So you're thinking about taking on Tough Mudder, hat's off to you!
Tough Mudder is certainly something that everyone should try at least once, and if it's not on your bucket list then shame on you!
Indulge ("Indulge Mudia") took part in Tough Mudder Midlands this year in Kettering with every member of our team completing the mud run, and surprisingly, through battling our worst fears and pushing ourselves to the limit, each and every one of the team has admitted they are looking forward to signing up next year!
So what's the hype all about?
Hoorah! Hoorah!
Tough Mudder is essentially a hardcore 10-12 mile obstacle course designed by the British Special Forces. It tests your all round strength, stamina, mental grit and camaraderie. Above all, it's a very well marketed event that instantly makes you want to be part of it. The bright colours, the adrenaline ridden video footage, the promise of exceeding limitations and feeling extreme liberation when reaching the finish line. Who wouldn't want to sign up?
How to prepare for the event
- Train hard, train tough! Don't take training lightly, cardio and weight training will go far in this event.
- Mental grit. Fitness will get you only so far, but mental grit will get you through anything. The obstacles are referred to as "extreme" for a reason. Tough Mudder is the perfect opportunity to get over that fear of heights, claustrophobia or maybe electrocution...?
- You must be a good swimmer, a large number of obstacles revolve around water and it's highly likely that you will be falling in one way or another. Floats and arm bands won't help you here!
What to wear
- Grippy trainers that are light and drain well will really help, but there's no point in spending big bucks for brand new trainers. I personally ran in Karrimor trainers which were great. Most people end up donating their trainers at the end rather than attempting to clean them. Honestly, after this they will never be the same again... trust me.
- Under Armour will really help, it's quick drying and helps when you're dragging yourself across the ground. You don't want to wear anything that will take ages to dry, especially after experiencing Arctic Enema!
- Fundraising? If you are fundraising and you want to brand up a t-shirt, make sure it's quick dry and not too baggy. You don't want to get accidentally caught on anything or catch hyperthermia from it not drying quick enough!
- Gloves are a bit hit and miss. I may have found them useful on obstacles like mud mile, funky monkey and the liberator but otherwise they may become a nuisance. Quite a few were found abandoned or lost along the way.
- Jewellery. This should go without saying, but make sure all jewellery is removed including piercings!
What to watch out for on the day
- Rule 101, make sure you drink plenty of water on the lead up to the event, during the event you will have access to water and seed bars but this won't be enough to pull you through.
- Upon arrival you will be given your allocated number, after crawling through mud, climbing over walls and jumping through ditches these will be long gone. So make sure you make the most of the black markers to scribble your number on your arms and face. Also make sure you don't put on your wrist band too tight, your hands will swell during the mud run and it can become uncomfortable. On the other hand make sure it's not too lose, this is the one numbered item that is likely to last the duration!
- Keep an eye out for photographers. The photographers are skilled in taking photo's of the most extreme visuals, so if you're wanting to get snapped, think bright colours and enthusiasm!
- Don't burn out too quickly. There is so much hype before the race even starts and you will be pumping with adrenaline, don't let this take over and start sprinting from the off, remember it's a marathon not a sprint!
- If something doesn't feel right, stop and get it checked! If you really don't think you can complete an obstacle then walk around it. The idea of Tough Mudder is to push yourself, get over your worst fears and make you stronger as a person. Injuring yourself is not going to help you in reaching the finish line.
- Leave your insecurities at home. You might feel a bit nervous being bumped over the first wall, but by the third you really won't care as long as you get over it somehow. No one will be looking to see how well you did, or how good you are looking and when you are covered in mud, scrapes and bruises you won't care either.
- The aim of the game is teamwork, and there is no "I" in team. At the beginning of the mud run, you will take an oath to help not only your team but any fellow Tough Mudder who may be struggling. This is what makes the event so powerful, pulling together as a team with the thousands of others who are just as determined as you!
- Think you're doing well? Watch out for the guys who will be lapping you. Yes, you heard right. Some people actually complete Tough Mudder more than once in one day!
Best bits
- Arriving at the event: The initial wave of determination and team spirit is unbelievable. You instantly feel at one with the Tough Mudder tribe.
- Warm up: If you aren't hyped up yet, you will be after the warm up. With lots of jumping, screaming and music pumping in the background, Tough Mudder's coach will have you ready to rumble!
- Obstacles: Kiss of Mud 2.0, Shawshanked
- Receiving your head band at the end: This is what it's all about, and I can guarantee you will be buzzing at the thought of receiving your next one!
- Just a mudderling? Earn your next headband at one of these events worldwide, click here.
Worst bits
- The drive to the venue: Make sure you leave early so you get there in plenty of time and can find your whereabouts.
- Mud Mile: This doesn't sound like much but requires true mental grit. Trying to clamber over mounds of gritty mud is one thing but sliding down the other side will result in scrapes. This one is all about team work.
- Funky Monkey: All obstacles are set to a height that presents a challenge to all, so if you are short (and I am), this will be a challenge in itself. The bars will be slippy from the mud, so if you can try and wipe your hands on your shirt (or a rep) beforehand, it's a huge help!
- Cry Baby: If there's no backlog you might, just might be able to hold your breath and speed through this one... if not, prepare for tears!
- Arctic Enema - Nothing can prepare you for this, once you're in just focus your mind on getting out - don't freeze! Top tip? Take a deep breath and slide into the ice, find your bearings quickly and take a breath (it will be tough), and get yourself under those tyres and out as fast as possible.
- Electroshock Therapy: 1, 2, 3... Go! Don't think, just run, you can nurse your wounds later!
Indulge Mudia's challenges
Linsey: Balls to the wall
Sophie: Arctic Enema
Russell: Funky Monkey
Pat: Arctic Enema
Indulge Mudia's victories
Linsey: Lilly Pad Run
Sophie: Shawshanked
Russell: Everest 2.0
Pat: Dead Ringer
Top Tips
- If you aren't wearing gloves on the day, try using surgical spirit on your hands leading up to the event. This will help with scuffs and cuts on the mud mile!
- If you struggle with the cold, do 10 quick burpies, Pat found these took the edge off of it, though doing burpies at the finish line of arctic enema did generate a few strange looks!
- A lot of obstacles involve pulling up or holding your bodyweight, so train hard using a pull-up bar and on monkey bars.
- Take a set of comfortable, warm clothes such as a fleece and joggers for when you finish and a towel for a shower down (showers run cold only!)
- Use an energy gel pack mid-way through for a burst of energy, the waterproof packaging will keep out the mud
- If you decide to pay for VIP parking, then drive to the front of the car park instead of settling for the first space you see, your legs will be thankful when you finish.
Indulge wanted to take part in Tough Mudder for charity, which is often the reason most people get involved. Our charity this year was Guernsey Cancer Support and we raised a total of £318.00.
We hope to take on Tough Mudder again soon for charity and hopefully become Mudder Legionnaires, earning our green headbands (2x Tough Mudder!)
Watch this space!
