Strength & Speed

Ronald Tortola has made a name for himself by subjecting himself to assessment and selection type events for year after year since 2017.  His accomplishments reads like pinnacle achievements off other people's bucket lists including 2x Death Race, 2x Team Assessment, 2x Pre-Selection, 50 mile Star Course, Spartan Delta, Storm Delta, Master of Endurance Delta and finishing Agoge #005.  Ronald and Evan talk gear choices, mindset, the why behind endurance, drawing strength from others and future plans in the latest podcast.   Ultra-OCR Man book: https://www.teamstrengthspeed.com/ultra-ocr-man On Endurance Pre-Order now open: https://www.teamstrengthspeed.com/on-endurance   Episode brought to you by Juice Performer, stop by the Pro area of Battle of the Lions OCR for some free samples. Music provided by Dino Sinos

Newbsanity's Ryan Brizzolara has been making big waves in 2021 with 2x Savage Race win and a Pro Coed OCR World Championships Relay win.  Evan and Ryan talk mindset, lessons learned from his college running days and his former side job as a semi-pro triathlete.  If you are curious to learn about the best OCR training group in the USA, this will give you some insight as their members do things like ice baths in January, frozen four mile runs in their bathing suits and a 1,000,000 meter ski erg.    Latest article on The OCR Report: Behind the Scenes of Tough Mudder: https://theocrreport.com/behind-the-scenes-of-tough-mudder/ On Endurance NEW BOOK: https://www.teamstrengthspeed.com/on-endurance   Newbsanity: Extreme Ravine (as seen on OCR America 2): https://www.facebook.com/stokeshedproductions/videos/122000855687464 Newbsanity: Mud Gauntlet (as seen on OCR America 2): https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=182407409829032   Episode brought to you by OOFOS, power your improvement with recovery footwear. Mus

If you've ever stood on the starting line and wondered who is the barefoot guy and then been upset as he ran away from you once the race started, you were standing next to Thomas Plush.  Thomas is a former competitive paintball athlete who has transitioned to the sport of OCR and is the newest addition to the MudGear-Battle of the Lions Pro Team.  Thomas and Evan talk barefoot OCR, becoming the first person to run OCRWC barefoot, paintball, similarities to OCR and upcoming races like Wichita Gladiator Dash, KC Timber Challenge and Battle of the Lions.   This episode is brought to you by HYLETE, top performance apparel for pre/post race and for a night on the town.  Music provided by Dino Sinos

Jake Ramsby recently won World's Toughest Mudder Two Man Relay (with Elliot Rueb) category that is built upon several years of success including winning Toughest Mudder West (individual) in 2019 and setting the record for most miles at a Toughest Mudder by a team.  Evan and Jake talk his diverse high school sports background, his team record setting performance at WTM (more miles than any team ever, 2 or four man with 125 miles), Dirt Runner's Ultra-OCRs and his upcoming Arrowhead 135 race...a largely self supported ultra endurance winter trek starting end of January 2022.   Mud Run Guide's Ultra-OCR Bible Link: https://www.teamstrengthspeed.com/ultra-ocr-bible   This episode brought to you by OCR Buddy, head over download their app to plan your 2021! (after putting down all the Battle of the Lions of course). Music provided by Dino Sinos

Ultra-World Champion Mark Guadet jumps back on the podcast a couple days after returning from Abu Dhabi for the Spartan World Championships.  After winning the Ultra World Championship from Spartan in Telluride, Colorado, Mark tried to recover and race well again at Spartan World Championships.  He talks to Evan about the experience and then the two share some Middle East stories from deployments.   Vote for Hannibal Race and Battle of the Lions before voting closes on the 16th: https://ocrbuddy.com/ocr-buddy-community-choice-awards.../   Order a copy of Ultra-OCR Man: From Special Forces Soldier to Record Setting OCR Athlete in digital, hard copy or audiobook: https://www.teamstrengthspeed.com/ultra-ocr-man Order The Ultra-OCR BIble in digital or hard copy: https://www.teamstrengthspeed.com/ultra-ocr-bible   Pickup your set of Egg Weights and save 10% using: https://eggweights.com/?ref=ctgproteam Music Provided by Dino Sinos

