Episode 172 - Ella Kociuba burst onto the OCR scene in December of 2011. At just 18 years old, she signed up for the open wave at the Glen Rose Super. She ended up finishing faster than the winning female in the elite heat.
In 2012, she began signing up for elite heats and made the podium in her first several races. Her high point of the year was finishing 3rd at the Vermont Beast Championship race behind Claude Godbout and Amelia Boone. Arguably, the best two women in obstacle racing at that time.
A young female athlete who does well brings a lot of attention, praise, and pressure.
Ella was not ready.
What followed for her was a painful, deep struggle with eating and self image.
In this podcast, Ella opens up about hitting bottom, getting honest, and how her life has turned around since.
Today's episode is sponsored by
Obstacle Guard - OCR padded arm and leg sleeves. Code ORM is 5% off plus free shipping.
Udder Mud Run - Local favorite has 7k and 1 mile options . Code RUNORM for $10 off.
Show Notes:
Buy Ella's book.
Ella on Athlinks.
Matt, Joel, and Ella clowning in a 2013 video.