Beyond The Obstacles: An Exclusive Interview with Jayakumar Tharmalingam

In this exclusive interview, we step into the world of a seasoned Spartan racer and Spartan Race Malaysia Ambassador, Jayakumar Tharmalingam.

Join us as we unravel Jay’s unique experiences, training tips, and winning mindset that fuels this inspiring athlete’s success.

How did you get into OCR (Obstacle Course Racing)?

Before getting into OCR, I did a lot of running since I was 9 years old, a passion I developed from my father who was a running legend. I remember my first Viper Challenge in 2013 which involved running and obstacles. I slowly improved by reducing my finishing time for each challenge.

While doing OCR, I was also doing road running. Both training are totally different as one is cardio and the other is strength. However, my father advised me to focus on just one, so I decided to do OCR and entered my first Spartan Malaysia in 2015.

Did you already embrace the Spartan mantra and mentality before entering Spartan events?

I’ve always been a competitive person, so I have my own way of doing Spartan Race. That means during the race, I put friendships on hold. After the competition, we’ll become friends again.

I don’t share how I do my training because I don’t want to reveal my weapon to my enemies. But I do stand-up paddling and run at a pace of 6, as well as intense 2-hour workouts every day.

What are some of your best memories?

In 2019, I traveled to Sweden in temperatures below -19 degrees to take on a 8.2-kilometer per loop. I had to complete a minimum of six loops to earn the finishing medal.

What’s another country you had the opportunity to explore or visit?

I participate in the Spartan Trifecta World Championship in Greece every 1st week of November every year. It feels more like a family reunion than a race, where everyone comes together, no matter their background.

I make sure to do at least one Trifecta each year—three races in one weekend. Out of 5000 people, I managed to get 84th placing. I’m proud to have the most trifectas in Malaysia—19 and counting. I’m aiming for my 20th, and soon after, in Phuket will be the 21st.

What was your first Spartan race overseas like?

For Singapore, it was nothing different. But Europeans are crazy because they started at pace 3, going 25km in 2 hours with obstacles. They are like beasts or monsters.

Have you had any injuries?

No injuries so far. I don’t do warm-ups or warm-downs. My pre-race ritual involves eating a green apple just half an hour before the race on an empty stomach. The last meal I have is an early dinner the night before the race.

I’ve tackled a 100km race in 16 hours or more with the same routine. My heart rate typically stays between 150-160, occasionally hitting 170-180. Stress levels will be around 55-60. You have to train your body until your body listens to you. I don’t do a carbo load.

How do you maintain a lean physique?

It’s all about the mindset. For example, incorporating activities like running while carrying a sandbag not only trains your cardio but also builds strength. I also did 10,000 burpees in a month before during the Covid-19

What’s your routine like?

My routine starts at 5:30 am with a cold shower and a spoonful of raw honey. Then at 7:30 am, I have a green apple, some bread, and coffee. I kick off my work at 7am till 4pm. When its 5 pm, it’s time to dive into training.

How does being a vegetarian impact your workout?

Well, I’ve noticed I can do more than a friend who isn’t a vegetarian. I believe it’s a mix of food, mindset, and training your body to listen to you. When your body is ready, your mindset will be too.

What are some of your goals for next year?

The first is to bring back Spartan Shield from Sparta by completing a minimum of 13 trifectas in a year. Secondly, I want to train 4 to 7-year-olds for Spartan Kids. I want to inspire people to go to Spartan races and hear them say, “I am here because of you.”