We LOVE our #FierceFam members. These people are LITERALLY #squadgoals. We could not do what we do if they didn't do what THEY do, which is to work hard every day and live FIERCE to Find Their Podium.
The athletes below have been supporters of Fierce Gear OCR from day ONE. They embody the FG ethos and know that regardless of where you're at in your fitness journey, or what life throws at you, you gotta keep grinding to live the life YOU want. It makes us feel proud and SO PSYCHED to have them out there representing us.
Read on to learn more about what makes them tick, why THEY think Fierce Gear OCR is pretty rad, (and what products they'd recommend), and where on social media you can find them!
DANNY
| Name: Danny Cabrera | Hometown: Allentown, PA |
| Age: 38 | Racing Since: 2015 |
| # Races Completed: 80+ | Fav Race Series: BONEFROG Challenge |
| Instagram: @damenace37ocr | Website: damenace37ocr.com |
Why I Race: I got into racing for the challenge: to do something that's fun but can also help me improve physically.
Why I'm part of the Fierce Fam: I love the advice I get from Fierce Gear OCR on race fuel, as well as the convenience of having it delivered to my home.
Fav Fierce Gear Products: I always use the Frog Fuel pre-race...it helps keep me going. The Munk Pack cookies are my post-race or workout protein-packed treat!
| Name: Jimmy Gibbs | Hometown: Sacramento, CA |
| Age: 27 | Racing Since: 2017 |
| # Races Completed: 11 | Fav Race Series: Spartan Race |
| Instagram: @jimmmmayg |
Why I Race: One of my best friends had been asking me for a few months if I wanted to run an OCR with them. I initially only had minor interest, and ended up going to the San Jose Spartan Sprint in 2017. I fell in love with the feeling that completing the race gave me, and figuring out what my limits were and what I was actually capable of. Now I'm looking to do as many races as I am able, and I'm definitely looking to branch out to series other than Spartan, since that is the only one I have tried so far!
Why I'm part of the Fierce Fam: Fierce Gear caught my eye while I was following Katie on Instagram. Seeing her start FG from the beginning, I decided to help show my support by buying a shirt when they became available! Getting to know Katie and becoming part of the #FierceFam over the last year have helped my inspiration and motivation to just be a better person.
Fav Fierce Gear Products: I love all of my FG swag (my shirt, sweatshirt, and sunglasses!), but my favorite products are the Nuun hydration tablets and Tailwind Rebuild Recovery drink mix. The tablets help keep me going, and the recovery packets make the post-race significantly less painful for the longer races.
CHRISSI
| Name: Chrissi Shewchuck | Hometown: Middletown, NJ |
| Age: 32 | Racing Since: 2015 |
| # Races Completed: 100+ | Fav Race Series: Savage Race |
| Instagram: @chrissi_shew | Facebook: Chrissi Shewchuck |
Why I Race: I started racing (non-competitively) in 2015 just to complete a few for fun. After a bad breakup, I began training for a race my ex and I had signed up for prior to splitting, determined to show up and crush the race. I was convinced to switch to the competitive heat for my first time. I did very well and decided that I wanted to do it professionally!
Why I'm part of the Fierce Fam: Because I love and support my girl Katie. She was one of the first OCR chicks I met back when I first started racing!
Fav Fierce Gear Products: love the variety of products and the convenience Fierce Gear OCR offers having all race needs available in one place. My favorite product is probably the Junk Brands headband: it keeps my hair out of my face, it looks awesome, it washes well and it matches most of my stuff.
| Name: Lisa Brown | Hometown: Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Age: 34 | Racing Since: 2016 |
| # Races Completed: 16 | Fav Race Series: Spartan Race |
| Instagram: @archaeodancer |
Why I Race: I started racing Spartan when I bumped into a friend on the bus to work; said she had signed up for a 5km race with other friends, who then pulled out. She asked if I would do a 5km race with her, and because I didn't want her to run alone, I told her to sign me up. After she sent me my registration details I Googled it and discovered it was a Spartan Sprint! It was the biggest challenge of my life, but I was immediately hooked!
Why I'm part of the Fierce Fam: I love the whole Fierce Gear package! The Fierce Gear Family is amazing - they are always there for support and advice, in life and racing. The blog posts are professional and really helpful to help you target parts of your training that you know you might need a little help with (for me nutrition!), and some areas that you might not even have thought about. The clothing is amazing: I have worn it for pretty much every race since I got it, as well as for training, and it is still going strong! Katie is one of the kindest people that I have ever come across and is an inspiration for all people wanting to start racing.
Fav Fierce Gear Products: All the clothing! I have the t-shirt, the tank top, and the hoodie! They are fantastic quality, and so comfortable for both training and racing. I love the idea of the Race Day Subscription Boxes too; I will definitely be signing up for those when they become international!
| Name: Jacen Ulfric | Hometown: Depew, New York |
| Age: 31 | Racing Since: 2017 |
| # Races Completed: 9 | Fav Race Series: Spartan Race |
| Instagram: @charmingashenprince |
Why I Race: I have always struggled with fitness, until I went through a lot of life changes. I started running OCR as a way to challenge this new lifestyle, and it soon became my personal sense of adventure.
