Yep, You Just Got Passed By A Girl!

YOU JUST GOT PASSED BY A GIRL Hollywood media would have us believe that beauty is measured by physicality. That concept is quickly killed when you run an obstacle race. True beauty comes from strength and resilience. Most men who run obstacle races for the first time are surprised by how many women love obstacle racing and cannot wait to attack the course. And for some of them, their surprise is even greater when they get passed by these women on the course. Make no mistake in thinking of these women as "the weaker sex", these ladies aren't here to look pretty. They're here to kick some ass and take some names. Women who love OCR seek challenges and embrace their inner strength. They are not afraid of the unknown and they are determined to conquer any obstacle they set their minds to. To us, this is the mark of true beauty. WOMEN EVOLVED AND FURTHERED THE SPORT OF OCR Take a look at any advertisement for obstacle racing and what do you see? You see just as many photos of women racing these courses with looks of fierce determination as you will photos of men. This is not a coincidence. As more women joined these events during the inception of this sport, race companies realized something. For men who once thought they weren't fit enough to enter these events, seeing women of all ages and various athletic abilities conquering obstacles while covered in mud forced them to realize that they really had no excuse no to sign up. In this regard these first women of OCR literally doubled future race attendance and helped make the sport national. WOMEN MADE OCR MORE FUN When men do anything athletic as a team, there is an underlying competitiveness. Teams of men originally ran together but in a more competitive sense each trying to beat the time of fellow team members. Bragging rights and all of that. But while watching female teams compete you notice a stark difference. Laughter. Watch any female OCR team run the course and you will find them smiling from ear to ear, laughing out loud, and helping each other to cross obstacles. In these teams, women work as a unit to make sure every member finishes the race. As men began to see this, they realized that it was ok to have fun and to admit when you need the help of another team member. This attitude was infectious and it forever changed the way men competed as teams. While there is still competitiveness between male teams, as the sport has evolved men have embraced having more fun and taking things a little less seriously.    ONE WOMAN WHO PERSONALLY CHANGED THE SPORT Another great example of how one woman individually impacted the sport of OCR is Margaret Schlachter. In 2010 Margaret started an online community called Dirt In Your Skirt to get more women involved in the sport and to increase the sport's presence to the general public. This community has since grown exponentially into a thriving hub for female obstacle racing enthusiasts and even offers events and coaching such as the first ever women’s only week long training camp committed to all things obstacle course racing, fitness, wellness, clean eating and overall health which is scheduled for August of 2014. Margaret has taken her love of the sport and how it empowers women and shared this with women around the world inspiring others to take on OCR as a sport. Thanks to Dirt In Your Skirt OCR events now see more female entries than ever before. WOMEN GET MORE GUYS OUT TO COMPETE The idea of tough women who are not afraid to get dirty and who are not afraid to physically challenge themselves on a rough outdoor course is not only inspiring to other women but it is incredibly appealing to mean as well. Thousands of single men are drawn to these events for this very reason...the hope of meeting these kinds of women who seem to defy every stereotype society places on them. OCR women who are not single also drive thousands men to register. Their boyfriends and husbands. What guy wouldn't feel compelled to run an obstacle race if their girlfriend or wife had already signed up.  m       LADIES...WHEN YOU ARE READY - WE WILL BE THERE   At atlas race we believe women not only changed the sport, but helped to make it a successful sport. Every race we have we get inspired by the many women's teams and how they take on our tough courses with fierce determination. If you have not run on obstacle race before we invite you to come out and see what its about. It’s not what stands before us that defines who we are, but rather it’s those tough challenges taken on that will soon lay behind us and ultimately tell our life story. For all the ladies who are already into OCR and to those considering trying it out for the first time - we salute you and we hope to see you out at an Atlas Race soon.  WE ARE OBSTACLE RACING WE ARE THE CHANGE YOU WERE LOOKING FOR WE ARE ATLAS RACE - AND YOU ARE READY SIGN UP FOR AN EVENT TODAY FIND US ON FACEBOOK

