'm still in soreness pain). And to give you an idea, the race bills the average finish time as 40 minutes, and the elites took about 25. So don't expect to break any speed records. But you do get a shiny medal at the finish, as well as a third of the Spartan Trifecta medal.

The Spartan Stadium Series Sprint was something totally different and out of my wheel house. It was also a humbling experience for someone who really just runs road and trail races. I'd definitely recommend a Spartan to anyone who hasn't tried one, but definitely start with the Sprint distance!! Right after, I said I probably wouldn't do another one, but at the same time it would be fun to go and get the rest of those Trifecta pieces.