Meet obstacle course racing maestro Carina

Norwood resident Carina Marx is like a machine.

She’s been a personal trainer for 15 years and if you’ve visited the Virgin Active at Melrose Arch, you might have spotted her in action.

In 2013, she started entering obstacle races for fun with friends. But last year she upped the ante and took part in seven competitive Black Obstacle Elite Warrior Races.

Obstacle course racing is a sport in which a competitor, on foot, must overcome various physical challenges that are in the form of obstacles. Mud and trail runs are combined and the races are designed to test competitors mentally and physically.

Obstacles can, among others, include climbing over walls, carrying heavy objects, traversing bodies of water, crawling under barbed wire and jumping through fire.

Now in her second year as an obstacle course racing athlete, Marx has already stamped her authority on the sport. Last year she won the Beast race and finished in third place in the Jeep Warriors races on three occasions.

Besides being one of the top women, she now ranks in the top 10 men and has qualified for the World Obstacle Race Championships in Ontario, Canada, in October.

“This year I am competing in the world champs in Canada and that is where I want to compare myself with the elite women in the world,” she said.

When asked what she enjoyed most about the sport Marx said, “I love the fact that you can’t get bored with obstacle course racing, it challenges you and makes you grow as an athlete after every race.”

She also encouraged people to give the sport a try. “Do your research to enter the appropriate category for your fitness level. If you’re nervous about doing it on your own, enter a team. The more, the merrier,” she said.

Marx also stressed that there were no shortcuts in sport. “You must always believe in yourself and never underestimate your abilities, and if you work hard you will reap the benefits.”

In conclusion, she said she would like to see the sport getting more exposure in the country.