So I've been involved with OCR (obstacle course racing) since 2011, and I really love the sport. I raced for fun and competitively from about 2011 to late 2014 (early 2015), and then after that I decided to focus on the media side of things (Check out my OCRTUBE project). I've seen this little sport grow from nothing into the fastest growing sport in the world. With that being said, more and more people are getting excited about going out and participating in the many events happening all over the globe.
My OCR Achievement from 2011-2014/15
Can anyone participate without any training? Absolutely! It happens all the time, just like people running 5K's and even half marathon running events. But trust me when I tell you this, most of these people, if given a chance to do it all over again, they would have trained and prepared for it to have a better experience, and experience is everything!
Warrior Dash Carolinas - 2011
When I did my first "MUD RUN" in 2011, I just finished doing a couple workout programs and was pretty much in the best shape of my life, so it really made me fall in love with the sport. If I hadn't been in the shape that I was in, I don't think I would've had a good time. The workouts that I did back then, and still do today is P90X, just good ole functional fitness. After my first mud run which was a Warrior Dash (R.I.P. Warrior Dash), I started developing a passion for running. So with my P90X and Insanity workouts mixed with occasional running, to my surprise, I began to achieve TOP 10 overall at some races, and TOP 3 in my age group.
1st Place AG, 7th Overall at Dirty Foot - 2012
First Spartan Workout in Tampa, FL with Joe Desena - 2013
(14 Day Free Trial Here)
Things have changed with training these days, and although my workouts can still work, it is better to incorporate these workouts with more specific OCR training methods, especially if you want an edge.
OCR Legend Hobie Call and I - Superhero Scramble FL 2013
Do you have to do OCR specific training to participate in obstacle racing events? Again no, but I highly recommend doing a hybrid workout (EX. a P90X or TRX program combined with OCR training) or just a full on OCR specific program depending on your goals, which brings me to what this post is all about =)
I have partnered with a couple influential people in the OCR training space, and one of those amazing people being Sarah Pozdol. I'll also admit that I have never beat her at a Spartan Race in my years of racing. I came very close at a Spartan Race in Mississippi USA, but I slipped off the Z Wall Obstacle and she was able to get a good distance from me while I was doing my 30 burpees. That was my closest that I ever got to actually beating her at an obstacle race, she's a beast. And not only that, she is a professional when it comes to the science of the sport. She is the creator of OCRTraining.com, the most complete obstacle course training program out there. Sarah has the experience, the passion and the knowledge. I would not be writing this post if I didn't believe in what she does. She is really focused on helping people fall in love with the sport, because just like her and I, the sport of OCR has changed our lives!
Sarah Pozdol and I - Illinois USA 2017
Why choose the OCR Breakdown - OCRTraining.com Program?
Well, there are many options now. And as the sport grows and more people begin to promote their methods of strategy, there will always be the method of functionality, foundation, and science. Yes, someone can teach you how to do an obstacle rig, or how to carry a sandbag, but learning the reasons for the techniques and modifications will help you progress even faster than people who don't care about the how and why. It's like when I went to school to become a Chef many years ago. Yes, anyone can cook, but to go to school and learn the science behind the proper ways of culinary arts helped me to better understand how to use a variety of ingredients from around the world. It's the science. There's a difference between a cook at a Mom and Pop cafe and McDonald's versus a Chef at a Michelin Star Rated Restaurant. So why all the mumbo jumbo? Well, it's your choice whether you want to learn or just do, if you want to excel, or just stay at the same level. I don't know about you, but not excelling or not wanting to be better at something is just NOT HUMAN.
What's it all about?
If you've read this far, that means you may be interested and serious about training for your first obstacle race, or becoming a better athlete. The OCR Breakdown Training provides 4 weeks of educational content, and 13 weeks of fitness training, all to improve strength, speed, agility, run mechanics, breathing, and mobility on the course. For the cost of a Crossfit Membership, you can own the whole training program and use it for life. Here is a quick video, and if you are interested in creating a better experience for you on the course, then I highly recommend this training from my friend Sarah, you will not regret it! =)
OCR Training
These days, I'm chasing the fastest OCR athletes in the world with my camera!
#OCRLIFE
Join my Free Global Online OCR Training FB Group "TRAIN OCR" - request to join here!
