This is for all future Mudders. If you are reading this you probably already know what a Tough Murder is, it is a 10-13+ mile obstacle course race held at different locations worldwide. In America they donate proceeds to the wounded warrior project.
I recently completed my first Tough Mudder on Sunday, November 10 with my husband. It was hard and it was exhilarating! I am going to share a few tips and secrets for those of you thinking about participating in a future Tough Mudder.
First, you don't have to be a body builder to participate. You just have to be able to push yourself and trek 10-13 miles in rough terrain, and you have to be okay with mud, if you don't like mud, stick to a color run.
To start off I'll tell you about the obstacles, then move on to training, clothing, and miscellaneous suggestions.
The obstacles vary from location to location but you can bet that you will see electroshock therapy, walk the plank, Everest and the horrible, Arctic enema, along with many more bad-ass, butt kicking obstacles.
Electroshock therapy is rough if you get zapped multiple times, some like to run through it, the best bet is to wait for a group to go and then go solo so you can maneuver around the strands, you will not get through without get shocked, but you can avoid getting multiple shocks.
How bad are the shocks? If you've ever been zapped by a shorted wire, it feels like that.
Walk the plank is a mental challenge, especially if you're terrified of heights like I am. Dont think about it, find an empty slot climb up the ramp and just walk on over (if you're cool do an awesome cannonball or split, no diving though). The water will be cold, breath steady and normal and use strong strokes to swim to shore.
Everest is not too bad. Just run as fast as possible and leap for the top. Someone will help you up. The main challenge is that it is towards the end of the course so your legs are pretty dead.
Arctic enema, there is no preparation or words to help. Just get in and get out as fast as possible. It will be okay until you resurface, at that point you will be freezing and swimming through ice. Just get out as fast as possible and then run, get your cardio going and get blood pumping to your limbs. Guys- you will hurt, imagine getting whacked in the nuts and that's what it will feel like. Just get through it.
I know that some people will go around every obstacle because they dont feel up to it. If you feel sick dont do it, but push yourself, do as many obstacles as you can.
There were a few obstacles that got to me mentally, walk the plank and mystery number 2 (both dealt with heights). Death march was a quad killer, and seemed like it never ended.
So my advice:
Training
Mountain climbers and burpees, if you do nothing else do these daily! Squats, lunges and upper body workouts are also recommended. Drink lots of water. Walk or run or jog as often as as possible. Walk in mud and water and rain.
Shoes- new balance minimums, Merrill minimums or Salomon trail runners. They are all lightweight and good for rough terrain and can be thrown in the wash machine later and look good as new.
Clothing- compression leggings, you might look silly but your calves will thank me later. Dri-fit compression shirt long or short sleeve. Long will save your elbows. Gloves keep your hands warm and protects them, they dont help grip but I wanted the protection so I used mad grip gloves and cut the tips off, they worked fine. Leave the bandanas,etc. At home, girls throw your hair in a ponytail and you'll be fine.
Some things you might not think about - bring ChapStick, you'll want it, along with sunscreen, advil or Tylenol and a change of clothes, sandals are the best shoe to change into. Get an early slot, it took me 4 and a half hours to finish, so start early. Also pack bandaids, bactine, water, and snacks.
You will get beat up, I have rainbows bruises all over and I pulled my hip flexor and one of the tendons in my left knee. It hurts like hell to go up or down stairs at the moment but it was totally worth it! Dont kill yourself on the course , do what you can. I skipped the hill walking lunges, the wheelbarrow (due to lack of a partner) and the Berlin walls. Do your best. If you go with other people my husband and I found it best to go our own paces, we started at the same time but he finished an hour before me, your fellow Mudders will help you, you will never be on tour own. Just give it your all.
Final note, you will get water stations every 2-3 miles and after they all (except the first one) have snack stations too, bananas and cliff bars are handed out, they also have port-a-potties if you really have to go. Plus they have a medical team to assist in any injuries. These courses are challenging and you can become injured, keep that in mind and know your limits, if you can't swim then dont do water obstacles. Remember that everyone else is struggling too (except the guy who did 30 hand-stand push ups on mile 9) help others around you. Push your limits, laugh, have fun, and really soak in the feeling of getting your first headband and beer upon reaching the finish line.
