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obstacle course racing

Why Runners Should Try Obstacle Course Racing

For the ultimate in simplicity and effectiveness, nothing comes close to the pureness of running. It’s the most popular form of exercise in the world, boosting both core and leg strength, as well as priming your cardiovascular system.

There are countless studies confirming the benefits of running, and for just the cost of a pair of running shoes, you can essentially go from a couch surfer to a marathon finisher in a matter of months.

But let’s say running just isn’t your thing, or you’ve been a runner for a long time and are feeling bored and burnt out — what next? How can you spice up a running-centric routine?

How does a running background translate into a successful OCR career?

Luckily, a strong running background is a great foundation for a wide range of sports and fitness-related activities.

Obstacle course racing, or OCR, is one such sport, and it combines running, swimming, and strength-based obstacles for a complete, total-body workout.

We chatted to Christian Jonsson, obstacle course racer (OCR), CrossFit athlete, and Polar Ambassador, to discuss how a running background can translate into a successful OCR career, his go-to gear selections, and some of his tips for newcomers to the sport.

obstacle course racing

To start off, how and when did you get into OCR?

I got into obstacle course racing because I’ve always loved running out in nature and at the same time I love strength workouts and hard conditions. I guess this fetish comes from my time in the army. The first time I competed or participated in OCR was the 2012 Toughest OCR in Malmö, Sweden.

What were your goals when you started?

I didn’t really have any goals at the start. After two years, when I had trained a bit and had a strong body ready for endurance, I aimed to win – or at least be in the top 10 in Sweden, because I didn’t want to lose all my muscle strength to shave off a couple of minutes on the course.

Running has always been my weakest aspect of the sport. It’s hard to move around 80 kilograms fast enough when the guys you’re competing against run 10 kilometers in 30 to 35 minutes.

What are some health benefits of training for and racing OCR?

I would say the benefit of a complete OCR training program is that most of the training, except the running, is functional movements you can use in your everyday life.

At least, I feel it in my life and at my work in construction, for example. You gain loads of grip strength, as well as pulling, lifting, and hanging strength. Also, I love the combination that the sport is practiced in natural environments — water, the woods, plus up and down hills.

What is the main difference between training only for running, and training for OCR?

If you only train for running you don’t have to think about balancing your body for strength, but in obstacle course racing, you have to balance your body to beat the obstacles along the course. Combining high-pulse running and strength makes OCR totally different than just running. Running is not a natural total-body workout movement on its own — the body needs more.

obstacle course racing

What characteristics helps runners transition to OCR athletes so well?

The courses are often eight- to 40-kilometers long and this gives endurance runners a huge advantage.

I’ve also found that strength is far easier to develop than running endurance. You don’t need that much strength in your muscles to make the obstacles, but to run 10 kilometers in 38 minutes — that takes a lot!

What gear do you use when racing?

I always run light — small shorts (tights or running shorts), my race vest, a Polar watch (at the moment Polar Vantage V), sometimes the H10 heart rate sensor if I think it’ll not be in the way, and the Vivobarefoot Primus SG on my feet.

How do you use Polar Vantage V in OCR training and racing?

While training, I am looking for my activity level in my daily routine to not overload my training. Usually, I am looking at, and of course feeling, my pulse during workouts to know my level of exhaustion. I love that there is an optic sensor for the times when I forget the strap or it’s out of battery.

Speaking of the optic sensor, what are the benefits of the wrist-based heart rate sensor when doing OCR?

You get rid of the sensor strap around your chest that most people think makes your breathing harder. The sensor of a chest strap is also placed in an area that is used during some obstacles, for example, the Irish Table, when you are dragging yourself up on a platform 1.80 meters up in the air.

obstacle course racing

In your own words, what makes OCR so appealing?

It’s a sport that you can do with any kind of former sports background, and all competitors have their own strengths and weaknesses in the sport. You also meet lots of wonderful people who will be your friends for the rest of your life.

To wrap up, what tips do you have for someone who has never tried OCR before?

Run a ton before, and make your running more difficult to account for the obstacles and workouts along the way. Train explosive muscles and grip strength, and of course, mixed running terrain — wet, muddy, and cold.

If you liked this post, don’t forget to share so that others can find it, too.

Please note that the information provided in the Polar Blog articles cannot replace individual advice from health professionals. Please consult your physician before starting a new fitness program.

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