Obstacle course racing (OCR) is a sport that requires athletes to take on a variety of physical challenges. Physical requirements for overcoming these grueling obstacles including running, climbing, crawling and lifting heavy objects. While these courses seem intimidating, the communities are welcoming and making it to the finish is majorly rewarding. We chatted with three Team Injinji Athletes about their experience with obstacle course races, including how to get involved, ways to improve your performance, and obstacles that they love—and struggle with.
Justin Nucum
Justin Nucum is a coach, athlete, and the owner of an Orange County gym that specializes in obstacle course training.
How did you get into obstacle course racing?
At first, I was very intrigued with Ninja Warrior back when it was in Japan. When I couldn't find any gyms locally that had obstacles to train on, I found obstacle course races such as Spartan Race, Tough Mudder, Warrior Dash, Rugged Maniac, and other local mud runs. After my first race, I was hooked! Then it was a snowball effect of going to all of the different races at different venues.
Tell us about your business, Hardkour Performance!
Hardkour Performance was my final senior project in college. We were assigned to pitch an idea that we wanted to work on that was not readily available to the public yet. With my fascination of Ninja Warrior and obstacle course racing, I pitched the idea of having a gym that had obstacles so athletes could train for these types of competitions. For this project, we did everything from the ground up: research and development, marketing, operations, funding, legalities, and insurance. After we presented our final business plan, we had the chance to win a scholarship from U.S. Bank. Unfortunately, my group did not win the scholarship but the entrepreneurs, angel investors, and venture capitalists told us that if we wanted to pursue this idea, it was a very viable option given we had the research to back it up.
When I opened Hardkour Performance, I decided to give myself five years to see how far I could take it. The business is now eight years old, and we are still going strong! We now specialize in obstacle course race training. This is a hybrid of different disciplines from trail running, HIIT, CrossFit style workouts, and strength and conditioning. Since the majority of these competitions are outdoors, we bring the equipment and workouts outdoors too. We offer group, semi-private and private training, but we also create our own merchandise and apparel.
What are your favorite socks for pushing yourself on an obstacle course?
My favorite socks to wear on a wet obstacle course has to be the Ultra Compression OTC. In a dry obstacle course, I go with the Ultra Run Midweight Crew.
How do you recommend runners get involved with the OCR scene?
I recommend runners get involved with the OCR scene by doing shorter races to get familiar with obstacles and identify their strengths and weaknesses. Once someone feels more confident and knows what to expect and I can work with them on how to improve for the next race. Obstacle course racing is hard but with the right training and a great attitude, they are fun and enjoyable.
Any training tips for those looking to up their game? A few exercises that are essential?
Stripped down, OCR is truly a running sport. Here's what I recommend.
- Build your running base
- Increase your mileage
- Practice pull-ups
- Integrate heavy carries into your training
Favorite obstacle to take on? Least favorite?
My favorite obstacle is tied between a Hercules Hoist (pull a 60-80lb sandbag 20+ feet in the air using a rope and pulley) and Warped Wall (run up a huge ramp). My least favorite is the Dunk Wall (swim beneath a wall) in freezing temperatures. I am an island boy so I do not do well in the cold.
What motivates you to push through when you're in an especially tough moment during a race? Any mantras?
I've done some really tough and brutally challenging races, so I always tell myself "you've done worse." I am also very appreciative and thankful that I am healthy enough to do these types of races and I do not take it lightly. In the tough moments, I acknowledge that I am suffering and remind myself that I am blessed to be out there doing what I love.
Cali Schweikhart
Cali Schweikhart is an OCR athlete and coach with a passion for pushing herself through adventure sports, including cycling and trail running.
How did you get into obstacle course racing?
My good friend from high school suggested I try a Spartan Race during the gap year I took after freshman year of college. I had just decided to stop playing college soccer at Boston University and was looking for a fun new way to push myself physically and mentally. It’s pretty crazy to think about how life-changing that suggestion was!
What are your favorite socks for pushing yourself on an obstacle course?
The Run Lightweight Mini-Crew socks are probably my all-time favorite because they are light and sleek. If the course is going to involve some rough terrain and a lot of ropes and walls, the Sport Original Weight Crew socks are great for a little more skin protection!
How does this type of athletic challenge empower you? How does it humble you?
I find obstacle course racing empowering because it is so multi-faceted. I love how the challenges presented in OCR are so diverse. This sport requires speed, strength, endurance, and coordination. I think this is also what makes it humbling. There are always so many ways to improve!
Favorite type of obstacle to take on? Least favorite?
