TOUGH MUDDER HELP! need advice

JatieKo621

OK people for real be honest with me. I am still in pretty decent shape but haven't been consistently running, or working out everyday....and my friends want me to sign up for a Tough Mudder event. If you don't know what it is, basically it looks like the wrath of hell in the form of an obstacle course-and like SO MUCH FUN. I would have around 4 months to train for it, I am around 142lbs right now and usually work out for 2 hours at a time.

I am wondering if I am or can be able to complete a 10 mile course with training hard for 4 months? I think it would REALLY push me to work out every day if I sign up- I mean its $110! And it looks like a blast- except having to swim under barrels....eek, but I really want to push myself.

PLEASE be honest. I want to know if you think I could get into good enough shape to complete the course! I usually am able to run around 2 miles straight without stopping but I haven't timed myself or really pushed myself at running in awhile, I am thinking a good run tonight could show me more where I am at physically. WHat are your thoughts and have any of you done a tough mudder before?

amyram

All four of my kids plus two of their wifes just finished a tough mudder and while they are in decent shape none of them trained overly hard for it. What I mostly heard about when they got back was how much fun they had, not how hard it was. Go enjoy, I don't even know if there is a prize for first place, just a prize for finishing.

going2befit4ever

well the breakfast team at the global vancouver bc tv did the one at whistler and not all of them are fit said it was loads of fun and wanted to do next years so i say go for it train and enjoy the challenge

Smileyawaw

I've never done anything like that before (sounds like super FUN!) but in 4 months you absolutely have enough time to train for this!! You can do it! Post pics when you do it!!!

JatieKo621

THanks everyone! I am thinking I will do it, I want to push myself and this looks absolutely INSANE but awesome!!!

jgodbier

The tough mudder website has some goals on there. Check them out, if you can get through most of them, i'd say you would be right to compete.

Keep in mind. you dont have to finish, it is just about competing and pushing yourself to do your best. if you finish great, if you dont, so be it - you wont be a lesser person for not. The competition is pretty badass, even having the guts to go is awesome in itself.

I guess train sensibly, dont flog yourself to a point where on competition day you are completely exhausted. make sure you eat properly during your training.

goodluck

neverstray

I guess I am super competitive. I don't see the point in doing it just for fun, but I know a lot of people do that. 4 months is enough time to train, but contrary to what people here are saying, I've heard this course is grueling and very difficult. It was designed by the British military and it is the most difficult of all the different mud runs and dashes. There are electric fences you have to get shocked to run through and other things. It's not all fun and games. But, go for it. It just seems like people are making it out to be "fun". My understanding is that it is 10 to 12 miles of very advanced and difficult terrain and obstacles. I'm doing it soon. IM trying to get a group together, but it's not a walk in the park. Read up on the website. They even have training classes you can go to.

Think of running almost a half marathon (it could be 12 miles), plus add in very difficult obstacles, and lots of mud. Does that sound like laughing and fun and games? Running 12 miles on flat concrete without any obstacles is pretty hard for most people. Not trying to be a downer. I'm just saying that I think it's really, really difficult. So, kick @$$ and train. Go for a 12 mile run, then do 100 push ups, 100 sit ups, some jumping, at least 20 pull ups, and you might be getting close.

JatieKo621

I guess I am super competitive. I don't see the point in doing it just for fun, but I know a lot of people do that. 4 months is enough time to train, but contrary to what people here are saying, I've heard this course is grueling and very difficult. It was designed by the British military and it is the most difficult of all the different mud runs and dashes. There are electric fences you have to get shocked to run through and other things. It's not all fun and games. But, go for it. It just seems like people are making it out to be "fun". My understanding is that it is 10 to 12 miles of very advanced and difficult terrain and obstacles. I'm doing it soon. IM trying to get a group together, but it's not a walk in the park. Read up on the website. They even have training classes you can go to.

