To be honest, I have heard the name “Chikorita” a number of times in different OCR podcasts and seen her name pop up in various articles online. I was quite excited recently to listen to her thoughts all about her third-place finish at the Toughest Mudder in Chicago on the World’s Toughest Podcast with Will Hicks. I have heard that Chikorita is more of an “outside of the box” kind of woman in her methods, and I wanted to share some of her story with you all.
As someone who works her ass off to reach her goals, Chikorita is not afraid to tell it as it is, and is not afraid to be the odd one out or the “freak” in a world where people to pretend to be something they are not. My article series is about Badass Women who are strong, hardworking, and true to themselves – words that describe Chikorita to a T.
What has been to date, the highlight (largest achievement) in the world of OCR? Can you please tell us about that?
Oh wow, ammmm I don't like thinking about past achievements cause well for me they have already passed and I like to think of what is ahead. I find it really hard to talk about past events cause I tend to just get out of them what I need to learn to avoid getting stuck on certain things that may have happened. So once it is done I'll give myself up to 24 hours and that's it. On to the next one.
What has been in your eyes your biggest failure in the world of OCR (at a race, training ect) to date?
Racing when I wasn't really into it. Last year I should've have focused on rebuilding myself after a series of events that set me way back into my building phase of training and I just kept showing up as if nothing had happened, and started racing cause I felt I had to. Instead of doing it because I wanted to.
But failure isn't a word I would use on myself, ever.
You can fail on certain stuff, but I don't think it is a failure as long as you learn and comeback stronger.
For those that may not know you well, what are some of the challenges you have experienced as an athlete?
I have Asperger's and maybe one of the biggest challenges is the people around me. If I tune out I'm golden cause it’s just me and the road, but if I don't every single sound or thing that isn't in the right spot will throw me off. I am also very clumsy so the obstacle thing is quite a challenge, LOL. But I guess it is one of the things that gets me engaged because you always have something to improve
I also understand you are not a lover of the outdoors (training outdoors). How do you train for the varying terrains that are often found at an OCR race inside on a treadmill?
Oh, the lost art of treadmill running. It may have the disadvantage of not having so much technical footing, but besides that, you can go up and down a mountain, plus you get that extra mental training in there.
You have often referred to yourself as an “insane freak” an almost sociopath. Can you go into why you see yourself this way? Explain it a bit?
“DSM-IV Definition.”
Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a lack of regard for the moral or legal standards in the local culture. There is a marked inability to get along with others or abide by societal rules. Individuals with this disorder are sometimes called psychopaths or sociopaths.”
I believe we live in a world where a lot of people pretend to be what they are not. As I grew up I understood some don't like blunt honesty or they will do whatever it takes to be liked by all, even if it means giving up on what they honestly believe.
I am not like that. I rather am alone and focus on my own thing, (I like doing productive things, I always want to be learning new things, working towards my goals) whether people think it is ok or not.
(Don't get me wrong, I am a good person, but I think of myself as a freak cause in a world where most try to fit in I rather be the odd one, “the freak”)
I just think society's view of what is “normal” isn't something appealing to me.
In the crazy world of OCR and endurance events, there is a multitude of inspiring athletes. With that being said, who inspires you within the OCR sport and why?
Amelia Boone is someone who has done almost everything and has opened the road and keeps pushing through. Ryan Atkins is someone who also pushes the envelope a bit further.
I guess it is the fact that they go beyond what people believe can be done.
When approached with an unknown challenge/race are you the type to train and try and prepare for the outcome, or partially train and then just throw caution to the wind and see what happens?
I try to prepare for the outcome having a backup in case nothing is what I expected. (Sometimes it’s as simple as just keep going)
I know your real name is: Alex Roudayna; Where did the name: Chikorita De Lego come from? Does anyone besides your close family call you Alex?
I don't think anyone actually calls me Alex.
In the racing world, I am CH1K0R1TA. At home, they will call me like special mom and dad nicknames they've given me over the years.
Is there a race or endurance challenge that you will never participate in?
I don't think so. I said I would never do ultra-races and now I love them.
In your own eyes, what makes you a “Badass Woman of OCR?”
A badass woman doesn't talk about being a badass 😉
Lol, no seriously. I just work my ass off to pursue my goals.
Do you have a usual training technique or trick? if yes what is it and how does it apply on the course?
I don't have a place to train obstacles so just work on grip strength… or fast burpees 😛
Please tell us a bit about your girlfriend Moitz. I have read in previous interviews that she takes care of everything for your races including sign-ups, travel and getting your race kit together. Do you find having someone who is that clear-headed and organized in your life helps you focus on your goal for a specific race or challenge?
Oh absolutely, we are a team.
I may do all the running and stuff but it wouldn't be possible without her.
I tend to focus/obsess with certain things at a time (a book, the fact that I feel like running and I shouldn't run that day, I want to eat certain stuff, etc) and I will get stuck on that loop until it is solved, so having someone taking care of absolutely everything allows me to enter as fewer loops as possible before race.
If you had to think back to when you first started getting into the OCR world and competing, what single quality do you feel that you possess which gives you the most strength on and off course?
If I want something I will do whatever it takes to get there.
Let’s break up the questions a bit. If you could be any animal real or imaginary, what type of animal would you be and why?
I would say a Dragon cause I believe they are strong and fierce and sort of loners, but when approached they can be the nicest beast out there. But we all know I have all the cat features: D
In the sport of OCR, there are times where you need to focus on your race and not worry about what is happening around you. How do you zone out the entire race field (other athletes) when you are racing, and focus only on what you need to do?
As I mentioned before either I tune all in or become hypersensitive to all the external stimuli. I think it mainly has to do with following my plan accordingly (that isn't race plan, it just means doing all the things I wanted to do the week prior to the race that way my mind is at ease and it isn't wondering on what I didn't do on the week)
If there is someone reading this that wants to get into OCR, what would be a piece of advice that you could pass onto them?
Give it a try; sometimes obstacles may seem intimidating but you never know what you are capable of doing if you don't try it.
In a single word, describe yourself.
Determined
What is your favorite on course food of choice?
I throw up almost everything sweet on long events XD but sandwiches work fine 😀
Is there anything else you wish to share with us?
Stay true.
If someone wants to find you on social media to ask you a question, or follow your OCR journey, where can they find you?
CH1K0R1TA on Instagram
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