Each year, fitness trends enter and exit our worlds. It seems that 2015 is the year of the OCR--Obstacle Course Race. Many may ask, what is an OCR exactly? The sport combines the physical capacity of a long-distance run (ranging anywhere from three miles to a half marathon) with the mental endurance of overcoming numerous challenging obstacles, such as scaling walls, crawling through mud pits, or climbing high ropes. The kicker is that any individual who fails to complete an obstacle faces some sort of physical penalty, such as burpees.
The race's origins date back to the military, when such feats of strength were used as training devices for both soldiers and civilians interested in strengthening themselves entirely. In recent years, the added elements of trail runs, mud, water, and fire have only enhanced the experience for both athletes and Average Joes alike. Some of the most popular races, such as the Spartan, Tough Mudder, and Warrior Dash are less than ten years old. Despite their novelty, their popularity is only increasing by the year.
Here are some reasons why you should consider registering for an OCR.
1. The power of teamwork
Unless you're planning on competing for prize money in the elite athlete category, you will most likely complete the race with a team of your peers--whether that means coworkers, family, or friends. The best part of competing with a team is having both the physical and mental support of your teammates to push you throughout the duration of the course.
2. The bragging rights
OCRs aren't an easy feat. Unless you're in tip-top shape, you're most likely going to be feeling the soreness in your body for days to come after completing the race. After all the jumping, climbing, running, and feats of strength, why not brag about your accomplishments?
3. Earning all of the battle wounds
With all of the fun that encapsulates an OCR comes all of the repercussions. For example, during my first race, I fell off of the monkey bars, gave myself splinters while traversing a horizontal wooden wall, and tripped over countless ropes during the bear crawl. It's nearly impossible to cross the finish line scrape-free.
4. Burpee appreciation
Ah, burpees. The beloved penalty exercise for so many OCRs. The jumping, thrusting, and push-up filled move works the entire body, causing exhaustion after only a few sets. Not all races use this penalty, although, of the ones that do, the burpee seems to be the most popular. At a Spartan race, for example, any missed obstacle means 30 burpees, not only tiring the racer but also slowing down his or her time for completing the course. Nonetheless, completing an OCR leads one to develop an odd appreciation for the dreaded exercise.
5. Crossing the finish line
There's nothing more rewarding than the sight of a finish line after a long few hours of intense physical work. Suddenly, all the pain and exhaustion seems to dissipate, and the only thing you can think about is sprinting towards the end.
6. Even more bruises
For the next week after a race, you'll wake up each morning having discovered a new bruise or cut on your body that wasn't there previously. Purple blotches (ranging from nickel-sized to "I ran the side of my body straight into a brick wall"-sized) appear on a daily basis, leading you to question which obstacle caused which bruise.
7. The beauty of the course
Whether your OCR is set on a mountain trail, within a state park, or on the streets of a city, there is something to be said about the courses in which these races take place. While on the run between obstacles, take a few seconds just to look around you. One of my favorite moments from my OCR was looking up from the pavement to see the beautiful Philly skyline sunset right in front of me.
8. Overcoming your fears
These races are not for the weak of heart, and saying that I feared what to expect on the course would be an understatement. I was absolutely terrified, especially when I saw how athletic other racers at the arena were. However, all of these worries were quelled as soon as I stepped out of my car and heard the cheering and the music and saw people in the midst of their own races.
9. Did I mention bruises?
Seriously, prepare ahead of time by supplying yourself with lots of Icy Hot, Advil, and a heating pad.
10. The atmosphere
You really cannot beat the feeling of endorphins rushing through your bloodstream as you cross that finish line. I may sound like the cheesiest person in the world for saying this, but the natural high that accompanies any type of physical exercise is one that can't be matched. The months of training, paired with the physical and mental growth during the race, were entirely worth it.
Interested in signing up for an OCR? Here are some links to get you started:
Tough Mudder
Warrior Dash
