More than Mud - Ron Zastocki

More than Mud is an article and interview series dedicated to documenting the incredible characters and stories that we come across in the world of OCR and outdoor adventure and endurance racing events. They range from everyday heroes to extreme athletes but all have unique and engaging stories to tell.

How Did You Get Into OCR Racing?

I became very tired of running 5ks. After a while, running the streets became boring. I wanted something that was more exciting and found it in OCR.

How do you describe what you do to people outside of the OCR community? (and why you do it)

I tell them it's like boot camp style obstacles with running. As far as why I do it, it's because I love to push myself to my limits. I want to see how far I can go and what I can accomplish. Plus nothing beats the feeling of crossing that finish line after a long grueling course.

What's been your most interesting or memorable moment in your OCR career so far?

The most interesting moment was when I was at the final barbed wire crawl at the PA Spartan Sprint a couple years ago. One of the strands of barbed wire had fallen into the water and wasn't visible. As I came through the obstacle, the barbed wire got wrapped around my shorts and became lodged in my butt cheek. I had to practically rip the shorts off in order to get out of that mess.

What's the best training or racing advice you've ever received?

Keep pushing until you have nothing left. Whether it's training or racing, you have to give it your all in order to succeed.

What personal challenges has OCR has helped you overcome?

OCR just teaches you to never quit. We battle obstacles on the course and find ways to overcome them. That mentality crosses over the our real life obstacles and helps of move on.

What inspires you?

Seeing the other racers on the course and listening to their stories. I love doing the sweeper wave for Spartan Race because the final racer always has a great story. They go through hell all day to complete to the course and when they finish the get a hero's welcome and never a dry eye in the house.

Any race stats you'd like to share? Any goals for this year?

• Rock Solid Mud Run: Winner 3 years in a row
• Top 100 Spartan Race Elite Male: 2 years in a row
• Top 100 Spartan Race Stadium Series: Elite Male

Goal this year is to qualify for World Championships, I missed last year by 6 seconds. I want that coin!

What's something about you that others might find surprising?

For the Special Spartans Kid's race, I dress up as Spiderman and run with the kids.

What are your thoughts on the current state and future of OCR?

The sport is growing and I love it. I think the future is very bright for the sport. There is more attention on it and now that it's televised, there is more exposure to our sport.

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