Tough Mudder

Probably the toughest event on the planet.

Tough Mudder is not your average lame-ass mud run or spirit curshing "endurance" road race. It's Ironman meets Burning Man. The 10 mile obstacle course was designed by British Special Forces to test all around strength, stamina, mental grit, and caraderie. Forget finish times. Simpy completing a Tough Mudder is a badge of honor. All Tough Mudder sponsorship proceeds go the Wounded Warrior Project.

So - what are the obstacles? Think Real World/Road Rules Challenge meets bootcamp. Effin' intense. And seriously badass.

#1: Kiss of Mud

I'll eat dirt as I crawl on my belly under wire
set only 8 inches from the ground.

#2: Berlin Walls

Show team spirit and camaraderie as I work with other Tough Mudders
to scale their seriers of 10-foot-high walls, tough enough when dry,
but really fun when wet.



#3: Ball Shrinker

I'll try not to fall off this rickety swinging
rope bridge into the muddy waters below.



#4: Viper's Fangs

I'll weave my way through a maze of underground
tunnel obstacles without getting snagged or trapped.

#5: Hold your Wood

I'll make like a lumberjack and drag a log through water
and then try to retain my footing on my way back out.

#6: Boa Constrictor

I'll prove that I can cope with cold dark confined spaces and a few nasty
scratches with their specially designed Tough Mudder tire tunnels.

#7: Ramp Attack

I'll try my agility up and down these slippery ramps while keeping the
mud out of my eyes as I land in their signature mud puddles.

#8: Farmer Johnson

I'll hurl myself over a series of enormous hay bales,
without getting scratched.

#9: Bog Log Jog

Because running through a swamp isn't tough enough,
I'll have to hop or crawl through a series of fallen trees.

#10: Super Glider

I'll have some fun slipping and sliding head first
through mud and water into the pond.

#11: Creek Crusade

I won't let claustrophobia get to me as I
pull my way through tire tunnels.

#12: Devil's Beard

Try as I might, I'll get caught like a fly in a spider's web
as I crawl under their annoyingly low cargo nets.

#13: The Trenches

I'll get stuck in their enery-zapping trademark Tough Mudder thick
mud as I make my way through a maze of trenches.

#14: Underwater Tunnels

I'll bob underneath the obstacles on the surface of the water
as my head shrinks to the size of a walnut.

#15: Walk the Plank

I'll test my fear of heights and cold all in one with the 15-foot high
splash into the pond followed by a swim back out.

#16: Bridge Bounder

I'll warm up by sprinting up the nearest hill and
speeding over a rickety bridge.

#17: Fire Walker

Plain and simple. I'll run through their blazing kerosene soaked straw;
expecting flames at least 4 feet high.

#18: Finish - Mystery Obstacle

Obstacle design is a race day surpise.
I'm sure it will be something truly bad ass.

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I'm sure you have a lot of questions. I did.

1. Is Tough Mudder a race?

No. Tough Mudder is not a race. It is supposed to be a personal challenge - the goal is simply to complete the course. This is why they do not time people and why they try to avoid using the word "race" when describing their events. Everyone is required to sign the Tough Mudder pledge.

2. What is the Tough Mudder pledge?

As a Tough Mudder, I pledge that...

* I understand that Tough Mudder is not a race but a challenge.

* I put teamwork and camaraderie before my course time.

* I do not whine - kids whine.

* I help my fellow Mudders complete the course.

* I overcome all fears.

3. What are you going to wear?

On my feet, I'm just going to wear normal running shoes. Spikes or cleats won't help - they'll just harm the other participants.

I'll wear very light socks and shorts and a shirt that dries quickly. Nothing thick, even if it's cold - I'll just get colder when it gets wet.

I'm also might wear a hat with a swim cap underneath.

I'll definetly wear tough, thick gloves to prevent any burns from the ropes obstacles and splinters from any walls.

I'll also bring some warm clothes to change into after the event so I can enjoy the post-race party!

4. How are you going to train for the Tough Mudder?

They suggest training should include these key areas:

- Running

- Lifting

- Days Off

- Healthy Eating

- Mental Preparation

There also a Tough Mudder workout that I'll be starting in the next few weeks to prepare myself for each of the obstacles. For info on that workout, check out the Tough Mudder Workout page on my blog.

5. What is the required swimming skill level?

(important to know because Brock only knows how to doggy paddle)

Tough Mudder recommends that all participants possess basic swimming fundamentals and be skilled to not only tread water but also be prepared to swim a minimum distance of 25-30 feet. If you can't swim very well, bypass the deep water parts of the course.

6. Any more questions?

Check out the Tough Mudder website FAQ.