An active duty member of the US Space Force (yes, it is a real thing), Hannah Powers joins MudGear-Battle of the Lions Pro Evan Perperis to talk Infinite Hero Honor Challenge.  After doing only one Tough Mudder 5k, Hannah, her husband and some acquaintances jumped into the 10 hour team building event that raises money for the charity Infinite Hero Honor Foundation (providing mental and physical support to veterans).  They share some stories from the event and highlight things to look forward to in 2022.  Sign up for Infinite Hero Challenge here: https://toughmudder.com/events/?event_type=infinite-hero-honor-challenge   Ultra-OCR Man book available here in hard copy, digital and audio: http://www.teamstrengthspeed.com/ultra-ocr-man Apply for the S&S Development Team here: https://www.teamstrengthspeed.com/apps/blog/show/50194766-s-s-7th-development-team-application-window-now-open- Strength & Speed website: www.teamstrengthspeed.com   Episode brought to you by HYLETE, makers of the softest wor

Ean Caskey has been a lifelong athlete who spent much of his life specializing in shorter distance races like the 400, 800 and 1 mile (all state in high school for all of those).  Last weekend he run 100 miles at World's Toughest Mudder finishing in 6th overall after winning his first Toughest Mudder in Chicago earlier this year with 60 miles.  This track runner turned ultra athlete, now over 40, is doing big things in OCR.  He shares some of his advice that led him to a 16:14 PR in the 100 mile Tunnel Hill and then him and Evan share their opinion on 2021's World's Toughest Mudder.   Books available in both hard copy and digital: Ultra-OCR Bible Link: https://www.teamstrengthspeed.com/ultra-ocr-bible Ultra-OCR Man Link: https://www.teamstrengthspeed.com/ultra-ocr-man  (Ultra-OCR Man also available in audio) Episode brought to you by MudGear-Battle of the Lions recovery related sponsors including Compex, OOFOS and Yolked.  Music provided by Dino Sinos

2017's Master of the Rig World Champion and TV contestant from Exatlon Jay Flores joins Evan to talk grip strength in the latest episode.  Jay talks about how he set up his home rig, the grip challenges at Battle of the Lions OCR, his desire to get back to OCR World Championships and some suggested changes for a new OCRWC event (drop Force5 some hints on their Facebook page here:   Updated BOTL Pro Team Website: www.botlproteam.com Jay Flores Inspires "How were Legos Invented?": https://www.jayfloresinspires.com/blog/lego  "Why don't people fall out of roller coasters?": https://www.jayfloresinspires.com/blog/coaster  The New Strength & Speed's Guide to Elite OCR (with interview of Jay Flores): https://amzn.to/3pGpbYy Jay on BOTL's Canyon: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZM8frsjdV/  Jay on BOTL's Force5 Low Rig: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZM8frHWRx/  Jay on BOTL's Skull Valley: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CU0hVp1FROf/?utm_medium=copy_link    Episode brought to you by Force5 Equipment, the grips you'll see a

Patrick Vuong has the equivalent of 4x black belts in various martial arts styles (including Pekit-Tirsia Kali, Lai Chung Chuan Fan and Kenpo Karate)  and the co-owner of the company Tiga Tactics.  He is an instructor who has worked with military Special Operations, the movie industry and is a well known writer for publications like Recoil Magazine (former senior editor) and Recoil Offgrid Magazine (former head editor).  He continues to learn training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Pentjak Silat Serak and Muay Thai.  Evan joins him to talk about learning new skills, trying to achieve mastery and the importance of mindset in high threat situations along with how that relates to Obstacle Course Racing.    Tiga Tactics Website: www.tigatactics.com Code for 50% off their online courses: strengthandspeed Use the code here: https://tigatactics.com/training/ EDC Karambit Course Referenced in podcast: www.karambit.training Patrick Vuong on IMDB   Ultra-OCR Man book available here in hard copy, digital and audio: htt

Fresh off his Pro Coed OCR World Championship Team Relay win, we talk to Jarrett Newby, owner of the awesome permanent Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) facility Newbsanity in Binghamton, NY.  Jarrett along with upcoming top tier athletes Ryan Brizzolara and Jerine (both recent winner's of Savage Race) won the team Pro Coed Division at OCRWC.  MudGear-Battle of the Lions Pro Evan and Jarrett critique OCRWC, nitpicking at the ridiculously high bar they have set for themselves (still the best OCR weekend in the world...2022 registration is now open).  Then they make some predictions about the future of the sport.    Evan on the Annunciation podcast available here: https://annunciation.podbean.com/e/orthodox-interviews-faith-in-fitness-fighting-with-special-forces-ultra-athlete-evan-perperis/ Evan's 1st Infantry Division video available here: https://fb.watch/8oOb7P0Oud/   This episode is brought to you by Mythic Race, don't miss all the OCR action in Missouri on April 23, 2022.  Register here and if you can't m

