Tough Mudder Race Is Brutal But Fun And Here's What You Need To Know
9 Things You Need To Know About Doing A Tough Mudder
Chris York— The Huffington Post UK
|
It's Sunday evening and already today I've been electrocuted, submerged in freezing water and made to run 12 miles.
What's more, I did it all voluntarily.
Would you like to see what it's like to be hit with 10,000 volts? Of course you would...
Open Image Modal
Horrid.
This is of course, one of the fabled Tough Mudder events and not some horrible Stasi-esque dystopian nightmare. And despite that look on my face I actually enjoyed it.
The Tough Mudder events have a reputation - and rightly so - as one of the most difficult endurance events open to the general public.
So if you're considering doing one let me pass on what I learned...
Tough Mudder
It's 10-12 miles long(01 of09)
Open Image Modal
Running what is not far off a half-marathon is a pretty daunting task but thankfully the multiple obstacles really break it up. You'll obviously be knackered by the end but you'll surprise yourself. My co-Mudder had never ran further than 6 miles in one go and he made it. Just about... (credit:PA)
Warm Up Properly(02 of09)
Open Image Modal
You've paid good money for this. Don't waste it by doing yourself in after mile three. Luckily there's a huge group warm-up at the beginning so make sure you get involved. (credit:PA)
Wear gloves(03 of09)
Open Image Modal
Parts of the course, especially the 'Mud Mile' can be savage on your hands (this is not my hand). (credit:Getty)
It's muddy.(04 of09)
Open Image Modal
As you would expect given the name but make sure you wear some shoes with plenty of grip. But also a pair that you don't mind ever seeing again as you realise that muck will probably never come off. You can donate them to charity after the event at special drop-off points. (credit:PA)
There are some really horrific bits(05 of09)
Open Image Modal
This bit is called the 'Arctic Enema'. It is without doubt one of the worst experiences of my life. Every fibre in your body will scream at you but your brain will be unable to comprehend why you've just done such a stupid thing and confusion reins. Finally you realise that to get out you need to submerge yourself and duck under a tyre wall. This is when the most extreme ice-cream headache you've ever known hits. Grim. (credit:PA)
You will get wet(06 of09)
Open Image Modal
Sometimes it'a quite a pleasant little jaunt across a river. Other times it a horrifying crawl under a wire mesh with barely enough room to breathe. (credit:PA)
They look like real flames...(07 of09)
Open Image Modal
And they are real flames. Don't hang around. (credit:PA)
It's about the teamwork(08 of09)
Open Image Modal
You won't be able to do this alone. Help out and everyone will help you back. The camaraderie is one of the main Tough Mudder selling points. (credit:PA)