I AM A SPARTAN! OCR PODCAST

On this Episode, Rocky Cianfrocca recaps the Spartan Race Cincinnati Ultra, where he placed First overall! This was Rocky's first time getting an overall win at a race! We also talk about how he got into OCR, and a little history on the other Ultras he has ran! If you like Spartan Ultras, or ran Cincinnati this past weekend, you will enjoy this one!Show sponsorhttps://www.monkeegrip.com/Join the OCR Discord https://discord.gg/6a9BVxMuhttps://ocrdirectory.com/a-little-mountain-in-cincy-enters-the-hardest-spartan-ultra-chat/

On this Episode, we recap the “Black Mountain Monster Ultra” with Brian Beal and Michael Roberson . Brian and, Michael's wife Mary, were 1st and 2nd Overall! We also recap the “Spartan Montana Ultra” with Tim Mazur. Due to weather they had to make the race into a 4 lap Ultra instead of the traditional 2 laps. It was interesting to hear his take on the event. We also act like idiots in our typical 8th grade fashion! Show sponsor https://www.monkeegrip.com/Join the OCR Discord channel https://discord.gg/gjjH83xe

On this Episode, Jeff Harmon tells us about being an Adaptive Athlete, and how he found OCR . He, also, is planning a trip to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro next year with a crew of friends, and teammates from More Heart Than Scars. He also started a non profit called “My Impossible” to help succeed in this endeavor.MY IMPOSSIBLEhttps://myimpossible.org/OCR DISCORDhttps://discord.gg/gjjH83xe

On this episode, Eric Langdon and Neil Murphy recap the Spartan New Jersey Ultra . This year was one of the harder years for this race, despite that Neil and Eric both made it on the podium for their Age Group. Oh, and of course we talk about the Killington Ultra, as well, since Neil has never missed a year there. Check out the OCR Discord if you haven't already! https://discord.gg/ocr

On this Episode, Brian , Michael and I recap the Fayetteville Ultra! We go over the lows and highs of each of our races. What worked, what didn't, and what we would've done different-maybe; OF COURSE, we go off topic….some.

On this Episode, we talk about all things Spartan Ultra, especially Fayetteville Ultra that is coming up this weekend! We go over the map- venue specifically, and what to expect this year! We talk about the Spartan Ultra distance in general, like how to prepare as a Beginner , fueling , pacing, transition area , drop bin strategy, and other tips on planning. Of course we totally go off the rails in normal dumb fashion also!

On this Episode, race recaps with Brian Beal , Michael Roberson, and Jimmy Morris . We recap Brian's “Georgia Death Race” attempt , Michael's “Savage” and “Charlotte Spartan” Race. Also, a 5k that both Jimmy and Michael did together! Fun episode with lots of 8th grade level foul language and name calling!

On this Episode, Sarah Tucker tells us about finding OCR in 2021 , and finding out really fast she was good at it! She recently placed 3rd at Savage Georgia , and 3rd in Spartan Atlanta Super. We, also, talk about some of her plans for the rest of the year as well.

On this Episode, Lisa Gonzales and Garret Hartman are back on the show to tell us about their experience at the Spartan Winter 24 hour Hurricane Heat. This Hurricane Heat was at the same time as the Winter Death Race this year. We hear about their highs and lows, and the aftermath, the event took on them.

On this Episode, Spartan Atlanta Trifecta Weekend recap with yours truly, Brian Beal, and Michael Roberson. We talk all about the weekend in Atlanta! Brian places first over all in all three competitive races ! I placed 3rd in my AG, and we all got a cool Spartan Trifecta Weekend Fidget Spinner Medal!!

On this Episode, Brian Beal , Michael Roberson, and I recap the Jacksonville Spartan Race from this past weekend. We discuss the new competitive wave format, the different venue this year, the difficulty people were having with Zigzag wall, and Brian's First place finish on Saturday.

On this Episode, Chad Conley, Founder of the “50 for the Fallen”organization, is putting on an endurance event with Spartan Race at the Tampa Bay Stadion venue May the 17th. The event is called the “No Ma'am 50”, and it starts at 6 am Friday; you do 50 burpees , run one mile for 50 rounds with a 24 hr time limit. Event can be done Solo , 2 person and 5 person teams. Finishers receive Stadion race pass and entry into the 2025 “Death Race”. Awards will be given to top Finishers, as well. Chad tells us about why he started “50 for the Fallen” and about some of the other events they have coming up too!

