The Natural Running Network

This OCR/Running Podcast was not the first OCR podcast I have listened too but in my opinion it is the best. If you stick up the other big podcasts in OCR, they really don’t compare. I started with ORM media, then tried Obstacle Order and Obstacle Dominator, also giving Spartan Up and a few others a try. I have to be completely honest, the other’s are not even close. Richard combines consistency (monthly and often weekly podcasts are churned out), with subjects that help the audience learn/grow, as well as providing insight in to how to become a better athlete. The reason for all of this is Richard, he is willing to put his experience and expertise on the sport of running/OCR out there, and this willingness provides a compelling narrative. He also has a wide array of co-hosts and/or guests, which provide gripping insight. A great example of his variety is going from interviewing Matt Fitzgerald to speaking with Cole Schwartz or Hunter, and he doesn’t waste time talking to people who have nothing to offer. The last thing is he is a running guru. I personally believe that modern OCR is really trail running with obstacles on top. Its got to be the funnest and most engrossing sport out there but at the same time, it is still about trail running. The other sites do not specialize in running, they hype or talk more about the obstacles, the strength, the vibe, and sometimes they are unfunny people trying to be funny. Rich tells it straight, you want to have fun and be a better OCR athlete… then get better at running, and then he tells you how to do it. Im obviously a huge fan and I want to say one last thing. Authenticity is huge to me, if your gonna be something, be it. Well, I made the trip up to see Richard a month or so back for an assessment after listening to the podcast for a bit and hearing Hunter’s glowing assessment of his expertise, and I have to say that he is exactly the same guy he is face to face as he is on the podcast.

Well, I wanted to write this review with an open mind. I like most of the science behind the running but it’s hard to get through with Richard who apparently has a chip on his shoulder. Highly ranting is what he calls it but seems to me and others that it’s complaining and jealousy. He’s not on the level as the Yancy Camp business wise. Sorry nobody goes and cancels your running clinics lol. People are not interested in an over weight old man spewing out garage(negativity) and a mix of For pseudo-science and legit science. Eh, we’d rather listen to a more qualified coach.

I attended one of Richard’s clinics and in a matter of a few hours he changed my life for the better. To be able to listen to the podcasts about different athletes and ways to train keep me on track to continue to put me in a better place. Check out his videos on YouTube as well. Keep the podcasts coming!

Richard Diaz puts on a great podcast and his new cohost Shan Khan an up and coming endurance athlete provide some fun and informative content everything in the endurance and OCR realm!