Addicted To Obstacle Racing

THE PROGRESSION OF AN OBSTACLE RACING ADDICT Atlas Pro Team member Max King does it all. Road, Track, Cross Country, Trails, Ultras, and more. He's won numerous events, and even landed magazine covers. To him it's all running and about the challenge of taking on something new. He finds inspiration in the youth he coaches, pushing himself and his running, the wildness of the mountains, and now he finds new inspiration from pushing himself on obstacle courses. Max ran his first obstacle race in 2013 at the Atlas Race Medford Oregon event. He signed up for a new challenge, and it turned out to be far more than that. Max finished in 4th place in the men's elite heat in his first ever OCR event and secured a Pro Team spot with Atlas Race along the way. This was his first impression of obstacle racing "...Probably one of the coolest events I've ever done. Don't know why I waited this long to get into it but that was awesome". Max's experience is not out of the ordinary. Most people who decide to run an obstacle race event become instantly hooked. Why does this happen? INSIDE THE MIND OF A NEW OBSTACLE RACING ADDICT The moment you see the finish line on the last leg of your first obstacle race is a true life changing experience. At this point of a race you are physically drained, sore, and most likely have already lost your second wind. Your energy tank is on empty and both your arms and your legs are completely exhausted. We seldom push our bodies to this level so for most of us we are barely hanging in to reach the finish. But something amazing happens when you first see the finish line in the distance. You hit a third wind. This third wind compels you to keep going. You forget for a moment how tired you are, and despite an almost complete lack of energy - you realize that nothing matters except reaching that finish line. And for a moment, when you cross that line you experience what it is like to win. This is the first thing you become addicted to.       THE PROMISE OF MORE The second thing you realize at the finish line is the possibility of what else you can do now that you've proven to yourself what you are capable of. Once you have that medal it becomes real. You've defeated a major enemy: self doubt. Once you have defeated this voice within that often tells you that you will fail, setting your sights on accomplishing other goals and besting new challenges is a natural progression. Armed with this new self confidence a first time obstacle racer often sets their sights on their second event almost immediately. Could I have run the event faster? Could I conquer any obstacle I might have failed this time around when I run my next race? Could I run a longer event? These new found possibilities are the second step of an addiction to obstacle course racing. WHEN ELSE DO YOU GET TO HAVE THIS MUCH FUN You once loved mud and dirt. You weren't concerned with what your hair looked like or if your pants had muddy knees. You just looked for the next adventure to experience. Once you place yourself back into this mindset and begin to embrace the dirt, the mud, and the roughness of the course in general you tap into the freedom you once had to simply be in the moment and enjoy the world around you. A giant slip n slide into a huge mud puddle. Yep, that's addictive just by itself. Obstacle experiences like this one are the third thing you become addicted to. A HEALTHY ADDICTION Obstacle racing gives us a healthy hobby which keeps us moving and using our bodies well. As one slips deeper into their obstacle race addition they generally become healthier and take better care of their bodies as a side effect. And as with most addictions this one can become a gateway. A gateway into other sports and new ways to keep fit while challenging ourselves. This is the reward for those who are brave enough to attempt obstacle racing. The way you feel once you have completed an event, and how good it feels to push your body to this level become the final step in a healthy obstacle racing addiction. You literally become addicted to being healthy and feeling strong.  So what are you waiting for? Sign up for an event and experience this amazing sport for yourself: WHEN YOU ARE READY - WE WILL BE THERE   At atlas race we believe that each of us have only scratched the surface of who we are and what we can become. We believe in the untapped potential, in the igniting of a spark that will not only reveal what we are truly capable of, but will also tap into that need for purpose, for fulfillment, for an entirely new way of living life. It’s not what stands before us that defines who we are, but rather it’s those tough challenges taken on that will soon lay behind us and ultimately tell our life story.  WE ARE OBSTACLE RACING WE ARE THE CHANGE YOU WERE LOOKING FOR WE ARE ATLAS RACE - AND YOU ARE READY SIGN UP FOR AN EVENT TODAY FIND US ON FACEBOOK

Pro Team WOD (Workout Of The Day)

Train like the pros with our Atlas Race WOD.  This specialized workout was created by our Pro Team member Rose Wetzel Sinnett and was designed to properly prepare you for obstacle racing and beyond. Try it out and tell us what you think via our Atlas Race Facebook Page

Pro Team WOD (Workout Of The Day)

Train like the pros with our Atlas Race WOD.  This specialized workout was created by our Pro Team member Chad Trammell and was designed to properly prepare you for obstacle racing and beyond. Try it out and tell us what you think via our Atlas Race Facebook Page

Pro Team WOD (Workout Of The Day)

Train like the pros with our Atlas Race WOD.  This specialized workout was created by our Pro Team member John Ricardi and was designed to properly prepare you for obstacle racing and beyond. Try it out and tell us what you think via our Atlas Race Facebook Page

Are People Who Love Obstacle Course Racing Crazy?

