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Ep 79 – Adrian Bijanada Announces New Race Format Coming to OCRWC 2019 / Spartan Trail Series

It’s been a busy news week in obstacle course racing, so it’s time for a recap.

Adrian Bijanada joins Josh on the show to discuss OCRWC’s newly announced race format. Josh also covers Spartan’s announcement from Spartan about their new Trail Series event, as well as predictions on the US National Series dates and venues, and a preview of the Iceland Ultra World Championship and Jon Albon’s shot at $1 Million dollars of Joe De Sena’s money.

As always, if you enjoy the show, leave a review on the podcast platform of your choice – it is much appreciated!

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My era ends

8 years ago, and some of my gym buddies wanted to run this Spartan Race thing – the second Spartan ever, at Amesbury Sports Park. No “Sprints”, no trifectas and we didn’t even do burpees. None of us had any idea the rocket we were getting on, and where OCR would go.

6 years ago, I did the first year anniversary hurricane heat, two Sprint laps, and through a stroke of providence, met a whole bunch of amazing people and together, we founded the New England Spahtens. Right place, right time, indeed.

It was more work, more effort, more stress – with more ego’s and drama’s – and also more rewarding and fun and amazing than I could have anticipated – from running FB groups and pages, to setting up an e-commerce site, launching and operating a video series and a podcast, and operating #racelocal, supporting dozens of local OCRs … it was frequently fast paced chaos, and not everything ran smoothly. But it has been a blast.

A year ago, I made the decision to step back, and take my life down a new path. Running OCRs had lost it’s sparkle for me – I found myself frequently injured, and frequently away from my family at weekends. Coupled with a demanding day job that had me traveling mid week, I would land in Logan on a Friday and want nothing more than to spend the day with my loved ones, and not get up at 5am to drive somewhere to run another 5k OCR.

NES brought me so many amazing memories. So many amazing friends. We went from a few people sharing codes for race discounts, to a 501c7 organization that has raised money for Team Mike McNeil and others. We’ve clothed the homeless of Boston and seen individuals overcome personal demons, finish endurance races, earn medals and skulls- and I’ll always be proud of the part I’ve played in making that happen and bringing those experiences to people.

This last year, I’ve been spending my time moving daily operations over to the board, and this last few months stepping back almost entirely, and playing a support role. Long term, that’ll be what I do – when the board need technical help, I’ll help – and day to day decision making and operations (and the mistakes that will surely come with this learning curve!) will reside with them. Be patient. Give them your support – just like this last year, they are your elected board, so be engaged! The more involved YOU are, the better job THEY can do.

What next for me? I fully plan to be at the final Polar Bear Challenge – the best local race of the season, I believe, and Shale Hill’s swan song. For the foreseeable, it’ll be my final OCR. I’ve been so lucky to make so many good friends, we frequently have people from NES over at the house for smoked meats and drinks in the hot tub, and I hope those friendships last beyond OCR and NES. My brain will eventually latch onto another hobby, or project, and my life will be all consumed in a new direction – but until that happens – and I’m not looking for it, I’ll enjoy some piece and quiet.

A new era begins. “English” signing off.

 

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Ep77 – GIVEAWAY Alert – Spartan Race, Tough Mudder, Bone Frog & More…

The NE Spahtens Show has a new sponsor. And to celebrate we’re giving away something that EVERY OCR athlete needs come race day! You’ll have to listen to find out (that’s called a tease, and I am not ashamed to admit it).

Josh is taking the reigns tonight, talking about Spartan Race’s recent bevvy of announcements heading in to the 2019 season. Tough Mudder takes a “Classic” look at their events. And boy that escalated quickly – there was a man on fire, and Bone Frog has a Trident (Yep – Ron Burgundy quotes too. It’s midnight, I’m a little loopy writing the show notes).

Settle in, take a listen, and I would love for you to leave a LIKE on The NE Spahtens Show Facebook Page, Instagram Page, or leave us a review in iTunes so we know how we’re doing!

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Ep75: It’s been a while …

It’s been a while since our last show … with all this sunshine happening, we got carried away and went outside!

As a result, we’ve got lots to talk about! Josh is in a boot! Josh runs lots of Spartan Races! Josh ignores his doctor! Sandy tells rude jokes! Sandy talks about Dynamic Dirt Challenge and Tough Mudder / Toughest and Savage Race! Shale Hell was amazing and Shale Hill is closing 🙁 Paul did … nothing!

Lots of great content! Leave us a comment, leave us a review, subscribe, share – are you still listening?

 

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Ep74: Ragnar Relay on the Cape, Spartan Sprint – and special guest, Desiree!

On this episode, we’re fresh from 2 days in a van on Cape Cod, and Spartan held another Sprint at Rutland. With special guest, Roxie the Aussie (and her mom!), we look at both races from a fresh perspective.

Have you checked out our rebooted website and store? We’re adding new gear all the time – limited edition leggings, camo T’s and soon, sports bra’s!

http://www.nesstore.com

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Ep73: Josh drops a bombshell!

Along with Josh’s bombshell announcement (ahem), we also discuss the 2018 Citi Field Spartan event, FIT X, the new burpee penalty adjustment. We cover some troubles as Tough Mudder tries to please everyone, we sing our praises for Akuma, and talk about whats coming up in the May time frame. 

Did you check out our revamped website? It’s easier to navigate, easier to find things, easier to use! We’re adding more and more products to the store, and by becoming an annual member, you can save 10% off everything!

Enjoy the show!

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Ep72: The episode where we have no plan …

On this show, we arrive with no agenda, and possibly some audio problems! But, we still get to chat about the races we’ve already hit, call Josh a wimp, and look to the Ragnar Relay season! 

Check out our newly rebooted website! With quick and easy access to the stuff YOU’VE been asking for! Pick up the new NES beach towels for the biggest discount they’ll ever be offered! https://www.newenglandspahtens.com

And register for #racelocal today – earn points, get medals and cool swag – all for supporting and running the local OCR scene! http://www.nespahtens.com/racelocal

Do you enjoy listening to the show? Share this episode with your OCR friends! Leave us a review in iTunes! Leave a comment on social media so we know you’re out there!