TOUGH MUDDER!! Tips, advice, and stories?

No advice, just keep going. I wore gloves and I remember being glad I did during the event but I don't remember why. I didn't dress up, I was practical. I enjoyed most obstacles because it gave me a break from running. My least favorite obstacles were the Berlin Walls (12 ft not 8 ft) and the Mud Mile. The mud mile was around mile 8 and my body was worn out, I kept sliding down the mini hills and it took around 2-3 times on each one. My legs were just exhausted.

Not sure what you mean by "does the running portion go by fast?" I don't think you ran more than 1.5 miles between obstacles, but it doesn't go by fast.

I just completed my first Tough Mudder on Saturday Probably the toughest thing I have ever done in my life! Well the clue is in the name... When I signed up for it I was maybe 15 pounds overweight and had only really done a bit of running (up to a 5k). I managed to lose about 13 pounds and get a LOT stronger in the gym over a few months to get ready but I'm still not in the best shape ever!

I didn't wear gloves and my hands were fine. I made sure to get and break in some trail shoes a couple of months ago and I am very glad I did - I had few problems getting traction in the mud whereas I saw a lot of people sliding all over the place and having difficulty with normal trainers. My feet held up probably the best out of all of me! Other than that I just wore tight running trousers that covered my knees (although I might as well not have bothered, my knees are so bruised!) and a long sleeved top, both in moisture wicking material. I also wore a little waist belt to carry a few energy gels in, definitely appreciated those halfway round despite the bananas at some of the water stations. We were lucky with the weather, it was partly cloudy partly sunny, no rain, warm enough that I dried off ok after the water obstacles but not too warm to get seriously dehydrated.

I had signed up in a team, but ended up just doing it with my other half, who bruised a rib around mile 3 so we had to walk from there as it was too painful for him to run! Our course was VERY hilly so it was tough enough just to get our legs up those hills. I definitely could have run more on the flat parts but it was more important to stay together, stay motivated and complete the course than finish in a certain time, so I think it took us about 4 hours. The rest of our team had gone on ahead so we were on our own!

I loved most of the obstacles - artic enema is a huge shock to the system and the worst part was it taking my breath away and having to go under a quite thick wall to get out the other side. I couldn't do the berlin walls as my calf kept cramping up when people were trying to help me over. Also didn't manage everest despite a few tries, and the human gecko I was too short to reach the initial handholds and get a good grip to even start it!! I did try everything though and didn't skip out even if I knew I wouldn't be able to complete it 'properly'. Walk the plank was the scariest thing I have ever done but as soon as I reached the top they counted down from 3 and I just jumped... best not to think about it just do it!

Anyway, 2 days later I am still sore and aching and have an amazing array of bruises, but it was an amazing experience and I am going to try my best to convince my other half to do another one once his ribs have healed and he has forgotten the pain haha