Strength & Speed

Conquer The Gauntlet Pro Team Athlete, GINGER and all around RED BEAST of OCR, Brenna Calvert

Strength & Speed owner, CTG Pro Team Athlete and Hammer Nutrition & Sinergy Sports sponsored athlete Evan Perperis.  For full bio click here.

If you are interested in having your products reviewed or advertising on part of the show, reach out to Brenna@teamstrengthspeed.com and Evan@teamstrengthspeed.com 

Podcast production and website upkeep cost time and money.  If you appreciate all the hard work we do take a minute to donate a couple of dollars to keep the information coming. 

Ep 37: In a uniquely formatted episode, one of the best Ultra-OCR athletes Allison Tai joins host Evan Perperis for a pre/post race interview regarding Spartan's 24 hour Iceland World Championship race.  The first 20 minutes were recorded a week before the race and the second half of the episode was recorder a week and a half after the race.  Allison talks expectations, performance and how it all played out.

This episode brought to you by Oofos, recovery sandals that absorb 37% more impact then tradiational shoe foam.  

Intro/Outro provided by Marc Capaldo of Madison Ambush.

Ep 36: OCR & Doping II: Human Lie Detector:  In what will most likely be our most controversial and downloaded episode ever, Evan uses his personal experiences from Iraq and research done on tells of lie detection to analyze the Ryan Woods failed doping result from OCR World Championships 2017.   Thanks to the Obstacle Racing Media and Link Endurance podcasts for the use of their audio.  

Episode brought to you by Strength & Speed, if you are looking for more information by Evan, check out his book on preparing and racing OCR.

Outro music provided by Marc Capaldo and Madison Ambush.

Ep 35: Editor in Chief of Mud Run Guide and the 1st Pro OCR Athlete, Margaret Schlacther gives Brenna and Evan a history lesson in the sport of OCR.  If you are curious about the early days of the sport, what the first Spartan Race ever was like and how Margaret made the leap from a hobby to a full time job racing/in the media, this episode is a must listen.

Episode brought to you by Marena Sport, for medical grade compression and chaffe free shorts for Ultra-OCR check out Marena Sport.

Ep 34: The day of recording, Ryan Woods became the first athlete in OCR to fail a drug test.  He said he accidentally confused DHEA with DHA.  Nutritionist Luc Labonte and trainer Jared Renyer join Evan to talk about this news, providing their opinions and what is the likelihood of this happening to someone.  This was easily the most uncomfortable and hardest topic to talk about on air but we at S&S view it as necessary.  Education is the first step in anti-doping and we hope this podcast helps more than it hurts.

Episode brought to you by JRen Fitness, for personal training needs from just getting off the couch to the professional OCR athlete, check out Jren Fitness. 

Ep 33: 2nd place team at World's Toughest Mudder (WTM), Team Merrell, consisting of Wesley "Dr. Red Tights" Kerr and Evan Perperis discuss their strategy, pacing, fueling and performance at the biggest 24 hour Ultra-OCR in the world.  In this special episode, Miles Keller joins in the discussion (aka takes control over most of the podcast) to find out what WTM was like and interviews the team.  Stick around to the end to hear a special shout out to Sue Harvey Brown and Merrell.

Episode is brought to you by Merrell, makers of trail running shoes that are perfectly designed for OCR.  Take a look at their Tough Mudder branded All Out Crush, Trail Glove and Peak Agility Flex if you are shopping for a new pair of shoes.

Ep 32:  Owner of JRen Fitness and personal trainer Jared Renyer talks OCR off-season training.  Lots of great tips in this episode including what to work on in your off-season, specific movements to improve rig skills, isolation movements to build an overall stronger body and whether you should be training with weights as an OCR athlete.  Plus, Evan picks Jared's brain on Spartan's new age group categories.

This episode brought to you by Merrell.  Be sure to check out their full line of OCR shoes in addition to the softest jacket known to man, Men's Micro-Lite Puffer Jacket.

Ep 31: Co-host of the Link Endurance podcast joins Evan again to discuss the latest news in OCR.  Main topic of conversation is the announcement of OCRWC location and changes to the USOCRC for 2018.  Also, the podcast is so good, Miles names his first born son after Evan.

This episode brought to you by Merrell.  Be sure to check out their line of OCR shoes including All Out Crush, Bare Access Flex, Trail Glove and Vapor Glove.  

