Tough Mudder

jkline919
jkline919 Posts: 6
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi there,

I am currently training for an adventure/obstacle race called the Tough Mudder. I have done the Warrior Dash (3.1 miles), but the Tough Mudder is 10-12 miles, with a lot more obstacles. I am in pretty good shape (for me), but I am still nervous for the race. I am looking for suggestions for training from anyone who may have good ideas. I have been doing a decent amount of upper body stuff (assisted chest dips, push-ups, lat pull downs) and some other training techniques like biking, stairs, burpees, etc. Does anyone have a good workout plan that they can suggest with specific workouts? I just feel like I am at a plateau and I need to step it up a notch. Suggestions would be great and any other tips from anyone who has done a longer race like this (such as "week before race" suggestions, clothing suggestions, food/fuel, etc)

Thanks! And wish me luck!
Jackie

Replies

  • tabinmaine
    tabinmaine Posts: 965 Member
    First of all congrats on signing up for a Tough Mudder ! I can't wait to do one but it won't be until next summer.

    I would be doing circuit training.... 3 or 4 strength exercises with minimal rests inbetween the circuits, like 30 sec...and do that for 30-45 min. It will increase your strength as well as your endurance.

    I did one the other day for example :

    30 step ups
    15 kettlebell swings
    5 push press

    15 sec rest and then again.....continue for 45 min :)
  • EvEboEvie
    EvEboEvie Posts: 115 Member
    I'm working my way up to the TM, hope to be ready for it in 2013! I admire brave folks like you... best of luck to you :-)
  • Eaglesfanintn
    Eaglesfanintn Posts: 813 Member
    Best of luck! I plan on doing one next spring so I'd love to hear how it goes. Keep us posted!
  • schlange11b
    schlange11b Posts: 105 Member
    Honestly, the tough mudder is just that. One tough mudder!! I would focus mainly on cardio and lean muscle, so your current workout sounds like a good thing to continue. Step up some core and some arms (for the water sections) as well as basic endurance running. On a side note, I am not a big fan of burpees, I feel they smoke you more than necessary for the actual advantage they provide.
    Main thing, keep pushing! It's all psychological. As for before the race, CARB LOAD the night before. I'm talking 3 plates of spaghetti, and tons of water.
  • andreabball
    andreabball Posts: 90 Member
    Awesome Jackie!! I'm doing TM Mid-Atlantic in September with a team. I've already run a half marathon, a 10 miler race and have several other endurance running events planned for over the summer. I'll be training this summer for the Marine Corps Marathon in October also. I do mostly body weight exercises right now, but I'll be interested to see what others recommend. Congrats to you for registering and preparing! This is sure to be a very challenging event! Good Luck!
    -Andi
  • rchupka87
    rchupka87 Posts: 542 Member
    Tough Mudder is NO JOKE. 12 miles, and 29 obstacles, and most of the obstacles are covered in butter so you will slip and fall. A group of my friends are doing TWO Mudders this summer. This is the training program they are using. It was passed down to us from a former Mudder.... This will give you EXACTLY what you need! GOOD LUCK!!!

    http://www.outsideonline.com/fitness/endurance-training/The-12-Week-Tough-Mudder-Training-Plan.html
  • suzmontee
    suzmontee Posts: 2
    I finished the Tough Mudder in January. It was such a great accomplishment! I ran stadiums to prepare. My local college has a great track with a 50-step stadium. I would run every step, run every other step, single-leg hop (left leg), single-leg hop (right leg), double-leg hop every step and double-leg hop every other step. Did this circuit two times through. I would suggest something like this...great to build endurance, at least once a week. Honestly the hardest part of Tough Mudder for me was the mental challenge (ice bath, boa constrictor-not good in tight spaces-electro shock). I would suggest running with a partner. I ran alone...luckily hooked up with a couple of groups along the way. Would NOT have been fun on my own. Good luck!
  • Mandy_Pandy
    Mandy_Pandy Posts: 41
    How awesome! I've never done a TM but I have completed a Spartan Race and I would have ran hills more. OHHHHH Boy would I have hill trained better! LOL! Good luck! You'll do awesome!
  • abigailm83
    abigailm83 Posts: 110
    Can't wait for the day when I can sign-up for my first Tough Mudder. I am doing my first Warrior Dash on May 6th in KC and although I know in for a challange I am super excited. :smile: Good Luck!!!
  • sarahc001
    sarahc001 Posts: 477 Member
    Tough Mudder is NO JOKE. 12 miles, and 29 obstacles, and most of the obstacles are covered in butter so you will slip and fall. A group of my friends are doing TWO Mudders this summer. This is the training program they are using. It was passed down to us from a former Mudder.... This will give you EXACTLY what you need! GOOD LUCK!!!

    http://www.outsideonline.com/fitness/endurance-training/The-12-Week-Tough-Mudder-Training-Plan.html

    And for anyone in the Maryland area, the guy that wrote the 12-week training plan is in Silver Spring (north, up New Hampshire Ave) at Full Circle Fitness (http://www.fullcirclefitnesstraining.com/) I'm planning to start training with him in a couple of weeks. Cant' wait!

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