In 2014, a pivotal moment occurred when I signed up for my very first OCR race. Little did I know the profound impact it would have on the next 10 years of my life. Just a few weeks before the race, my friend Thomas (whom many of you know as Coach Johansson) gave me a call. I had seen some of my other friends participate in obstacle races before, but my knowledge was limited to the mud and running involved. It wasn't until I saw the race course a few days prior that true terror set in.

Let me take you back to 2014. Electricity-based obstacles were all the rage, and this race had its fair share. I found myself crawling through a swimming section while electric wires dangled menacingly above me. The night before the race was filled with restless anticipation. Doubts plagued my mind. Would I be able to conquer this challenge? Luckily, I had agreed to run the race with Thomas and three other friends, which provided a sense of calm amidst the chaos.

We gathered together, brimming with excitement and adrenaline. In an attempt to enhance our performance, we even consumed half a liter of beetroot juice (someone had claimed it would help). Little did we know that this would result in a lasting taste of earthy beetroot throughout the first 5 kilometers of the race. Nevertheless, we pressed on.

As the race unfolded, we encountered popsicles with balance obstacles, monkey bars, and a plethora of challenges. I surprised myself with the speed at which I adapted and embraced each new obstacle. Time flew by as we completed a grueling 15-kilometer obstacle race, all of us covered in mud and utterly exhausted. Crossing that finish line, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride.

What set this obstacle race apart from my previous road races was the opportunity for self-reflection. I was no longer fixated solely on how fast I could run a specific distance. Instead, I found myself contemplating numerous successes and failures along the way. Climbing a rope seemed impossible, yet I overcame that challenge. Conquering the rings required pushing past my fears, and the experience wasn't nearly as dreadful as I had imagined. Each hurdle surmounted provided a tremendous boost to my self-esteem. It became clear that I was capable of far more than I had ever believed, both in that race and in all the races that followed.

This is what I always emphasize to those who are afraid to attempt their first obstacle race or step up to an elite race. Participating in a race offers invaluable insight into areas for improvement, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses. By focusing on the positive aspects and embracing failure as a source of growth, you can transform yourself into an extraordinary OCR athlete—just like me (no bragging intended).

So, I hope you enjoyed this little tale of my inaugural obstacle race. It's a memory etched in my mind forever, serving as a reminder to never again consume half a liter of beetroot juice before a race—lesson learned! Ha ha...

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