The first time I was here was two years ago when I filmed the Viper Challenge in Cyberjaya, and the first-ever Spartan Ultra Beast in Asia which was at Johor (JB). The one thing that I really remember was the scorching heat!!! Now I've filmed and been to some of the most hottest places on the planet, but for some reason....every time I come to Malaysia, I feel like I'm literally inside of a volcano, it's just one of the most crucial environments for me to film. Coming to a conclusion on why I feel this way, I believe it is because the lack of trees around the country. Yes, there are trees, but I just don't see a lot of them. And maybe these obstacle racing companies just prefer to build courses at places where trees are not prevalent. I mean, I am currently based in the Philippines, and it really does get very hot and humid here, but there are trees. Not that they help a lot, but at least they are there.
Anyways, trust me....I am not complaining because it was an epic event, a umbrella hat may come in useful for the next time I am here =).
Also, the food was pretty good that I can remember, but this time around I had some friends who had family there, and they took me to some amazing places, so my experience with the local cuisine was much more memorable this time. I'm currently looking for a really good Indian/Malaysian restaurant in Manila Philippines now, so if any of you reading this know of a place like this, please let me know! =)
So here's the Spartan Race Malaysia Video Recap that I did for my OCRTUBE.com media project. It was a blast, and looking forward to more upcoming video projects all throughout Asia this year!
To learn more about my OCRTUBE media project, click here!
Now that I am back in Manila, I can continue my 3 Week Yoga Program that I started with my fiancé. Just one week of Yoga made me feel super good when I was on the obstacle course in Malaysia. I have two more weeks to go, and then we will begin another workout program together. If you are not incorporating yoga into your OCR training, you are fooling yourself. The founder of Spartan Race (Joe Desena) is a big believer in this practice. Give it a go, I'm sure it will help you with your results!
If any of you would like to workout with us online, feel free to message me, the more the merrier! =)
Make me your Free Online Coach or Accountability Partner, click here!
(USA, UK, and Canada) all others, just message me =)
I finally had the opportunity to check out the Spartan Gym in the Philippines, and although most of the obstacles were gone due to the upcoming race in Cebu, Philippines..I still had a blast hanging out with the Suns Out Fitness Group and the staff of Spartan Philippines.
Here is a quick video that I made from the Spartan Philippines Obstacle Course Camp. The facility is located in BGC, Philippines on the roof deck of the W Building on 5th Avenue, Metro Manila.
I filmed the last east coast Spartan Race for my OCRTUBE Media Project to benefit charity. The race was located a little over an hour south of Jacksonville, FL at a place called Florida Cracker Ranch in Bunnell, FL.
Although the course was flat, the most difficult part of the race based on the the interviews with some of the athletes was the technical terrain consisting of a lot of sand, mud, and un-even single-track that was just cut a few days before.
Do you enjoy Beachbody Workouts and Obstacle Course Racing? Ask to join my FREE OCR Accountability Group on Facebook, and I can assist you with training for your next obstacle in life, message me here!
That MUD tho!!! I filmed this 10+ mile lengthy and "tar-muddy" course which was held in Saraland, Alabama a few weeks ago, and I have to be honest, I am not a fan of mud, but that is one of the reasons why I love Spartan Race, they are all about getting you uncomfortable.
(How I film races around the world to benefit charity - How you can support this project)
Although I only filmed this event and did not race (like I have for almost 3 years now), I do run the course along with everyone else, this helps me focus on what the athletes are really going through and what they have to deal with (as well as still getting in a great workout). I feel that this is the only way to capture an event on video. Please enjoy my race recap video, and I hope to see you at the next one!
Do you enjoy Beachbody Workouts and Obstacle Course Racing? Ask me about my online accountability group called "Beachbody OCR Fit", great for people who love everything Beachbody and OCR. I organize FREE monthly online fitness camps, and host exclusive calls with some of the TOP elite athletes in OCR to help you get the best advice. Request to join here!
