What was your first OCR race and what made you decide to try it?

My first OCR Race was the Seattle Super in 2016, I really had no idea what I was getting myself into. My dad had bought us tickets for one of the Open Heats on GroupOn, called me up and told me we would be headed to Seattle that weekend.

How has OCR helped you overcome challenges?

Often the challenges that you face in OCR are much similar to the ones you face in life. You can prepare as much as possible, but somehow there will always be something that you were’t expecting. OCR has helped me overcome a very heated temper. I have found that in the big picture (whether that be an important race or in life), some things really just don’t matter. However, the way you treat others and your reactions in those certain situations do matter.

What do you love most about the OCR Community?

I love how diverse the OCR Community is. There is no better feeling than being in different states or even different parts of the globe for races, and knowing that you are connected to one big family.

Who inspires you?

I would have to stay that the women of OCR inspire me. Typically you think of running, and lifting heavy things as a man’s sports – but the women out there are totally kicking some a**, especially in endurance races.

What is your favorite OCR memory?

My favorite OCR memory would be finishing the 2018 Death Race, and gluing together my finisher’s skull. I was pleasantly surprised with the generous amount of support received via the live streams and social media both during and after the race was finished.

Tell us something about yourself that few people know, whether OCR related or not.

I really dislike artificial strawberry and cherry flavors. I think I am the only person I know who is a fan of the yellow starbursts…

What are your goals for 2019?

I am hoping to get on the podium at the Portland Sprint this year, I placed a close 4th place this past year, and would like some redemption on my home turf. I would also like to try out some new races – whether that be Tough Mudder, Green Beret or Ragnar.

Photo credit: Rachel Lotz, Spartan Race

2. Seven Pillars

Endurance   Strength   Athleticism   Recovery   Nutrition   Mind   Code

We work hard to improve our physical selves which is important in racing and a healthy life. I wanted to also focus on other aspects that can help make us be well rounded in our racing and personal lives. Each month I’d like to choose a topic from the Spartan Seven Pillars above and then offer a challenge to you. You have an entire month to work on it. Research shows that lasting changes often occur when you take things slow and do one step at a time.

This month we are going to select Mind.

“Passion: If you’re not passionate about what you do, you’re not going to be great at it. Take things seriously and learn to be passionate.” -Spartan

One Word! This is something everyone can do to direct your life in a positive way and keep moving forward. It’s easy to get distracted from the New Year’s resolutions you make and good intentions. This can be used to help you focus all year long. I highly recommend getting the book so you can really dive in and learn how to choose your word and make it stick. My word is Strength. I’m going to apply it to all parts of my life. Strength in body, mind, and soul. I’m going to write my word down on sticky notes and place them in areas I will see them, so it will become engrained. This word will be my focus all year. Physical strength. Strength in helping others. Strength in proper eating. Strength during trying times. Strength in finding ways to make others happy. Here is a video by the writer that gives a brief overview.

From the Back Cover

3. Beast Nutrition

Pistachios

Pistachio Fun Facts:

• 98% of the pistachios produced in the United States are from California. Iran is the largest producer of pistachios in the world.
• February 26 is National Pistachio Day.
• Pistachios are one of the oldest flowering nut trees, and are one of the only two nuts mentioned in the Bible (Genesis 43:11). Humans have eaten pistachio nuts for at least 9,000 years.
• According to legend, pistachios were featured in the fabled Hanging Gardens of Babylon, built about 700 B.C. by King Nebuchadnezzar for his wife Amytis.
• In the first century A.D., Emperor Vitellius introduced Rome to the pistachio. Apicius, Rome’s Julia Child of the first century, includes pistachios in his classical cookbook.
• Perhaps a true royal nut, the Queen of Sheba loved pistachios. In fact, she demanded that the entire region’s pistachio harvest be set aside for her.
• Pistachios are related to the mango and the spice sumac.
• In China the pistachio is known as “the happy nut” and in Iran as “the smiling nut”. Pistachios are also known as “the green almond”. *

Recipe:

Beets, laughing cow cheese, and pistachios – one of my favorite salads

2-3 beets boiled
1-2 laughing cow triangles
12 pistachios

Slice beets fairly thick, about 3-4 slices per beet if they are large. Arrange on a plate.
Cut cheese into pieces and place on each beet.
Shell pistachios and place between paper towels. Crush slightly with a glass or something heavy. Sprinkle nut pieces over top of beets and cheese.
Enjoy!

Photo Credit: https://www.self.com/story/fun-facts-pistachios; Kim Collings

*https://mobile-cuisine.com/did-you-know/pistachio-fun-facts/

4. Joe’s Corner

Check back next month for Joe’s Corner

5. Looking Ahead