Ep30: BOOM! Another all CTG Pro Team Episode featuring the only woman to stand on the overall podium of both OCRWC and WTM, Amy "Magic" Pajcic.  Amy talks about Mud Ninja, Black Swamp Dash, Indian Mud Run, her experiences on ANW and how she maintains her fitness as a veterinarian.

This episode is brought to you by Atomik Climbing Holds, for the best training tool to work on grip strength and rig capability, head over to www.atomikclimbingholds.com

Ep29:  Evan asks for listener questions from Facebook and provides answers to topics including tapering, rig specific training, attendance of OCRWC, how to train for OCR without a OCR gym, questions about ANW, mental training, Ultra-OCR and off season training. Thanks to Jared Renyer, Brian Fisher, Sean Langworthy, Chris Passanisi, Robert Bondoni, Jack Bauer, Koton Wood, Bilal Jamal, Matthew Puntin and Laura Hein McElduff for the questions.

Ep28: 6th Place Finisher (95 miles) from World's Toughest Mudder 2016 Chris Maltbie talks with Evan Perperis about his job at Tough Mudder Headquarters and what it is like to balance the life of an elite Obstacle Course Racer while also working in the industry.  Evan also asks Chris about the location of WTM 2017, the expansion of Toughest Mudder next year and Chris hints at the recent announcement of the Tougher Mudder Championship (recorded before that announcement was made public).  Finally, Evan requests three pieces of WTM merch....which everyone should harass TMHQ about ;) 

This episode brought to you by Merrell.  The official shoe of Tough Mudder, the All Out Crush, also has a line of trail shoes that are perfect for OCR.  They don't hold water weight, have no insole and are durable.  

Intro/Outro from Marc Capaldo and Madison Ambush

Ep 27: Conquer The Gauntlet Pro Randi Lackey joins Evan and Brenna for an all Conquer The Gauntlet Pro Episode. Randi shares the craziest story we have heard on S&S and explains how CTG saved the life of her daughter...literally. The team also discusses the CTG Tulsa team race, Randi's fitness accomplishments, how she was on the verge of an eating disorder and how she became the female athlete with the most CTG wins in history. Also, Brenna gives a shout out to X Racewear and Evan talks dryrobe and IronMind Enterprises, Inc.

Ep 23:  The bronze medalist from the Pro USOCRC 3km Julie Hartjes joins Evan on this week's episode to discuss her amazing performance, what the first ever United States Obstacle Course Racing Championship was like, how she maintains her speed despite being on the verge of the Masters division and her plans for 2018.  Also, she shares some of the funny stories from other athletes and announcers as she made her way to a top three finish.

Episode brought to you by Strength & Speed.  Check out the discount section for the latest from Wreck Bag (SS10 gives you 10% off), a $10 off link for Neptune and to pick up your copy of "Strength & Speed's Guide to Elite OCR". 

Intro/Outro from Marc Capaldo. 

Ep 26: Hammer Nutrition sponsored Athlete Karin S. Weller talks Ultra-cycling with Evan Perperis.  Topics covered include fueling for ultra-endurance sports, the world of ultra-cycling, how she uses a "video game" to enhance her training along with similarities between cycling and OCR.  Also, Evan shares what he thinks is the hardest endurance sport in the world.  If you are into endurance events, this is an episode you don't want to miss. 

This episode is brought to you by Hammer Nutrition, the world leader in endurance fueling.  Use ref # 240887 for 15% off your first order.  

Intro/Outro from Marc Capaldo and Madison Ambush

It's an all Conquer The Gauntlet Pro Team episode!!! CTG Pro Lucas Pfannenstiel joins Brenna Calvert and Evan Perperis to talk about how to start your own OCR training group like KCOCR.  Plus, Brenna and Lucas tell Broken Skull Ranch stories, Lucas shares his recent experience on American Ninja Warrior and Evan gives a shout out to his favorite charity Folds of Honor.

This episode brought to you by Juice Performer.  Order Juice Performer's Beet or Cherry flavored products off of Amazon and use code 1CTGBP15 for 15% off.

Pickup a copy of Strength & Speed's Guide to Elite OCR here.  

Intro/Outro from Marc Capaldo and Madison Ambush

Ep 24: The lightest women to ever total of 1000 lbs and Powerlifting Team Manager for Complete Human Performance, Jen Rotsinger, joins Evan for a discussion on powerlifting and OCR.  Topics include improving grip strength, the progression of the sport (OCR vs. Powerlifting), nutrition and more.  Jen is also the co-owner of Gorilla Bench Training Center in Clearwater, Florida and a microbiologist with Kindred Healthcare.

