POWERGRAMS

4 Most people walk around mudholes. Lance Johnson slogs through them on purpose. Running through mud is one of the easier challenges Johnson has faced competing in obstacle course races during the past year. "I do it for the challenge," said Johnson, utility assistant, Mobile – Michigan Avenue Complex. "I want to see how far I can push myself. I like to see if I can push myself to the point of exhaustion and keep going." At the urging of a friend, Johnson took part in his first obstacle course event in Kiln, Miss., in October 2014. The four-mile Spartan Sprint included 15 obstacles. "Spartan" races are on obstacle courses that vary in length from 3 miles to marathons (26.2 miles). The obstacles can range from throwing a spear, flipping large tires and jumping over fire pits to carrying a sandbag or climbing a slippery wall. Participants must complete all obstacles or perform 30 penalty exercises. "During that first race, I just tried to stay positive and keep moving," said Johnson. "I didn't expect the races to be as hard as they are. It completely changed my training program." After the first event, Johnson began a more intensive training regime. To prepare for a race, he now runs up to 12 miles at least three days a week before heading to work. In the evenings, he often lifts weights, practices rope-climbing, flips tires or runs uphill while carrying a rock-filled bucket. Johnson has competed in eight Spartan races in Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and Alabama. On Oct. 17, he is slated to run in the Alabama Super Spartan 2015, an 8-mile race in Saraland with 20 obstacles and more than 30 elevation changes. Johnson has taken part in four GORUCK events, which are team challenges based on wartime special operations training. Carrying 10-pound to 30-pound backpacks (or rucksacks), team participants work to accomplish tasks, such as carrying a power pole for a set distance. "The GORUCK challenges are similar to boot camp training exercises," said Johnson, adding that they can last up to 14 hours, depending on the event. "The big difference between these events and the Spartan races is that you work in teams. They also do these challenges in the heart of the city while the Spartan races are off the beaten path." Johnson began developing a healthier lifestyle after his dad died six years ago. "My dad passed away at 56, and I got to thinking, 'I don't want that to be me,'" he said. "It showed me that nothing is forever, and you need to take care of yourself if you want to be here for your kids." Johnson's first move was to switch to a healthier diet, cutting down on fast foods and soft drinks. In 2013, he began running in 5K and 10K races as a member of Alabama Power's Mobile Division running team that competes in the Corporate Cup circuit. Johnson's family is joining him on the trail. Johnson and his daughters, Mattilynn, 6, and Zoey, 3, took part in an obstacle course race for kids in Dallas, Ga., last spring. His wife, Ginna, competed in her second obstacle course race on Sept. 26. "I either compete in an obstacle course race or run in a 5K or 10K almost every weekend," Johnson said. "On top of the competition, it keeps me motivated and fit, and gives me a more positive outlook." By Carla Davis Spartan races spur employee to overcome wellness obstacles PROFILE Michigan Avenue Complex Utility Assistant Johnson has been taking on obstacle courses for a year. Johnson runs with daughter, Zoey, and wife, Ginna. Photo by Dan Anderson

• Cover