Tough Mudder vs Spartan Race

1ConcreteGirl

I am about to finish Insanity in the next two weeks and am thinking about what I want to tackle for my next challenge. I'm really interested in attacking a Tough Mudder or Spartan Race and I'd love to hear from anyone who has done one or both.

I have read the entire website for each one, so I'm looking for more personal experience vignettes than minor fact details.

Are they practically the same thing, or how do the challenges and obstacles compare?

What do you suggest as preparation besides the website circuit training ideas?

What do you wish you had known?

UnderConstructionLuis

I'm definitely interested in reading the responses to this post.

1ConcreteGirl

Bump.

ThickMcRunFast

I did a Super Spartan, but not a Tough Mudder. I know a lot of people who have done both, and compared the experience. I did not really care for the Spartan, it was a nice trail run with some walls to climb over, and not much of a community experience (no people helping people, etc). The obstacles weren't very challenging or original. There were a lot of chest-thumping testosterone types at the beginning, it was kind of silly. I didn't really enjoy the experience at all. The Tough Mudder is apparently much more of a challenge, has better obstacles, and a better overall experience. I wouldn't do a Spartan Race again, but would be psyched to do a Tough Mudder.

madmags

I can't speak on either of these races, but I have done the Rugged Maniac, which was a blast. It was difficult and can press even the elite athlete, but had a good community feel. The obstacles were a mix of walls, slides, mud pits, pitch black tunnels, tube crawls cargo nets and fire jumps. It is a 5K and not sure the length on the mudder or spartan, but it was a great time.

1ConcreteGirl

I did a Super Spartan, but not a Tough Mudder. I know a lot of people who have done both, and compared the experience. I did not really care for the Spartan, it was a nice trail run with some walls to climb over, and not much of a community experience (no people helping people, etc). The obstacles weren't very challenging or original. There were a lot of chest-thumping testosterone types at the beginning, it was kind of silly. I didn't really enjoy the experience at all. The Tough Mudder is apparently much more of a challenge, has better obstacles, and a better overall experience. I wouldn't do a Spartan Race again, but would be psyched to do a Tough Mudder.

This is helpful, thanks. I definitely like the camaraderie about the Tough Mudder, and that's something I was wondering about the Spartan.

ThickMcRunFast

I did a Super Spartan, but not a Tough Mudder. I know a lot of people who have done both, and compared the experience. I did not really care for the Spartan, it was a nice trail run with some walls to climb over, and not much of a community experience (no people helping people, etc). The obstacles weren't very challenging or original. There were a lot of chest-thumping testosterone types at the beginning, it was kind of silly. I didn't really enjoy the experience at all. The Tough Mudder is apparently much more of a challenge, has better obstacles, and a better overall experience. I wouldn't do a Spartan Race again, but would be psyched to do a Tough Mudder.

This is helpful, thanks. I definitely like the camaraderie about the Tough Mudder, and that's something I was wondering about the Spartan.

Yeah, maybe the comaraderie is different in other locations (I did the SoCal Super Spartan), but I found it to be a pretty solitary experience. It was funny to see all the dudes who were posturing in the beginning wheezing their way up the trails near the end, though.

As far as training, I didn't have to do anything special for the Spartan, but for a TM I would make sure to run trails or some hills, and do some long runs in general, in addition to whatever they suggest on the website. Good luck!

1ConcreteGirl

I did a Super Spartan, but not a Tough Mudder. I know a lot of people who have done both, and compared the experience. I did not really care for the Spartan, it was a nice trail run with some walls to climb over, and not much of a community experience (no people helping people, etc). The obstacles weren't very challenging or original. There were a lot of chest-thumping testosterone types at the beginning, it was kind of silly. I didn't really enjoy the experience at all. The Tough Mudder is apparently much more of a challenge, has better obstacles, and a better overall experience. I wouldn't do a Spartan Race again, but would be psyched to do a Tough Mudder.

This is helpful, thanks. I definitely like the camaraderie about the Tough Mudder, and that's something I was wondering about the Spartan.

Yeah, maybe the comaraderie is different in other locations (I did the SoCal Super Spartan), but I found it to be a pretty solitary experience. It was funny to see all the dudes who were posturing in the beginning wheezing their way up the trails near the end, though.

Oh ok, I'm in San Diego, so that's the one I would be doing. I'll take your word for it on the tough guys haha!

Any gear you recommend? I hear grippy fingerless gloves are a must. Anything else?

