Ok so this is what I wore to my Tough Mudder.
This was right after the 1st obstacle, which happened to be Arctic Enema. I kid you not, it was cold, and I was glad to be out of it, hence the face.
As you can see I’m wearing my uv sleeves, which I’m so glad I wore. No bruises, or scratches up my arms. And gloves, they were bike gloves, so they got a bit swollen, but they worked.
One thing I found a lack of in my research was what to wear on event day.
Sure I asked people their opinion, but take advice from someone that has actually done an event.
Dri Fit Top
And if you are worried about ruining your ‘brand’ dri fit stuff. Just buy cheap stuff from Kmart or BigW. My dri fit top was from Kmart and cost me no more than $10.
3/4 or full length Dri Fit Leggings
The only Leggings I had where ‘Brand’ ones and I was not going to ruin my $60 nike compression/dri fit leggings for one event. So I went out and bought $15 dry fit ones from BigW. Worked a treat.
SunScreen
Arm Sleeves
I bought my sleeves from ebay last year. I just got the ones from China, I think they set me back approx $20 at the time, but I don’t remember. They not only kept me cool, but warm, and protected my arms from splinters, cuts & abrasions.
Vibrams 5 Fingers – Classic
Gloves
Cow Mudder
So that’s what I learnt from my tough mudder event, and I hope it helps you when you do yours. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
I’m the type of person that likes to know what I’m getting myself into. If I’m curious about something, I research.
I knew when I first found about Tough Mudder, that I would not be prepared to do in 2012, which is why I waited for it to return in 2013. But I had my training in place. I knew what I was going to do, and how that was going to help me. And oh boy did.
So here is my advice. You can take it or leave it. Do what works for you, only you know that. What worked for me may not work for you.
So you are thinking about doing a Tough Mudder. Yay for you. Tough Mudder is a lot of fun, but it is hard work. If you are thinking of entering an event prepare yourself before hand. Do your research. For me that meant dissecting the entire Tough Mudder website. So look at all the video’s / photo’s of past events, even if it those are in another state or country, it will give you an idea of what to expect from the obstacles. Read blogs / forum posts of people who have done it in the past. As everyone’s experience is going to be different, but you will get someone else’s perspective.
And if you have any doubts at all. DON’T DO IT. Only you know what you are capable of.
The official Tough Mudder Australia Website had a training plan. You can download it here. But keep reading on and you will find my advice too.
Out of shape? Well you will need to allow yourself a minimum 20 week training plan. Yes 20 weeks, I kid you not! You will need to build up your cardio-vascular fitness, your strength, endurance and flexibility.
So you’ve been exercising for a while now and want to step it up, then give yourself a training plan of at least 10-12 weeks. You will need to work on endurance, strength, speed and agility, and flexibility.
If you have completed a Tough Mudder in the past, or in the defence force, or a personal trainer, you know what to expect already. I can now offically say I have completed a Tough Mudder, but I’m not in the defence force, or a personal trainer. Either way give yourself at least a 1 month / 30 day training plan and work on strength, speed and agility & flexibility.
Not a runner?
Well you need to be. But specifically you need to be able to run a half marathon.
That’s 13.1 miles or 21.1 km.
If you have never ran before then I’d recommend a beginner half marathon training plan. One that has run/walk intervals. There are many out there. Find one that suits you, as not all training plans are the same. I love the Runners World Smart Coach app. It’s currently only available for apple (they are re working on the android app, I know cause I contacted them and ask – yeah I’m a nerd 😛 ) You can download it here.
Hal Higdon aslo has fantastic training plans. You can download them here.
If you can run 5km already, then you’re next step will be to bridge to 10km. Then bridge from 10km to half marathon distance. This is how I did it.
Train on uneven ground. This means trail running. Tough Mudder will not have a smooth flat surface of a road or a path. You will be very lucky if your course has any of this, and if it does, consider it a treat.
So if you run on a teadmill, GET OFF, same if you are running on roads or footpaths. Sure any type of running will help build your distance endurance, but it will not help your ankles on the course, as it will be uneven. The course I ran was primarily farmers paddocks. Which were cow trodden and very uneven. If you were not looking directly 3 feet in front of you, your foot would go in a wholly bit and you would roll your ankle. So my advice, go with trail running, it will help you in ways you thought wouldn’t be possible.
Allow at least 3 running days a week in your training plan.
Ladies this means lifting weights, and no you will NOT BULK UP.
