With the Tough Mudder two weeks from today I felt its only right that I share my preparation training, or lack thereof and try to inspire those considering doing an obstacle race. Before I talk about this year’s prep training let me first share 2013 training:
2013 was easily the best year of training for me in every department- weight-lifting, bodyweight training, running, flexibility, you name it. I ran 3 days a week and covered about 6 miles each run. Although the Tough Mudder is 10 miles, I felt that if I could do 6 comfortable I would be able to suck it up for the final four. I hurt my ankle 6 weeks before the race and stopped running completely until race day. I completed the race easily and didn’t feel as if I could have done any better.
This year I have been dealing with a back injury so I haven’t run even half as much as last year. I have done a few 5K races and wasn’t too thrilled about my times. My weight-training and calisthenics is consistent with last year’s routines and I have substituted last years runs with 5-6 days of bike riding from May through September. I bike for a minimum of 15 miles a ride. All things considered, I should have a good performance in the race and look forward to feeding off the energy of all the mudders around me.
This race isn’t just for the former athletes and fitness enthusiasts. If you like to have fun and don’t mind getting down and dirty you should register. Aside from the fun, team-building and camaraderie will be developed through the many obstacles that simply can’t be done by yourself. You may be a supremely gifted athlete reading this saying to yourself, “This guy is wrong he hasn’t met me,” but keep in mind the mud. You will lose traction in places that render you powerless. I have felt it first hand, and there is nothing to be ashamed of to ask for a boost throughout the course.
You aren’t running 10 miles at one time! There are so many obstacles (26) that many times you have to stop and wait for a group ahead of you to complete it before its your turn to go. Those moments give you plenty of time to catch your breath and get ready for the rest of the course.
If the breaks between obstacles aren’t enough keep in mind the mud. Some areas are super slick so you will need to go at a slower place so you don’t fall. Other areas the mud is so thick that it is impossible to go fast. Make sure your laces are tied tight. At one point during the race my shoes came out from under me and to pull them out of the mud was the hardest dead-lift I ever did for 2 reps.
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The most important thing to keep in mind is that this is your race and you can make it into any race you desire. My obstacle races are a time to have fun with friends, test myself physically, and lend a helping hand whenever I can. So whether you are ultra competitive or just looking for a good time, obstacle races are for everyone.
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