Recently, applications closed for the upcoming Spartan TV show and a casting call went out to elite obstacle racers. With Facebook feeds buzzing with casting videos and requests for teammates to join up for the forthcoming show, it has been the talk of the Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) world. Here is why I didn't apply...
OCR World Championships announced this week that the 2016 race would feature championship races for three different distances – short (3-5 miles), medium (8-10 miles), & long (12-15 miles). Years from now, that announcement could effectively mark the beginning of specialization in obstacle racing.
Leading up to the Spartan World Championship, and the International Obstacle Racing Federation’s first World Congress, there has been a lot of talk about the “sport” aspect of obstacle course racing.
The following workout & article is from current BattleFrog Series point leader - no, not Ryan Atkins - his fiancée Lindsay Webster. Reprint courtesy of Icebug Footwear My muscles scream in pain, my lungs seem to have a crushing weight bearing down on them, and my body begs me to move from this uncomfortable position [...]
Let's talk about the brands that are the bedrock of OCR. As the sport has grown over the last 3-4 years, one thing has stood out: there are a few brands that are the biggest and best - the Chili's or Chipotle of the sport; you always know (within reason) what you're going to get when you show up. You're not going to be (too) surprised with the event, as there reputation of quality precedes them.
All of these events are big on fun, and in descending order of difficulty. WIPEOUTRUN is the easiest, all the way down to Spartan Race Sprint as the hardest "beginner-friendly" races. If you're looking for a good reason to get muddy and experience an actual mud run/obstacle course race with guys and gals, our best suggestion is to start with Warrior Dash. Yeah, we know you're the adventurous type - but recommend getting at least one OCR under your belt before you move up to Spartan Race Sprint; even the short distance is pretty darn difficult with mandatory obstacle completion (the only one on this list that requires it)!
If booking weekend getaway excursions that incorporate race events were a recognized sport itself, then I would podium every weekend. A bold and confident statement to make, but one I stand behind. Much as a wolf studies and hunts its prey, I’ve mastered the “hunt of a new race venue” and have countless race experiences I continue to tuck away in my race cap, ever on the search, ever on the prowl.
A few years ago, I had cause to look up "torn calf muscle" on Google, and was more than a little irked to read it described as "a common injury among middle-aged weekend warriors". Well, f*ck you too, Google. Talk about literally adding insult to injury...
Legionnaires are members of the Tough Mudder (TM) community that have completed more than one event. Although they do not have a separate name, there is a smaller subset of athletes that I call the Multi-Lap Legionnaires.
Are you new to the sport of Obstacle Course Racing? Don't worry, we'll show you there's nothing to fear, and drop all the knowledge bombs we possibly can to show you THIS SPORT IS FOR YOU! If you're already an OCR athlete, then share this with your friends & family so they can begin to understand "that crazy thing you do on the weekend." Who knows, they may realize it's about time to join you for some fun of their own!