Ladies you will need to be able to do at least 1 / one pull up (not a chin up). If you can not do a pull up, then you are going to be serious trouble with the Berlin Wall.
Make sure your training plan includes, push ups (of any kind), pull ups (assisted or unassisted), chin ups (again assisted or unassisted), Turkish Get ups, burpees, and mountain climbers. If you don’t know what any of these are, then you need to look them up, and start including them in your training plan.
If you are unsure of what strength training plan to follow, I recommend P90x, Chalean Extreme, Insanity (body weight) or The Asylum. There are also plenty of free stuff online, try Nerd Fitness, BodyRock TV or Blogilates.
Allow at least 3 strength training sessions in a week in your training plan.
I run 3 days a week because that’s all that my schedule allows for (I would run more if I could). So the days I don’t run, I cross train. Now on your cross training days you could do swimming, ride the bike or elliptical, or do aerobics. What ever works for you.
Personally I love the BeachBody programs, so I usually do a hybrid of those with running, because that works for me.
But in your cross training sessions, include HIIT workouts (High Intensity Interval Training). It will help build up your cardio-vascular fitness but will also build up your endurance. It will make your other workouts so much easier too.
This means Yoga or Stretching. Now I know some of you will properly think, why and how will this help me? However if you don’t have the flexibility in your hips, then you may find it difficult to do some of the climbing.
Adding a yoga/stretchng routine to your workout plan will help you in many ways. It will help you with your strength training, especially your upper body. It will improve your core strength. If you suffer from back pain, then improving your core strength will help reduce the back pain.
Yoga will also improve your balance, your co-ordination and your concentration, and you will need these in an event like Tough Mudder.
Have a daily yoga routine. Even if it’s only 10-15 mins. Keep the short yoga routines as your cool downs after your intense workouts. But also allow 1 day a week for a 40 to 90 min yoga routine. You’re body will truly thank you.
Hydrate upon waking up. Once hydrated, hydrate some more. Doesn’t matter if it’s hot or cold, keep your fluids up. Even if that means continuously going to the the toilet like a pregnant woman. Include at least 1 electrolyte drink in your hydration.
Not too sure what to wear, check out this post here.
Pack your id, with you’re death waiver. It wont hurt to take a spare death waiver for a friend, cause you know someone will forget it.
In you game day bag, include the following:
Get their early. Meaning at least 2 hours before your start wave.
Have a protein snack, at least 15 minutes before you event.
Carry energy gels with you. Sure their will be banana’s at some of the ‘fuel’ stations, but you may need a pick me up prior to getting there.
After you have finished the event, you will be hungry, and thirsty. Hydrate with water, and with an electrolyte drink. Rest and do a stretch!
This means immediately after the event and the days that follow.
Yes you will be exhausted. So after you have rested, gotten some fuel into you and rehydrated yourself and possibly even had a shower, it’s time to do a stretch. Even if it’s only 5 minutes worth of stretching you’re body will thank you.
Depending on where you’re event is, head to the water. My Tough Mudder event was at Phillip Island. So getting into the ocean will improve your recovery time. Yes the water will be cold, but believe me your muscles will thank you.
The days that follow do some yoga, and light exercise. Like walking, or riding the bike. Take it easy though, don’t over do it.
So that is my advice to you. Good luck to you and see you at Tough Mudder 2014.
Be Warned Long Post Ahead
In June 2012 as a birthday present for myself I entered myself into Tough Mudder, at Phillip Island Vic for Jan 2013.
I had first found out about Tough Mudder about 8 months prior to around October 2011. I didn’t enter in their 1st event in 2012, because I knew that I was not fit nor strong, but I put it down on my wish list, and my goal list of things I wanted to do and to achieve.
Fast forward to 19th Jan 2013. A year of strength training, run training, interval training and HIIT Training. I was ready. I was ready to cross off Tough Mudder off my goal list.
After waking up at 6am and getting the family organised, we left at 7.30am for the drive over to Phillip Island.
The TM information pack advised to be at the circuit 2 hours before my start time.
My allocated start time was midday. I got there around 10am.
After going to the toilet, as I was busting for a wee, I checked in. On the way in I met a fellow individual entry Tough Mudder “Isaac”. His scheduled time was 12.45pm. I thought I wouldn’t see him again, so I sent him a good luck, and went on my merry way.
After getting my registration pack, I put on my race bib, got my number on my forehead, and went to the bag drop off and dropped off my bag, making sure that I had a snack before I dropped off my bag.