WillLift4Tats

My husband just did the Tough Mudder a couple of weekends ago, he loved it! We are both signing up for it in April again actually. His favorite part was the camaraderie and team work involved. Teams of course help each other, but in the really tough obstacles, everyone helps everyone get through. His team sang songs and took turns pumping each other up and he said it was a blast. I'm actually really excited about it

Oh and gear! We are both taking our camelbaks for sure! And my husband just got the Vibram FiveFingers shoes with the extra tough grip on them. He already loves those as well. Me, I'm sticking with my old tennis shoes so I can donate them at the end of the challenge

ThickMcRunFast

I did a Super Spartan, but not a Tough Mudder. I know a lot of people who have done both, and compared the experience. I did not really care for the Spartan, it was a nice trail run with some walls to climb over, and not much of a community experience (no people helping people, etc). The obstacles weren't very challenging or original. There were a lot of chest-thumping testosterone types at the beginning, it was kind of silly. I didn't really enjoy the experience at all. The Tough Mudder is apparently much more of a challenge, has better obstacles, and a better overall experience. I wouldn't do a Spartan Race again, but would be psyched to do a Tough Mudder.

This is helpful, thanks. I definitely like the camaraderie about the Tough Mudder, and that's something I was wondering about the Spartan.

Yeah, maybe the comaraderie is different in other locations (I did the SoCal Super Spartan), but I found it to be a pretty solitary experience. It was funny to see all the dudes who were posturing in the beginning wheezing their way up the trails near the end, though.

Oh ok, I'm in San Diego, so that's the one I would be doing. I'll take your word for it on the tough guys haha!

Any gear you recommend? I hear grippy fingerless gloves are a must. Anything else?

The one problem I had was that the stream beds that the barbed wire was strung over were dry, so I scraped all the skin off of my elbows crawling through the rocks. If the TM is the one near Temecula, the course is similar. If it hasn't rained in a while, maybe wrap your elbows in gauze ahead of time. Also, layer up in clothes you don't care about that you might want to discard at points. Don't wear anything too baggy, because I hear there is always an obstacle that involves being fully submerged. You don't want to be dragging around 10lbs of wet clothing at the end.

Bookers23

Hi, I have done both several times and prefer the team spirit and organization/planning of tough mudder so much more. They are both challenging and fun, however tough mudder brings everyone much closer and I find people to be generally much friendlier. The spartan is very much a race and can be completed as an individual. Nobody really stops to help you. Some do of course. Tough mudder requires cooperation to get over obstacles and I feel really makes for a great bonding experience. Four tough mudders and a few Spartans including the first vt beast under my belt! I think the event planners and volunteers were outstanding at all tough mudders, super smooth and efficient. Depending on where the event is will determine difficulty. Tough mudder vt at a ski resort was extremely difficult, while new jersey was generally easy though frigid. I felt like we could have done nj a few times in a row compared to vt. You really can't lose either way, I will continue to do both and have actually signed up for one of each this winter in Miami. Kind of nervous they are on consecutive weekends!! If I had to choose it would be tough mudder, maybe because it was my first. Have fun! Happy training!

For gear it depends on location. If a relatively flat course I will no longer bring hydration pack but will bring energy gel. If hilly then I highly recommend both. I love my compression gear find it super helpful and protective of body against rocks and rash etc. I always wear gloves and think you really need finger coverage as you will be clawing and using tips of fingers to pull over logs, walls etc. I take them off for a few things but think they are really nice to have. I use mechanix gloves, thin fast drying and light. And lastly no cotton! You will be miserable with wet sticking clothes.

1ConcreteGirl

Oh and gear! We are both taking our camelbaks for sure! And my husband just got the Vibram FiveFingers shoes with the extra tough grip on them. He already loves those as well. Me, I'm sticking with my old tennis shoes so I can donate them at the end of the challenge

Oh grippy shoes is a great thought! Does that make a big difference as far as making the climbing stuff easier?

1ConcreteGirl

Hi, I have done both several times and prefer the team spirit and organization/planning of tough mudder so much more. They are both challenging and fun, however tough mudder brings everyone much closer and I find people to be generally much friendlier. The spartan is very much a race and can be completed as an individual. Nobody really stops to help you. Some do of course. Tough mudder requires cooperation to get over obstacles and I feel really makes for a great bonding experience. Four tough mudders and a few Spartans including the first vt beast under my belt! I think the event planners and volunteers were outstanding at all tough mudders, super smooth and efficient. Depending on where the event is will determine difficulty. Tough mudder vt at a ski resort was extremely difficult, while new jersey was generally easy though frigid. I felt like we could have done nj a few times in a row compared to vt. You really can't lose either way, I will continue to do both and have actually signed up for one of each this winter in Miami. Kind of nervous they are on consecutive weekends!! If I had to choose it would be tough mudder, maybe because it was my first. Have fun! Happy training!