Every Toughest Mudder a group of men spend 12 hours pulling people up the Tough Mudder quarter pipe "Everest".  Evan Perperis brings on three of them including: 131x TM Finisher: Ryan Creagh: Who was at the first Tough Mudder ever 117x TM Finisher: Francis Lackner who runs for his mom, now forever cancer free 163x TM Finisher: Joe Van Tassel (JVT) The group talks about why they do it, some of the unexpected challenges, what the first Tough Mudder was like and what makes them "Tougher Together".  Give a listen to this all Tough Mudder episode, get inspired and we will see you out on the course.   Episode brought to you by Mythic Race, Missouri's newest OCR, details and sign up here: https://m.facebook.com/Mythic-Race-101941148527352/   Music provided by Dino Sinos

Hannibal Race owner Amine Dib talks about the return of Hannibal Race to Lebanon after not holding races for a year.  A national Tae Kwon Do champion and endurance cyclist, Amine is an accomplished athlete and the King of OCR in the Middle East holding events in Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and soon...Dubai!!!  After talking OCR for the first half of the episode Amine talks about the Beirut Blast, one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history, when 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate killing 217, injuring 7000 and damaging buildings up to 20 km away.  Amine's family and friends were personally effected and he responded to help his parents and civilians within 11 minutes of the blast.  He shares some personal details of that painful day for the first time on the podcast.   This week's episode is brought to you by OOFOS, the best recovery sandal for training and racing.  Head to www.oofos.com to pick up your pair of their best selling sandals, shoes, slides, clogs or boots. Music provided by Dino Sinos (

Conquer The Gauntlet co-founder Stephen Mainprize joins Evan to talk about the Midwest's biggest Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) event, the 10 year anniversary event of Conquer The Gauntlet (CTG).  Tickets are still open for a packed weekend of events including Friday dinner at the venue, Saturday Elite/Open/Continuum event and Sunday's Team Event (of note, the team event is sold out).  Stephen shares some stories from the early days of CTG and Evan asks the question that's on everyone's mind...."Is this the last CTG ever?"    Sign up for CTG here: https://www.conquerthegauntlet.com/ Check out "The Gauntlet" on CTG's YouTube page (2:30 into the video):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K02iA7GpWwk   Episode brought to you by MudGear, bringing you everything you need for OCR performance (like shorts, socks, race jerseys, gloves) and post race cleanup (like shower togas and seat shields). Read MudGear, Here for the Long Haul here: https://www.mudrunguide.com/2021/07/mudgear-here-for-the-long-haul/ See Bobby

Grit Fitness Pro Van Tran joins Evan to talk about his training background, the Grit Fitness Games (a uniquely formatted events) and his podium at every Battle of the Lions podium.  Van is an Air Force veteran and currently working to become a registered nurse while simultaneously competing in the highest levels of Obstacle Course Racing.  Competing since 2014, he's been on Savage Race podiums, competed on American Ninja Warrior and was on the podium of the one (and only) BattleFrog Xtreme 24, the two explores some of Van's training that makes him so versatile.   Playout The OCR Game Review: https://www.mudrunguide.com/2020/05/fitness-made-fun-a-review-of-playout-the-game/ Playout Original Review: https://www.mudrunguide.com/2021/07/playout-the-game-review/   This episode is brought to you by Playout The Game, the card game designed to improve your fitness and get you ready for OCR.  Order your set of their best selling cards here: https://www.playoutthegame.com/ Music provided by Dino Sinos

