The OCR Underground Show

This is the first episode I recorded since completing the Lebec Spartan Ultra Beast.  So it seemed fitting to talk all about how it went.  Before I get into the details of the race though, I share some of my insight on recoverying from a race.  One big question I see come up online is when should you get back to training after a race.  Unfortunately I see some pretty bad advice to this question. ...

Well I am in my taper week for my Ultra Beast, so with that extra time I have now from not running, I wanted to get out new episode for your listening pleasure.   In this episode, in the Inside Mike's Mind segment, I get inside your mind.  Are you your biggest limiting factor?  Many people are getting in their own way.  In fact I work with many clients on this topic.  Here I discuss perception and...

Hopefully you are listening to this episode in time, but if you register by 8/31/19 you can win a Free Spartan Race.  Not only that but we are also giving away Venga CBD products, Designer Protein Products, and Hand Master Plus Grip Trainers.  Thanks to all of our sponsors for making this happen. To enter just visit:  www.ocrunderground.com/free-giveaway Now into this episode.  You may have heard...

Want to win two free entries into the Colorado Rockies Spartan Ultra, Beast, Sprint Race Weekend?  This episode's sponsor, Venga CBD, is giving away two free entries to the race as well as a 1000mg jar of their Recovery Balm.  To enter visit www.vengaendurance.com/spartan. In this episode I discuss a common topic that I hear discussed on obstacle specific training.  How often and should you even t...

The OCR Underground Show provides you with everything you need to maximize your training for your best race.  In this episode I share some great insight on how you can have a smarter training plan.  Hoping to redeem my Big Bear race, I am off to race the Spartan Sprint in Minnesota.  At least there is no snow in the forecast.   In the Inside Mike's Mind segment of the show, I explain the truth abo...

Well one thing is for sure, that you just don't know what to expect with OCR's.  Recently the Spartan Race at Big Bear was no exception.  With rare snow fall in May in SoCal, we so some last minute race cancelations and modified courses.   Overall Spartan did a great job handling this unfortunately situation, despite the fact of making us hit the dunk wall twice in the Sprint.  In this episode I g...

Well this episode is just loaded with info so let's get right down to it.  Are you ready for an Ultra Beast?  If so I have the plan for you.  I talk about the 4 month training plan that I created to help clients take on the Ultra Beast and earn that belt buckle.  Click here to learn more . In the Inside Mike's Mind Segment I talk about altitude training.  Yes I know we have discussed this before,...

What was harder the Spartan Sprint in Vegas or waking up Sunday after a race and night out on the strip?  It is a close call but I think I will take running a race no matter how hard over waking up early with a hangover. This past weekend we had a blast racing and spending a fun weekend in Vegas.  It started out with a fun visit to Maddam Tussaud's Wax Museum.  You can see from the pic above we ha...

In episode 58 we cover a variety of topics to get you on track for your next OCR.  It's the start of the year and the question of New Year's Resolutions always comes up.  Are they a good thing or a waste of time?  In this episode I share why you absolutely should set a resolution.  But you need to do it the right way. In the Inside Mike's Mind segment, I discuss one of my favorite topics, Strength...

Well the 2019 season is here and Spartan has revealed new obstacles.  This is obviously a nice change of pace since 2018 saw little updates in the races. Overall I enjoyed the change and the new obstacles that were at the Chino Hill race.  They brought on new challenges for different levels of racers and it will be fun thinking of new ways to train for these obstacles. In this episode I will give...

With 2018 coming to an end it is time to finish the year strong.  Have you looked back at how your OCR training and racing went in 2018.  Are you satisfied?  If you are reading this you probably are never satisfied and are always looking for even the slightest competitive edge. This weeks episode is just what you need.  We announce a brand new partner of the OCR Underground Show this week.  Also,...

The OCR Underground Show Episode 56 Show Notes We are back with another episode to help you fast track your OCR training for your next race.  With the races in 2018 winding down it is time to start planning ahead for the 2019 season.  Now is the time to start focusing on your game plan.   In this episode, to help with your off season training, I discuss different ways to make your workouts harder....