Wow, you're a beast! Thanks for your input, this is all fantastic information! Any specific training tips you have?

DavPul

I've done neither, but a friend and I are doing the Tough Mudder in Temecula on Sunday, Feb 10th. You're welcome to join us if you'd like to form a team to help get over, under and thru the obstacles

Bookers23

Training. Well, most of my events were in the north east before I moved so the courses were mountains. Lots of hiking and hill sprints and squats to get legs ready. Really fit people were cramped on first climb so being lose is paramount. Now that I am in Miami, I focus on running and my main workout is crossfit. Grip strength is super important, start carrying heavy stuff around! I think about 1% of the people can actually run the whole thing, they are freaks! Slow and steady and cautious is key. No sense showing off and getting hurt. Seen lots of people have their race ended for doing something foolish.

1ConcreteGirl

I've done neither, but a friend and I are doing the Tough Mudder in Temecula on Sunday, Feb 10th. You're welcome to join us if you'd like to form a team to help get over, under and thru the obstacles

That sounds awesome, actually. My brother and I were going to do the Temecula TM together... He's an ultramarathoner/triathlete dude so he's got hustle, but I'll need to train up like crazy... I'll PM you about that possibility later.

DavPul

I've done neither, but a friend and I are doing the Tough Mudder in Temecula on Sunday, Feb 10th. You're welcome to join us if you'd like to form a team to help get over, under and thru the obstacles

That sounds awesome, actually. My brother and I were going to do the Temecula TM together... He's an ultramarathoner/triathlete dude so he's got hustle, but I'll need to train up like crazy... I'll PM you about that possibility later.

Then all three of us can hitch our wagon to your brother and have him carry us. The obstacles won't be a problem for me (easy to say now) but I've just started running to train for this recently. Laura, the girl I'm doing this with, can run, but I'll probably have to throw her over the walls. If you're looking to run with super elites, it ain't us. But if you want to go with people that damn sure will train hard and finish, we'd love to have you. The more the merrier, right?

1ConcreteGirl

I've done neither, but a friend and I are doing the Tough Mudder in Temecula on Sunday, Feb 10th. You're welcome to join us if you'd like to form a team to help get over, under and thru the obstacles

That sounds awesome, actually. My brother and I were going to do the Temecula TM together... He's an ultramarathoner/triathlete dude so he's got hustle, but I'll need to train up like crazy... I'll PM you about that possibility later.

Then all three of us can hitch our wagon to your brother and have him carry us. The obstacles won't be a problem for me (easy to say now) but I've just started running to train for this recently. Laura, the girl I'm doing this with, can run, but I'll probably have to throw her over the walls. If you're looking to run with super elites, it ain't us. But if you want to go with people that damn sure will train hard and finish, we'd love to have you. The more the merrier, right?

Haha, I'm no elite; I'm only going to start training for it in about two weeks, once I get done wtih Insanity. I'm in that exact same bulldog finisher category myself, so that sounds exactly like what I need.

ThickMcRunFast

I've done neither, but a friend and I are doing the Tough Mudder in Temecula on Sunday, Feb 10th. You're welcome to join us if you'd like to form a team to help get over, under and thru the obstacles

That sounds awesome, actually. My brother and I were going to do the Temecula TM together... He's an ultramarathoner/triathlete dude so he's got hustle, but I'll need to train up like crazy... I'll PM you about that possibility later.

Then all three of us can hitch our wagon to your brother and have him carry us. The obstacles won't be a problem for me (easy to say now) but I've just started running to train for this recently. Laura, the girl I'm doing this with, can run, but I'll probably have to throw her over the walls. If you're looking to run with super elites, it ain't us. But if you want to go with people that damn sure will train hard and finish, we'd love to have you. The more the merrier, right?

Haha, I'm no elite; I'm only going to start training for it in about two weeks, once I get done wtih Insanity. I'm in that exact same bulldog finisher category myself, so that sounds exactly like what I need.