Think of running almost a half marathon (it could be 12 miles), plus add in very difficult obstacles, and lots of mud. Does that sound like laughing and fun and games? Running 12 miles on flat concrete without any obstacles is pretty hard for most people. Not trying to be a downer. I'm just saying that I think it's really, really difficult. So, kick @$$ and train. Go for a 12 mile run, then do 100 push ups, 100 sit ups, some jumping, at least 20 pull ups, and you might be getting close.

I don't think people mean "fun" as in playing hopscotch or some **** like that, I think they mean fun as in a tough event that feels great to finish because of the personal accomplishment you feel. I am not stupid, I know it will be tough as hell. The 10 mile run doesn't scare me, I can easily train for that in 4 months. Obviously I know it will be VERY difficult, i've seen the videos and read about each obstacle. But my idea of "Fun" is pushing myself to the limit and I think this is a great way to do that. I've done INSANITY, I've competed in races, and I want the next level.

I want to do it "just for fun" because thats what it is! A race, not just a competition. I don't give a Sh** about what my place is or how long it takes, as long as I get out there and push myself then I will feel accomplished and proud.

neverstray

I guess I am super competitive. I don't see the point in doing it just for fun, but I know a lot of people do that. 4 months is enough time to train, but contrary to what people here are saying, I've heard this course is grueling and very difficult. It was designed by the British military and it is the most difficult of all the different mud runs and dashes. There are electric fences you have to get shocked to run through and other things. It's not all fun and games. But, go for it. It just seems like people are making it out to be "fun". My understanding is that it is 10 to 12 miles of very advanced and difficult terrain and obstacles. I'm doing it soon. IM trying to get a group together, but it's not a walk in the park. Read up on the website. They even have training classes you can go to.

Think of running almost a half marathon (it could be 12 miles), plus add in very difficult obstacles, and lots of mud. Does that sound like laughing and fun and games? Running 12 miles on flat concrete without any obstacles is pretty hard for most people. Not trying to be a downer. I'm just saying that I think it's really, really difficult. So, kick @$$ and train. Go for a 12 mile run, then do 100 push ups, 100 sit ups, some jumping, at least 20 pull ups, and you might be getting close.

I don't think people mean "fun" as in playing hopscotch or some **** like that, I think they mean fun as in a tough event that feels great to finish because of the personal accomplishment you feel. I am not stupid, I know it will be tough as hell. The 10 mile run doesn't scare me, I can easily train for that in 4 months. Obviously I know it will be VERY difficult, i've seen the videos and read about each obstacle. But my idea of "Fun" is pushing myself to the limit and I think this is a great way to do that. I've done INSANITY, I've competed in races, and I want the next level.

I want to do it "just for fun" because thats what it is! A race, not just a competition. I don't give a Sh** about what my place is or how long it takes, as long as I get out there and push myself then I will feel accomplished and proud.

Lol. Uh, by definition, a race is a competition. Lol

So, you answered your own question. You can do it, as you said and proved by saying you've done other things. So, why did you ask? When you asked, I thought you were genuinely asking, and I said, yes, it's possible to train in 4 months. But, I was also suggesting that it's more than "fun" because others were downplaying the intensity. Running 10 miles in mud is probably really hard. I just ran a half marathon, but I don't think I could run 10 or 12 miles in the mud. But, you have time to train. So, good luck. Maybe you and your teammates can do some workouts together to build up comradre.

herownkindofwonderfull

Tough Mudder isn't one of the events with super hard terrain. It is going to push you, but you'll be able to complete it. I plan on going next year (most of my friends who would go with me are pregnant right now - so not going to work ATM). But yeah. I don't think you have to "train" per se... just stay active. hit the gym 5-6 times a week until then. Focus on running and weights and leg stuff. You'll be golden.

UCONNCOED

Hey! I am sure you already saw this but it sounds like your at the "maybe mudder" stage in the training and I downloaded this training schedule right off the website

http://toughmudder.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/maybe-mudder-boot-camp.pdf

I've never done it but I am thinking about signing up for it too! Good luck! This will be such a great experience and you can really use it to inspire and push your training for the next few monthS!

