I was fortunate enough to have Brenna Calvert brought to my attention by one of her teammates, Evan. I had fun learning a bit more about this Badass Woman in the OCR community. Not only has she taken on many exciting challenges, but she is a strong voice for OCR and love for our community. Her athletic accomplishments are impressive, but she is super down to earth and it was fun getting to know her a bit better.
It is never an easy task for me to decide on whom to interview for this article series. All of the women involved in the OCR sport to me are “Badass”, as they are pushing themselves beyond what they thought was their limit, and inspiring those around them to be strong and healthier in their own lives. In the case of Johanna, I have been fortunate to get to know her online a bit through the Canadian Mudd Queens group, and what makes her a “Badass” is not one thing, but all the little things that she has done for herself, and for others.
All women have an obstacle in life that they need to overcome. For some, it is the pressure of society to act and be a certain way, for others, it’s the obstacle of being perfect. The main thing I love about the OCR community is that no one is perfect, and we are all strong in our own ways. For Kelli although she is strong, has done 105 races in over 5 years and wants to push for more, has to deal with Panic and anxiety on a daily basis.
Cynthia has had quite the interesting career within the OCR community. She started her journey in 2012 and has since tackled many OCR and running events, letting no perceived fears get in her way. Initially, as I started to learn more about her, I was intrigued. Not only is she a mom, but she was able to in 2014 at the Spartan Sprint in Toronto chase down Helene Dumais (and we all know that is a feat within itself).
Cassie was first brought to my attention listening to her on a podcast. I have heard her name before, but didn’t truly realize how much of an impact she has had on the OCR world. I don’t want to focus on what she has been through medically, but she has survived more battles with cancer in the last few years, then anyone should ever have to. This has not stopped her being strong, working hard and participating in a number of OCR events. She is strong, humble, has a gentle soul and her infectious smile is amazing.
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 Season with 5 Spartan Trifecta’s and shows no signs of slowing down. She is ranked # 1 in her age group and took 8th place overall for open female, and 28th overall in the open division.
Each woman in this series is unique in their own way. For Randi, what drew me to her, was her athleticism. She is not only a woman that holds multiple podium finishes in OCR races across the board, but she was one of only 2 women in 2015 to keep their belt when finishing Conquer the Gauntlet (a mandatory obstacle completion OCR). She has her own personality and seems to be full of energy and drive.
As you all can tell, I am trying to interview women for this article series from all types of backgrounds and with stories to tell. When I first learned about Amy Pacjic, it was humbling. Not only was she an American Ninja Warrior competitor, but she is the only women to stand on both the overall podium of both Obstacle Course Racing World Championship and World’s Toughest Mudder.
Ashley Samples is nothing but ordinary. She won her age group at OCR World Championships in 2015, came in first place in 9 races this year (and accomplishing this while pregnant). Ashley was nominated in the Best Female OCR Racer category in the Mud Run Guide Best of OCR Awards. This season (January-August) she competed in 20 races in 9 states and won a race on 3 different continents.
Robyn to me is the definition of a strong “Alpha Female”. She has worn many hats in her life including being involved in the Marketing industry, recording her own weekly podcast called “The Alpha Female”, sharing her thoughts with the world via her blog, or just getting out there and participating in OCR world. I choose to feature her in my “Bad Ass Women of OCR” article series, is because I wanted the world to know that being a “badass” in the OCR community isn’t just about going hardcore at races, but it is also about being a strong woman overall in life.