I don't suppose you guys want another on your proto-team? I've wanted to do this for a while, but to be perfectly honest, I didn't want to do it alone, and none of my running friends are into it. I'm a marathon runner, but not an elite in things like this by any means. I'd just like to finish it and have fun with cool people.

DavPul

I've done neither, but a friend and I are doing the Tough Mudder in Temecula on Sunday, Feb 10th. You're welcome to join us if you'd like to form a team to help get over, under and thru the obstacles

That sounds awesome, actually. My brother and I were going to do the Temecula TM together... He's an ultramarathoner/triathlete dude so he's got hustle, but I'll need to train up like crazy... I'll PM you about that possibility later.

Then all three of us can hitch our wagon to your brother and have him carry us. The obstacles won't be a problem for me (easy to say now) but I've just started running to train for this recently. Laura, the girl I'm doing this with, can run, but I'll probably have to throw her over the walls. If you're looking to run with super elites, it ain't us. But if you want to go with people that damn sure will train hard and finish, we'd love to have you. The more the merrier, right?

Haha, I'm no elite; I'm only going to start training for it in about two weeks, once I get done wtih Insanity. I'm in that exact same bulldog finisher category myself, so that sounds exactly like what I need.

I don't suppose you guys want another on your proto-team? I've wanted to do this for a while, but to be perfectly honest, I didn't want to do it alone, and none of my running friends are into it. I'm a marathon runner, but not an elite in things like this by any means. I'd just like to finish it and have fun with cool people.

In! Like I said, the more the merrier. We've got some very fit people in our band of friends but couldn't get them to join up. The guy that runs 2 marathons a year was like "Electric shocks, hell no!". So it was just the two of us....till today, I guess.

Open invite to anyone else that wants to join. We're doing the Sunday in February of the the SoCal Tough Mudder.

1ConcreteGirl

I've done neither, but a friend and I are doing the Tough Mudder in Temecula on Sunday, Feb 10th. You're welcome to join us if you'd like to form a team to help get over, under and thru the obstacles

That sounds awesome, actually. My brother and I were going to do the Temecula TM together... He's an ultramarathoner/triathlete dude so he's got hustle, but I'll need to train up like crazy... I'll PM you about that possibility later.

Then all three of us can hitch our wagon to your brother and have him carry us. The obstacles won't be a problem for me (easy to say now) but I've just started running to train for this recently. Laura, the girl I'm doing this with, can run, but I'll probably have to throw her over the walls. If you're looking to run with super elites, it ain't us. But if you want to go with people that damn sure will train hard and finish, we'd love to have you. The more the merrier, right?

Haha, I'm no elite; I'm only going to start training for it in about two weeks, once I get done wtih Insanity. I'm in that exact same bulldog finisher category myself, so that sounds exactly like what I need.

I don't suppose you guys want another on your proto-team? I've wanted to do this for a while, but to be perfectly honest, I didn't want to do it alone, and none of my running friends are into it. I'm a marathon runner, but not an elite in things like this by any means. I'd just like to finish it and have fun with cool people.

In! Like I said, the more the merrier. We've got some very fit people in our band of friends but couldn't get them to join up. The guy that runs 2 marathons a year was like "Electric shocks, hell no!". So it was just the two of us....till today, I guess.

Open invite to anyone else that wants to join. We're doing the Sunday in February of the the SoCal Tough Mudder.

Hey this is awesome! I started this thread to get info and I'm getting on a team

oddyogi

I just did a Tough Mudder and it was a blast. I'll definitely be doing more! I'm signed up for a Spartan Sprint next month. I don't think it's gonna be as fun..

ritmeyer

Just did the TM in missouri this past Saturday. It was NOT what I expected....it was AMAZING!! I expected to be challenged physically, but I did not expect the comradery and what a moving experience it was. We are very patriotic and come from a long line of vets in our home. One of the biggest pulls for me to do this, was that it was giving money to the Wounded warrior project. We did the warrior dash last year, and I knew I'd never spend that much on a race that went for nothing again.

So, in the beginning you take a knee. Thank those in the group that serve our great country, WE sing the national anthem, do the TM pledge. Off you go! Most of this was done in waist deep muddy water. You'd be trudging along and BAM. Fall under due to a big random hole. Everyone was shouting "HOLE" holding strangers hands. A guy behind me kept his hand on my back and would just pull me if it even seemed like I was slipping. Heard stories of fallen men from active military. Helped others at every obstacle. Really, it was so amazing. We are doing it again in April!!!