PEOPLE DO THIS TO THEMSELVES ON PURPOSE? The answer is yes, and they're excited about doing it. The sport of Obstacle Course Racing draws hundreds of thousands of racers each year. Some are experienced and others are joining events for the very first time. One thing they all have in common despite varying levels of experience is this: These people love any challenge that makes them stronger, more confident, and ready for whatever life throws at them. These people are compelled to confront challenges and overcome them. It is a life skill that many have and many others want. The beauty of obstacle course racing is that it presents challenges which we are not normally faced with, in our comfortable modern lives. Most everything today is engineered for ease and comfort. As we became more civilized we lost a little of the primal animal within. Obstacle course racing brings us back to nature and the elements we are meant to conquer and it taps into our animal nature. THE METAPHOR BETWEEN PHYSICAL AND MENTAL OBSTACLES Facing and overcoming physical challenges brings confidence and pride. Defeating that which we once thought we could not allows us to take on future challenges knowing what we are capable of. Many first time obstacle racers had doubts about whether or not they should sign up. They doubt their physical ability. They doubt their mental stamina. But when they cross the finish line they realize they are capable of more than they ever thought. Armed with this knowledge they gain confidence in themselves and often return to more obstacle race events looking for new challenges.       FINDING BROTHER AND SISTERHOOD Another aspect of obstacle racing is becoming a tribe. Running tough obstacle courses with your friends brings a whole other element into play. Teams who run these events learn to lean on each other and embrace the skills and overcome the weaknesses of each individual team member. Facing obstacles as a group forces us to evaluate ourselves and our role within a tribe. Much like native tribes from around the globe the survival of the whole depends on the efforts and unique talents of each. Running obstacle races with a group is fun, and the sense of shared experience at the finish line is a truly memorable bonding experience. LETTING YOUR INNER CHILD OUT TO PLAY You once loved mud and dirt. You weren't concerned with what your hair looked like or if your pants had muddy knees. You just looked for the next adventure to experience. This inner child still exists, but for years you have trained them to avoid the mud and play it safe. Obstacle course racing gives your inner child their own grown up sized playground. When you were a child you ran full speed toward the objects on a playground, with a desire to conquer every one. Obstacle courses are no different. In fact when you analyze them, the similarities abound. Isn't it time you got dirty? Isn't it time you felt the same sense of adventure you once did on a daily basis? Isn't it time you broke out of your comfortable routine and had a life changing experience? A LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE YOU NEVER FORGET   When you cross the finish line all doubts cease. The inner voices that sometimes tell us we cannot or will not succeed are instantly silenced.  Any recent failures we once thought mattered become distant reminders of who we used to be. Finishing a tough obstacle course is a feeling beyond compare and this is why those who are brave enough to attempt it go on to become die hard obstacle racing fans. WHEN YOU ARE READY - WE WILL BE THERE   At atlas race we believe that each of us have only scratched the surface of who we are and what we can become. We believe in the untapped potential, in the igniting of a spark that will not only reveal what we are truly capable of, but will also tap into that need for purpose, for fulfillment, for an entirely new way of living life. It’s not what stands before us that defines who we are, but rather it’s those tough challenges taken on that will soon lay behind us and ultimately tell our life story.  WE ARE OBSTACLE RACING WE ARE THE CHANGE YOU WERE LOOKING FOR WE ARE ATLAS RACE - AND YOU ARE READY SIGN UP FOR AN EVENT TODAY FIND US ON FACEBOOK

Atlas Race Pro Team Website Launched!

