Susanna Burger started her OCR journey in 2013 and can’t picture her life without the community. She shares the story about running for her dad, being an OCR Buddy Ambassador and more in this edition of 10 Questions.
Social media?
FB – susannaburger / IG – sgburger & subuocr / TikTok – susybee007
1. Tell us about yourself
I’m technical training consultant that works on developing and delivering training to end users to prepare them for major software implementations. I’m a mother of 2 adults children and I’m also a dog mom. I love to go hiking (year round in the beautiful Utah trails) and love to be on the water in the summer, so I go paddle boarding. On land, I do like to go on my bike on the paved trails (haven’t done any mountain biking) and I do stay off the roads because I don’t trust our local drivers. Finally, I enjoy traveling – road trips (which are awesome) as well as flying (I love seeing from above what you can’t see while on land!)
2. Why are you a part of The OCR Buddy community?
I downloaded the OCR Buddy app when it first came out. I find that this can be extremely valuable tool – especially as you travel to new areas and you may want to get in a race but don’t know what is available in the area on the dates you are there. Having a global presence is great for this.
3. How did your OCR journey start?
I began my OCR adventure in July 2013 when I completed my first ever Spartan Sprint in Palmerton. I completed my first Spartan Trifecta in 2015. I was injured in 2016 but came back in 2017 to redeem myself by completing my 4x Trifecta plus also completed my first HH4HR in Pittsburgh (Spartans beta test of hand to hand combat format – it was amazing!) In addition to Spartan, I got my first taste for Goliathon Race and their mission is an amazing one. I have continued to participate in Spartans and Goliathon Races and have even done a Spartan Trail race. I plan on a few races this year but want to pick up the pace do even more next year but want to focus on more international races.
4. What is your best race story?
Montana Trifecta Weekend 2021 – it was the weekend of my dad’s birthday and a month earlier I had twisted my knee (same one that I had torn my ACL in 2016) at another race. I did a month of rehab and the doc cleared me to race as he knew the importance of it to me (my dad’s first birthday since his passing) and I was not only able to complete the Beast on his birthday but I was able to complete my first trifecta weekend with little pain and no issues. Sitting on top of the A-Frame overlooking Flathead Lake – I knew my dad was there with me!
5. Who or what inspires or motivates you?
Inspiration I get through my daily feed – especially on race weekends and I get to see what everyone is accomplishing. Motivation comes from within – I’m a competitive person and I like to beat my own times. It’s Me vs Me – all day, every day!
6. If you could race any race in the world which race and why?
Greece Spartan Trifecta – to be able to run in the place that inspired the start of these races and my love for OCR.
7. What are your goals for this year?
Only a trifecta – maybe 2 before I expand into other brands and geographical areas.
8. What team are you involved with and why?
I used to be part of The Crew OCR before it became inactive because I loved the support all of those running Elite gave those us running open to help us improve. Training and getting to know them was an amazing experience. I’m now looking for a new local team where I can find that same genuine connection and support.
9. How do you train? Any special gyms or trainers?
I do mainly strength training in the gym and focus on cardio on the weekends when I can get out on the trails (plus I despise treadmills).
10. Are you an ambassador or fan of any other brands? Give them a shout out and let the community know why?
I was an ambassador with Spartan but was considering no renewing and just focusing and doing more with OCR Buddy instead.