Episode brought to you by Sinergy Sports, for advanced training tools for OCR improvement head over to www.SinergySports.com

Intro/outro from Marc Capaldo and Madison Ambush.

Ep 22: Co-founder and co-owner of Mud Run Guide Brett Stewart talks about starting Mud Run Guide, creating the first head to head OCR show, OCR Warrior and what athletes can look forward to at USOCRC.  If you are headed to TX for the first US OCR Championship, this is an episode you absolutley don't want to miss.  

Ep21: Brenna Calvert and Evan Perperis catch up on recent races including their recent trip to Lebanon for the OCRWC Qualifying Hannibal Race, Brenna's Savage Race Chicago experience and Evan taking on 24 hours of Shale Hell by himself.  Special shout out to Folds of Honor and World's Toughest Mudder Community for their great charity work.

Episode brought to you by Atomik Climbing Holds.  

Intro/Outro from Marc Capaldo and Madison Ambush.

Ep20: International Fitness Icon and co-owner of the Hannibal Race, Amine Dib talks about Lebanon's only OCR.  Episode includes what may be the first live broadcast of OCR anywhere in the world, the future of the race series, possible expansion locations, a possible deal with Spartan, plans to attend Blue Mountain and OCRWC qualifying.  Plus, Evan finds out about his upcoming trip with CTG Pro Brenna Calvert talking and shares some sneak previews of great OCR content that will be published later this week.  

Follow Hannibal Race on Facebook

Amine Dib's Instagram

Episode brought to you by Juice Performer.  Use code 1CTGBP15 on Amazon.com for 15% off your order.

Intro/outro music brought to you by Marc Capaldo & Madison Ambush

Ep19: Owner of the only running store in Clarksville, TN, The Runner's Hub along with accomplished ultra-runner Travis Esterby joins Evan Perperis.  Topics discussed include ultra-running training, what Western States along with Leadville ultra-marathons are like, how his 20 year military career made him a better athlete and what it is like opening your own running store.  Plus, learn the secret of Evan's long runs.

If you are going to be at the Spartan Sprint Nashville in August, make sure you stop by the Runner's Hub (soon to be a Fleet Feet). 

This episode brought to you by Hammer Nutrition.  Use ref #240887 for 15% off your first order.

Pick up Evan's book "Strength & Speed's Guide to Elite OCR".

Intro/Outro music from Madison Ambush.

Ep18: Hosts of the Overcome and Run Podcast, Jay Bode and Heather Bode, join Evan to discuss breaking into the OCR Podcast world, the future of Overcome and Run, Jay's plan for training on deployment and thoughts on recent OCR Media (including Spartan Ultimate Team Challenge, American Ninja Warrior and Team Ninja Warrior).  Additionally, Evan and Jay prepare their audition tape for hosting Spartan Ultimate Team Challenge.

This episode brought to you by Hammer Nutrition.  Use ref #240887 for 15% off your first order.

Pick up Evan's book "Strength & Speed's Guide to Elite OCR".

Intro/Outro music from Madison Ambush.

Ep17: Battle Corps and S&S Dev Team Athlete Leah Hensley joins Brenna and Evan to discuss recent 8 hour Ultra-OCR events including Toughest Mudder Atlanta, Toughest Mudder Philly and Dirt Runner's Midwest Mayhem 6 hr event.  

This episode is brought to you by Marena Sport, use code MSportCTG for 20% off your order.

Intro/Outro music brought to by Marc Capaldo and Madison Ambush.

Ep 16: Brenna Calvert and Evan Perperis discuss their recent race results and experiences including Brenna's podium finish at Savage Race Georgia, Evan's 1st place at Warrior Dash TN and discussing the hardest (?) four miles of OCR at Conquer The Gauntlet Atlanta.  

This episode brought to you Hylete.

Intro/Outro music from Marc Capaldo and Madison Ambush

Ep15: Ultra-OCR Australian athlete Timothy Oliver shares with S&S his secret to success, how World's Toughest Mudder is different than True Grit Enduro 24 and details about the Australian OCR scene.  For any Australian's listening to this that want a copy of the book "S&S's Guide to Elite OCR" message Strength & Speed or Evan Perpers on Facebook and he will bring a copy to True Grit in June.

