A different kind of runner

This week’s blog is about a Quebec runner who not only runs but competes in race that require her to jump, squirm, pull and get really dirty before hitting the finish line.

Let me introduce you to obstacle course racing (OCR) elite Claude Godbout.

Claude

Turning 29 in June, Claude was born and raised in Quebec City. She still lives in the city and considers herself a full-time athlete. While training and racing she works at the Hilton hotel.

Born into an active family she was out cross-country skiing at six and playing soccer in the summer. By 16 Claude was skiing at the national level and at 18 took up the sport of biathlon and traveled the world on the World Cup circuit.

In 2011, her Olympian boyfriend (Biathlon) got her to try her first Spartan race (running, obstacles and usually lots of mud). Her boyfriend won and Claude finished second. They were both hooked.

A year later Claude had won every Spartan race she entered and was crowned world champion. All this while still trying to compete in biathlon. 2013 was a third place finish and 2014 saw Claude return, win the Canadian title and repeat as world champion.

She is still doing biathlon as of right now but is a little less competitive. Using her endurance from biathlon and toughness from growing up with two older brothers, Claude is focusing on OCR races of 15K or longer and has her eyes set on victory.

I caught up with Claude and asked her about her new sport.

How does training for a Spartan race differ from training for a marathon or just running?

We all have different ways to train for an OCR. Since I come from an endurance sport, I would say that the core of my training is running right now. But since OCR requires a lot of upper body strength and a fair amount of grip strength, you have to hit the gym a couple of times per week. I think it’s finding the right balance between speed and strength.

What is you advice to someone training for their first Spartan or OCR race?

I’ll say run (trail running is best since spartan races are really technical and hilly) and do pull ups. But the most important is: have fun while doing it cause you will most likely stick to it that way. Find a training buddy and challenge each other.

What are your goals for 2015 and beyond?

I would like to win the Spartan race, the BattleFrog and the OCR World Championships at the end of the year.

There is more to running than pavement and concrete. Don’t be afraid to explore and challenge yourself my running friends.

Do you have a running story to tell?

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You can also find me on Twitter @NoelPaine or on my personal blog.