On this Episode, Jamy Walker tells us about being 1 of 3 Finishers at the “Spartan Winter Death Race”, that took place at Pittsfield Vermont. He tells us about breaking the ice on a frozen over pond, and doing water submerging before registration even begun! Lots of other crazy tasks we talk about, as well, on this 48 hr event.

On this Episode, Michael Roberson and I question Brian Beal on how his weekend went at “The Conquer“- last man standing event . The Conquer event is 3.4 miles , 1000 feet of elevation every hr until 1 person is left, with a climb of 605 stairs at the end of each loop. Race takes place at Amicalola Falls State Park in Georgia, which is at the approach trail of the Appalachian. We also talk about some other Ultras Brian has done recently, as well.

On this Episode, Eric Langdon talks about doing the “Killington Sprint” as his first Spartan race. Then after losing 40 lbs , he comes back to Killington and does his first Spartan Ultra, and two weeks later does the New Jersey Ultra! It was a good story and episode - if you're thinking about doing an Ultra!

On this Episode, Jessica Wong tells us about doing her first Spartan Ultra at Newberry S.C., where she placed 1st in her age group. Before that, we talk about her placing 3rd in Savage Race Pro Wave, and going to Belgium for the World Obstacle OCR Championship

On this Episode, Nick Klingensmith talks to us about being a 4x cancer survivor, recovering alcoholic, and a type 1 diabetic. He tells us about his OCR journey, and what it's like racing with Diabetes. Nick has written a book called “ Through the Fire”, and is beginning to do motivational speaking, as well. Which you can find at Stridemotivation.com

On this Episode, Stephanie Bland tells us about finding Ultra running, and what made her decide to do “World's Toughest Mudder” this year! Stephanie goes over the whole race with us -pacing, fueling, and pit strategies. She placed 3rd place after getting 85 miles, but records over 100+ miles with the added penalty loops. Stephanie had an amazing mindset for this race, and expressed how much fun she had!

On this Episode, Elle Jones tells us about her adventure of completing the “Moab 240” on her first attempt! The “Moab 240” is a 240+ mile race with 31,000 feet of elevation. Not only did she finish the race, she was 3rd place female and 15th overall. The race has a 116 hr limit. Elle finished just over 88.5 hrs . She had an awesome story to tell!

On this Episode, Taylor Cedeno tells us about her weekend at OCRWC. The race being at elevation caused her asthma to flare up, making it difficult to breathe during the 3k . She placed 3rd place in her age group in the 15k on Saturday, after she got her asthma under control. We also talk about past Savage and Spartan races as well!

On this Episode, Jason Barnes tells us about working for Spartan Race as a Race Director. Jason has been working for Spartan since 2015, he has worked a lot of different venues. We talk about the different duties involved with being a Race Director, and a lot of the venues he has worked in the past, and some he has coming up! Jason always puts on a great race, and will be doing the “Carolina Trifecta Weekend” next month!

On this Episode, Brakken Kraker from “The Running Public" answers questions about coaching - what to expect, and look for when seeking out a coach. We also talk about the Killington venue, and some training he programed for me before the Ultra. Good chat; glad to have him on the show.

On this Episode , Neil Murphy and I recap the Spartan Killington Ultra. We go over the whole race, the different experiences we had, and what we thought about it this year. We talk about strategies, training, nutrition and the mindset for this race, as well. It was an amazing race this weekend! If you did the race, or you're thinking about it, check this Episode out!

On this Episode, Neil Murphy and I talk all things Killington Ultra! Neil has done every Spartan Ultra at Killington Vermont! We talk about pace strategy, fueling, and transition. We talk about the map, the climbs, the difference between last year's map, and this year's map. We talk about the bad weather that's rolling in, and much more. If you are doing Killington this weekend, or you're thinking about it in the future, you need to listen to this Episode!

On this Episode, Lisa Musacchio and I talk about her placing 1st place on her last 7 Spartan Races. We recap the West Virginia Beast from last weekend, and discuss preparations for the Killington Beast- less than 2 weeks away!

On this episode, Logan Broadbent- who placed First in West Virginia Beast this past weekend (that we talk about) , is also a Champion Boomerang thrower, and has been on “American Ninja Warrior” multiple times. Somehow he finds time to train for all these different sports, while traveling all around the globe to compete. We talk about the Spartan 3k series, and hear his thoughts about the new format. Fun Episode you don't want to miss!

