As I predicted in my previous summary of the World’s Toughest Mudder (WTM) rule changes for 2016, there is another rule change that will change the experience of the event and has had a big response on social media. The first thing to know about WTM is that you do not need a pit crew to compete, but pit crew is very helpful.
There are massive amounts of young individuals out there, full of energy and ambition that have yet to participate in obstacle racing. For someone who wants to create exposure for the sport; and get college students out of bars and parties and on to the obstacle course, the low participation numbers are frustrating.
If you've wandered into the world of endurance, be it a GORUCK event, Spartan Hurricane Heat, Agoge, or some other iteration, then you've probably had some experience taking on a leadership role, whether by choice or nomination. A big part of the process in events like these is figuring out what works and what doesn't and how to bind a team of individuals into an effective unit.
It’s been said that you never forget your first time. I certainly remember mine. It’s as if every part, down to the tiniest detail, is permanently engrained in my memory, like an indelible mark that cannot be washed away. All I have to do is close my eyes, and I’m back there, back in that instance when what seemed like an eternity of waiting finally ended. It almost seemed like a dream. “Is this really happening? Am I actually, finally going to do this?” A light bead of sweat began to form at the small of my back, the way it always does when the adrenaline begins to course through my veins.
I will admit I have never once worn my Tough Mudder t-shirts. Some found their way into my mother’s closet. Some were gifted to students. Others donated to Value Village. Spartan gear on the other hand continues to prosper. Shorts, t-shirts, shoes, sweaters. I never thought twice of throwing on a piece of Spartan gear to go to the gym. Some Spartan shirts were carefully chosen (an old Ultra Beast t-shirt worn to a Spartan Sprint or Super creates just the right amount of psychological warfare).
Race volunteers are an integral part of any race. I have heard stories from racers, when a volunteer made their day with an encouraging word when it was most needed. What about volunteers themselves? What is their experience like?
Recently, I've seen a couple of articles talking about OCR burnout; about how the thrill of running obstacle course races can wear thin and become such a drag that people leave the sport. This isn't about the "one and done" runners who try a Spartan Race or Tough Mudder, finish it, check it off their bucket list and move on. This article is aimed at those who were avid obstacle course runners; those who were bitten by the bug and obsessed about OCR, only to find that after 2-3 years their interest has waned.
n the past five years, we’ve seen OCR rise from the relative depths of obscurity to being featured on an upcoming primetime television series. Just like the UFC went from sponsors such as Mickey’s malt liquor and the Condom Depot to the likes of Bud Light and Reebok, most of the major OCR brands are now enjoying premium sponsorships and major media contracts.
I realize I may be talking to a very small group of people in this article, but I thought it was worth writing anyway. Most people enter BFX with that elusive third lap in mind. They are looking to get through three laps of some of the roughest obstacles in OCR. Fifteen miles and around 75 obstacles are no joke and anyone that walks away from a BFX event clutching that big black X of their newest medal with three stars on their ribbon should be proud.
The goal of OCR America has always been to raise money for Folds of Honor. I know many people live away from the race venues involved in OCR America (Shale Hill, Viking OCR at Sunny Hill, Newbsanity, and Dirt Runner) but still want to participate in some way, so we are offering a virtual run option.
