Dirt in your skirt blog

Athlete Profile: Heather Cammarata

Posted on October 29, 2015 by Margaret Schlachter

11010518_10153330922610071_4469477738898266417_oHeather Cammarata will not tell you she is a competitive obstacle racer, but instead her actions speak for themselves. This 43-year old mother of two has completely transformed herself and her life through OCR. I am honored to have had her at my side at a race or two and then repaid the favor last year at World’s Toughest Mudder. Check out her profile and her story she much more than a New Jersey mom!

 

How did you get involved in your sport?

I started training with a trainer at my local gym and saw an advertisement for a Warrior Dash and thought it looked fun. I told my trainer I wanted to compete in it, and he helped me prepare for it.

 

Were you always an athlete?

Yes, through high school I played soccer and was a state champion fencer.

 

17982_10101438671966902_5451872294951729872_n

What are some of your athletic achievements?

Age Group Winner at OCR World Championships, 26th female in Spartan Points for 2014. Awarded elite season pass for 2013 & 2014, Won the Sunday Vermont Beast 2014. Completed WTM 2014 with 50 miles. Competed on Steve Austin’s Broken Skull Challenge Season 2.

 

12188901_437623133108666_932097613192231801_nWho is/are your inspiration?

Two amazing people that come to mind instantly are Margaret Schlachter and Juliana Sproles. I look to them for inspiration and motivation.

 

What is your most proud moment in sport?

My most proud moment in the sport would have to be standing on the podium at the OCR World Championships. It was absolutely amazing to have been able to complete that course without having to give up my wristband. I was able to complete the dreaded “Rig” in my first attempt.

 

What is your most proud moment in life?

Most proud moment in my life would have to be the birth of my two girls. I have two beautiful and athletic daughters who keep me on my toes.

10433891_10203241228003979_5285090109018056741_n

How do you overcome a bad race or training day?

When I have a bad race or training day, I try and take a step back and see what I can learn from that day and try to improve upon it for next time. We all have our ups and downs and cannot dwell on them or we will never improve.

 

22512_10205848514824520_3746013236074122148_nWhat is your training routine like?

I don’t think I have a normal routine per say. I try and fit my training in when I can. It is usually between clients or cross-country and track meets. When I do train, I mainly do functional type workouts and incorporate running with them. I usually train 5-6 days a week.

 

What advice would you give to someone starting out in your sport?

Running is key! Build up your speed and mileage and work on some upper body strength like pull-ups and you will be well on your way. The best part about OCR’s is that you don’t need to join a gym to train. You can train anywhere.

 

What is your favorite pre-race and post-race food?

My favorite food the night before a race would have to be pizza. My favorite post-race food would have to be a cheeseburger.

 

1908073_10206052770290779_8241943525699187930_nWhen not training and competing what do you do with your down time?

I don’t really have any downtime to speak of. I train year round. I guess during the winter I have a little more free time. I love to spend it with my girls snuggled up on the coach in front of the fire watching movies.

 

What is your favorite quote to motivate you?

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!

 

What is the best advice a coach ever gave you?

Best advice my coach has given me is to have fun! It is very easy to get wrapped up in trying to place in the top rankings and loose sight as to why were are doing these races or events to begin with. We do them, because we love the sport.

 

If you could share some advice to the next generation of athletes, what would it be?

I too would tell them to remember to have fun and hard work pays off. If you put the time in you will see the results. Stay true to yourself and always play by the rules!