TiffersBaybee

Doing the Scottish Tough Mudder next Saturday.....so looking forward to it! I have been going to the gym 2-3 a week, and have been doing training with the Army (tabbing etc) so hopefully will be fit enough. It looks like awesome fun

stylistchik

YOU CAN DO IT! I didn't do the tough mudder but I did do a half marathon and the rugged maniac within a week of each other so that's pretty close. :laugh: Enjoy it. 4 months is plenty fo time to train. Make sure you can cover the actual distance and do some upper body training, thats what I found I needed the most when it came to obstacles. Other than that it's a mental thing and finishing will feel amazing! You go girl!

Ripcode

I did Crossfit at my gym for (6) months prior to my Tough Mudder which I did in Michigan/Ohio on 04/14/12.  The mix of cardio and weightlifting had me prepared. I think (4) months will be enough to get you ready.

The event was a hoot and I am pre-registered for 2013.  ;D

The running is spread out and you won't run more than a mile at most before you hit an obstacle.

FYI:  The electrified obstacles do suck!  On the last obstacle, I got shocked on the face.  It felt like someone punched me!  The wife happened to shoot a pic as I was getting zapped. I am the guy in the middle.

TNEKEIA

i don't think you can ever be prepared enough for TM. It's fun but challenging. I ran TM GA 2011

Jacwhite22

I guess I am super competitive. I don't see the point in doing it just for fun, but I know a lot of people do that. 4 months is enough time to train, but contrary to what people here are saying, I've heard this course is grueling and very difficult. It was designed by the British military and it is the most difficult of all the different mud runs and dashes. There are electric fences you have to get shocked to run through and other things. It's not all fun and games. But, go for it. It just seems like people are making it out to be "fun". My understanding is that it is 10 to 12 miles of very advanced and difficult terrain and obstacles. I'm doing it soon. IM trying to get a group together, but it's not a walk in the park. Read up on the website. They even have training classes you can go to.

Think of running almost a half marathon (it could be 12 miles), plus add in very difficult obstacles, and lots of mud. Does that sound like laughing and fun and games? Running 12 miles on flat concrete without any obstacles is pretty hard for most people. Not trying to be a downer. I'm just saying that I think it's really, really difficult. So, kick @$$ and train. Go for a 12 mile run, then do 100 push ups, 100 sit ups, some jumping, at least 20 pull ups, and you might be getting close.

Just for the record......most of my friends that have done them have said they might have actually run 4 miles or so.......That a lot of it is hiking/wading through crap/waiting in line for obstacles. Which is the other thing.....Lots of time to recover so it's not like you are running the whole thing straight.

KyleB65

I am 47 years old and I did an 8km Spartan Race earlier this spring.

I am certain that you can complete the Tough Mudder. Not only complete it, but enjoy the experience as well.

I recommend that you buy the ticket and then keep on training. If you are running add strength training, if you are strength training add in some running. You will need both strength and endurance to complete the run and obstacles.

Also, decide upon your mindset first and then do not waiver. By this I mean, do you want to "compete" or do you want to have the satisfaction of completing the course? For me, I wanted to complete the race and all the obstacles. My finishing time was not a concern. And, I accomplished my goal.

Next year, I plan to try and beat my Spartan time by 15 min. And, I have also pre-registered for the first local Tough Mudder in my area. It is going to be FUN!

kvissy

4 months is definitely enough time to train for it. I completed it a few months ago w/ a team so they definitely helped a lot! I find that if you keep up with your running and build upper body strength you should be fine. Everyone that does this event (even people you don't know that are around you) are extremely helpful whether it be with helping people over walls, pulling them through the water/mud, motivation, etc. It's like MFP in person during a workout haha.