ATLAS PRO TEAM WEBSITE Our Atlas Pro Team consists of talented and focused athletes who travel around the nation competing in Obstacle Race events while helping raise awareness to the public about the sport of Obstacle Course Racing (OCR). For those of you who attended our Atlas Race Medford Oregon event, if you caught the elite heats you may see some familiar faces. We created a great website where you can learn more about our pros, get their advice on tips for training and events as well as follow their upcoming races and race results. Check out the website to find a feature where you can ask questions or send messages straight to our team.  CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE ATLAS PRO TEAM WEBSITE

Obstacle Racing: YOU CAN DO THIS!!!

www.AtlasRace.com

YOU CAN DO THIS

Obstacle Racing is a fast growing sport and it is easy to see why. The very idea of even watching an obstacle race is exciting. So what is it that separates those who run these races from those who have not? An idea. A simple idea at that. 

The idea that by pushing yourself mentally and physically through a tough challenge, you will become greater and stronger than you used to be. The idea that your own potential is greater than you imagine it to be. The same idea that separates those with big dreams from those who do what it takes to imagine those dreams and make them a reality. The idea that only through trial comes victory and confidence.

Mankind has always sought to push its own limitations in order to become greater. There is something built into us when we are born that drives us to take risks and work hard in order to succeed. Call it instinct or perhaps tenacity, it is what motivates us to push past the challenges that life throws at us. 

Obstacle Racing gives us the chance to dive head first into the unknown. It gives us the chance to believe in ourselves. The chance to run full speed towards obstacles and dare to embrace challenges we normally would not. On obstacle courses we come face to face with the voice inside that often tells us we cant win. It is here that we conquer this voice, and approach it as a dare to be overcome.

Racers of all ages and athletic abilities run obstacle courses. Forget that voice that tells you that you aren't in good enough shape. Senior citizens conquer these events. People of all body types conquer these events. Young children even complete these events in courses designed specifically for their age. There is nothing keeping you from running Atlas Race except your own self doubt. Isn't it about time you show that inner voice of negativity who's really in charge?

WHY YOU SHOULD DO THIS

The first reason is obvious: BECAUSE YOU CAN. When you read this, believe it. You are  already reading this article which means you have already started down the path of convincing yourself you can finish an obstacle course. The only thing stopping you so far is doubt.

Imagine that you have already completed our course. Imagine yourself standing at the finish line after crossing it. Imagine what that feels like, knowing that you took on something truly challenging and finished it. Imagine all those doubts you have about your own strength and ability melting away. Imagine being able to use this experience as a launching pad to tackle things that come you way from now on. Imagine showing your friends the photos from your race.

Remember the challenges you have already accomplished in your life so far. Think about the tough times in your life. How do they feel now that you are past them? Do they feel like they made you tougher or mentally stronger than you were before they happened? This is why we run obstacle races. This is why we get out of bed and face the day on those mornings when it feels like we want to stay in bed. Because we overcome. As humans this is our primary mission in life. To overcome the tough challenges and to press on knowing that more may lie on the horizon ahead.

WHY YOU WILL SUCCEED

You will succeed because you already have it in you to succeed. You need only to unlock the doors of your own potential. You once were a child and the world in which you existed was far more simple. Things were provided and given to you. But at some point in your life you earned something on your own. You had experiences which forced you to learn on your own without the help of others. Once you did these things you felt a feeling of pride. A feeling of accomplishment. 

This feeling is the reason why we love obstacle racing. This feeling is why we become so attached to this sport and end up running more obstacle events. Once you register for an event you already succeeded in silencing that inner voice. You already defeated the first obstacle which is self doubt. Once you arrive to your event and see the course in front of you, this doubt which you once overcame becomes even quieter. You feel the tingling in your body that tells you this is about to be a life experience. A major memory. All thoughts of giving up will give way to thoughts of excitement and anticipation. You will succeed because you are now in control of doubt. You will succeed because you want to succeed.

YES ITS TOUGH...BUT ITS ALSO AMAZING AND FUN

Obstacle courses give us the chance to embrace our inner child and have a blast on a tough, dirty course that is in essence a giant challenging playground for adults. Yes the obstacles are tough, and you will want them to be. You will want to stand at the finish line and think back to these challenges and how you overcame them.

Embracing the course and getting dirty and muddy and sweaty is half the fun. Climbing, scurrying, balancing, trudging, and crawling our way through this course will be one of the most physical challenges most of us will face in our lives. But along the way you find yourself grinning ear to ear, laughing, gritting your teeth, and pushing with everything you have. On this course you are truly living, fighting against the elements and proving to yourself what you are truly capable of.