Why I'm part of the Fierce Fam: I
Fav Fierce Gear Products: The hoodie is most comfortable for recovering after a race or training. The Picky Bars "Smooth Caffeinator" is my favorite flavor and a great pick-me-up!
| Name: Antonio Quinones | Hometown: Harlem, NYC |
| Age: 34 | Racing Since: 2015 |
| # Races Completed: 40+ | Fav Race Series: Spartan Race |
| Instagram: @ant2884 | Instagram: @savagememesandmotivation |
Why I Race: My friend introduced Spartan to me (which I thought was a kid's race!). I started racing to help deal with the loss of my dad. I use it now to help others overcome obstacles while also still dealing with life's bumps.
Why I'm part of the Fierce Fam: Fierce Gear OCR is a great brand where you can get all your needs (like chews and supplements) in one place. I'm part of the #FierceFam because I love the team and how it is filled with positivity and creativity.
Fav Fierce Gear Products: Race Day supplies delivered right to my door through the Fierce Gear OCR Race Day Subscription Box service!
| Name: Mathew Herrick | Hometown: Island Lake, IL |
| Age: 31 | Racing Since: 2016 |
| # Races Completed: 40+ | Fav Race Series: Spartan Race |
| Instagram: @mathechew410 | Athlinks: Mathechew Hemick |
Why I Race: I had always been interested in fitness and working out, but never was able to set consistent goals or see progress. I tried Spartan Race Super in Chicago on a whim to see what it was all about. I immediately fell in love. The challenge (both physically and mentally) is one I had never found before. I love the grind of a race, knowing ONLY I CAN FINISH THIS, NO ONE'S GONNA DO IT FOR ME. Crossing the finish line feels so good every time, knowing I accomplished something great.
Why I'm part of the Fierce Fam: Fierce Gear OCR is filled with non-competitive and competitive athletes from across the spectrum. Every member of the Fierce Fam including it's owner and CEO are ones without EGO or self-centeredness. ALL members no matter the goal, or question will provide as much help or feedback they can to see you succeed and crush what ever goal you aim for.
Fierce Gear OCR is also without a doubt the one company I KNOW is dedicated to providing the best service and seeing their athletes succeed in their goals. From all the competitive to all the open circuits, Fierce Gear is not just a company selling products, but one that provides immediate feedback, and answers questions regarding it's products, and how they can benefit you depending on your goals. On top of everything, the inclusion to the Fierce family is truly something special, and something I don't see any other company coming close to understanding.
Fav Fierce Gear Products: I am one of the first subscribers to use the Fierce Gear OCR Race Day Subscription Box service, which gets me all the race fuel I use in exactly the right amounts I want it, and delivers it to me for any race all season long. My other two favorite products are the UnTapped Waffle (maple flavor), and the Nuun Electrolyte Tablets (in the mango orange flavor, which is also caffeinated).
JES
| Name: Jes Swank | Hometown: Bel Air, MD |
| Age: 28 | Racing Since: 2016 |
| # Races Completed: 25 | Fav Race Series: Spartan Race |
| Instagram: @jess_lulu2 |
Why I Race: I love the feeling of realizing I can conquer anything in my path and I became addicted to the person that racing made me. I spent too long as a broken, un-confident female who was in a series of abusive situations. OCR taught be how to be confident again, and that I really can do anything. The family I have made along the way has been a huge bonus.
Why I'm part of the Fierce Fam: FG makes it easy for me to know I am choosing badass products. I don't have to vet the company or the ingredients before I buy since they have done that already. I love being able to pick and choose what I need or want...making it easy to try new flavors! And in a world where time is so valuable, having it shipped right to my door allows me to spend more time focused on training.
Fav Fierce Gear Products: I use Nuun to hydrate the week before a race and replenish after I race! I am also OBSESSED with waffles as a go-to snack on days where I know I am going to need energy.
GISELLE
| Name: Giselle Guadalupe | Hometown: Bronx, NYC |
| Age: 31 | Racing Since: 2012 |
| # Races Completed: approx. 30 | Fav Race Series: Spartan Race |
| Instagram: @gisellybeanz |
Why I Race: I wanted to get in better shape and I remember seeing an ad online for a Tough Mudder. I thought to myself "I can't do that... but I want to!" so I eventually signed up and started training. I did my first Tough Mudder and decided I needed to try a Spartan... and the rest is history.
Why I'm part of the Fierce Fam: The authenticity of the brand! It's a brand that cares about OCR and seeing it's customers succeed in their challenges!
Fav Fierce Gear Products: The sunglasses, not even a question. I wear them everywhere and for everything. They're super cute for daily wear and perfect for racing in. I can't have enough!
DWAYNE
| Name: Dwayne LeGrand | Hometown: Breaux Bridge, LA |
| Age: 45 | Racing Since: 2015 |
| # Races Completed: 75+ | Fav Race Series: Spartan Race |
| Instagram: @bayou_spartan |
Why I Race: I started racing on a dare from my sister, when she said that I was "too old" to run a Warrior Dash, and ever since then I've been hooked...not only on racing but on the community that OCR has created. I love to surround myself with like-minded people!