Remember: no quit, do more! And good luck, embrace the hurt!
I recently completed my first Tough Mudder on Sunday, November 10 with my husband. It was hard and it was exhilarating! I am going to share a few tips and secrets for those of you thinking about participating in a future Tough Mudder.
First, you don't have to be a body builder to participate. You just have to be able to push yourself and trek 10-13 miles in rough terrain, and you have to be okay with mud, if you don't like mud, stick to a color run.
To start off I'll tell you about the obstacles, then move on to training, clothing, and miscellaneous suggestions.
The obstacles vary from location to location but you can bet that you will see electroshock therapy, walk the plank, Everest and the horrible, Arctic enema, along with many more bad-ass, butt kicking obstacles.
Electroshock therapy is rough if you get zapped multiple times, some like to run through it, the best bet is to wait for a group to go and then go solo so you can maneuver around the strands, you will not get through without get shocked, but you can avoid getting multiple shocks.
How bad are the shocks? If you've ever been zapped by a shorted wire, it feels like that.
Walk the plank is a mental challenge, especially if you're terrified of heights like I am. Dont think about it, find an empty slot climb up the ramp and just walk on over (if you're cool do an awesome cannonball or split, no diving though). The water will be cold, breath steady and normal and use strong strokes to swim to shore.
Everest is not too bad. Just run as fast as possible and leap for the top. Someone will help you up. The main challenge is that it is towards the end of the course so your legs are pretty dead.
Arctic enema, there is no preparation or words to help. Just get in and get out as fast as possible. It will be okay until you resurface, at that point you will be freezing and swimming through ice. Just get out as fast as possible and then run, get your cardio going and get blood pumping to your limbs. Guys- you will hurt, imagine getting whacked in the nuts and that's what it will feel like. Just get through it.
I know that some people will go around every obstacle because they dont feel up to it. If you feel sick dont do it, but push yourself, do as many obstacles as you can.
There were a few obstacles that got to me mentally, walk the plank and mystery number 2 (both dealt with heights). Death march was a quad killer, and seemed like it never ended.
So my advice:
Training
Mountain climbers and burpees, if you do nothing else do these daily! Squats, lunges and upper body workouts are also recommended. Drink lots of water. Walk or run or jog as often as as possible. Walk in mud and water and rain.
Shoes- new balance minimums, Merrill minimums or Salomon trail runners. They are all lightweight and good for rough terrain and can be thrown in the wash machine later and look good as new.
Clothing- compression leggings, you might look silly but your calves will thank me later. Dri-fit compression shirt long or short sleeve. Long will save your elbows. Gloves keep your hands warm and protects them, they dont help grip but I wanted the protection so I used mad grip gloves and cut the tips off, they worked fine. Leave the bandanas,etc. At home, girls throw your hair in a ponytail and you'll be fine.
Some things you might not think about - bring ChapStick, you'll want it, along with sunscreen, advil or Tylenol and a change of clothes, sandals are the best shoe to change into. Get an early slot, it took me 4 and a half hours to finish, so start early. Also pack bandaids, bactine, water, and snacks.
You will get beat up, I have rainbows bruises all over and I pulled my hip flexor and one of the tendons in my left knee. It hurts like hell to go up or down stairs at the moment but it was totally worth it! Dont kill yourself on the course , do what you can. I skipped the hill walking lunges, the wheelbarrow (due to lack of a partner) and the Berlin walls. Do your best. If you go with other people my husband and I found it best to go our own paces, we started at the same time but he finished an hour before me, your fellow Mudders will help you, you will never be on tour own. Just give it your all.
Final note, you will get water stations every 2-3 miles and after they all (except the first one) have snack stations too, bananas and cliff bars are handed out, they also have port-a-potties if you really have to go. Plus they have a medical team to assist in any injuries. These courses are challenging and you can become injured, keep that in mind and know your limits, if you can't swim then dont do water obstacles. Remember that everyone else is struggling too (except the guy who did 30 hand-stand push ups on mile 9) help others around you. Push your limits, laugh, have fun, and really soak in the feeling of getting your first headband and beer upon reaching the finish line.
Remember: no quit, do more! And good luck, embrace the hurt!