Terrain Racing Race Director Brad Kloha and I - Las Vegas
I am currently on a road trip filming obstacle races leading up to the OCR World Championships in Blue Mountains Canada. Just a couple weeks ago, I was in Tahoe filming the epic Spartan World Championship, you can see the video here.
Dean Kranazas and I at Spartan World Championship in Tahoe - 2016
From Tahoe I headed to Vegas to spend some time with my family, and I found out the Terrain Racing was hosting a race in Boulder City, NV. I contacted them to see if I could possibly check out their event and make a video. After a couple messages, I received the go ahead with my media pass.
I was shocked to find out that Terrain Racing has been around since 2011! Being from the east coast, I haven't really heard of this race series, but many of my friends kept on telling me to check them out. I finally did this past weekend, and I was totally impressed. I really enjoyed the family-friendly environment, and the customer service that the race staff provided. Overall, I had a great experience, and would highly recommend this race to anyone. Please feel free to check out my recap video, and I hope to see you at an upcoming race.
Do you enjoy Beachbody Workouts and Obstacle Course Racing? I just started a FREE online accountability group where I host free challenges, video calls with elite athletes, and just some good ole motivation and accountability. If you would like to be part of this positive OCR community, feel free to message me here!
Today's workout was Resistance 2, and it seems like my Dad and I have improved a lot since the first time that we did this workout. Definitely feel stronger, and although I didn't go as hard as I normally do, because I am still recovering from filming a 10+ mile brutal Spartan Race, I still felt pretty dang good.
David Magida and I - Asheville Spartan Super 2016
One thing that I wanted to mention is that when I was filming the Spartan Race in Asheville, NC this past weekend, my legs felt so strong climbing up the mountains, I was surprised how long I could go without stopping. Now going up is a lot differnet than going down the mountains, and my knees aren't the strongest because of a prior knee injury a couple years back, I also forgot my knee compression that I normally wear during the mountain races, so my knees began to pop again, so I had to go slow to ensure that I do not re-injure myself, which I did anyways...slightly =). It comes with the territory and something that I just have to be careful with as I film in some of the most remote and treacherous places on planet earth. I should be better prepared knowing that it's always a surprise at an obstacle race, you never know what the course will be like until you're out there.
a little Spartan Race reminder, don't complain about how TOUGH a race is,
just embrace the suck, and be prepared for anything.
I took it pretty slow for this workout, but like I mentioned before, I still felt strong and only modified about 20% of the time. At any rate, it's just another day in paradise =)
Day 1, Week Five - 22 Minute Hard Corps | Resistance 2
Are you looking for a workout to start training for an upcoming Spartan Race or other obstacle course race event? Here is a good one to try out. As with any training program, it's all about consistency, listening to your body, using proper form over speed, nutrition, and not over-training.
As a Full-Time Beachbody Coach, I have helped many people accomplish huge health and fitness goals, as well as conquering an obstacle course race. I consistently host online fitness challenges specific to elite Beachbody Fitness, running, and cross-training. Feel free to message me, and I would be happy to assist you with your goals.
Starter Spartan Workout:
WARM UP
- Jog for 5 to 10 minutes or Jump Rope 3 to 5 minutes
MAIN SET: (3X)
- 10 Burpees
- 10 Crunches
- 30 Second Plank
- 30 Second High Knees
- Run/Jump Rope 2 minutes
- Recover 1 minute
COOD DOWN STRETCH
Check out one of my OCR Beach Workouts incorporating Beachbody Fitness:
The SPARTAN CRUISE is a deluxe Caribbean Cruise that featured a Private Island Race; the first in Island Spartan Race! Spartan founder Joe De Sena challenged the world’s best athletes to get on board with him and 1,000’s other Spartans for a truly special weekend adventure.
