Badass Women of OCR: Louise “Lulu” Spitzer

Badass Women in the OCR community come from all different backgrounds and varying levels of fitness and stamina. Let me tell you a bit more about Lulu Spitzer. She is 61 years old, has ended the 2016 Spartan Race Season with 5 Spartan Trifecta’s and shows no signs of slowing down. She is ranked # 1 in her age group and took 8^th place overall for open female, and 28^th overall in the open division. Her goal from what I understand is to complete at least 8 trifectas in the 2017 year and encourages people to not let age or physical ability be an excuse.

Please tell us a bit about yourself:

This is always a tough question. I am 62 and have been doing OCR races since 2014. Before then I spent a lot of time on the couch. I was never ‘athletic’, never did sports all through school, was never on a team and was usually picked last in gym class when I couldn’t find a way to dodge class that day. Racing has been more empowering for me than I could ever have imagined. The OCR community, in general, is so supportive. I was in the technology field for 25 years. Now I work for Nutrisystem helping people be successful with their diets. Nutrisystem is a great fit for me as I have struggled with my weight my whole life, so getting to support people with their struggles is very rewarding to me.

I get tons of support from my husband and my training teams: TheCrewOcr, Spartan 4-0 and Philly Spartans.

What is your proudest achievement to date in your sport?

There are so many things to be proud of… The first time I rang the bell at the top of a rope climb was awesome, but crushing the Killington Vermont Beast still amazes me to this day. Having someone tell me I was ranked #1 in age group when I had no idea; that was a very surprising but proud moment. Anytime someone on the course recognizes me and tells me that I’ve somehow motivated them makes me beam with pride.

When someone says to you Obstacle Race or Obstacle Course race, what does this bring to mind for you?

Pushing your limits, getting out of your comfort zone, overcoming fears, encouraging others to be the best version of themselves. The non-racing people in my life don’t really get it, but racing has made me better in every aspect of life. And the friendships and community of OCR, it’s not something you expect going into it, but there’s so much caring and support out there, I just want to do my part to add to that.

If you could be any flavor of ice cream what would it be and why?

I would much rather eat ice cream than be ice cream!

What was your first competitive event? Tell us about that

For me it is not about the first event, it’s about the next event!! While I admit I compare my results against others after every race, my main competition is always with myself.

My biggest challenge is getting out of my own way. It is so easy to let self-doubt (The ‘I cant’s), psyche you out! Success and failure both happen first in your head.

Is there an event/competition that you would never do?

I have learned to never say never. First I said I would never do a Spartan race. Then I did one. I said I’d never do a Spartan Beast, then I went and got my  1^st Trifecta. Then the next year I got 5. I said I’d never do Killington. Then I did it and it was my best race. I will not say never ever again.
Except I will never Skydive!! Ever! Really!

What is one little-known fact about you?

I own over 400 pairs of shoes and I love wearing high heels. I’ve actually lost count, and those numbers don’t even include my new found love for athletic/OCR shoes. OK that is probably a very well-known fact about me among my friends.

I know we all have our own training plans/schedules/goals – tell us a bit about yours.

I just started working with a new trainer, Karl Woodeshick (@battlekarl), who is helping me train specifically for OCR racing. Heartrate training, HIIT sessions, butt kicking hill repeats, intense bodyweight training, and more. Lots of trail runs too. These are workouts I never did before and I already see a big difference and can’t wait to see the results on the course.

Being one of the older competitors in OCR, has that changed your view on the sport or how many events you will do?

I am going for 8 trifectas this year, but my real goal is to not only be #1 in my age group but in 2 age groups below mine. I think it would be great for ocr races to have an ultra-masters class. Being lumped in a 50 to 120 age group makes us older racers feel less important.

I’d like my own age group please – I’m trying to inspire more women and men my age to enter this sport-it would be nice if there was a designated spot for us.

What is your motto or on course mantra?

STFU has gotten me thru a lot of tough races. Also ‘I CAN!’

Do you have a special piece of race gear you cannot live without?

My husband. He has more faith in me than I have in myself and is my biggest supporter.

We race together often, though he is running elite more now. Even when we race separate, we have our pre-race huddle that inspires me to do my best.

What is your favorite on course food?

I LOVE to eat, but during a race, though I know I need to, I find it difficult. I can ALWAYS eat a Honey stinger though, so I bring them to every race. Unfrozen pedalyte pops and salt tablets really help get me thru the longer races.

Is there a random fact you want to share with everyone?

When I am not covered in mud or training, I am a total girly-girl! I love clothes, shoes and jewelry and getting my nails done! I adore hosting theme parties where attire, food and activities all match the theme. Also I consider my parties ‘my Oscars’: I’ll often change my outfit 3 times during the evening!

If someone wants to reach out to you on social media, how do they find you?

Facebook:Lulu Spitzer, on
Instagram : OCRLulu

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