On this Episode, Jack Bauer tells about how he found OCR . He was racing the Spartan 3k race series this year until an unfortunate injury . Now that he's rehabbing, and back to running, he's hoping to do “Deka Fit Championship” at the end of the year. Jack is the brains behind all of the Spartan Stats that are on the Yancy camp website. He even tells us about being on the “Broken Skull Ranch” tv show. This was a good episode to record; Jack had a lot of insight for the sport of OCR.

On this Episode, Dustin Rutter tells us about his OCR journey. He is so passionate about racing, he sleeps in his car at most races. He won his Age group in the Series in 2022, and now has some Elite podiums under his belt, too. We talk about some of those races including his 3rd place finish in the Asheville Spartan Sprint Sunday.

On this Episode, David Compton tells us about completing the Vol State 500k - 314 mile race/journey that took him just under 5days and 12hrs . David is a very accomplished ultra runner that has a bunch of “Last Man Standing” and 100 mile races under his belt . He also is co-founder and Race Director of East Coast Adventures. Great episode with great info about Ultra running!

On this Episode, George Ly and I talk about the 100 or so Spartan races he's done- 6x trifecta and a couple of Ultras as well. He's done these things while having Cerebral Palsy. When you listen to this interview you will find out, really fast, that it hasn't held him back from anything he has wanted to accomplish. George has an amazing mindset, and an outlook for this sport that we all need to hear !

On this Episode, Tom Loomis tells us about his business “Unique Medal Holders” . They make different design holders for you to display your trifecta wedges . Tom tells us about his boat that he's purchased to sail around the world! Tom has done a lot of Hurricane Heats and Adventure races that he tells us about. He also shares how he used to build cars for Alice Cooper and other celebrities.

On this Episode, Paul Lachance, an 81 year young Spartan racer, tells us about his goal to complete 200 races by the end of 2023. We talk about his journey to find Spartan racing, including his time in the Navy , his career that he is still full time working, and a few health obstacles he has battled on the way. Paul has an amazing mindset that I hope we all have at his age.

On this Episode, Garret Hartman does his “Spartan Death Race Media Challenge” with me- one of the requirements to be in the Death Race is to interview with local Newspaper or a podcast. Garret has been a long time Listener of the show, so I was more than happy to squeeze this in just before the June 9th deadline for him! We talk about some of the challenges he's gone through in the past few years, and how it made him decide to sign up for the “Death Race” this year.

On this Episode, Lionel Bacon tells us his story about finding Spartan racing. We also talk about his passion for the Ultra distance ,and we discuss how some of his Ultra events went down. Lionel has a strong mindset for racing that we all need to hear.

On this Episode, Jonathan Ryen tells us about finding OCR after college, and racing all over the country . I asked him how he did at the Killington Ultra, as his first Ultra. He also talks about his Ultra race in Fayetteville, where he placed 2nd place in Elite, for his first ever Elite podium.

On this Episode, Lisa Gonzales tells a story of having severe back pain so bad she almost couldn't walk; determined to get better she lost 163 lbs ,started physical therapy and weightlifting. She did a Spartan Hurricane Heat and fell in love with them! This year when the longer Hurricane Heats weren't on the schedule, she decided to email Joe De Sena, and tell him her story and inquire about the longer events not being on the schedule, his response was “Bad news I just signed you up for the Death Race. It's on the house and would be very displeased if you don't attend “. So now Lisa is preparing for the Death Race!

On this Episode, I talk about Spartan Ultras ! I was testing out a new way to record , so I figured a good way would be for me to record an episode with myself, running my mouth with a ton of good, and bad, advice about Spartan Ultras! Also about the upcoming Fayetteville Ultra this weekend. I'm not a trained Coach, but I'm an experienced Spartan Ultra Runner. So, use any of this advice at your own risk! Lol

On this Episode, Rylee Morris-the daughter of Andy Morris from Episode 148, started running Spartan Races , placing Third in the “2022 Age Group National Series”, First in her age group at the “Abu Dahbi World Championship”. She also just completed her first 50 mile trail race this year, all before turning 16 years old, which is an amazing achievement!

On this Episode, Joey McGlamory tells us about finding running after being injured playing college football! After finding obstacle course racing , he started running with “More Heart Than Scars”-a non profit organization that gives individuals the tools and assistance they need to overcome their personal traumas , challenges and diseases, so they may find pleasure and pride in their life pursuits. Joey has a cool story to tell about their mission, and their future.