The Race is a Spartan Sprint distance and the first ever on a Private Caribbean Island. According to many of the athletes who attended, the 3+ Miles and 15+ Obstacles was fun and challenging, suited for all levels of Spartan racers; from first timers and veterans alike.
Check out the video that I edited for Coach Jay Flores, who provided the video footage for me since I was not able to attend. Coach Jay ended up placing in the TOP 20 Overall, and his footage was amazing!
It's been awhile since I've filmed and competed in an Obstacle Course Race. I think the last time was in Toronto, Canada for a Spartan Race Sprint and Super in mid 2014 before I took off for a 4 month backpacking trip to Southeast Asia.
Being back in the OCR (obstacle course racing) scene was nice, it was like I wasn't even gone. Everyone welcomed me back, my OCR family and friends, as well as my Beachbody Coach Team who are absolutely addicted to the sport...like me! =)
Filming the Tampa Spartan Sprint with my GoPro
I did not compete during the Tampa Spartan Special Ops Sprint. I was there to support my team, and film the entire race for my OCRTUBE.com project which focuses on helping the sport of OCR grow worldwide. I started the project to showcase my fast-growing collection of obstacle course racing videos, but have recently opened an online portal for anyone to add their own videos, blogs, photos, and OCR focused businesses to the network. Again, the objective is to create a completely FREE obstacle course racing community to help the sport grow on a global scale. I plan to begin traveling outside of the USA and Canada to specifically film OCR's. Some places already on my list are Norway, Australia, Korea, and the UK.
If you would like to help me, as well as other athletes grow the sport of OCR, and you have not joined OCRTUBE.com, it's simple, you can join here! It's still a growing project, but I am very excited about it!
The Multi Bar Obstacle
The Course Map
Anyways, here is the video from the Tampa Special Ops Spartan Sprint in Tampa, Fl. And if you are looking for a free place to workout, please feel free to check out my 813 Fit Club in downtown Tampa. If I'm not there, just jot my name down when you sign in, and they'll let me know that you stopped by =).
Tampa Spartan Sprint - 2015 - Full Race Video
Ask me about my FREE Fitness Group on Facebook! Get the motivation, tips, advice, and challenges that can help you stay fit, and train for your next race, or whatever goal you may have! Contact me here.
I remember the first time I did an OCR (obstacle course race), it was in back in 2011. I just completed a few rounds of P90X and my brother told me that he was planning on traveling from Pensacola, Fl to North Carolina for a Warrior Dash. Back then, there wasn't very many races like there are today, so to think how crazy it was to drive 12+ hours just to run a 5K in the mud........we must have not been thinking clearly =). But after that race, I crossed the finish line with something that I've never felt before. I felt accomplished. I know that might sound crazy, because I've accomplished things in my life before, but never like this. The camaraderie was nothing I've ever seen before. People helping people. It was like everyone was happy even though they were challenged and "dirty". It was humans being humans, it was primal.
I wear my race shirts pretty much everywhere that I go (because I have a ton of them), and I get a lot of feedback. Some positive, some negative, but most of the time, people are just curious. I always say the same thing "you just have to try it one time". Obstacle Course Racing has changed my life in many ways, so I just wanted to share what I feel have been the prime benefits of OCR based on my experiences.
The BENEFITS of Obstacle Course Racing:
1. GETS YOU OFF THE COUCH - I find that most people dislike health and fitness because they feel that is is not fun. No matter how beneficial it is to stay active, people just don't envision it as something that they have to do. Obstacle Course Racing has changed that. It has taken the once "couch potato" who has never ran or lifted weights before, to conquering mountainous terrain, rope climbs as tall as buildings, to ice baths and barbwire crawls. Fitness is now fun and exciting! It's how we humans were meant to play....outside.
2. NEW FRIENDSHIPS - Have you ever been to a social event where you felt out of place? You know, like there is nothing to talk about! #Awkward - The amazing thing about OCR events is that everyone is on the same page as you. Everyone goes through the same struggles. We all cross the same finish line and share stories about cramping, training, how many burpees we did, and getting through that one tough obstacle. The camaraderie is what sells these races. It's what brings people together. It's not about the race, it's about the people who continue to challenge themselves. It's about family.