In this uniquely formatted episode Evan shares some OCR related news, provides shout outs to donors for Folds of Honor (OCRmill 21,000 feet), makes a Rugged Maniac podium correction, talks a little about Tough Mudder Infinite Hero Honor Challenge, shares some Battle of the Lions news and releases the beginning of Ultra-OCR Man audio book for free. Links for things referenced below: Mud Run Guide Product Reviews and Rugged Maniac Experience: https://www.mudrunguide.com/ Strength & Speed Article Referenced: https://www.teamstrengthspeed.com/apps/blog/ Tough Mudder's Infinite Hero Honor Challenge Articles/Details: https://toughmudder.com/weekends/infinite-hero-honor-challenge/ (scroll down to read the three articles) Battle of the Lions Sign Up: https://www.battleofthelions.com/ Battle of the Lions Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thesecretbotl Ongoing Folds of Honor Fundraiser: https://www.facebook.com/donate/2200106567503546/ Order your BleggMits here: https://www.teamstrengthspeed.c

Grit Fitness Pro Kait Bykowicz recently finished 2nd at Toughest Mudder East (Poconos) after winning the sprint lap for the ladies.  She joins Evan to talk about her thoughts on the first Toughest Mudder of 2021, the recent Rugged Maniac OKC and her future plans in the ultra and OCR world....including an appearance at the endurance version of Battle of the Lions.   Episode brought to you by The Amino Company, use code Strength to get 30% off your orders from the Amino Company at www.aminoco.com/tss   Music provided by Dino Sinos, follow his YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs41UzqhjMs7MJFM6oG8yzg

Conquer The Gauntlet Pro Brint Hastert made some big waves in the sport recently when he finished 3rd at the Hyrox US National Championship.  Evan talks to Brint about his training, background in sports, diet and more in this content packed episode. Plus, we learn why Brint tends to stay away from DekaFit and his plans for Battle of the Lions OCR.   Episode brought to you by The Amino Company, use code Strength to get 30% off your orders from the Amino Company at www.aminoco.com/tss   Music provided by Dino Sinos, follow his YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs41UzqhjMs7MJFM6oG8yzg

Spartan Pro and men's champion from Indian Mud Run Logan Broadbent joins Conquer The Gauntlet Pros Jenny Overstreet and Evan Perperis to talk Indian Mud Run.  The two dive into the details of the race, what they thought of the 85 obstacles, how hard was the 3 lap chief's challenge, which obstacles were scary, which ones were hard and more.  It's an all Indian Mud Run episode with world champion boomerang thrower Logan Broadbent (go back and listen to the last episode we had him on for details and check out the Dude Perfect video below).   Logan/Dude Perfect's Boomerang Trick Shots Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9KxqRUcnCU   Episode brought to you by The Amino Company, use code Strength to get 30% off your orders from the Amino Company at www.aminoco.com/tss   Music provided by Dino Sinos, follow his YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs41UzqhjMs7MJFM6oG8yzg

Amateur Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Fighter Colt Billingsly joins filmmaker Bobby Ross and Strength & Speed owner Evan Perperis to talk training, mindset and more in this episode.  The first half of the episode talks mostly about training and crossover points between MMA and Obstacle Course Racing (OCR).  The second half is spent talking about the Reign vs. Bang fight scene with Colt & Evan filmed by Bobby as well as some of the discovered nuances with movie fighting.    Watch the Evan/Reign vs. Colt/Bang fight scene here (jump to 5:20 to get right to the fight): https://youtu.be/1ixIOpgungM?t=320  Follow Colt on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/coltyrolty/ Follow Bobby Ross on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChb4ElYaw5nF6rvl5JREJoQ   Episode brought to you by Yolked, use code Strength20 for 20% off from www.yolked.com Music provided by Dino Sinos, follow his YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs41UzqhjMs7MJFM6oG8yzg  

John Kelly (www.randomforestrunner.com) is one of the best ultra-runners of all time with major accomplishments including: 1st to complete “The Grand Round” – the UK’s big 3 fell running rounds, biking between them 2017 Barkley Marathons winner – becoming just the 15th person to finish the race in 30 years Breaking a 31 year old record on the Pennine Way (before it was broken again a week later) 2020 Spine winner John is joined very briefly by our beer drinking ultra-runner Gary Shaw (race director of Leaky Hourglass Ultra: ) and Ultra-OCR Man Evan Perperis (www.ultraocrman.com) to talk the far reaches of endurance including training, fueling, gear, major goals and a lot more.    Links for the Ultra-OCR Bible and Ultra-OCR Man: https://www.teamstrengthspeed.com/books   This episode was brought to you by XOSKIN, a veteran owned company providing high quality compression apparel that John Kelly uses for multi-day endurance without issues.  Use code Strength20 to save 20% off http://xoskin.us Music pr