Tag Archives: OCR

I think it needs to be said that Spartan Race has finally figured it out. In years past, Spartan races have been widely inconsistent, but these last two years have seen some changes that have given us a more consistent race experience from one of the most recognizable names in Obstacle Course Racing.

In Part 1 of this article I deconstructed obstacle course races (OCR) into two key components: running and obstacles. Part 1 focused exclusively on the running component of OCR races. Now, it’s time to focus on the obstacles.

People talk about epic failures at Spartan, Tough Mudder or Warrior Dash constantly: medal size complaints, being bored by the “same old obstacles,” a delay in getting the photos or results. These are all things I have personally had to defend as a volunteer for these race series, yet people still gladly pump out $140 to $245 for an event selling them out in mass, thousands, even tens of thousands, racers being reported as the official registration numbers. Then an imaginative new upstart has an issue with getting results posted, photos out, or not being a fan of a new finisher medal and the masses call for their heads, demanding that no one ever try one of these races. All while paying as little as $40 or so for an equivalent distance course with some obstacles new to the community, or even worse a $60-$80 race that is a superior product, well executed and no they cannot get more than a few hundred people to show up.

It’s March, and thus time to shine the light on another two amazing women. Like many OCR Chicks, they won’t bat an eye at throwing a wreck bag on their back and running up a steep hill, take a few scrapes from barbed wire because “it will heal later”, or when they’re drenched in sweat; pushing a little harder instead of taking a break because that’s OCR. It takes a lot of grit, and hard work to be an OCR chick. Let’s celebrate them right now.

Another month, another celebration and ode to the baddest and most beautiful female athletes on the face of the planet – OCR chicks. Many guys are out there right now training hard by themselves thinking I wish I had a girlfriend I could do this with. So WHAT is it exactly an OCR chick is looking for in a man? Your typical approach is NOT going to work with these women. Well, men, you are welcome. Here are some tips and views into what one of these fine species of athletes are looking for in a companion.

OCR chicks are special. They are beautiful even without makeup. The OCR chick is not afraid of anything. The OCR chick is proud of her cuts, bruises, and scars. OCR chicks won’t complain, they don’t make excuses…..unless you mess up their pre-race routine. I think we can all agree they are the cream of the crop. So how does a single OCR guy snag one of these magnificent creatures? I have polled and compiled a few questions from some of the aforementioned wonderful OCR chicks to help all you OCR athletes out there that would like to have an OCR chick as a better half with you before and after the race to hug, kiss, hold, and train together. I think everyone wants to be like the greatest power couple in the sport, Lindsay and Ryan Atkins. While women in general are mysterious and men have been trying to understand them since the beginning of time, here is some help.

We all know the big players of OCR, but as we look to challenge ourselves more and more, sometimes we need to look at things a little differently. Green Beret Challenge (GBC) is one of those takes, a Veteran Owned-Race Series that will hit Georgia, Pennsylvania and Texas this year; offering a different take on how we view Obstacle Course Racing. Mark Ballas was kind enough to take some time to talk about this great race and the areas it takes on. In addition they partner with a charitable organization in the area they hold an event in. For example in Texas, GBC has partnered with Sean Valigura to support the Chris Kyle Memorial Run, currently held at the Rough Creek Lodge in Glen Rose Texas each fall.