I think the heavy carries (buckets, sandbags, logs) are probably my favorite obstacles. I like the strength and endurance they require! My least favorite is probably any form of a higher wall. They can really interrupt your running rhythm and are more taxing than you’d expect.
Who inspires you in the OCR scene?
Two of my biggest inspirations (and closest friends) in OCR are Lindsay Webster and Ryan Atkins. Not only are they insanely dynamic and incredible athletes, but they're also top-notch, genuine people. Their holistic approach to training, nutrition, and life in general is extremely inspiring to me.
Do you have a mantra for when the going gets tough on the course?
One quote I draw upon a lot is, “Conviction and comfort don’t live on the same block.” It is a reminder that the goals we strive for often involve a good deal of discomfort in order to actually reach them.
Fellow Team Injinji Athlete and one of my biggest idols, Courtney Dauwalter, posted something on Instagram a while back that really resonated with me. “There were moments during the race where I thought ‘This isn’t possible. I won’t make it.’ But whenever I had those thoughts, I would smile and say out loud: ‘This is exactly what you came for.’” I think of this often, because it’s so true. Once things start to get hard, it’s natural to want to shy away from that pain and suffering but that same pain and suffering, that challenge, is essentially why we compete.
How do you recommend someone get started in obstacle course racing?
I would recommend signing up for a shorter race, maybe something around 5K in distance. Find some friends to do it with you and have fun with it! People from all walks of life complete these courses and everyone does it at their own pace. Bite the bullet and try one to see if it’s something you enjoy!
What is your biggest challenge this year and how will you prepare for it?
The biggest challenge I am prepping for in 2023 is World’s Toughest Mudder. It’s a 24-hour obstacle course race in which the goal is to complete as many laps of the five mile course as possible. I competed in this event last year and took eighth, dropping down from third place after getting hypothermia around 16 hours in. This event is unlike anything I have ever done and the monumental task of racing for an entire 24 hours is insane and amazing at the same time!
Alexandra Mueller
Alexandra Mueller is a professional tennis player, marathoner and passionate OCR athlete.
How did you get into obstacle course racing?
I was always familiar with OCR through friends who were passionate about it, but I didn’t have background in anything like that, so it seemed a little intimidating to me. Some of the obstacles looked so crazy. I thought there was no way I would be able to tackle them. I was always curious though, so it wasn’t until I just said, “What the heck?” and entered the next one I saw on the calendar in my area. It was the Spartan Stadion at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia last year. It was an amazing experience, and I immediately caught the OCR bug.
As a professional tennis player, what does obstacle course racing add to your fitness routine and personal fulfillment?
OCR and professional tennis are two completely different animals, but I’ve also found some things in common. If I am unsure or nervous about an obstacle, I might play it safe and not fully commit myself to completing it successfully. It’s the same feeling as in a tennis match, in a nervous moment, am I going to play to win or play not to lose? In sports, fortune favors the brave, and usually, when you go for it you’re rewarded. I like to be presented with that choice and find it inside myself to break through those mental barriers.
What are your favorite Injinji socks for pushing yourself on an obstacle course?
My go-to Injinji sock for OCR is the Women’s Ultra Run Crew. I love the cushioning for a long day of pounding out on that OCR course, and I appreciate the crew height to prevent friction and splinters from dominating the obstacles.
Any tips for beginners on a few things you may have learned the hard way?
If you’re considering dipping your toes into OCR racing but are hesitant, JUST GO FOR IT! Even if none of your friends want to go with you, OCR folks are hands down the most encouraging, supportive, and inclusive bunch I’ve met in my entire life. You will come away with new friends, I guarantee it. There is an event for anyone and everyone in OCR and you will have the time of your life.
What was the most fun OCR you’ve done, and what are you looking forward to on the horizon?
I completed my first Spartan Ultra 50k in May of this year in Fayetteville, NC. It tested me mentally, physically, and emotionally but I had a total blast. I am looking forward to the Spartan Killington Beast (21k) next month. From what I hear, it’s ridiculously gnarly.
What is your favorite obstacle? Least favorite?
Hmm, that’s a good question! I feel like it’s always changing but I consistently enjoy the Hercules Hoist and the Plate Drag (pulling a heavy plate across a distance and back again). I like to use my leg strength and those obstacles favor that. And my least favorite is the Dunk Wall, not because it’s a tough obstacle, but because I have eyelash extensions and they’re a pain in the butt to clean!
If you’ve been interested in trying out obstacle course racing, this is your sign to give it a try! From 5ks to multi-day events, there’s a race for every interest and skill level. Don’t forget to bring your Injinji socks along for the ride to prevent blisters and wick-away sweat.
