Ryan Atkins, master of the obstacle course race
Obstacle Course Racing is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States. Corporate sponsors are getting behind it and there is a push to one day make it an Olympic sport. Over the last four years, races such as Spartan Race, Tough Mudder and Warrior Dash have exploded in popularity, both in the United States and overseas. Courses span miles, with participants scaling walls, climbing ropes and hoisting oversized tires. Tough Mudder’s obstacles include electric shocks, Spartan contestants throw javelins, and Warrior Dash participants leap over fire. Many make use of mud.
Ryan is one of the best OCR (Obstacle Course Race) athletes in the world. He was the 2016 OCR World Champion in the 3km distance, as well as World’s Toughest Mudder winner for the last four years. Not to mention, he won the 2016 Spartan US Championship Series and completed several ultra running races to top off the year. We sat down with Ryan to ask a few questions.
Can you give an overview of your athletic career (high school, college sports?) ? When did it start, any big accomplishments? What got you into Obstacle Course Racing ?
I started with playing hockey, football, and soccer as a young kid. Then in high school I played rugby, wrestling, and football. While doing this I got really into Trials and Mountain Unicycling. I spent the next seven years mostly obsessed with Unicycling, becoming multiple time world champion. From there, around the age of 20, I started to race mountain bikes, competing in a few World Cup level races. At the age of 25, a friend of mine invited me to run a 50-mile trail. I was immersed into ultra and trail running and then Obstacle Course Racing after that.
In your training, when did you feel at your lowest point? What got you through those hard times?
When I’m coming off an injury or a rest period, the first few workouts back are always very hard, as you don’t feel very fit or fast. Getting through those and remaining positive can be tough, but after a few weeks, it comes back. I like to try to remember how lucky i am to be outside and pushing myself at times like that.
How do you think your training has improved you as a person?
Training and racing has taught me that, no matter how good or bad your race/performance was, there is always tomorrow. Don’t revel in your success or wallow in your pity for too long. There is always tomorrow!
If you had any advice to give to someone who has done a few races, but really wants to step up their commitment in OCR, what would it be?
Run more. Try to simulate the challenges that you will find in a race and train them as hard as you can, a few times a week.
What does your typical day look like? What about your week? Can you give us some idea of the kind of training you go through?
I run 10–30 km most days. I also try to go rock climbing 2–3 times per week. I only strength train once per week, as this is mostly maintenance to retain the strength I need to get through the obstacles.
What is your next goal to beat?
I’d like to hit 110 miles at WTM this year and win Spartan World Championships.
Why do you do what you do? What makes it all worth it?
Being healthy and motivating others to find their own personal best is wonderful motivation.
Who is someone you know that you’d like to see us feature on the Modern Athlete?
I’d like to see my wife, Lindsay Webster featured!
Follow Ryan on Instagram: ryanatkinsdiet
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