I did however forget my hat, which I’m glad I forgot cause it would have been hopeless, and I would have taken it off and thrown it away. I also forgot to put on sunscreen. And yes I got a big burnt on my face.
The other thing I forgot (but I realised this the day before, when I was repacking my pack), was my hydration pack, but I’m glad I forgot that too, because that too would have been useless. It would have just dragged me down, and the “straw” part would have gotten clogged up with dirt and mud.
Once my bag was checked in and my snacks were eaten, I wandered around the area to check out the sponsors and so on. I also wanted to see where the start line was.
Could I find that start line? No. Signage for the start line was bit poor, but only to discover that I was standing right in front of it.
The start banner was not in the air, like the finish line. It was along the side of the fence. Which I thought was kinda of stupid, because spectators and other fellow mudders were standing in front of it obscuring the sign, which was pretty big, but there were a lot of people.
So I got to witness the 10.30am start wave. I thought to myself “No one is monitoring you’re start wave” I mean how would they. So I decided why wait around?
I climbed over the 7 foot Berlin Wall to get into the starting gate. I did it on my own with no one else’s assistance.
I was surrounded by teams of Mudders, and although I entered as an individual I knew that I would not be alone. That is one of the things that drew me to entering Tough Mudder, the comradeship.
Also if you think about it, Tough Mudder is a sponser for Legacy. Now if you don’t know much about Legacy Legacy is a charity providing services to Australian families suffering financially and socially after the incapacitation or death of a spouse or parent, during or after their defence force service.
Legacy help those who have helped us, and well that’s what Tough Mudder is all about too. Well my interpretation of it.
So I was in the start line holding bay waiting to start. We all listened to the MC talk about what to expect. Some of us would finish, some of us would not. I did not want to be one of those DNF. He also told us that some obstacles we may not be able to do. For example if you couldn’t swim, then you wouldn’t do ‘Cliff Hanger’. If you suffered from a heart condition, epilepsy, or had a pace maker or any type of metal in your body, then you wouldn’t do ‘Electric Eel’ or “Electric Shock Therapy”. He also told us to make sure our shoes were double knotted. I always double knot my shoes anyway.
The Rocky theme songs starts to play, and then the count down begins. In 5,4,3,2,1 the horn sounds and we were off.
I was pumped, I was at the start of the pack. As I am a runner I was going slow, but I was still the 1st female in the front group. I saw a guy up ahead of me, I figured, I will just keep with his pace. As i got up to him, low and behold it was “Isaac”. So we were not alone. We decided to help each other out and do it together.
The first obstacle was coming up, and when I saw what it was, I was like “oh my” (yes oh my, I’m going to keep it clean people). The 1st obstacle was Arctic Enema. Having done my research on the obstacles I knew this one was going to be a tough one. In fact, there were 4 obstacles I was unsure about. They were:
Now Arctic Enema meant jumping into a pool. A pool (well a shipping container) full of ice. Not only that. There was a divider in the middle. Which you couldn’t climb over, you had to go under. When I got to the pool I just went for it, there was no point delaying, as I could tell that my muscles were freezing up. I went under and was glad to be on the other side climbing out and continuing on.
I’m glad that this was the 1st obstacle. Because it was a tough one, it also meant that the running would warm me up. Having it at the start meant that I would not be fatigued later to do it.
The next obstacle was a good 1km away. It was an 8 foot ‘Berlin Wall’. With the help of Isaac I was able to climb over the walls. I say walls, cause when you got over one, you had to do it again.
We then ran, err I mean walked through thick sluggy mud for about 400m, to get to the ‘Kiss of Mud’. This meant commando crawling through muddy water to avoid the barbed wire above you. The barbed wire however got lower and lower, so it meant you had to get muddier and muddier. Was I enjoying it? HELL YEAH!
If I wasn’t already wet and muddy I was about to with the ‘Underwater Tunnels’. Crossing the pond and going underneath bobbing barrels, ensured that I was going to be drenched. The level of water was also varied, from shall to deep. As the water was not clear you were not going to be aware of any drop off except for what the person infront of you was doing.
After passing through the underwater tunnels, we came up to the ‘Mud Mile’. Walking through calf deep thick, dark, sludgy mud, was slow, hard work but loads of fun. Unexpected depths ensured slip overs and, nothing else to do but laugh it off.
