2014 Race Schedule

So I was cranking out a list of potential races for the upcoming year when it dawned on me that there's a shit ton of things to do in the world of OCR. even just in Texas. To that end, I'm starting my official list of races I'm either participating in, or think you may find interesting for 2014. For right now it's all OCR or theme based, but I will probably add in some road and/or trail races at some point.

2/22 - Superhero Scramble, Forney   --- Cancelled...see my follow up here.
4/12 - Atlas Race (venue pending)
4/19 - Hit & Run 5k, Dallas (this is a straight up fun run with obstacles styled like the TV show Wipeout)
5/17 - Spartan Super, Burnet
---
some others kind of bouncing around but I'm not yet signed up for:
12/13-12/14 - Spartan Beast (date/venue pending)
Spartan Sprint (date pending, stadium race at AT&T Stadium...no mud but all the obstacles)
5/10 - Gladiator Rock 'n Run
Tough Mudder (date/venue pending, typically around October/November)
9/13 - Savage Race, Grandview DFW Jailbreak (date/venue pending, typically around September/October) 6/8 - Merrell Down & Dirty, Cedar Hill (they have 3 & 6 mile versions as well as kid's race)
TNMRA Series (local event, they do a 3-4 part series typically themed around a holiday, Halloween, St Pat's Day, Cinco De Mayo, Summer)

This is just a quick & dirty listing to help me get things straight in my mind. I'll add/edit as things go along including any discounts I find. As usual, permalink will be in the upper right hand corner.

Training tips

"Run fast. Eat well. Climb shit. Lift shit. Have fun."

Those are the words from one Ella Anne Kociuba when asked for any OCR training tips. She's a bit of a rockstar amongst the OCR set thanks in no part to her fairly consistent podium stands and kick ass attitude...suppose it doesn't hurt that she's pretty easy on the eyes (Texas kicks ass like that). Sums it up pretty well, I think.  Bottom line: fuel your body, push your body.  What's on your training schedule today?

Conquer the Gauntlet

For anyone in the Dallas area that had to pull out of Savage Race due to the venue/date change, I was just tipped to a new race in the area in May.  Conquer the Gauntlet will be at the same venue that Savage was in on May 11. Four miles with 25 obstacles is nice. Looks to be a start up, so I have no real review on them & how they manage their races, just throwing the info out there for anyone who might be interested.  I'm skipping it as I'm already doing Spartan the week after & don't really feel I'm yet conditioned well enough to run back-to-back like that.

Savage Race

Unfortunately Savage Race changed their venue & date to November, so I had to pull out. They did make the refund process quick & painless, so I'll definitely consider them again in the future. If you would like info on the race in general, hit up www.savagerace.com.

Still running Firefly in March, Spartan in May & Tough Mudder in October.  Stay tuned to see if any more pop up worth the time.

Race Links

So far I'm signed up for several different races this year...some being mud/ocr style & some traditional road race.  I'm gathering a list of sign up links should anyone be interested in joining any of the teams I'm on.  All races are in Texas unless otherwise noted. Typically joining a team can garner various discounts plus it's just more fun to run with a group.  I'll likely put up a perma-link to this post on the side & update as things change (i.e. if I sign up for any more races, coupon codes change, etc).

As many of these races also have some sort of charity fundraiser attached, I'll also get those links up.  Joining a team does not obligate you to raise any funds.  Even if you're not running with me, please take a moment to check out the various charities & donate if you see fit...any little bit can help!

Unfortunately Savage Race changed their venue & date to November, so I had to pull out. They did make the refund process quick & painless, so I'll definitely consider them again in the future. If you would like info on the race in general, hit up www.savagerace.com.
Savage Race (team: The Ditch Mob)
Running Saturday, March 16, 10am. Teams of 4+ get a $5 rebate per person after you run. Use coupon code MUDRUNFUN for $5 off at registration (in addition to any rebates).

Spartan Race (team: The Ditch Mob)
Running Saturday, May 18, 12:30pm. Teams of 4+ get a $5 rebate per person after you run. The link here is my personal referral page which will get you an instant 15% off.

Firefly Run (team: Groove Riders)
Running Saturday, 3/23, 8pm.  This is a pure charity race & my first ever traditional road race (5k).  It supports Children's Medical Center in Dallas. No real coupons per se (hey, it's for charity anyways!) but if you join our team you get the group discount. The link is to my personal fundraising page for the hospital, and there is a race registration link on there if you want to run with us.  If you can't run, please donate whatever you can.

Tough Mudder (team: The Ditch Mob / password: MUD)
Running Saturday, October 27, 10am. Teams of 6+ get a $5 rebate per person after you run.  Some coupons I've seen posted (but have not confirmed if they work) are CHALLENGEACCEPTED ($5 off) or NATIONALMUDDERS ($10 off)...your mileage may vary.  TM requires a password to join the team to ensure people don't accidentally join the wrong team in the event there are multiple teams with the same/similar name. TM supports Wounded Warrior Project.  If you're not interested in running, please donate to the cause HERE.