“I AM OCR” is a Mud Run Guide exclusive series featuring athletes from all walks of life. You can view the entire series here. Do you or a friend have a story the world should know? Just email us at crew@mudrunguide.com and your story might be next!
I AM OCR: Matt “The Bear” Novakovich
Matt "The Bear" Novakovich burst onto the OCR scene in 2013 with his legendary win over the famed Hobie Call at the Spartan Race in Wintergreen, Virginia. He was quickly recruited to join the Spartan Pro Team and has impressive sponsors such as Reebok. Matt took time out of his busy race weekend schedule to answer some questions for the OCR world to get to know him as a person and athlete better.
On and Off the Course: Debbie (Moreau) Koch
To succeed, in the world of OCR, it is essential to be completely well rounded and possess enormous levels of stamina, agility and true dedication, which is unheard of in your average star athlete in any sport, let alone the average person. For the elite athletes, maintaining these qualities has to become a lifestyle they adopt, and one that continues 365 days a year, from exercise, training and diet. For OCR athlete Debbie (Moreau) Koch, she succeeds on and off the course.
I AM OCR: Tony Ferrante
I am (relatively) old. I am slow. I have a surgically repaired broken ankle and a torn meniscus. I am also an OCR Athlete. And it’s the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. I tell people all the time, “Just try Obstacle Course Racing, it can change your life - It changed mine.”
I AM OCR: Jennifer Way
I saw a Facebook post about the Cahoots race to be held on 06/28/2014, and knew I had to do it. I was so very excited that day to do my first OCR! I was just as excited about doing my this, as I was the day I graduated college! I could barely contain my excitement!
We are OCR: Team Strength and Speed
Strength & Speed started because the founder competes in a broad range of physical activities from ultra-distance running to natural bodybuilding. He would arrive to train with his local running club and tell them about a new deadlift personal record (PR). Read more about the new team Strength and Speed.
We Are OCR: The MIAMI Mudders
The MIAMI Mudders started as a lunch time running group to stay in shape for the Navy’s Physical Fitness Test. All of the members were part of the crew of the USS MIAMI and after a while, the group decided to test ourselves by signing up for a Tough Mudder. The nine guys that competed that challenge were the “original” MIAMI Mudders and a couple of us “caught the OCR bug”. Read about how Bone Frog Challenge really brought the team together.
I AM OCR: Brian Tallmadge
In early 2013 I was driving by a local farm that was hosting something called the Rugged Maniac. I didn't really have a clue what this was at the time but the billboard looked cool and I wanted to find out more.
I AM OCR: Cassedy Bowie
Shortly after my 21st birthday, I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus. This blow was hard to handle as I had been very sick for some time and being diagnosed with both at such a young age was a hard pill to swallow. For the next eight years of my life I became very ill and spent a lot of time at the hospital. Lupus and RA were controlling my life. I had numerous surgeries, blood clots, and a detached retina.
I AM OCR: Heather Stevenson
I was never a sporty kid, never an athlete. I was the chubby girl too afraid to even try bowling as I was convinced I would fail or embarrass myself. Until I found obstacle racing…
I AM OCR: Walter “Sandy” Hendrick
I hope my being completely honest can help even just one person that reads this, I truly know what it feels like to feel hopeless and helpless and not want to live life that way anymore but I promise you its better spend every day killing yourself a little than to call it quits and remember... The only easy day was yesterday, embrace your beast and always be insanely focused.
