More than Mud - Janet Gubser

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?

My husband saw a video and said "you can do that." I said "I don't like mud." Training for my first race, I missed a box jump and ended up with 11 stitches. When I finally did run, I fell 2 miles in and limped the other 7. I was hooked.

What Are Some Challenges OCR Has Helped You Overcome?

Several years ago, I was in some ruts in my life. I had a job that did not satisfy me; my daughter was struggling with alcoholism (and had a small baby), and I suffered from depression and anxiety. I just felt like I did not have anything to look forward to in my life. After I started doing a couple of OCR's I felt more in control of my life; I did not feel that life was beating me. I changed jobs and gave my daughter the tough love that helped her start working out her problems. I also noticed that the helpless/hopeless feelings disappeared and that when they do return, I feel in control and know that I good run will help more than lying on the couch watching Netflix.

What Does The OCR Community Mean To You?

I have an entire OCR family. They understand going back to work on Monday with bruises and cuts, feeling spectacular, but knowing that no one there will get it, that all of my other world friends think that I have a death wish and don't have "real" hobbies. They cheer me on and cry with me; they push me to be my best, but also to have good sense and take breaks. Even the family that lives several states away is always supportive and we hug and cry together at races.

What’s Your Most Memorable Moment In OCR?

This one weekend, I was running the Winnsboro Beast on Sunday. On Saturday, I came in in the top 20 elites females and was thrilled, so I was going to take it easy. About 3 miles in, the volunteers started yelling "Hey 4th place; 3rd is about a minute ahead." A mile or so later another racer came alongside and said, "you can get ahead of that girl, she is like 20" (I am 47) and he pushed me the rest of the race. I did 30 more burpees and finished on 2 1/2 minutes slower than Saturday. I did not know I had that in me. OR . . . standing in the cold water at the Ohio HH thinking "I cannot do this; I cannot do this; I cannot do this" and then finishing (there are far too many curse words that belong in that sentence); it was the one time that I really thought about quitting.

Any Goals Or Race Stats To Share?

I placed 3rd in Female Master's Elite in 2 races last year.  I was 19th elite woman at the Winnsboro Beast and on Sunday I was the 6th Competitive Woman. I am consistently in the top 3 of my age group and usually in the top 10 master's elites

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