Why I'm part of the Fierce Fam: Seeing Katie create Fierce Gear OCR from the ground up and to see her passion for it made me want to help in any way possible. After inviting her down to participate in the Louisiana SportsFest in May 2018 and seeing her in action first-hand, PLUS the smart partnership with OCR Buddy, I really knew I had to be part of this!
Fav Fierce Gear Products: Frog Fuel and the Honey Stinger gels are two of my favorites. I love the swag...I have the tee and sunglasses. I've been wanting a hoodie as well!!
GLORIA
| Name: Gloria Vargas | Hometown: Leominster, MA |
| Age: 43 | Racing Since: 2015 |
| # Races Completed: 45ish | Fav Race Series: F.I.T. Challenge |
| Instagram: @globug82499 |
Why I Race: My "why" was to prove to overcome self-esteem issues and body image issue I have had for most my life. I wanted to prove that I was able to push myself and do things that I was being told are "stupid" or "silly" and to prove that I was not "too old" or "too fat" to do them. Now it's become a means to show myself that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.
Why I'm part of the Fierce Fam: I live Fierce Gear and I am part of the Fierce Fam because this company embodies the mentality that pushes you forward, always looking to better yourself and in the process it helps to better and push forward those around us. It's a group of amazing athletes that lift each other up.
Fav Fierce Gear Products: My absolute fav item is the burnout tank...it's amazingly comfortable and also rugged, because I wore it to race all last year and it's still perfect like new!
THAD
| Name: Thad Sosa | Hometown: Boise, ID |
| Age: 27 | Racing Since: 2017 |
| # Races Completed: 5 | Fav Race Series: Spartan Race |
| Instagram: @thadsosa_ocr |
Why I Race: I started racing because I wanted to be a part of a sport that literally anyone can do. Nobody is making millions of dollars and it consists of just regular people just trying to live a healthier lifestyle or just to try something new.
Why I'm part of the Fierce Fam: The reason I'm part of the Fierce Fam is that Fierce Gear is a company that is made for racers, not for profit. It's a brand that is for racers, by racers. Fierce Gear is more than just a brand. It's tips. It's a helping and encouraging hand. It's a mentality and lifestyle.
Fav Fierce Gear Products: My favorite Fierce Gear product is my Fierce Gear tee and my headband. The tee is super comfortable whether I'm working out, just finished a race, or just lounging around. I love sporting FG while I'm out and about to spread the word! My headband is key for keeping me cool and keeping the sweat out of my eyes on those hot trail runs and during a WOD.
KRISTINA
| Name: Kristina Paolino | Hometown: Stamford, CT |
| Age: 28 | Racing Since: 2014 |
| # Races Completed: 14 | Fav Race Series: Hard to say! |
| Instagram: @geterdone_with_kp |
Why I Race: My Pepa had a rare neurological disease that took him away from us 4 years ago and once this disease started to progress he told me "Never get old, Kris." It wasn't until I finished my second Spartan Race that what he was telling me clicked! Sometimes we can't control how our bodies will age, like with him: he didn't choose to have his body shut down on him. But you don't have to get old...getting old is just a mindset. Yes, you will get older but that doesn't mean you have to stop living or being active. These races help me see that I do not choose to get old and I will keep conquering these obstacles physically and mentally.
Why I'm part of the Fierce Fam: I love how the owner herself is an athlete and she understands what you need to fuel your body during and after a race. I also love how honest she is about her products and racing advice. She is happy to answer any and all of your questions. I also love that I no longer run around to different stores trying to find the fuel I need for my races: everything I need is right on the site and gets delivered right to my door :) I am a part of this family because since Day 1 I felt that my questions were always being answered honestly and the owner wanted to help me in any way possible. She actually cared...she wasn't just looking for customers, she truthfully wanted to help out in any way she could. I was helped every step of the way in my Spartan journey and am more than happy to join this family in hopes of paying it forward!
Fav Fierce Gear Products: I My favorite products are the Munk Pack cookies for after my race! I also love the Oral IV which I drink a few minutes before my race, and also during workouts if I am feeling dehydrated. I love the Fierce Gear apparel as well! The tee shirts are so comfortable, along with the hoodies. One of my favorite pair of sunglasses ever is from Fierce Gear! They stay on your head when you are running and they are stylish as well.
RAUL
| Name: Raul Rodriguez | Hometown: Danbury, CT |
| Age: 36 | Racing Since: 2018 |
| # Races Completed: 20 | Fav Race Series: Spartan Race |
| Instagram: @average.fit |
Why I Race: I was just starting my fitness journey when I found OCR. Racing gives me more motivation to live a healthy lifestyle because I don't just want to lose weight: I want to be physically fit.
Why I'm part of the Fierce Fam: I love that Fierce Gear represents the American dream: A small business run by someone who saw a need in the market...someone who loves racing and wanted to help others.
Fav Fierce Gear Products: Frog Fuel and Tailwind are my favorite products. I use them for hard workouts/races and recovery.