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Faces at the Races

Many of you are probably aware that obstacle course racing (OCR) is the fastest growing sport in the world.  Several race series have already been featured on TV and nearly one hundred OCR training gyms have opened around the country.  Most of you probably know the top athletes who are battling for podium spots every week.  They get most of the media exposure, deservedly so, but what about the other 99% of racers made up of everyday athletes?  You know, the ones paying most of the registration fees for these races, buying products and training gear, spending their weekends traveling to race venues, etc.  No one seems to give them much attention…until now.

As a kid, I read the “Faces in the Crowd” section of Sports Illustrated where they wrote a paragraph about up-and-coming athletes in various sports.  I always thought how awesome it was that great athletes from minor sports finally got some recognition.  Now it’s time to do the same for the OCR community.

Mud Run Guide is proudly introducing a brand new series called Faces at the Races that focuses on the “other 99%” of racers.  Every week, we’ll conduct a new interview with racers from several different categories:

  • Up-and-coming Athletes
  • Weight loss  / Life-Change Success Stories
  • Motivating Parent, Siblings, Co-Workers
  • Passionate Supporters of the Sport of OCR
  • Youngsters Getting Involved in OCR & Mud Runs

We hope you enjoy Faces at the Races and feel free to nominate someone for the next feature by email now: mail@mudrunguide.com

Jack Bauer

Faces at the Races – Chris Fischer

By |May 2nd, 2016|

I am just an average guy born and raised from a small town in Wisconsin. I have always loved to play sports and be part of a team. The most important things to me are my faith, family, and friends. I am somewhat new to this OCR community but have enjoyed it thus far and looking forward to continuing to meet new people! Oh yeah and one more thing I have lost over 200 pounds in the last two years!

Faces at the Races — Teranie Perdue

By |May 9th, 2016|

I used to weigh 225 lbs, hated the way I looked, hated my clothes, and wasn’t happy about my life in general. I honestly didn’t love myself. I was on Facebook in November 2013 and saw a sponsored ad for Spartan Race with the title “30 burpees for 30 days.” I didn’t even know what a burpee was, but something in me said, "I want to do that." The next day I started the challenge and it took me around 30 minutes to complete it. I was inside in the air condition sweating and panting. It was pathetic.

Faces at the Races — Jacob Kohler

By |May 24th, 2016|

I’m a naturally competitive person and I’ve also always loved climbing and monkeying around on things. After doing a couple races, I found that the community is great and I have a natural ability with obstacles that I really enjoy. I love what I do and that’s important. This week on Faces at the Races we profile Jacob Kohler.

Faces at the Races — Kiaran McCormack

By |June 13th, 2016|

I love OCR, as it encompasses so many different types of fitness throughout a race: cardiovascular, strength, muscle endurance, along with agility, speed and skill. I do it to model the lifestyle that is possible to my clients and everyone. OCR is a great metaphor for life: we all experience obstacles that we must overcome.

Faces at the Races — Katie Purcell

By |May 31st, 2016|

OCR forces me to live a healthy lifestyle, or I simply wouldn't be able to compete and do the things I do. It has re-taught me to appreciate my body and value it for what it can do, rather than how it looks. I marvel at the progress I have made and feel proud of how far I have come, and recognize that I am indebted to the OCR community and all who have supported me along the way. I also feel inspired by so many of the people I've met and stories I have heard.

Faces at the Races — Josh Phillips

By |June 22nd, 2016|

I had back surgery in 1998 and this started the downward trajectory of my health and fitness. Once a HS basketball star, I quit taking care of my body and the scar tissue from surgery did the rest. At times I was confined to a wheelchair because of back spasms when I would walk. After finally reaching 220lbs, I decided to not let back pain hold me back any longer.

Faces at the Races — Jerrod Rogers

By |June 27th, 2016|

I was friends with Yancy Culp before he started training full-time. He is a motivator! It's hard not to get excited after talking to him. Yancy has been my personal trainer for two and half years. My wife and I also motivate each other to stay at it.

Faces at the Races — Peyton D’Andrea

By |July 5th, 2016|

I did have a brief moment during my first race that I thought I might not finish when I looked up to the top of the mountain and was out of breath. I had to focus on one step at a time and tell myself that I was capable and strong enough to finish. When I did cross the finish line I felt extremely proud. I worked hard and it paid off in the end.

Faces at the Races — Erik Carranza

By |July 11th, 2016|

The turning point was when I got locked up. Seeing my mother cry and scream was the worst feeling I've ever felt. The worst part was that I caused all that pain. When I was in jail I decided it was time to change. I was not going to put my parents through that much pain ever again.

Faces at the Races — Tara Skinner

By |July 18th, 2016|

I had little kids that I could not run around after my daughter was teased by one of her friends because of her weight. I was so young and I was trapped inside a body that would not allow me to do the things I wanted. My doctor saw me struggling to lose weight and suggested the surgery and five months later I did it.

Mud Run Guide
Welcome to Mud Run Guide - the worldwide leader in mud runs, obstacle course races, and outdoor running adventures. Established in 2012, our focus is to provide you with the best events, discounts, news, reviews, gear, and training for the sport of OCR.