I signed up to my first OCR and I’m not embarrassed to say I was nervous! I was thinking World’s Strongest Man combined with Ninja Warrior…..a bunch of insanely fit people powering their way through 10k of countryside dominating the most daunting of obstacles man can design…. and then there would be me! How wrong could I have been!
All I can say is to anyone wanting to take part but are afraid they are not fit enough, strong enough, or can’t carry your own body weight, worry not. OCRs are all about team work and are generally not timed so you can tackle each challenge in your own time. So you can’t make it over that wall? There will be others around willing to give you a foot up. So you are afraid to slide down that pole or jump that fence? There will be others around you cheering you on. The sense of support from other runners is overwhelming.
You see, I entered thinking it was all about how well I could do but it’s never just about you. To make it around the course you need to help others and not be too proud to let others help you when you need it. People with all levels of fitness take part in OCRs so if you’ve just started running, can run a marathon in your sleep, are a personal trainer or a first timer out to have a laugh with your mates, there’s no time like the present to get your challenge started (plus you get awesome pictures of you generally being epic to show off with at the end!)
If you want to give it a go but are apprehensive all I can say is you never know how well you will do until you try. OCRs are for everyone not just the fitness-obsessed so do not be tempted to psych yourself out before you have even started! Get out there and give it a go – but don’t forget to have an awesome time!
“Just do it!” was written by Emma Joinson.
Emma took part in our first Badass Mucker event last year and is itching to get back on the course for Badass Mucker II on February 21. We’ve nick-named Emma ‘The Duracell Bunny’ and you’ll know why if you meet her on the course. She’ll be the first to cheer you up and lend a hand if needed. Thanks Emma!