3. CONSISTENT GOALS - I know a lot of people who have a tough time setting goals. OCR People are a little different. They set goals to become a better athlete to conquer the next race. Goals are important to the OCR athlete because they want to always do better at the next race. When you set goals, workout, eat healthy, help others....something happens, you become happy and ultimately live a better life. You excel at your job and/or business, and you become a better human. Is there anything else?
4. STRESS RELIEVER - Has there ever been a time where you said "I regret that workout?" I don't think so. Working out releases stress, and competing or participating in an obstacle course race is no different. I've seen people at the start line complaining about how cold it is, or how dull their relationship is with their spouse, how much they hate their job etc. But once they cross the finish line, what was once taken over their mental space became all but forgotten. At the finish line, there is nothing but tears of joy, big smiles, and lots of hugs! That's where the OCR magic happens!
5. PROMOTES TRAVEL - I was in Laos (SE Asia) a few months ago, and I met a guy from France who had a Spartan Race shirt! I honestly felt like we were brothers! I've seen people travel to races that have never traveled outside of their city before. OCR has turned athletes into groupies, following races wherever they can get their fix! For months at a time, I would travel from one race to another, every weekend and see the same people. It's amazing! More than amazing is how expensive this hobby is, and people still are willing to pay for it. OCR is a fitness movement that is going nowhere but to the top!
6. REWARDING - As if crossing the finish line isn't rewarding enough, Obstacle Course Racing can reward you with things like a finisher medal, a beer, a T-shirt or a head band. It's pretty crazy what people will do for a beer! And for some athletes, it has opened doors to big sponsorships. It has also given athletes and investors a chance to become entrepreneurs not only to benefit themselves, but the OCR community as a whole.
7. VARIETY - I remember when it was all about Spartan Race, Tough Mudder, and Warrior Dash. Now there are other companies such as BattleFrog Series coming out of the woodwork and taking OCR to the next level. There are literally hundreds of OCR events now! Depending on where you live, you can almost always find an OCR every weekend.
8. KID FRIENDLY - Remember when people would make an excuse not to come to an event because they have their kids? Well, that's not a good excuse anymore because OCR has made a point to accommodate the little ones too! There is nothing better than doing a race, then having your kids do one right after you. A family who races together, stays together! Just imagine how healthy and fit your children will grow up to be if you introduce them to the sport. You never know......they may be the next OCR Rockstar! If not, they will be super healthy and fit, and nothing beats that!
9. CHARITY - I don't think I've ever attended a race event that did not give back to the community. I mean I know that there are some shady ones out there, but for the most part, all OCR companies are committed to giving back. I don't know about you, but It's just a good feeling to know that when you are running a race, meeting new friends, visting new places, and getting super fit that at the same time you are part of something much bigger, and that is making a difference.
There are a lot of people who have inspired me, but there are only a few companies that have actually made a huge impact in my life. These companies have challenged me, helped me discover who I am, kept me connected with the people who matter most in my life, showed me how to live a healthy lifestyle, introduced me to hundreds of people who have the same vision as I do, and so much more! Here are 10 companies who have INSPIRED me.
1.Beachbody - I cannot thank this company enough because they have helped me gain physical and financial success. Freedom is the ultimate gift that anyone could ask for because it's about doing what you want, when you want, anytime you want! Out of all the companies who have inspired me, this company is hands down my #1. Beachbody has given me health, happiness, time with my family, freedom to travel the world, and the ability to provide for my daughter. Thank you Beachbody!
Beachbody Coach Summit - Las Vegas
2. Spartan Race- I have never been challenged to the limits both physically and mentally by another company. Spartan Race has showed me what I am truly made of. This company has given me the opportunity to meet so many amazing athletes who have one thing in mind, to conquer every obstacle no matter how big or small, and to always continue to set goals to achieve my greatness within.