TOGETHER YOU CAN DO THIS

The most enjoyable way to run an obstacle race is to run with your friends. Whether you are running individually in the same heat or running as a team, this is an experience that is meant to be shared. Grab a friend, family member, or co-worker and run together. This is an experience of unity when ran with friends or acquaintances. Half the fun is talking about the race with your buddies after you finish.

OBSTACLE RACERS: A GIANT SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY

Obstacle Racing is a hobby, a sport, and a passion. Most people who run one will run more in the future. The experience is addicting. There is a giant network of obstacle course racing enthusiasts online. A great way to get to know the sport and the events is to seek them out. We have found this community to be a very open, honest, and helpful community more than willing to help answer questions from those who have not yet experienced the sport. One thing they all agree on: Obstacle Racing has changes their lives for the better.

Obstacle Race Gear Review: Addidas Kanadia TR 4 Offroad Shoe

www.AtlasRace.com

OBSTACLE RACING GEAR SPOTLIGHT: SHOES

ADDIDAS KANADIA TR 4 OFFROAD TRAIL SHOES

Built To Take On The Course and More!

Lightweight and agile with a tough outsole to shred mud and offer maximum grip the Kanadia TR 4 is an ideal choice for obstacle racers. The surrounding upper air mesh gives great ventilation and drainage for those wet and muddy environments and these shoes offer great shock support at the heel and are naturally curved to assist with proper running technique.


The Adidas Kanadia TR 4 also boasts unparalleled traction, which is what you need when running obstacle races. They have a "Mud Release Surface" on the bottom of the shoes to avoid clumping and becoming heavy.


Adidas Kanadia TR 4 running shoes offer an air mesh upper that provides an incredible ventilation. The warm air is vented out while the outside air is sucked in helping to avoid excess sweat and keeping your feet from becoming overheated.

How They Did On The Course

We tested these shoes during the Spartan Pacific NW in 2012, considered to be one of the meanest and slipperiest of all the N. American Spartan locations. Hosted at the Washougal Motocross Park, this event offered challenges of many types most notable rugged and slippery terrain combined with steep incline and declines and sharp tight corners each boasting their own muddy marsh ready to take out your ankles.

The Kanadia TR 4 shoes performed exceptionally well. While many racers wearing other shoes were having trouble with these corners and the wet and muddy walls and hill climbs, these shoes dominated the terrain. The slick corners felt controlled, and the thin soles offered great feel and response for the feet. Hills felt much more tame with these shoes as the extra deep rubber grips really sunk in and held ground.

In the water based obstacles, these shoes drained exceptionally well and felt lighter than expected given they had been completely submerged. The tongue of these shoes is shaped specifically to avoid letting in debris on the trail. In this regard they did perform well, although some small rocks did get through.

The shoes fit tight, and well. After 4 miles of rugged terrain they still maintained a good fit and proper shape. Another unexpected trait is how easily they cleaned up. While it took a good 10 minutes or more to hose off, the shoes came clean quickly.

Our Rating:


We rate this shoe at a 5 out of 6 stars. They possess every trait needed to be great course shoes. Tough, lightweight, good ventilation, great traction, good feel to the sole, and they look great!

The only real downside is sizing. These shoes do run a little small. You may consider buying a half size up if you double up your socks or if you wear thicker running socks.  

Every shoe different from one another and it takes time for your feet and legs to become accustomed to how they fit and move. We found this shoe easy to break in. After only two training runs they felt molded and ready for action.

The Essential Basics

Midsole: 
adiPRENE provides protection from harmful impact forces. Eva midsole, injected EVA for long term lightweight cushioning.

Outsole: 
TRAXION outsole for maximum grip in all directions.

Inlay: 
Moulded insole, anatomically engeneered EVA insole for maximum comfort.

Upper: 
Airmesh, sandwich mesh upper for maximum ventilation.

Micro Suede: 
Stitched on MicroSuede for smooth forefoot fit and support for the natural flexzones of the foot.

Sex:
Men's and Women's models available

Weight:
9.8oz

Cost:

$40 and up depending on where you shop. Online merchants are recommended for best deals

The Bottom Line

The Addidas Kanadia TR 4 are a great choice for obstacle racers. They can be used during training and the actual event, and the price is good for the quality and durability of the shoe. You can find these shoes in stores and online. Check out Amazon.com to price match and get the best deal.