As far as training, I'm a runner and had done a half marathon the week before, so the running part was easy for me. Incorporate trail running in there, though. Ours was all through very steep hills. I am planning to do more strength training. By the end my arms were shredded! I had to be totally pulled up the Everest. I had no strength left in my girl arms...hehehe. Actually, besides all my bruises, the only thing sore on me was my arms.

Enjoy! It's so awesome!

katieeee2689

Funny to read different people's experiences with Spartan. I have never done TM, but I have heard good things about the courses. I personally feel that Spartan is a HUGE community. I've only done 2 Spartan races so far (signed up for another at Fenway in a few weeks) but I am already a part of the NE Spahtens group that does work outs together, runs the waves together, etc. There are tons of similar communities nationwide.

I think both are going to be great and it really depends on what you make of it. If you go in it with some friends and have great time you will love either. It is hard because the different locations are totally different. I did the Spartan Beast in VT and it was 14+ miles of craziness being that it was constant up and down Mt Killington...but people that do the Beast in Utah where it is flat might have a totally different feel for how their experience was.

I've always felt a huge sense of team with Spartan. They have inspired my weight loss journey and now I am on the Street Team trying to recruit people that may not think they can do it to get out here and try because that was me. Even when I am not with friends out on the course other random people are always there to help you out.

1ConcreteGirl

Just did the TM in missouri this past Saturday. It was NOT what I expected....it was AMAZING!! I expected to be challenged physically, but I did not expect the comradery and what a moving experience it was. We are very patriotic and come from a long line of vets in our home. One of the biggest pulls for me to do this, was that it was giving money to the Wounded warrior project. We did the warrior dash last year, and I knew I'd never spend that much on a race that went for nothing again.

So, in the beginning you take a knee. Thank those in the group that serve our great country, WE sing the national anthem, do the TM pledge. Off you go! Most of this was done in waist deep muddy water. You'd be trudging along and BAM. Fall under due to a big random hole. Everyone was shouting "HOLE" holding strangers hands. A guy behind me kept his hand on my back and would just pull me if it even seemed like I was slipping. Heard stories of fallen men from active military. Helped others at every obstacle. Really, it was so amazing. We are doing it again in April!!!

As far as training, I'm a runner and had done a half marathon the week before, so the running part was easy for me. Incorporate trail running in there, though. Ours was all through very steep hills. I am planning to do more strength training. By the end my arms were shredded! I had to be totally pulled up the Everest. I had no strength left in my girl arms...hehehe. Actually, besides all my bruises, the only thing sore on me was my arms.

Enjoy! It's so awesome!

Wow, that's a fantastic experience! Thanks for sharing, those are exactly the sort of details I was looking for... the "feel" of the experience and the details that I won't find on the website or anywhere else. How far was the longest that you ran bewteen obstacles, or are they spaced evenly at about every half mile?

1ConcreteGirl

Funny to read different people's experiences with Spartan. I have never done TM, but I have heard good things about the courses. I personally feel that Spartan is a HUGE community. I've only done 2 Spartan races so far (signed up for another at Fenway in a few weeks) but I am already a part of the NE Spahtens group that does work outs together, runs the waves together, etc. There are tons of similar communities nationwide.

I think both are going to be great and it really depends on what you make of it. If you go in it with some friends and have great time you will love either. It is hard because the different locations are totally different. I did the Spartan Beast in VT and it was 14+ miles of craziness being that it was constant up and down Mt Killington...but people that do the Beast in Utah where it is flat might have a totally different feel for how their experience was.

I've always felt a huge sense of team with Spartan. They have inspired my weight loss journey and now I am on the Street Team trying to recruit people that may not think they can do it to get out here and try because that was me. Even when I am not with friends out on the course other random people are always there to help you out.

Thanks for adding some input to the Spartan side of things! Sounds like maybe the TM is good even if you go alone and the Spartan might be better as a group activity. And what a totally awesome inspiration to have, thanks for your input.

WillLift4Tats

Oh and gear! We are both taking our camelbaks for sure! And my husband just got the Vibram FiveFingers shoes with the extra tough grip on them. He already loves those as well. Me, I'm sticking with my old tennis shoes so I can donate them at the end of the challenge

Oh grippy shoes is a great thought! Does that make a big difference as far as making the climbing stuff easier?

According to my husband who's done it, yes! He's very psyched to have them for gripping better on the climbs, especially the extra muddy ones!