Obstacle Course Race (OCR) vs Half-Marathon: Which One is my Favorite?

When I was younger, running was not my favorite thing. I actually hated getting up early and going for those long runs in order to prepare myself for the volleyball season. Somehow, though, as I got older, running became an activity I truly enjoy. Running outside especially became something I love since it helps me clear my mind and makes me feel so much better.

A few years ago, one of my friends suggested me to try an Obstacle Course Race (OCR). At that point, I had no idea what that was, but after a quick research, I saw that I would have to run through the nature and pass through some of the obstacles that are created on the race course.

I was already going to the gym for a few years, but I've only started running again, so I decided to take my preparation a bit more seriously since I had only a few weeks to the event.

The morning we got to the race course, I must admit, I was having second thoughts, I was not sure I would be able to do it.

However, I really believe that was one of the life-changing experiences in my life. I was able to finish that first race, although I was not as prepared for it as I would have liked, but I learned that I am much stronger than I think, and that any obstacle, no matter how large, can be conquered with enough effort.

Eventually, I came back to this event a few more times, each time beating my previous result and growing year after year.

On the other hand, while I was preparing for these OCR races, I really developed love for running, it sort of became my obsession.

Since I was now surrounded with a lot of people who enjoy running as well, it was only logical that at some point, someone would propose I run a marathon together with them.

Honestly, that seemed like a task that was too big for me at the time, but I wanted to continue pushing my limits, so I decided to enroll into a half-marathon race in Boka Kotorska.

I adore this whole region, I am there every summer for a month, and I couldn't pass up on the chance to run my first official race at a place like that. And trust me, that was one of the best decisions I've made. The day was sunny and beautiful, the scenery was magnificent, everyone was cheering you on, just a really wholesome experience.

Finally, after completing both, each of them holds a special place in my heart. OCR races are more about agility, whole body strength, they are more playful with all the obstacles you encounter. On the other hand, running gives you some kind of meditative peace, discipline, and mental toughness when you know that you still have so many kilometers in front of you and you need to pace yourself.

Since I like to push myself every day in order to become better, I prefer the half-marathon as it makes me more uncomfortable, makes me feel like I have to endure more, especially if I decide to train for the marathon itself, that would be another huge step I am definitely considering.

Let me know whether you had any experiences like this and which one you would choose!