Contributors

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Host

Richard Conner

Richard is a strategic marketing professional with experience in B2B marketing. Richard is the founder of Inspire to Run and is passionate about helping others reach their goals. He is a Connecticut native and is a husband, dad, writer, Star Wars fan, and of course - runner! Richard recently discovered obstacle course racing and has fully embraced this new obsession.



https://www.inspiretorun.co

Guests

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Guest

Frank Walsh

With a proven track record in OCR hybrid and CrossFit, Frank discovered his true passion in helping others reach their goals. Armed with a CrossFit Level 1 certification and multiple other qualifications, he's earned a respected reputation in the community. Frank also founded a local run club, supporting both runners and non-runners alike in achieving their personal fitness milestones.

https://www.instagram.com/franklyfitpt/

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Kayla Cittadino

Kayla turned her life around in 2018 after making the decision to return to a healthier lifestyle. What started off as a 75lbs weight loss journey turned into becoming a 2x American Ninja Warrior, Spartan OCR Athlete, a DEKA World Championship Competitor, and Podcast Host of her mindset-based podcast Taco About It Tuesday. 



https://www.instagram.com/kaylacittadino/

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Guest

Mario Valentin

Mario Valentin, a 45-year-old father of four from Waterbury, CT, is a testament to resilience and transformation. Despite not engaging in sports during his youth, Mario found his calling in obstacle course racing (OCR) after serving in the Army National Guard. Since 2014, he has completed 61 Spartan races, including three ultras and 17 Trifectas, alongside events from brands like Bonefrog, Savage Race, and FIT Challenge.

A proud captain of the Super Smash Bros OCR team, Mario has also excelled in hybrid fitness, with achievements in DEKA and plans to tackle HYROX. His journey hasn’t been without challenges, overcoming a ruptured Achilles in 2018 and managing osteoarthritis.

Mario’s determination has earned podium finishes, including a Savage Race AG win and a 2nd place in City Challenge Masters. His mission: to use fitness as a tool for readiness and to inspire others to achieve their best selves.



https://www.instagram.com/supersmashbrosocr/

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Micky Ely

Micky got into OCR racing back in 2018 where he joined and raced in Bonefrog, Maryland to spend time with his brother; having no idea what to expect or what training was required. Surprisingly he placed in the top 25 wearing basketball shorts and running shoes. Over the next two years, he begun to build his obstacle proficiency and dedication to running finishing the run the year challenge of 2020 miles during the year.

2021 was a breakout season for Micky setting personal records in all three Spartan distances while finishing two trifectas. During the season, he ran perfect races (NO BURPEES) in all but two events setting his focus on reaching his first podium in 2022 and showing everyone that the big guys can win races!!!

https://www.instagram.com/m_ely84/

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Raquel Faires

Raquel Faires, a dedicated fitness professional from Indianapolis, IN, holds a B.S. in Exercise Science and is an ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist. A former DI cross-country and track athlete at Indiana University, Raquel’s passion for endurance sports began early in life, progressing from junior high track meets to competing at the State Championships in high school. Her athletic journey has taken her through triathlons, road bike racing as a Category 1 cyclist, and now as an elite hybrid athlete in DEKA competitions. She has competed at three DEKA World Championships, earning podium finishes.

Beyond competing, Raquel shares her expertise as a personal trainer and coach at EDGE Fitness & Strength. She also leads the girls' cross-country team at Carmel High School, where she helped guide them to the 2024 State Championship and Nike Nationals. As a mom to three children, Raquel thrives in balancing family, coaching, and her personal fitness goals. 

https://www.instagram.com/coachfaires/

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Ricardo Mullinax

Coach Ricardo is a father of four who enjoys coaching clients to do their best in all areas of life, especially in hybrid sports such as Spartan Deka. He has coached several athletes to the podium at the world championships and many more who qualified and participated. Ricardo is also the co-host of the podcast Ricardo’s Rules of Resilience and enjoys talking to groups about what it takes to recover from difficulties.

https://www.instagram.com/coach.ricardo/

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