Another year of obstacle racing has passed, leaving a big dust trail of stories behind it. It was a year of world championships and record numbers of competitors. The sport frequently found itself the subject of online article and blog posts and here is the third annual compilation of must-read posts from the year. A few of these are editor selections, but most of them were nominated by racers/readers across the world. Numerous other outstanding posts did not make it on here, but there are limits to everything – including this list. These posts are enlightening, informative, controversial, heart-warming, inspiring, funny, thought-provoking, or some other adjective describing something you would like to read. You don’t necessarily have to agree with every post. I don’t. Not every post is for every reader, but there is something for everyone; from newbies to veterans, males to females, and weekend warriors to elites. Do not try to interpret the order in which they are listed. It was random. Enjoy!
On being broken, rehab and recovery
by Amelia Boone @ Race Ipsa Loquitur
Obstacle racing in perspective
by Jeff Cain @ On My Way To Sparta
OCR World Championships: Junyong Pak’s take
by Junyong Pak @ Mud Run Guide
Is Spartan Race crushing OCR competition?
by Brett Stewart @Mud Run Guide
Too much too soon: The culture of doing it all now
by Margaret Schlachter @ Dirt in Your Skirt
2014 Spartan Race World Championship (Vermont Spartan Beast) – analysis of distance, elevation and difficulty
by Ekaterina Solovieva & Alec Blenis @ Solo: The Obstacle Racer Next Door
An open letter to Spartan racers: Leave no Trace
by Heather Gannoe @ Relentless Forward Commotion
Compete, don’t cheat
by Holly Joy Berkey @ Muddy Mommy
Dear race directors…some harsh truths
by Paul Jones @ New England Spahtens
Does Battlefrog now make it “The Big Four”?
by Matt B. Davis @ Obstacle Racing Media
Resources and tips for obstacle racing kids!
by Leslie St. Louis @ Colorado Obstacle Racers
OCR Pseudoscience
by David Kalal @ Obstacle Racing Media
Overcoming obstacles: The inspiring weight loss story of Gaby Martinez
by Matt Alesevich @ Tough Mudder
Ultra Beast and other demon speak
by James Horgan @ New England Spahtens
Cornfed chronicles
by Kaitlin Stein @ Obstacle Racing Media
Are you elite? Then shut the #$^& up!
by LaShay Marks @ Mud Run Guide
The pressure of perfection: Surviving in a Photoshop world
by Holly Joy Berkey @ Spartan Race
For more articles, posts, musings, information, etc. regarding the sport of obstacle racing follow OnMyWayToSparta on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram.
On My Way To Sparta 
Reblogged this on Muddy Mommy and commented:
I am honored & humbled to have two of my articles on the Must-Read list this year! Each of the articles on this list were written by extremely talented writers who are truly amazing. I recommend that you take a moment to read each of them. Thank you very much for these exciting nominations!
Super proud to see some New England Spahtens content here! Including my own ramblings – thank you!
I believe “Too much too soon: The culture of doing it all now” is a must read. That first race can be addicting for many and often, as with anything else, people think more is better. It can be, but there’s a smart approach to reaching those levels. Margaret did a great job with this blog and all newcomers should read it for sure.