Guest Blog: Are You Tough Enough for Tough Mudder?
Heard stories of sliding on your front through frosty water or submerging yourself in a tank of ice and wonder if you can really hack Tough Mudder? With Tough Mudder fever spreading across the nation, one Fitness Superstore employee – Charlie in our Customer Service Team – recently took up the challenge and tells us all about it…
[caption id="attachment_326" align="alignleft" width="150" class=" "] Fitness Superstore's Charlie[/caption]
On a crisp Saturday morning just a few weeks ago I, flanked by a group of friends, embarked upon the somewhat notorious Tough Mudder Experience. Some of you may have heard of it or taken part yourselves - and if you haven’t, I would strongly recommend it. So here’s my account of my experience, which I hope will motivate you to do something truly awesome, start training and slam on your orange head band!
What exactly is Tough Mudder?
Tough Mudder is a 10-12 mile military-style obstacle course designed to test all-around strength, stamina, teamwork and mental grit. Arguably one of the toughest physical events on the planet, you have to say the Tough Mudder pledge to show your dedication before you even start the course. There are about 20-25 obstacles, which test your fears and commitment to helping others complete the course. It’s not all about you – it’s just as much about teamwork and true camaraderie.
What inspired me to get down and dirty?
Inspiration came from a group of my friends who did it last year and painted a purely awesome picture of the obstacles and experiences they had. I was sold when one of them said: “It’s a mix between Ninja Warrior and half a marathon.” Right up my street! Another reason for doing this was the chance to raise money for the Help for Heroes charity, where all proceeds go. Having friends and family in the Armed Forces, it’s very close to my heart.
The BIG Day
[caption id="attachment_330" align="alignnone" width="600"] Us at the end of Arctic Enema (I'm in blue)[/caption]
On the day, you’re faced with half a marathon along with a whole load of energy zapping obstacles. And I LITERALLY mean zapping, as some of them will electrocute you! Earlier, I mentioned my friend said it was a bit like Ninja Warrior and he was right in the sense that you have one big obstacle every mile, a few smaller ones and a lot of gruelling running in between.
The BIG obstacles:
- Arctic Enema: You jump into a massive container filled with ice and icy water and have to swim under water to get around bollards. The name doesn’t do it justice for just how cold it is!
- Everest: This is a giant half pipe you have to sprint up and then jump and grab the edge to get up. It’s funny watching people fail this one. Trust me, it’s hilarious.
- Stepping Stones: This has floating platforms you have to time and balance on in order to get across without falling in the river. This was my favourite as I smashed it!
- The Electric Eel: The most famous, this is a slalom of dangling wire which electrocutes you. Or, if you’re like me and let all the overly eager go running through first, you can just weave in and out of the wires. Sneaky is the best way to go on this one!
- It’s crucial you have the right clothing. You need sports clothing that will dry quickly when wet and proper running or sports shoes with anti-blister socks. Gloves are handy as you will be crawling in the mud with sharp stones around. Another essential is goggles. You’ll get so much stuff in your eyes, you would not believe. I didn’t take them this year and suffered for it!
- Go training with your group at least a couple of times before the event so you can see what fitness level everyone is at. Plus, it will motivate the group as a whole as no one wants to let the team down!
- Take some glucose shots/tablets or sports supplements such as energy bars if you feel the need for an extra boost.
- Warm up and do stretches as you don’t want to pull anything on the day.
- Don’t carry bottles of water as they have water and energy bar stations every couple of miles.