On this Episode, Craig Daniel, who is a Krypteia for Spartan Race, tells us about how he started doing Hurricane Heats . He goes over the event process, and answers many questions you may have about doing one. Craig and I are good friends, so we had a lot of fun doing this Episode. Even if you're not interested in doing an event, it's still cool to listen to him talk about what takes place at one. Give it a listen!

On this Episode, Garfield Griffiths tells us about how he found OCR, and how he came to work with Spartan Race. We talk about some of the duties he has when it comes to being a Race Director, from scouting new locations, to putting a race on. We talk about different venues from the past ,and venues coming in the future. We talk about the Jacksonville 3k test event, and what to expect at the next 3k event at Palm Beach. If you've ever been curious what it takes to put a race on, you don't want to miss this Episode. Also Garfield reveals some interesting information about OCRWC at Mammoth Lakes , California for 2023!

On this Episode, Tracey Bianco tells us about how she got into Spartan racing. We talk about this past weekend's race, in Jacksonville, where she competed in the 3k Series and Age Group, both days. She gives us her takeaways from the 3k event, and how the whole weekend turned out. Tracey has her own podcast with a friend called “Bar Talk” that we mention as well. Check it out!

On this Episode, Tracey Brower-Owner of “Possum Jump Adventures”, tells us about the adventure races she puts on here in the southeast region. We talk about the different events, and what to expect if it is your first adventure race. “Possum Jump Adventures” are great entry level races. I asked many questions I thought most would want to know from a first timers point of view. She is very open to helping anyone come out and race. If you're looking for a new endurance test this may be what you're looking for! Also, check out Episode 321 over on “Obstacle Running Adventures" for another interview with them.

On this Episode, Ryan Moran tells about his experience at Spartan's “Death Race”. He tells us how he trained for the race, how the race started, and what gear was required to start with. We talk about all the different tasks that took place over the 50+ hour event that only had 3 Finishers. A-lot of ice cold water submersions ! If you're thinking about doing this race, or curious about an extreme endurance event, you definitely want to check it out!

On this Episode, Cali Schweikhart tells us her background in sport, and how she found OCR. We talk about her training for “Spartan Ultra World Championships”, and once it was canceled she decided to go to “World's Toughest Mudder”, and give it a try for her first 24 hour race. We talk all about how this race went! You don't want to miss this Episode if you're thinking about doing WTM!

On this Episode, Aaron Franck and Paul Mitas come on to tell us about the 2023 “OCR Overload Championship Series”. The whole series will take place at the same venue in Waldo, Florida; 3 weekends of racing 7 races total, and extra ways to pick up bonus points. Listen to find out more. Make sure to check out my new Sponsor “Monkee Grip”, too. Check it out anywhere you listen to podcast, or link in bio.

On this Episode, Andy Morris talks about coming out of the Army, and finding OCR. We also talk a lot about Spartan World Championships in Abu Dhabi- how his race went ,and the differences between last year to this year. We also talk about traveling into the country for the race. Find us anywhere you listen to podcast. Or link in the bio!

On this Episode Liam Mitchell tells us about finding fitness to get his life back in order. Then, he finds he has a talent for Obstacle Course Racing, and decides to go all in-to get after it! Great conversation about Spartan Racing, European Championships, and World Championships as well.

On this Episode, I Interviewed DJ Fox who just won “World's Toughest Mudder” with 105 miles. The same distance he ran last year and placed 3rd. We dive into how his training was for 2021 WTM and how he pivoted all in for 2022. We discussed how the race went and his strategies he used for pace, gear, and nutrition. If you're thinking about doing WTM you definitely want to check this one out.

On this Episode, Rachel Watters tells us about her 100+ mile , 500+ obstacle Endurance fundraiser she is doing Thanksgiving weekend, starting Friday at 2pm. She is raising money for “Lionhearts Fitness”; I had Shell Lucketta on from “Lionhearts Fitness” on Episode 138, where she told us all about her non profit , 100% donation, OCR training facility in Ringold ,GA. They host free training classes for kids and youth. This is going to be an epic event for Rachel to complete, and it‘s for a great cause ! Please listen and donate !

On this Episode, Anthony Kunkel tells us about his first attempt at “Worlds Toughest Mudder”- his strategy beforehand, what worked , what didn't, and what he would change if he does it again. We talk about his training partner DJ Fox winning the whole race. Also, we spoke about his training facility he has in Durango, that they've been training at. Awesome Episode you don't want to miss!