90 The Art of Inflicting Pain for Pleasure (and Mastering Obstacle Courses) with Hunter McIntyre
Sep 10, 2014
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Hunter McIntyre, a professional obstacle course racer, discusses his journey of turning obstacles into a profession. They explore the brutal world of Spartan race, Hunter's determination to be the best, and the ability to push through physical pain. They also discuss sponsorships, community support, and motivation for success.
Hunter McIntyre reflects on his personal growth and motivation, shifting his focus from money and fame to inspiring others through sharing his experiences and overcoming obstacles.
Hunter McIntyre discusses the support and opportunities provided by his sponsor Reebok and other interesting sponsors, who value athletes like him and allow him to have input in product development.
Hunter McIntyre highlights the significance of balancing personal and athletic life, expressing gratitude for understanding and support while also cherishing moments of silence and desiring to expand involvement beyond being an athlete.
Deep dives
The Bromanche and Discovering Spartan Race
The speaker talks about how he and his friends were living a wild lifestyle in Malibu when one of them discovered the Spartan Race. They all signed up for it, but only the speaker and one other friend actually showed up for the race. The speaker ran the race in his underwear and finished in around three hours and 45 minutes.
Transition and Reflection
After the race, the speaker reflects on his goals and motivation. He mentions that money and fame are not as important to him anymore and that he wants to share his experiences and inspire others. He talks about potentially writing a book and wants to focus on personal growth and overcoming obstacles.
Sponsorship and Future Plans
The speaker mentions that his main sponsor is Reebok and how they treat him well. He discusses how Reebok targets a different market than other big brands and values athletes like him. He also mentions working with other interesting sponsors and having input on product development. The speaker adds that he trains full-time for the sport but also works part-time as a SoulCycle instructor out of passion for cycling.
The journey into obstacle racing
The podcast episode explores the speaker's journey into the world of obstacle racing. Initially starting as a personal trainer, the speaker felt the need for something bigger and decided to pursue obstacle racing. They began participating in races such as Spartan Race, Tough Mudder, Warrior Dash, and Savage Race. Despite facing setbacks and injuries, the speaker's passion and determination led them to become a top competitor in the sport and even qualify for the World Championships. However, at this point, the speaker reflects on their journey and contemplates what their next steps should be.
Balancing personal and athletic life
The speaker emphasizes the importance of balancing personal and athletic life. They express gratitude for the understanding and support of the people around them, as being an elite athlete requires focus and dedication that can sometimes strain relationships. While acknowledging the drive to constantly pursue greatness, the speaker highlights the significance of being satisfied with what one has at the end of the day and cherishing moments of silence. They also discuss the excitement of being able to connect with other people in the sport and share experiences, and express a desire to expand their involvement beyond being an athlete, possibly into the administrative side of the sport.
"My brain was so saturated with drugs and dumb ideas from us being in that bro mansion that I just didn't have the focus." - Hunter McIntyre
To learn more and get all the show notes, head on over to lewishowes.com/90
