I had the pleasure of experiencing the inaugural Grit OCR event in beautiful Santa Clarita, California. Previously Grit OCR was planning to develop an OCR fitness center, however after participating in the spectacular SPACEROCK Trail Race organized by New Global Adventures, an organization that specializes in trail running and endurance event including the VALENCIA Trail Race and Silver Moon Race.
This Valentine’s Day weekend at Lee Farms in Tualatin Oregon couples, families, and friends escaped the cliche and got down and dirty at the My Muddy Valentine 5k Mud Run hosted by Terrapin Events. Runner’s came out dressed head to toe in hearts, tutu’s, and even a few group costumes ready to take on the muddy terrain.
Spartan Race in Phoenix was nothing like what you'd expect when you think racing in the desert. Most of us assume Arizona conditions would be hot & unbearable, but that was not the case at all this past weekend with perfect weather in the mid-70s.
Nestled away in the small mountain town of Como Colorado is an Abominable Adventure Snow Run that is put together on the grounds of a kid’s adventure camp. The race boasts 4 snowy miles at 10,200 ft of elevation and 20+ obstacles for you to crawl, climb, run, sled, and trudge through.
75 degrees, rolling, sandy, mountainous, desert terrain and a whole lot of Spartans made for one epic weekend at Fort McDowell. This venue did not disappoint.
On Sunday, January 28th I had the opportunity to experience Blizzard Blast up in Lowell, MA. For those who are unfamiliar with this event, it has been around for the years put on by SmithFest Events. The company who puts on numerous New England Spahtens #racelocal events.
This past weekend, I raced the SoCal Spartan in Chino, California. Prado Regional Park was a beautiful venue, the weather was great, and everyone was so excited to kick off the U.S. 2018 racing season for the Spartan Series.
The course had moderate uphills & downhills with nothing big to be afraid of. After mile 5 there was a long journey through the forest meadows which was actually quite peaceful although there were slight gusts of winds and at times. Occasionally the dust became pretty excessive, forcing many Spartans to power through and run ahead using their hands to cover their eyes as necessary. The final mile was filled with Spartan Race's signature (some may say torturous) obstacles along with muddy hills and cold water.
Race day on a ski slope in Wisconsin in January, what is your first thought? If you are anything like me, you are picturing knee-deep snow, patches of ice, and needing as many layers as you can comfortably run in. The Abominable Snow Race turned out to be more of a Mud Run than anyone ever expected.
It’s 18 degrees outside, overcast, I’m standing in 6 inches of snow. Race director Jake Moore is briefing the other 10k runners and me about the course and what we are about to encounter. He tells us of a war raging on the course, we must be safe and conquer the course, and that we only have 2 hours to finish. This is War-X Arctic Fever.
