What happens when you willingly sign up to do something that seems impossible?
In this episode of the Champion Living Podcast, Doug Champion welcomes JR back to the show to relive their recent Spartan Race experience—a challenge that tested far more than physical fitness. From brutal carries and slippery climbs to deep mud bogs, barbed wire crawls, and a dramatic finish through the fire pit, this race became a powerful lesson in resilience, teamwork, mindset, and discovering what you're truly capable of when quitting isn't an option.
For JR, the race represented something even bigger. After feeling like he'd hit a plateau, Spartan reignited the "one more rep" mentality that has fueled so much of his journey. Together, Doug and JR discuss how pushing beyond perceived limitations creates growth, why surrounding yourself with the right people matters, and how adversity often reveals strengths you didn't know you had.
The conversation is packed with hilarious moments, hard-earned lessons, and practical insights for athletes, competitors, and anyone chasing growth in life.
Along the way, they recount unforgettable race moments, including navigating treacherous obstacles, surviving the infamous mud bog, completing a grueling barbed-wire army crawl where JR lost his pants while his uncle threw dollar bills onto the course, and ultimately crossing the finish line after 2 hours and 22 minutes of relentless effort.
The episode also highlights JR's mission through the Spur Your Way Out Foundation, which helps individuals overcome obstacles by providing access to life-changing equipment and opportunities. Donations help fund resources such as FES bikes, track chairs, and other adaptive equipment that empower people to continue pursuing an active and meaningful life.
To learn more or support the mission, visit:
www.spuryourwayout.com
In This Episode
- Recapping the Spartan Race experience
- How adversity reveals hidden potential
- Why mindset matters when things get difficult
- The power of teamwork and accountability
- Lessons learned from pushing past perceived limits
- Building resilience through challenge
- The role of physical and mental toughness
- JR's future goals and upcoming challenges
- The mission behind Spur Your Way Out Foundation
Support the Show
A special thank you to our partners who help make the Champion Living Podcast possible:
Barstow Pro Rodeo
Producing world-class rodeos while helping preserve and grow the western way of life.
Rodeo Now App
Your one-stop source for rodeo news, standings, schedules, athlete content, and everything happening in the sport of rodeo.
00:00 Room Recording
02:06 Race Recap Intro
10:05 Race Day
20:26 The Bog
38:48 The Fire Pit Finish
41:35 Reflections & Mindset
46:15 What's Next & The Foundation
