More than Mud - Andrew Hendrickson

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?

I got into OCR in 2015 when my company, Thomson Reuters, set up a team to compete in a Tough Mudder.  It was a 10 mile, 20 obstacle race and one of the most memorable experiences of my life.  I was hooked instantly and went on to become my team's top competitor, one of 2 competing in the World's Toughest Mudder next weekend and the trainer for the expanded 100 person team we fielded in 2016.

What Are Some Challenges OCR Has Helped You Overcome?

At Fordham University, I competed on the Varsity Swim Team as one of the top long distance swimmers.  After college, I no longer had the team environment nor something to compete in.  Competition and the bond that comes from a team were a huge part of my life and they became something I sorely missed.

OCR changed all of that.  It gave me the opportunity to compete in something entirely new and enabled me to build a strong, competitive team.  OCR has taught me a huge amount about leadership and perseverance.  Training 100 people for 10 mile races while simultaneously training myself for WTM was no easy task.  I learned how to be a leader, how to manage my time and energy and how to motivate and energize those around me to feel the love and passion for OCR that I have.

What Does The OCR Community Mean To You?

Every day when I wake up, I strive to be smarter, faster and stronger than I was the day before. OCR, especially endurance races like World's Toughest Mudder, are some of the most challenging races in the world. It requires all three of those elements. You have to be strong enough to get over obstacles. Fast enough to complete the distance and smart enough to know how to pace yourself throughout the race.  Most people will never be able to complete an OCR.  Even fewer will compete at World's Toughest Mudder.  I race to prove I have the drive and dedication to be better than most people.  I am tough enough to be a Tough Mudder Legionnaire, Spartan, OCR Pro.

What’s Your Most Memorable Moment In OCR?

My most memorable moment came around mile 8 of my first OCR, the 2015 Tri-State Tough Mudder.  I remember turning to one of my teammates as we ran and saying I wished we weren't at mile 8 of 10 yet because I was having so much fun.  That was the spark that set of my passion for OCR.  Ever since that first race I have been a huge advocate of OCR's throughout my company and have made it so Thomson Reuters now fields teams in both the US and UK.

Any Goals Or Race Stats To Share?

At the 2016 Long Island Tough Mudder I placed second and qualified for the World's Toughest Mudder.  A team of 2, myself and one of my OCR teammates, will now be competing at WTM in 8 days with the goal of completing 75 miles in the 24-hours.

For free OCR training tips, get this powerful free OCR Guide: Warrior Strong - How Elite Athletes Become Resilient to Injury in Obstacle Course Racing

Photos courtesy of World's Toughest Mudder and Tough Mudder