I find that events like this are definitely more mental than anything else.

and if worse comes to worst you are always able to skip over a certain obstacle if you find it 100% not doable (don't do it!! haha)

Good luck!

m16shane

Do it!!! I so want to get a group together and do it next year. It look punishing and fun!

kvissy

I did Crossfit at my gym for (6) months prior to my Tough Mudder which I did in Michigan/Ohio on 04/14/12.  The mix of cardio and weightlifting had me prepared. I think (4) months will be enough to get you ready.

The event was a hoot and I am pre-registered for 2013.  ;D

The running is spread out and you won't run more than a mile at most before you hit an obstacle.

FYI:  The electrified obstacles do suck!  On the last obstacle, I got shocked on the face.  It felt like someone punched me!  The wife happened to shoot a pic as I was getting zapped. I am the guy in the middle.

I actually managaed to not get shocked during this and the other one where you had to crawl through it. Needless to say I was going pretty slow to avoid them while everyone else was running past them!

morgansmom02

I did Crossfit at my gym for (6) months prior to my Tough Mudder which I did in Michigan/Ohio on 04/14/12.  The mix of cardio and weightlifting had me prepared. I think (4) months will be enough to get you ready.

The event was a hoot and I am pre-registered for 2013.  ;D

The running is spread out and you won't run more than a mile at most before you hit an obstacle.

FYI:  The electrified obstacles do suck!  On the last obstacle, I got shocked on the face.  It felt like someone punched me!  The wife happened to shoot a pic as I was getting zapped. I am the guy in the middle.

OMG!! Great pic! Sucks to be shocked in the face though! I am doing Rugged Maniac. Hoping for no electrified obstacles in that one!

AlsDonkBoxSquat

OK people for real be honest with me. I am still in pretty decent shape but haven't been consistently running, or working out everyday....and my friends want me to sign up for a Tough Mudder event. If you don't know what it is, basically it looks like the wrath of hell in the form of an obstacle course-and like SO MUCH FUN. I would have around 4 months to train for it, I am around 142lbs right now and usually work out for 2 hours at a time.

I am wondering if I am or can be able to complete a 10 mile course with training hard for 4 months? I think it would REALLY push me to work out every day if I sign up- I mean its $110! And it looks like a blast- except having to swim under barrels....eek, but I really want to push myself.

PLEASE be honest. I want to know if you think I could get into good enough shape to complete the course! I usually am able to run around 2 miles straight without stopping but I haven't timed myself or really pushed myself at running in awhile, I am thinking a good run tonight could show me more where I am at physically. WHat are your thoughts and have any of you done a tough mudder before?

It really depends on if you want to walk it or run it. If you want to run it start training now like you're training for a half marathon, otherwise just go and have fun. I like to push and compete (pretty much just with myself, but whatever), so to get ready for mine in September I'm running and lifting. 4 months is more than enough. Runners World has a great run training app.

iLoveMyPitbull1225

I have wondered about people's opinions as well, I am planning to do it in my area next fall so that I have more than enough time to make sure my body is prepared. I'm really excited though

Buckrussell

I ran a tough mudder in November. It was not easy. To train, I made sure I could run over 6 miles. Nothing fast. 10 minute miles were fine. You need upper body strength. You need all around strength. Do not focus on strength training specific muscles. It helps, but you need to do some "field day" workouts. Bear crawl, crab walk, etc. The tough mudder workout is great. The longest run I had was probably a hair over a half mile at the very begginnig. You'll have to wait for a few obstacles. Push yourself. DO NOT DO THIS ALONE! You need a team mate to help get over obstacles. It'll be the most fun thing you've ever done! You'll be running and laughing and joking with your teammates and everyone around you! Push hard. Motivate the people around you. Make sure you are hydrated. Eat for energy and don't worry about calories that day. You'll burn anything off that you eat. There are many hydration stations along the way. Some have food as well. Enter, push yourself to finish, and enjoy it. It took our team about 3 and a half hours to finish the 12 miles. Good luck!

dreamer1003

I am also training for the tough mudder in the Mid Atlantic in September. Some days I think I am crazy. I am doing this as a means of celebrating reaching my goal (instead of throwing a party with lots of bad food or something) - which I hope to actually reach by then. This is a test that will show me how far I have come! I am not sure I am training enough but there is no way to know until I am there. I will struggle with the upper body obstacles. I think with 4 months to train you have plenty of time! Do it - have a blast and be so very proud of yourself!