In this episode, I discuss a recent post I did on using data and technology.  While there is no doubt, technology has made huge advances, it doesn't always help us out in the end.  I share a personal example of how I used a variety of tools to help determine the type of workout I did. In our race recap, I interviewed SGX Coach Anne L'Heureux.  Anne recently qualified to race in the elite heat at T...

Are you ready to take on the Ultra Beast?  Or really any ultra endurance event.  If so you better have a plan in place and you better follow through.  Better yet, get some training advice from some of the best in the business.   In this special Ultra Beast episode I dive deep into Ultra training with three elite coaches.  They discuss the most important aspects you MUST consider with training from...

In this episode I share some of my thoughts on finding purpose in your workouts.  Are you just working out to work out or are you following a program to get you better at specific things?  I share some thoughts on how I choose certain exercises and help you find the best workout for you.   In my research review I dive deep into genetics.  Do you consume caffeine for its performance enhancing benef...

We are back with another amazing episode to help you train smarter for your next OCR.  Just getting back from the Spartan Race in Utah I have plenty of insight for your next race. In this episode I share some of my thoughts on what it takes to make change.  We all want to get better.  Run faster, be stronger, improve body composition, etc.  But how do you actually do that?  I cover where to start...

While in the middle of a crazy travel bout, I'm back with another great episode to help you train smarter for your OCR to enhance your longevity in the sport. After recently getting back from the Chicago Spartan Race, I share my insights on one of the muddiest races I have done.  There are some things that are hard to prep for, but many other things you can.  I share my thoughts on Plan B training...

In this episode we discuss more great training tips to help you prep for your next OCR.  I recently got to interview a few people post race after the Big Bear Beast/Sprint Spartan weekend.  I got their immediate thoughts on the race as well as my own as we review the brutal course.  I also talk about my latest article I wrote for Spartan on Addition by Subtraction, how what you remove from your pr...

Are you read for more training training tips to help you prep for your next Spartan Race or other OCR?  We got you covered with another awesome episode. In this episode, I share some great tips on how you can train your legs to better prep for hills without running hills.  In our research review I discuss the different between training for muscle size versus muscle strength.  Your goal is to under...

I'm super excited to announce we have a new sponsor to the show.  If you have had issues with the grip based obstacles in races you will definitely want to check this out.  Handmaster Plus is an incredible tool for not just improving your grip, but for developing more balance in the muscles of the hand.  There are 9 muscles that close the hand and 9 muscles that open the hand.  The Handmaster Plus...

The Spartan Race Series is well underway now with more and more racers getting excited for the 2018 season.  This episode has you covered to make sure your OCR training is on point for this year. In this episode I discuss more on the release of our new Fuel and Fire Program .  We are only taking 30 applicants into the beta version, so if you want a done for you proven system to avoid burpees and r...

In this special episode I interview SGX Coach and Registered Dietitian Anne L'Heureux on the release of our brand new 90 Day Spartan Race Training Program. We discuss some of the key elements in any training program and how your nutrition plan needs to match the demand you are putting on your body.  It is an oversimplification to eat the same way every day.  Instead Anne shares what you need to co...

We are well into 2018 and the race season is upon us.  This episode brings you more tips and strategies to bring your best game for the 2018 OCR Season.   In this episode I discuss more on my recent blog post and video on the most common bear crawl mistakes made and a simple progression to master the fundamental exercise.  Plus I go on a little rant on how many people seem to be handling injuries....

With 2017 ending now is the time to plan ahead for your 2018 race schedule and to gain insight on how you should approach your training for the best year yet. In this episode I share research on how Twitter can effect your race performance and some practical tips on how to maximize your sleep for recovery. In our coaches's corner I have on SGX Coach Matt Bouback with Power Combat Fitness.  Former...

After some time off due to travel, I'm back and ready to talk all about OCR Training.  With 2017 coming to a close I discuss the importance of looking back at your performance to help you look ahead for next year.  And how sometimes what you take out of your program is just as important as what you put in it. In this episode SGX Coach Alison Rosales gives a great Spartan Race recap for the Big Bea...