A day out in the mud finishing tough Mudder
Another tough Mudder events been completed. With all team members managing to make it through without any mishaps. An achieving that a few months ago was something that others did. For some a major goal reached in their fitness journey. With others wanting to be challenged again. Now comfortable, dry, exhausted, a little sore and nursing some minor scratches it’s time to reflect on a challenging and rewarding day out in the mud. Happily finishing tough Mudder again.
It started pre-dawn with the team bus departing on time for the hour and a half drive to our destination. As you would expect the groups was full of nervous energy in anticipating was the day would bring. For the first timers it was just nerves, the unknown is always a little scary. Afterall we were going to run in the mud, be cold and tackle some scary looking obstacles. For the experienced ones, sometimes having been there done that is not a good thing. Because you know what’s ahead. A strong chance that you’ll be thinking about those obstacles that challenged you previously.
Or new ones that have yet to be experienced.
At the start line
Once we got there and collected our event bibs. It wasn’t long before we were front and centre at the start line. Ready to roll out with the next wave. This is where the MC pumps you up during the countdown, by now the nerves are setting in and it finally time to focus. 5,4,3,2,1 Boom! we’re off.
The hardest part during Tough Mudder for most is the running component, lots of it. After all it is a running event with the obstacles thrown in for good measure. For some they are frightening and quite challenging, for others a cakewalk. It depends on your personality and how comfortable you are with the challenges. What’s great about this event is that all obstacles are optional. You don’t have to do them. It’s alright to give it a miss and watch those who will give it a try.
After all we all have our strength and weaknesses. I clearly demonstrated this by not even reaching an obstacle called the leap of faith. Unfortunalety I was too short in reaching the rope. As a result, landed in water.
A bonus if you decide to opt out is the waiting time. A great opportunity to give the legs a rest from running, get your breath back and be ready to march on towards the next challenge. Obviously once the team completes the obstacle.
Teamwork counts when finishing a tough Mudder
A successful day out attempting tough Mudder requires you to have a team. It’s not an event that can be achieved alone. You need at least 3 people. Some of the obstacles require the assistance of other individuals. It’s all part of the fun. The bigger the group the more fun it is as you get to know your teammate better over the course. Tough Mudder is a group event. This event is also not timed like others are.
There is no timing chip attached to you. So, the group can take its time. Our team covered the terrain at a reasonable pace which meant we didn’t leave anyone behind. For the faster ones who want to get through it quick. Best to pick out some equally conditioned mates and beat the course. I would suggest Spartan race would be better suited. Its timed based and basically a race. Tough Mudder is an event to take part in, have fun and complete.
As we ran this group from my personal training business, there were a few factors to consider and make the group aware of prior to event. As Adrenaline and fatigue don’t mix well there were a few rules to be aware of.
Obviously, it was for the safety and enjoyment of participants as not everyone in the group knew each other.
- Ensure that all participants stayed together
- Keep an eye out for individuals who needed help
- Encouraging my clients to take park and enjoy
- Not placing them in any situation for potential injuries.
Lastly, don’t eat the mud. The stuff gets everywhere.
A job well done
Firstly, the team did an exceptional job. Keeping an eye out for each other, tackling the obstacles and helping others when the need arose. A good team works well in negotiating a climb up a 12-foot wall. Good luck attempting this alone without getting a boost. How do you manage to jump off a 5+ meter ledge into the water?
When your teammates are encouraging you and you don’t feel alone you will try anything. How would you get up on top of the giant ramp after running 19klms? without a helping hand from a teammate waiting for you on top? What a fabulous all-round team effort with all participants getting involved and helping each other out. A job well done for all.
Secondly, Tough Mudder teams consist of individual just like you. For example, two participants who sought my services as a trainer. Both have their own personal goals to achieve. Very different people who continually put in the time and effort to make the changes required. Put them in a team and each did remarkably well. Both were nervous at the beginning. On completing the course, the facial expressions of joy were obvious.
It’s all about the celebrations at the finish line. Take photos, hugs, handshakes and thanking teammates and friends who witnessed your great achievement. All did a great job. Rought it out, gave it a go and didn’t give up. This could be you. commit, be consistent and results will follow.
Lastly, well done to all the new Mudder’s, support crew and repeat offenders.
Next up, a shower.