Discussion Board

There are a few people at work who I speak with are excited about the health improvements I have undergone the last 6 months. In fact one guy I talk to did something similar, dropping excess weight, strengthening up and getting healthier. He just invited me to join his team for something called the Tough Mudder Challenge. I just took a look at the course and the physical expectations and I am somewhat overwhelmed. The course IS a challenge to put it lightly, but since it takes place in September, I have enough time to increase the cardio and strength training. It would give be a real goal to compete in. Anyone participated in an event like this at any time?

I would have done that when I was in my 20's...that looks like fun!

My niece loves that race. I say go for it!

A co-worker of mine is trying to gather up a team of people to participate in a Tough Mudder event this year, either in Indiana or in Kentucky.

Me? I looked at the videos of those Tough Mudder events and I think I'll stick to road racing. I just finished my first half marathon this morning. I was exhausted by the time I finished. (See my signature for how long it took me.) But I tell you this: I think running a half marathon is a piece of cake compared to doing a Tough Mudder.

My concerns about a Tough Mudder is that I think it is really easy to turn an ankle when you are slipping and sliding around in mud. Also, the electric-shock therapy portion of those events don't seem too user friendly, not to mention heart healthy.

But maybe you can do this and report back to us.

Spiral, I am impressed! Your time was close to the world's record for the marathon! So...you have mastered the time/endurance part! Maybe later you will master the distance.

Seriously, isn't a half a marathon long enough?

Thanks for the compliment, but anyone who saw me "run" the last 4 miles would know that I have not mastered the endurance aspect of running half marathons.



I now have a whole new respect for anyone who has finished a full marathon, even if they walked the whole thing.

But, getting back to the original topic of this post: To do a Tough Mudder or not to do a Tough Mudder.

Before I would be willing to do a Tough Mudder event, I think I would have to know a few people who have completed such an event who are not [a] completely nuts or [b] complete workout fanatics.

At least with road racing, there's the 5 k race, about 3.1 miles. 5 k races are the entry level road race where people who are new to running can get their feet wet. And if you need to walk part of the 5 k race, you can.

With a Tough Mudder, I don't see any option of getting your feet wet without getting them soaked in mud.

That said, maybe I need to be less cautious and have a sense of adventure.

There are a few other races out there with a similar theme. Spartan Race, Primal Mud Run and Warrior Dash are a few of them of them. WD is 3.2 miles, PMR is 4 - 6 and I think SR does a 3, an 8+ and a 10-12 at each event. Tough Mudder is 10-12.

I would think a person should be capable of completing a half marathon before attempting a Tough Mudder event.

Personally I'm working towards a 5k.

Steve, you and I think alike sometimes. Me and my wife were looking at Tough Mudder after my cousin and his daughter did it it Florida the past couple of years. Whether or not I ever get in good enough shape, I certainly is a wild goal! We figured, it would take about a year to get in good enough physical condition to START training for TM. Remember, I had double knee replacement 7 months ago.

It's tough (no pun), but I say go for it. You have nothing to lose. Test your stamina, strength and endurance.

PS. If I ever do it, I'm getting the tattoo!!

I will admit I am in better health and better shape than I was when I was 40 (2 years ago). That said I still have much work to do when it comes preparing for a challenge like this. With 5 months to build up the strength and cardio, this would be a goal to shoot for. The team I would be on have done this before and after reading about (still need to check the videos) it sound like it would be fun and challenging. My sister just competed in her first Primal Mud Run a few weeks back and now is looking to take on the Tough Mudder. My wife has already given me the go ahead, pending the outcome of the MRI that I had last Friday on my left knee.

Steve,

I give you a lot of credit for being willing to sign up for a Tough Mudder event.

Now, given that such an event ranges from 10 to 12 miles, I have to ask, not to be a naysayer or anything, how recently have you run or walked 10 to 12 miles and how long did it take you?

Now add it all of the obstacles that they put in your way. Now add in the fact that you aren't always walking or running on solid ground but are occasionally going through mud.

My guess is that this Tough Mudder event could require about 6 to 8 hours of effort. Does that sound right?

I think such an event is about how much time it would take for someone like you or me to do a half Iron Man Tri-atholon. I thought about doing an Olympic Tri-athalon once, but decide that I didn't want to have to learn how to swim faster and bike faster.

Again, I give you a lot of credit for attempting this, if that's what you end up doing. You've got more guts than me.

And as you mentioned, you do have time to train. That's important, as long as you don't over-train, something I believe I have done, to my disadvantage in yesterday's half marathon event.

P.S. Prior to my running this half marathon yesterday, many people told me, knowing that I had never run a half marathon, before, "You will get some energy from the thrill of the race and the cheering crowd. That will help you over the finish line."

I would like to give you my response to that "advice" or "consolation" or whatever. But I don't want to give this discussion forum an "R" rating.

The bib that was attached to my running shirt did not act like Popeye's spinach. I don't think there is anything magical about race day (or Tough Mudder day) that gives you extra endurance or extra speed or extra strength.

Just my opinion. Perhaps I am just a little bitter about my performance yesterday and need to calm down.

Walked or run 10-12 miles? Can't remember. You might be right on the event taking 6-8 hours, I have no idea. The web site says 3 hours, which breaks down to a 16 minute mile. Then again this course is not level, it's in the mountains near Lake Tahoe. So I am not sure how to gauge the level of competition or health I need to be in, in order to compete. It's also about teamwork, you compete with a team to conquer each obstacle.

I guess I could compare this to running a marathon or competing in a triathlon to some degree, based on the level of commitment. It might be a one time thing, especially at 42 years old. I am sure I would be black and blue in places I didn't know could hurt, as well. I will make a decision by the end of the month.

I am a 44 year old woman.

I just completed my first MUD race over the weekend. It's called the Rugged Maniac 5K.

I. LOVED. IT. Muddy, dirty, jumped over fire, climbed rope net ladders, crawled on my belly through mud under barbed wire, through tunnels, etc. It was a top notch blast. I did this race with a friend who celebrated losing 100 pounds by doing this empowering event. She is still at 215 pounds, but we both did our best. She has never done anything longer than a 5K.

It was sooo much fun! I am a little banged and bruised and can't wait to do another one.



I am still fat by the standards of the BMI charts, but I am STRONG. I workout at crossfit bootcamp three days a week. During the mud run, we passed skinny runners who had no upper body strength. This race was a full body workout!

I have completed 18 half marathons and two full marathons. This becomes a mental conditioning issue once a basic level of fitness is reached.

If I can do it, anyone can. I once thought that I would never do a marathon (after my first half). If you want it, you can do it. I have seen people with prosthetic limbs on the half marathon course, supporting themselves with crutches. All my parts work; I realized I have no excuse. Do or don't do, there is no try.

nomikins. Awesome! Glad to hear you had a great time in the mud run. Love the picture, reminds me of the picture my sister posted a few weeks back after completing a mud run with her friends. She loved it as well!

My son just ordered a battle rope for his wife and himself. And it looks like a fun work out. They are still practicing more of a Atkins approach..... it takes a lot of talking and mirroring to get people to change... your picture shows the beauty of being starch centered. You should email to Dr. McDougall:)

Aloha, patty

Way to go, nomikins!!!!! You are my hero.
That's gonna be me in a year or two.