This is not a race at all. They don't advertise it as one either. They specifically say it is not timed. It's purpose is to challenge you and encourage you to work with others as a team. They do not time it so that you don't feel the need to run ahead of your team.

volleypc

I am going to do the one in TN next April. I may sign up for the gulf coast one as well. A couple of friends from work have recently started working out and doing 5ks, etc. I have talked them into doing a warrior dash event this fall. They may hate me for it, but it does make working out more fun and has gotten several other people in the office interested in running/joining the gym. Let me know how it goes.

LastMinuteMama

Tough Mudder isn't one of the events with super hard terrain. It is going to push you, but you'll be able to complete it. I plan on going next year (most of my friends who would go with me are pregnant right now - so not going to work ATM). But yeah. I don't think you have to "train" per se... just stay active. hit the gym 5-6 times a week until then. Focus on running and weights and leg stuff. You'll be golden.

I guess it depends on the venue...The course I did was up and down a mountain all day. I thought it was super hard terrain...maybe I'm a wimp? LOL

To the OP's question. 4 months is plenty of time if you're already in decent shape. And of course, it depends on what you want to get out of it, is there a certain obstacle you "must" complete (for yourself)? If so, train for that and everything else will come. I used the training program off of the Tough Mudder site.

It will be the most "FUN" you've ever hard!!!

ToughMudderAddict

Tough Mudder isn't one of the events with super hard terrain. It is going to push you, but you'll be able to complete it. I plan on going next year (most of my friends who would go with me are pregnant right now - so not going to work ATM). But yeah. I don't think you have to "train" per se... just stay active. hit the gym 5-6 times a week until then. Focus on running and weights and leg stuff. You'll be golden.

So I have to disagree with this slightly as I did the TM at Whistler.. Whister, BC is a ****ing mountain. I spent all day going up and down that mountain, going in and out of freezing cold water and lakes. Having said that, I had a blast and I did not "train" very hard for the event. I am starting my training now for the TM in September-Seattle. I completed all obstacles and honestly can not wait to do it again. I learned that I do need to work on my upper body strength though!

I recommend signing up and working your butt off so when the day gets here you'll be set and ready for some fun.

ToughMudderAddict

FYI:  The electrified obstacles do suck!  On the last obstacle, I got shocked on the face.  It felt like someone punched me!  The wife happened to shoot a pic as I was getting zapped. I am the guy in the middle.

I got shocked at the end too!! Thus, my profile picture. It hurt sooooooo bad! hahaha! So much fun though!

JatieKo621

Thanks everyone! I definitely signed up...have been working out 5/6 times a week and have a team as well! There are about 6 of us who signed up so I feel confident we will help push each other! I have been doing running mixed with other workouts, like biking, INSANITY, and weight training so I feel that I will be ready by the race. I can easily run 4 miles straight right now, under 38 min so I feel that I am in good enough shape to complete the race. I am VERY excited, and loosely following a half marathon training schedule so I will complete a 10 mile run before the actual race.

I REALLY appreciate everyones advice!!!

And the shock in the face pic...looks...AWESOME!! Haha I am scared of that but I will push through!! The underwater (under barrels) obstacle scares me the most but I am excited to go out there and push myself to see how tough I am.

Again, thanks everyone!! I will post some after-TM pics!

fels123

I did the scotland one, it was wicked!! Message me for advice if you need, my team qualified for the worlds toughest mudder so we must have done something right