This episode brought to you by Hammer Nutrition.  For 15% off your first order use ref# 240887.

Ep14: California's Strongest Man, top 10 finisher at National's and 6th at Arnold World Championship Strongman Kalle Beck joins Evan to discuss the application of Strongman training to OCR.  The owner of StartingStrongman.com and coach for Complete Human Performance, Kalle shares his views and highlights similarities between OCR-Strongman, topics include television appearances, drugs, developing hype, standardizing the sport, negative aspects of the Olympics and much more.  

This episode brought to you by Harbinger Fitness, for weight belts, weight vests and fat bar training, head over to Harbinger.  

Ep 13: Strength & Speed Developmental Team athlete Serra Langone joins Brenna and Evan to discuss her recent win at the multi-lap FIT Challenge, her experiences of the Dev Team and how she balances work-life-training.  

This episode brought to you by RockTape, check out their website to find out why they are more than a tape company and are more of a movement company.

Ep12: The 2nd place team, Strength & Speed, discuss their experiences at the first ever Terrain Racing Relay 24 hour race.  Joining Evan Perperis is Miles Keller, Ryan Owen and Chris Polito.  The team talks about the format (strength, speed, technique), their strategy for racing/fueling and gives a special shout out to dryrobe.

This episode is brought to you by Sinergy Sports for great OCR training tools to improve your home gym, shop at Rob Butler's Sinergy Sports where "strong isn't strong enough."

Intro/Outro music from Marc Capaldo and Madison Ambush. 

Ep 11: Wisconsin OCR athlete Jordon Buscemi shares his secrets of success and how to podium at OCR World Championships along with how he manages to balance work/life balance with his 20+ first place finishes.  Also, Evan offers help for Ultra-OCR and Brenna asks about future plans.  

This episode is brought to you by Harbinger Fitness.  

Intro/Outro by Marc Capaldo of Madison Ambush.

Ep 10: Brenna and Evan recap some of their recent events including: Brenna's experience at Green Beret Challenge, Mighty Mud Dash, Spartan Race.  Evan's recent injury recovery using dry needling and blood flor restriction training.  Additionally, S&S shares their international travel plans including Lebanon & Australia!!!!

This episode brought to you by Mudgear.  Use CTGSTRONG for 10% off your order.

Intro/Outro provided by Marc Capaldo of Madison Ambush.

Ep 8: Sandy and Troy Anthony are interviewed about their three race series Black Swamp Dash in Ohio. Also, Evan gets excited about multi-lap options (I know...big shocker) and Brenna decides to return for another shot at the Black Swamp Foot trophy.

This episode brought to you by Honey Stinger.  We recommend the organic honey and waffles.  #HShive 

Ep 7: American Ninja Warrior competitor and Wolfpack Ninja leader Noah Kaufman talks about his upcoming Wolfpack Ninja Tour, his opinions on ANW, his training regime and the upcoming show Ultimate Beastmaster.  Also, Evan shares his opinions on some of the things from Ninja Warrior that upset him.

This episode brought to you by Atomik Climbing Holds.

Intro/Outro by Marc Capaldo and Madison Ambush.

Ep 6: Conquer The Gauntlet co-owner David Mainprize talks about how CTG got started in 2012, where they are going in the future and the challenges the company faces in expansion.  Also, Evan talks about how CTG changed his perspective on obstacles and Brenna asks a serious question about OCRWC.

This episode brought to you by Beet Performer, use code 1CTGBP15 for 15% off your order from Amazon.com

Ep 4:  Multi-time World's Toughest Mudder Veteran and Battle Corps Athlete Jason Rulo talks about The Battlegrounds permanent  OCR facility in Wright City, MO and about his new creation the Neptune Thermoregulation system.  Also, Brenna commits to Ultra-OCR and Evan discusses his topical solution for fixing being uncomfortable.

This episode is brought to you by Harbinger Fitness. 

Ep 3: Logan Nagle, #19, from the History Channel's The Selection shares his experience of this life changing event.  Brenna and Evan pull lessons learned on mental toughness, perseverance and grit, applying them to OCR, World's Toughest Mudder and life.  

This episode is brought to you by Atomik Climbing Holds

Ep 2: Evan & Brenna talk to CTG Pro Ashley Samples about racing, an unexpected pregnancy, a season cut short and the challenges of being a new mom/athlete.  Also, Evan decides to start OCR Tinder and Brenna offers herself to the men of the OCR world.