We’re heading back over the pond for our Fit Friend Friday this week. Kata is based in Scotland in the UK and is an avid coach and athlete, taking part in Obstacle Course Racing for over 4 years! She has been incredibly supportive of Team Grit since the beginning and you can always find her smashing our WOTW, often claiming a podium spot. Read on to find out how Kata went from unprepared to podium spots. Despite the delay of the 2020 season (thanks Covid) we can’t wait to see her on the UK & Ireland race podium in person in the later half of the year.
Your name: Kata Markus @coach_kata.ocr
Age: 32
How did you first get in to OCR?
My very first OCR experience was the “Survival of the Fittest” city OCR in 2016, but this wasn’t the one that changed my life. Liked it really, but it didn’t have a significant impact on me. A few months later, after a heartbreak, I’ve signed for Spartan Scotland 2017 and I thought what could possibly go wrong, lets try the Beast…I had no idea what I’ve signed up for.
It was in the end of July and I sooo wasn’t prepared for it. I mean who would run an OCR in road running shoes and cotton leggings…:D The weather was horrific, sub 10 degrees, pouring rain, so much fog the top of the hills that I couldn’t even see my own feet. I failed almost everything that you can possibly fail in a Spartan, ached everywhere, but I loved the feeling when I crossed the finish line. The sense of accomplishment was something I’ve never experienced before, and it made me addicted.
What is your favourite race or OCR experience?
Have done a few different OCRs but Spartan is the absolute number 1. Love the community, the people are awesome. Found many friends thanks to Spartan. Love the competitive side and the social aspects as well.
Favourite obstacle?
Bender and the rope climb since finally got the right technique.
Biggest achievement?
Winning my Age Group at Scotland Beast last year with a PB on Beast distance and finishing third in my Age Group in the UK & Ireland Series.
OCR must have item?
I always have my Garmin on during a race and however, it’s not an item, but I always do the same “dabbing” firejump.
Favourite post race snack?
Usually I have pizza or other high calorie, unhealthy stuff :D
When is your next race and why did you choose it?
Spartan South East in the middle of April (if it still goes ahead because of this whole Corona situation). It the first race of the UK and Ireland Regional Series. I placed third last year in the series, so would like to do better this year.
What is your workout mantra / favourite saying when things get tough?
I ran the Spartan European Champs last year in Italy in the Dolomites. 1800 m elevation, 40 degrees, I consider that one the toughest I’ve ever done. When things get tough in a race since, I start telling myself: “Come on! You’ve survived the Euro Champs, this is just a piece of cake :D!”