This however was only the beginning of the mud mile. Up ahead you could see the congestion of people, and you could clearly see why? Mud Mile was about to take on a whole new level. It had changed, from walking through mud to now crossing muddy mounds. There were about 20 all up. This obstacle required team work. You simply just could not do this alone. You needed help getting up and over. Those mounds were covered in wet slimy uneven/bumpy mud. And then the trenches were knee deep muddy waters. This particular obstacle properly took the longest to complete. How long I could not tell you. Yes I was wearing a watch but because every part of me was covered in mud I couldn’t wipe it clean.
The next few obstacles were as follows (I’m not too sure of the exact order however):
‘Dirty Ballerina’ . This was suppose to be leaping over muddy mounds, but we were told not to, as it was too dangerous so it meant going into the trenches and then lifting yourself out.
‘Log Bog Jog‘. Going under then over log’s placed at varying heights.
‘Boa Constrictor’. Crawling through plastic piping.
‘Ladder to Hell’. Climbing up a vertical ladder, which was approximately 5m high.
By the time we got to the halfway mark an 1 hour 30 past. It didn’t seem that long that we were on the course, but apparently we had.
The obstacle in the middle was Bale Bonds, and that just meant climbing over, round hay bales stacked like a pyramid.
After this it was Hold Your Wood. Now I found this particular obstacle a bit of a challenge. You had an option, carry an approx 30 kg big of wood on your own, or carry a 100-120 kg log as a team. I chose to carry the wood on my own. It not only meant holding the wood, it also meant carrying it 400m. Which didn’t seem that far, but when you are handicapped with something that is awkward to carry it gets tough. I started carrying it on my shoulder. Then a third of the way through the other shoulder, but that was awkward, so then I carried it in front of me. I was struggling by the end. And needless to say I was glad to put that bit of wood down.
When the water and food station came up I was glad to see it. That banana didn’t even have a chance, it was gone in less than 2 seconds. And the water, oh water. So nice. But it still had a fair way to go.
There were now a few hills. Now I don’t mind hills. I just kept going, while others were stopping to walk, I knew it was just a hill and that I will get over it.
At least no I know I’m not claustrophobic. Trench Warfare ensured that. Crawling through earthen pitch black tunnels, with only your hands guiding the way, and the light at the end of the tunnel. I was also surprised to find out they were not straight. This is a good thing.
More hills awaited us, but we got to run along the coast line, which was beautiful. Didn’t see any Fairy Penguins, even though it is their territory.
The next obstacle caused me to get an injury. When I was younger I hurt my coccyx. I don’t know how, I just did (most likely via falling down backwards). Well Greased Lightning ensured that that tail-bone injury was going to get a whole lot worse. Now Greased Lightning is a giant slippery slide. Sounds like fun. And well it should have been, except that it was not flat. It was bumpy, and it was one of those bumps that I landed on (possibly a rock, I have no idea). I decided to go on my bum (while other went on their stomach). I assumed it was going to be flat, it wasn’t. And well I was hit on just the wrong angle and I went in utter pain. It hurt. But there was nothing I could do about it. I just kept on going.
At least I knew I was a strong swimmer. And even though the life guard in the water offered me his kick board after jumping into the water for Cliff Hanger, I was determined I wouldn’t need his help, I shooked my head and swam to the edge of the pond and climbed out.
By this stage I was getting tired. So I was going slower, but I gave it all I had.
The only obstacle I skipped was Spider Webs. And that simple to the fact they were doing repair works on one of the nets, and their was a 30min wait. I really didn’t want to wait around 30mins for 1 obstacle. So both Isaac and I agree to skip it. He was also getting tired too. You see he wasn’t a long distance runner. Because I have distance in my legs, he found he wanted to keep up to me. He even said “the competitiveness in me wants to keep up”.
We were now back on the grand prix track. That meant we were nearly at the finish line. I could feel my stomach starting to grumble. God I could have just devoured a burger with the lot, with chips and gravy. I mean it wouldn’t matter what the calories would be. I would have burned them off already.
Up ahead there was a huge team waiting for King of the Mountain. Which was just a bigger version of Bale Bonds. There was a short wait as you could see that others were fatigued too. I got over, and I had to walk. I was starting to get a cramp in my calf, and my hip flexors were tight, and walking helped stretch them out. Isaac was also suffering with muscle cramps too, so he wasn’t objecting to walking.
