More than Mud - Christopher Acord

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. 

What is the best thing about a Race Director? 
The best thing about being a race director is having the artist creativity to push the sport further.  People are what makes the sport of obstacle/adventure racing so amazing and to be able to give them something they truly love and helps them discover their own passion through pushing themselves cannot be equalled. 

At what point then did you decide to be a Race Director?
I did my first race at Wintergreen Ski Resort in August of 2013.  I knew right then I wanted to make the sport my profession.  By February I was full time racing and by August of 2014 at the end of an epic cross country road trip I had my shot at an interview to design races. 

What are the highlights of your race and event resume?
The major highlights I've found are the endurance oriented venues.  Summer Death race was a pleasantly fun endeavor and I will be traveling to Nicaragua in a few weeks to compete in the Fuego y Agua Survival run.  I am very excited to be competing in a nameless private event this summer through The Endurance Society and also plan to participate in their infinitus event.  Additionally being part of the inaugural OCRWC and interacting with my OCR family from across the globe was also truly monumental. I will be competing again this year and also hope to do the Ultimate Suck and a few other crazy events if time permits.

What should be the priorities of an OCR athlete? 
Humility, passion, training!  Be the best you that you can dream of then when you reach it, dream bigger!  

What or who inspire you right now?
My Opa  (German for grandfather) always inspired me with his passion for life (stubbornness) and competed in marathons  well into his 60s.  He has always been my inspiration. 

Tell us a bit about yourself.  and... Who are you outside of racing, and what are you passionate about?
I am a Navy Veteran and spent 14 years both as enlisted and officer running Nuclear reactors.  I am a father of 4 beautiful children.  Widower of a year and half.  Wrestling and Baseball Coach and a wrestler myself.  My passions are traveling, reading, and luckily I am in a job to where that too is my passion!

How do you make time for training?
To be honest I don't train like I should and rely mostly on natural talent but if I had advice to give, Life is training, make it work!

Have you set any other big goals for 2015?     
I answered most of this in question one,  I wouldn't mind getting a GORUCK Selection under my belt but that may have to wait until 2016 due to the amazing events we have planned through Battlefrog. 

Where do you see the sport of OCR in 5 years?
As big as and similar to x-games with bigger contracts and more notoriety! 

Are there any changes or developments you are hoping to see?
I'd love to see all the major players have each other's back and propel the sport.  Competition is healthy but at the end of the season we should all come together as one and make one big kick ass venue to sound it's call and athletes across the globe answer with one resounding voice! #OCRUnited