Margaret Schlachter found obstacle racing in 2010 with the very first Spartan Race outside of Burlington, Vermont. From that day on she was hooked. This former collegiate athlete found a new spark for fitness in obstacle course racing.
She founded Dirt in Your Skirt in early 2011 as a personal blog tracking her progress to the first World’s Toughest Mudder.
Quickly the blog turned into a full website with race reviews, gear reviews, industry insight and more.
In 2012, she became the first professional female obstacle racer and was ranked 5th in the world at the time. She has taken on some of the sport’s toughest events competing in the Death Race, 5x World’s Toughest Mudder, and Survival Run in Nicaragua.
Today she spends her time as a full-time author, writer, industry expert, and coach. When not writing or taking on the next obstacle race or mud run she can be found working on her Urban Farm in Salt Lake City.
Show notes
Her childhood growing up, attending boarding school and having a passion for the outdoors.
Training like a professional athlete at 13 years old
Transitioning from school to college
Graduating from college and going on to do her Masters part time
Her journey to obstacle racing
The Original Obstacle Course Race which was started in the UK - Original Tough Guy
Hating running but how having obstacles makes it fun!
The very first Spartan Race
Why you should not wear cotton!
The spear throw and how its evolved over time
The rivalry between Sparta & Tough Mudder!
Going from 5k to 10 miles
Qualifying for Worlds Toughest Mudder - a 24 hours obstacle course race, which had never been done before!
Why accountability is so important
Starting her blog - “Dirt in Your Skirt” and how it has evolved over time
Getting her first podium in 2011 and how it led to her getting sponsorship
2012 & getting her first paid full time sponsorship
Training for Worlds Toughest Mudder and making use of the mountains on her doorstep and the free running resources on line.
Using rock climbing as a tool for general fitness - “Climb Fit”
Dealing with the cold and why wetsuits are a must for any event like this
Running her first ultra marathon in training
Having to break ice to get through the obstacles
Dealing with hallucinations and the stresses on her mind and body
Not finishing the race, getting to 7 am, which was 3 hours short of competition
How OCR has evolved for women
The 3 races that stand out for her
Stopping, quitting and not wanting to race
Learning from failure
Why we both collaborate & support other women
Get in contact with Margaret - via her Blog or on twitter @DirtinYourSkirt
Listen now!
You can listen to my episode with Margaret - Click Below!
Dirt in Your Skirt THE PODCAST - Ep 18
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