Nick Groff Investigates… The Spartan Beast!

Nick Groff is one of the most respected names in television and beyond when it comes to the paranormal. He has had incredible experiences in some of the most haunted locations in the world. As a friend to Arrow in the Head, we’ve shared some very exciting experiences with Nick including a couple of wild and spooky moments that we’ve managed to capture on camera. Thus, we’ve decided to work with the television host and producer extraordinaire so he can share his knowledge and insight on all things that go bump in the night. With this bi-monthly column, we plan to delve into everything from urban legends to ghostly apparitions, to his take on some of the coolest genre flicks ever. This is Nick Groff Investigates…!

THE SPARTAN BEAST!

When it comes to the paranormal and the unknown, I’ve always been beyong impressed with the drive and the gumption that Nick Groff has shown. From spending several days in a location that most would run screaming from, as well as continuing to search for answers about what happens after we pass on, he’s always taken the road less traveled. Having had the wonderful opportunity to share in a handful of fascinating experiences with him, I’m continually blown away by the zest he has for life and the many adventures he has embraced. In fact, it’s that passion that continues to not only push Nick himself, but all of those around him as well. And frankly, aside from all the spooky stuff, it’s his commitment to taking new and exciting physical challenges that's truly impressive. And not all of them involve the paranormal.

A few months ago, we covered something a little different. It was Nick and Mike Couch and their quest to raise awareness for the Lost Limbs Foundation. The fact that these two took on Mount Washington and made it through with powerful results made it clear what all you can accomplish if you set your sights on it. You see, Mike has been a major force in trying to offer opportunities for those who are in need of prosthetic limbs. Having lost his own leg, he has helped raise awareness, and he's also made an effort to show those suffering that they too can rise above their challenges. His work is inspirational, and along with Nick, the two continue to push their limits as much as they possibly can. All the while, still giving something back to the community.

As for their latest adventure? Well, if you’ve ever heard of the Spartan Race, you’re probably aware that it’s one hell of an intense and physically demanding run. Well how about the Spartan Beast in North Carolina? Yeah, these fellas took that on as well. Nick has documented their work together on a VIDISPACE series entitled Unlimited Journey. The beauty of this is that you see the trials and tribulations, but you also see the joy and pure adrenaline rush of realizing a personal and professional goal. While we are taking a bit of a break from the spooks and scares in this weeks Nick Groff Investigates, I think it’s a break worth taking. We here at AITH are excited to share some of Nick and Mike’s experience taking on this Beast. It’s an inspiring story that is well worth sharing.

“I’ve been competing in sports all my life and needed something to challenge myself. Spartan Race was perfect to go after. I did my first 5k run a couple years ago. I was ready for something bigger to conquer. This is how it all started.

I met Mike Couch with the Lost Limbs Foundation a couple years ago during one of my events. He wanted to challenge himself and climb a mountain, so I decided to help him on his journey and film our experience. We call our series Unlimited Journey and now the episodes are streaming on VIDI SPACE and Amazon Prime. The first episode we documented was climbing Mount Washington.

I felt Spartan Beast in North Carolina would be the next big challenge for us to conquer. It was extremely hard! 14 miles and 30 obstacles in 40° rainy weather! Johnny Houser made the trip to support and run with us. We raise money for children in need of prosthetics and create these epic challenges to show never to give up, no matter how hard the obstacles in life. We are pushing our limits beyond when we think we want to stop. The mind is so much more powerful than what we actually think. Motivated to show others when life is hard, keep pushing forward, because succeeding and accomplishing great things is what living is all about.

I trained extremely hard for months leading up to the Spartan Beast. What I realized quickly is it doesn’t matter how hard you train, because anything can happen when you step on the course for Spartan. You’re stepping into the unknown. The weather can change, the course and your body can affect everything in your run. I love a challenge and this is what life is all about, living to your full potential.

The last 3 miles I felt like I was starting to get hypothermia in the freezing cold and it was messing with my mind. What I learned is the mind is so much stronger than we realize. This episode will be out soon for you to experience what we went through and hear Mike’s compelling story. This race was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life but I felt so much was accomplished. 

Please donate to www.Lostlimbsfoundation.org and stay tuned for our next challenge and episode coming soon!”

Nick wanted to give a shout out to Jeff Waldridge, Johnny Houser, Dianna Metzger, Rick Schreck, Mike Couch and Kate Schreck (Pictured below). Thanks gang, you all make one hell of a great team!