Spartan Race Special Ops Sprint - Tampa, FL.
3. Patagonia - I am all about giving back, and when I first heard about Patagonia's dedication to the environment and social responsibility, that was more than enough reason for me to support them. Patagonia is all about adventure and keeping our planet as safe as possible, so as an adventurer myself, I felt right at home.
4. Lonely Planet- The very first time I traveled abroad (Europe) was in 2001. I was able to plan a trip all by myself without any tour guides or travel agents, and I still felt completely comfortable. Lonely Planet has taught me about seeing the world how it was meant to be seen as an Independent Traveler, and NOT as a "tourist". Travel and learning about world culture is my #1 passion and Lonely Planet is my travel bible. I currently have invested almost a thousand dollars (maybe more) in travel education, and I'm happy to say that it has all been with LP. Travel is the best education that anyone could ask for, and thanks to LP, I have the knowledge to trek anywhere, and live anywhere. The world is my home, and I can never sit still, I must explore.
I was born to travel!
5. Apple - So how has this company inspired me? It's quite simple. Apple has invented simple products that have truly been an amazing part of my success as an entrepreneur, father, and athlete. From editing software to help me grow the sport of Obstacle Course Racing, to sharing my fitness and business journey online with thousands of people from all over the world using an iPad. This company has given me the tools to help me share my story and inspire others to live happier and healthier lives.
6.Facebook- I have connected with more people using facebook then any other social network online or offline. Nothing will ever beat that personal one on one human interaction, but this company has been a game changer in the art of connecting people from anywhere around the world. I have connected with old friends and family, rekindled relationships, and have met some wonderful people who have made a major impact in my life.
7. Couchsurfing - Think of traveling the world and meeting people for the first time. Now think about those very same people treating you like family in their very own home when they don't even know you! Well, that's the type of community that Couchsurfing.org provides. Imagine traveling to the most beautiful places on the planet and not paying a dime for accommodations, there is nothing more awesome than that! I have created life-long friendships with the couchsurfing community, and I highly recommend that everyone should experience this type of travel, it's about really getting down and learning about the local scene and building relationships with the world.
8. Hostel World - Another way to see the world and meet people from all walks of life is through hostelling. When I travel I choose to stay at hostels versus fancy hotels because when I travel, it's about exploring the outdoors for me and meeting other travelers. If I wanted to stay inside in a nice place to relax, I might as well just stay home. Hostel World allows me to hop from city to city, from country to country and meet other travelers along the way. I don't know how many times I've been inspired by someone who I just met at a hostel. If you want to hear some great travel stories, and get the best travel tips, then forget about guide books, go to a hostel and chat with real people who are traveling for months and years at a time.
Tikal, Guatemala
9.Crossfit - I do not consider myself a Crossfitter, or a Crossfit Athlete. But what I do like about this company is the culture and community. As a fitness enthusiast, I enjoy incorporating various types of workouts into my routine, and I love nothing better than mixing a little bit of Crossfit into my P90X workouts. I am a Beachbody Coach, but I do appreciate different ways to stay fit. There is nothing more inspiring than working out with people of all fitness disciplines and everyone respecting each other's training methods. It's not about the workout, it's about what works for you. I thank Crossfit for getting people off the couch and offering an environment that helps people stay motivated and challenged.
Spartan 300 Workout with the girls from Bandit Crossfit
10. Family - Now I know that this is not a company, but FAMILY is the most important thing in my life. There is nothing more inspiring than being in the company of my very own family and close friends. I do everything with my family! We workout together, do business together, play hard together, travel together, cry together, motivate together, and pray together. For me, family is everything!
My #Fitfam
My daughter and I =)
So that's it, my Top10 Lifestyle Companies Who Inspire Me! Which companies have inspired you?