The end line was now insight. We had just past the 18km mark. That orange headband was mine, I was going to get it. Even if that meant getting shocked in ‘Electric Eel’. Attempting and failing with ‘Funky Monkey’. I was just so exhausted I just didn’t have the energy to get across those monkey bars. Then climbing over a 9f Berlin Wall (two of them here too), to get to the 2nd last obstacle. ‘Everest’. The girl in front of me was on her second attempt at it. I wanted to do it in one go. Isaac did it with ease, Just ran and lept like a impala to the top. I went flat out, ran up it, and reached up and grabbed a hand, then another, then got pulled up. I would have stayed to help, but I just wanted to keep going.
The music was playing at the after party. The crowd was cheering. And even though we had ‘Electro Shock Therapy’ left. I didn’t care. I just went for it. I got zapped once, but it was worth it. I made it. I got to the end (and you did too). I earned that orange head band.
I am now a Tough Mudder Graduate.
So I can say that I am Offically A Tough Mother… er Mudder
It was the night before Tough Mudder
And I am nervous as hell.
What have I gotten myself into?
But there is nothing to say but, “oh well”.
I will just have to suck it up.
As my entry fee is paid.
And I’m not wasting my money,
Just because I might be a little afraid.
The forms are signed.
The alarm clock is set.
Tough Mudder is tomorrow
But I just can’t help it, I’m starting to fret.
My bags are packed,
They are in the car.
I’ve got my snacks,
Of apples, nuts & protein bars.
I better get some sleep,
So I’m rested for the big day.
Tough Mudder here I come,
You are only hours away.
I’m feeling fit,
The training’s is done,
Oh goodness me!
Could I actually be looking forward to this torturous fun?!
With the crack of the gun.
I’m going to make this day mine,
Muddy I’ll be
But I look forward to getting to the finishing line.
Cause I just finished
The 30 day program took me 10 weeks, but only because I made it into a running hybrid, as I did not want to give up my 3 running days, and I wanted to do the whole program not just 3 days a week of it.
Asylum is no joke, it is tough, but I stayed within my skill level and I slowly progressed.
I wont lie, at one point (the lead up to Christmas), my body was feeling it. I was getting tired, and I wasn’t giving it my all. I ended up skipping approx 3-4 workouts. One being vertical plyo, another being back to core. However that being said, I still worked out on those days I just did yoga instead, because my body really needed it.
So tomorrow is technically my last day of my asylum/run hybrid, and will be my last run before I do my Tough Mudder on Saturday. This last run is suppose to be 8km, however due to it going to be a hot one, and time limitations, I’m doing just a 3km run, and will also to back to core as well.
So if you are thinking of doing asylum you need to consider the following:
Also excuse my extra rambling’s in there too.
So will I do Asylum again? Most likely yes, but properly not for another 6 months at least.
Last year I ran approx 800km. I say approximately because some of my runs I didn’t log.
This year I plan to run 1000km. I initially had it at 900km, but decided to push myself that little bit more and go for it by aiming for a thousand.
For some of you that may seem like a lot of kilometers (625 miles). But here is the breakdown.
I don’t run everyday. If I did it would be 2.74km a day, which really is nothing. I run at least 3 days a week. 1 day (usually a Monday) is my long run. 1 day of an easy pace run (usually 3km), and then a tempo run (on a Saturday). So getting in 19km a week is totally achievable and doable.
Now I’ve put it out there, I have no other choice but to smash it.
I will also keep you (actually mostly just me) updated (monthly) with my progress.
I never use to like making lists, or plans for that matter.
However as I have gotten older I now understand the value of lists, and of plans.
My plans use to be very blahzey (is that even how you spell it? I have no idea, I’m just guessing…. anyway), not set in stone, just going with the flow really. But then I would be disappointed because I felt like I hadn’t achieved anything.
Well how things have changed.
I love lists for the following reasons:
So what are my plans for 2013?
Well I have mentioned previously some of my running goals. Now that 2013 has officially started, I can really plan out my racing calendar.
I plan to be a little bit more smarter with the way I’m going to train and when my races are going to fall.
My 1st run for the year is Tough Mudder which is on 19th Jan, so 11 days away. However this is more of an obstacle course and not just a run (even though it is 20km long).
The runs that I have already paid for are as follows:
I’m super excited.
Other runs I’m also considering are:
Ok so they are the half marathons. What about other runs? Well they are:
There are more runs, but they are (so far) the only ones that interest me. When I find more that interest me I will add them to the list. and since I now have a subscription to Runners World mag I will find loads I’m sure.
OnionGirl 