After each Spartan event, I vow to never do another. I cuss the entire up hill climb and curse as I descend carrying a bucket full of rocks or a sandbag draped across my shoulders. And yet, once again, I found myself lined up waiting for our release onto the mountain to begin the dreaded climb that at times felt relentless. We opted for the competitive wave to get onto the course before the afternoon heat set in and headed off at 0900hrs.
I had the pleasure of making my way across the Pacific Ocean to the only active 24-hour Ultra-OCR event in the Southern Hemisphere, True Grit Enduro 24. The trip was part of my quest for a high ranking Ultra-OCR Grand Slam (see link for details if you would like to know more).
It seems year after year, I can’t say enough about Indian Mud Run. I believe last year I affectionately referenced it as “The Little Race That Could,” guess I’ll have to find some new endearing phrase because IMR 2017 was anything but little. Though, before we can go forward, we must go back. Indian Mud Run was founded in 2012 in an effort to raise funds for the local levy in Coshocton, Ohio that had recently failed.
There are so many great things to be said about this race! This was my very first time running Rugged Maniac and it was AMAZING! This year, Rugged Maniac- Portland was held at the Portland International Raceway which has always made for some pretty great racing terrain.
Almost one year to the date I started training my friend John for OCR. It was therapy for me as I recovered from ACL surgery. It was torture for John. He had no idea what to expect. Like many first-timers, he thought he knew. He felt like he was in shape. After all, we’d been [...]
Every athlete has a moment in their life that has inspired them to set their mind on achieving a goal within their sport of interest. They train for many hours, for many weeks, months, and even years. They train their minds and bodies on accomplishing that goal, and when that moment comes in competition when they don’t think they can go that extra step or mile, that is when they reflect back on that moment that inspired them to pursue this journey in the first place. This is where the real test begins.
Goliathon put on their annual spring event and OCR photographer Bob Mulholland was on hand to compile the action for this photo essay.
I started my Spartan Race journey in Tuxedo NY back in 2013. I went into that race having no idea what to expect and with no “special” training. Fast forward 4 years and I returned to do my 12th. Spartan Race. There were a few things that made this different from all the other years..but more on that later. This is one of my favorite venues for two reasons. It is super close to my house and the terrain makes for one of the hardest sprints Spartan puts on.
Every so often you find a race that really does fit your personality. For me, it is Mud Hero, and yes, I like getting dirty, I like romping around with lots of obstacles to keep me entertained and I love a flat course so I don’t overdo it. This race returned to Commando Paintball located just outside of Ottawa.
Spartan Race Virginia changed locations in 2017. Last year, a very challenging Wintergreen Resort hosted the Super/Sprint weekend. Rumors are that a change was made because of too much litter on the course, which upset Wintergreen management, which I think is totally fair.