So my brother and I are always looking for ways to workout not just for us, but for the people we help prepare for obstacle course races such as Spartan Race, Savage Race, Warrior Dash, and the OCR World Championships. Most of our workouts are inspired by a combination of the P90X workouts that we do, as well as the Spartan WOD's. We wanted to do a group SAND BAG WORKOUT, but looked into getting the "pancakes' that you see being used at the Spartan Races, and it was too costly to purchase 30 of them, so we improvised and made our own. We watched a ton of videos on youtube, and found some good ideas. Most videos were based on someone making a just a few sand bags, and most of the time, it was for themselves. We were looking for the most cost effective way because it wasn't going to be just for us, it was going to be for a group of 30+ people. We figured that for half the cost of one Spartan Pancake (20-30lbs), which is about $60-$65, we could buy our own supplies and make 30+ sand bags ranging from 15lbs to 25/30lbs. So instead of having just a couple sand bags, now we have enough for a nice Sand Bag Group Workout.
Spartan Pancakes are PRICEY!
Check out the SAVINGS:
30 Spartan Pancakes at $60 each = $1,800 (not including tax and shipping)
30 Homemade Sand Bags = $35 Total Savings: $1765 <---------------------------<<<
Sand Bag Supplies Needed: (We purchased everything from a local Home Depot)
- Regular White Sand Bags ($.45 cents each)
- Duct Tape, about $6-7 per roll
- Zip Ties (4 per sand bag)
- Extra Heavy Duty Trash Bags
- Sand (some people use other things to stuff their sand bags other than sand, well guess what people, then that's not a sand bag!) *Total cost for all the supplies for 30 sand bags was roughly $30-35.And this was not even looking for deals!
Tools:
- Bucket to put sand in
- Weighing Scale
- Pocket knife
Let's get started:
1. Seal the "already sealed" end first which will be the "bottom". (This is optional) Leave the other side open so that you can stuff it later. We wanted to seal both ends because it makes for a good handle on both ends of the sand bag.
- Simply roll the sealed ends together
- Duct tape the ends nice and tight
- Use to zip ties to make it secure
- Duct tape over the zip ties (don't cut the ends of the zip ties, just roll it around the ends, this makes a really nice handle for the sand bag)
- Duct tape over the top (vertically), then use duct tape again to secure (horizontally)
2. Fill bucket with sand and weigh it to your desired weight. The bucket weights about 2lbs, so if you want to make a 15lb sand bag, make sure that the weigh scale reads 17lbs. For a 25lb sand bag, that means weighing out 27lbs etc.
3. Dump the sand that has been weighed into a Heavy Duty Garbage Bag.
4. Twist the access garbage bag making sure to get most of the air out of the bag. Duct tape the bottom and the top of the twist, then with a pocket knife (be careful), cut off the access.
Twist
Duct tape bottom and top
Cut off access (please be careful)
Duct tape the two twisted ends together (fold top to bottom then duct tape together) to keep the sand secure.
5. Place heavy duty garbage bag into the sand bag that you "bottom" sealed earlier.
Once you have placed the heavy duty garbage bag filled with sand into the sand bag, simply seal the top end just like you did the bottom end earlier.
6. And the final product, you're very own homemade sand bag!
We made some 15lb and 25/30/lb sand bags. Now you are ready to do all kinds of workouts! Here are some sand bag workout ideas:
- Running with sand bag (you can run with two as well, one on each shoulder)
- Squats
- Bicep Curls
- Jump Squats
- Squat thrusts
- Sand bag throws
- Weighted Push Ups
- Skull Crushers
- Weighted Bear Crawls And much more!
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Now these homemade sand bags probably won't last as long as the Spartan Pancakes, but they are budget-friendly and very easy to make and re-make.
Incorporating the Sand Bag into your Workouts
And then when you're done working out, just relax and get on a LONG BOARD and enjoy life! =)
