Yes, I am Still Doing a Tough Mudder

It seems like it has been ages since I announced that Justin and I had impulsively signed up for Tough Mudder New England.  You probably don’t even remember me doing it since I have not mentioned it since.

You’d figure I’d be talking about it all of the time – since it is an event that I can train for. Clearly I have not done that.

 

 

In just 12 days, I will be tackling a 10 mile obstacle course. There are 30 obstacles. While I didn’t do much to train specicifically for this event, I have been building my strength and still have a pretty decent stamina and am able to conquer long runs without too much struggle.  The TM website has some training tips – and suggests that you are able to run 6 miles comfortably. I usually do a 6 mile run every week.  Even though the course is 10 miles – it is not a consistent run. You are stopping to do obstacles. You are also not likely running the entire time as you climb Mount Snow on one of their steepest ski runs.

 

I have been doing some incline runs and not avoiding some of the large hills that I once did when I run outdoors. I have also gone to a few Tough Mudder Training sessions at Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden, CT where we would run to the top of the mountain 2 times (equalling a little over 6 miles) – and then get cold water dumped on us to simulate race day conditions. This is followed up by a boot camp (although the boot camp was not very difficult). It was great to train with some other people – although they are all doing the race on Sunday – so I won’t be seeing them during my TM experience!

 

I will admit that at first, I regretted our impulsive decision to sign up. I felt like we didn’t really think it through. And on top of that, we literally could not get a single one of our friends to sign up and join us. They would check out the website – and then tell us that we were crazy. Ultimately, Justin and I will be tackling the mudder by ourselves, but it will be a great experience for us!  I am no longer feeling antsy about competing  - and instead – am welcoming the challenge. While it may be difficult to conquer some of the obstacles with only a two person team, I have heard that there is a great deal of camaraderie at the TM events – and am sure if needed, a fellow mudder would help us out!

 

Let’s take a look at some of the obstacles that Justin and I will be facing in May 5:

 

I will for sure be wearing old shoes.  I am unsure about what I should do for clothing though – because I am thinking I need something like UA Cold Gear – since much of the water is between 35-45* – and I will want something a tad warming. I would have to buy the UA since I don’t own any – but feel like it is just going to get ruined anyway.

 

 

GREASED WITH BUTTER?! Thanks. I will be sure to let lots of people go before me so I can try and figure out which bars are not safe! (Justin, I will gladly let you lead the way on this one!)

 

 

It says Berlin Walls #1 because there are two sets of these.  I think this is one of the obstacles that Justin and I will likely need the assistance of others to help us get up and over. Justin may be able to give me a boost.. but then he will need a boost as well.

 

 

Love the name, don’t you?!  I am going to do whatever I can to avoid the water since it it so cold!!!  Note to self: FIND YOUR LIFTING GLOVES .. or buy some new ones!

 

 

I DON’T think I will be able to avoid the water here! I am also interested in seeing what my head looks like when it is the size of a walnut.

 

 

This is the one obstacle I am dreading the most. I don’t really like jumping off of high things. Like high diving boards? Totally hated them as a kid. I hate the feeling of losing my stomach – and this jump will certainly result in that. Can’t wait.

 

 

Annnd the infamous electroshock therapy. This obstacle is right at the finish – so you are dead tired. My co-worker’s boyfriend did the Mudder last year.. and she watched at the finish. She said that her man ran into one of the live ones and legit just dropped to the ground from the power.  I plan on army crawling under all of these bad boys!

 

All of the above images are can be found here. (You can also learn more about Tough Mudder and see if there are any events in your area!)

 

So – I think we are ready! Justin has be building up his speed and completed his 6 mile run yesterday!  We are both excited about it. We plan on driving up to Vermont on Friday (both of us took a personal day) – and then HOPE to make the drive BACK to CT on Saturday after we complete the course. I really hope that we are NOT to beat and have to find a hotel on the way home. I want to sleep in my OWN bed and then have all day Sunday to recover.. on my OWN couch!!!

 

My mother is really hoping for an injury free race. (As am I, duh).  My bridal shower is the following weekend – and a bruised body, crutches, or a cast would certainly not be nice accessories to my bridal shower dress!

 

—-

 

Have you ever done a mud run or Tough Mudder type event?   Any tips, advice?

 

Clothing: Do you think I will get it clean? I’d hate the spend 50$ on some nice Under Armour and then never wear it again!!