Training time needed for a Tough Mudder?

rainandwood93
rainandwood93 Posts: 121 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hello! I'm wondering if I could get some advice on whether 4 months is enough time to train for a tough mudder (enough so that I can have a little bit of fun while I struggle through and complete 90% of obstacles).

I started running in January at 250 pounds with Zombies Run 5k training and loved it. The end goal for that training ended up being a Warrior Dash I ran in early april. I LOVED it, did all the obstacles and ran the whole time. Afterwards, some friends and I discussed starting to train for the SoCal TM the last weekend of October, and I was excited (but really nervous about the prospect.) However, about two weeks later my leg started really bothering me and I got semi-diagnosed with a stress fracture by student health (couldn't afford the bone scan, and the treatment for a tendon issue was the same). Just finished my window of rest and would love to get back to training for something.

I currently weigh about 215. I kept up my cardiovascular fitness, and during the week do 5-6 days of cardio, usually consisting of 45 minutes on the elliptical, two fitness classes (Zumba and RIPPED on the same day) or a 10 mile bike ride. BUT I'm not quite in running shape yet (working on getting back to where I was) and I have just about zero upper body strength.

Is it a good idea to train for a TM with only 4 months to do it?

Thanks for the help.

Replies

  • rainandwood93
    rainandwood93 Posts: 121 Member
    bump...
  • EllaIsNotEnchanted
    EllaIsNotEnchanted Posts: 226 Member
    If you can run/walk ~12 miles without throwing up you are fine.

    I have not done the SOCAL TM though.
    Only the TM in Tahoe about 5-6 times. It's practically all running. The obstacles are just mental (heights, darkness, shocks.) Upper body is rarely a concern in TM.
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    ....
    Is it a good idea to train for a TM with only 4 months to do it?

    Thanks for the help.

    it's a great idea to train for it. doing it, however, will depend on how well your leg is doing in it's healing process. there's a ton of walking, but you'll need some measure of strength for several of the obstacles, so you'll want to get in some serious strength training for upper body (hello, chinups). the great thing about TM is that almost all of the obstacles can be conquered with the help of your teammates or even the random strangers that willingly lend you a hand.

    so sign up, train for it, and if you're healthy do it. if not, they will let you push your registration back to the a different event, like the one they do in the spring.
  • chubbygirl253
    chubbygirl253 Posts: 1,309 Member
    I think you'll be totally ready. I'm doing a similar run in August and that's about 4 and 1/2 months from when i started jogging again. I think we will both be ready.
  • jpapp13
    jpapp13 Posts: 73 Member
    TM does offer training guides depending on your level here:
    https://toughmudder.com/training

    I've done one TM in 90 degree weather last June and I lived to tell about it.
    Needless to say we walked/jogged most of the 12 miles as it was a very hilly terrain.
    I can't say that I really 'trained' per say, most of the obstacles are just as mental as they are physical.
    I was definitely sore the next day, but all in all you'll make it through,

    If you're not signed up with a team, I'm sure you'll be able to find people around you to help you over/through the obstacles.
    I'm doing my 2nd one come August, Good Luck!
  • rejectuf
    rejectuf Posts: 487 Member
    Everyone focuses on the cardio/running aspect of these, but seem to ignore the strength training. Climbing obstacles require a good amount of upper body strength.

    I agree with the previous poster who suggested pull-ups and chin-ups. Working on overall upper body strength and rope climbs (if possible) is a very good idea.
  • rainandwood93
    rainandwood93 Posts: 121 Member
    Thanks for the replies guys! I really appreciate it, especially since I've never met anyone who did TM.

    My leg is (theoretically) healed, and has been feeling completely normal during the high impact I've been adding back in. I walked 10 miles AFTER a Zumba class on Sunday (took me 4 hours round trip, with a few stops for pictures), and everything felt fine, so my fingers are crossed. I'm paying the premium on insurance for the event if I do it so if I get injured again before I can

    I definitely realize that strength is a huge part of it, which is one of the reasons why I'm worried. I find the training plans on the TM website are for people who aren't really as unbalanced in their fitness as I am. I'm EXTREMELY weak in my upper body, and I know that it takes a LONG time to gain muscle. Is it possible to build enough strength for, say, the monkey bars obstacle or others coming from no strength in the time I have? I know this might sound stupid. I'm a total noob when it comes to anything strength related, but I've got a gym.
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    Is it possible to build enough strength for, say, the monkey bars obstacle or others coming from no strength in the time I have?

    There's only one way to find out. Start strength training NOW and give it your best shot come October.
  • rainandwood93
    rainandwood93 Posts: 121 Member
    Thanks for your help. I've decided to pay for 6 half hours of personal training this summer to help me evaluate what I can do strength wise. I've been meaning to start resistance training since January, but I've been too intimidated/worried about hurting myself lifting heavy that I've avoided it. Unfortunately I'll be in Cuba from January until June of next year, so this is my only shot for a long time to do TM, so I think I'm going to sign up as long as my leg is okay during all my runs this week.

    Thanks for your help, and if anyone has tips for training I'd be really grateful :)
  • Otterluv
    Otterluv Posts: 9,083 Member
    ....
    Is it a good idea to train for a TM with only 4 months to do it?

    Thanks for the help.

    it's a great idea to train for it. doing it, however, will depend on how well your leg is doing in it's healing process. there's a ton of walking, but you'll need some measure of strength for several of the obstacles, so you'll want to get in some serious strength training for upper body (hello, chinups). the great thing about TM is that almost all of the obstacles can be conquered with the help of your teammates or even the random strangers that willingly lend you a hand.

    so sign up, train for it, and if you're healthy do it. if not, they will let you push your registration back to the a different event, like the one they do in the spring.

    I agree completely. The strength of your team can get you through, I am immensely grateful for the experience that I was able to have because I had such an awesome team.


    Well, except for the Arctic Enema. That just sucked.

    Training for TM also had the side benefit of putting me in good shape for summer adventures. I'm a major fan of having reasonable goals to push yourself for. Just make sure to follow a running/strength plan and to not hurt yourself by pushing too much too fast. Make sure to incorporate some crawling. TM does so love to make you military crawl.

    What's the worst that will happen if you can't do the monkey bars? You fall in the water. No biggie. I wasn't able to do everything. But, I still had a blast and I'm really glad that I went.
  • rainandwood93
    rainandwood93 Posts: 121 Member
    One more question (sorry!)

    I'd say there's an 80% chance I'll be running without a team. Is that a problem for someone who won't be extremely fit? Do people feel left out/like they're struggling with obstacles a lot more, ore does it not matter?

    Thanks again. This has been really helpful.
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    The great thing about TM is that everyone near you will help everyone near them. Having a team will make it more enjoyable as you'll have someone to share 3-4 hours with, but you'll get all the help you need at the obstacles with or without a team.
  • rainandwood93
    rainandwood93 Posts: 121 Member
    Thanks guys... looks like I'll be doing TM in October!
  • grimendale
    grimendale Posts: 2,153 Member
    Find a good group to go with if possible. I spent about six months working towards the tough mudder, and I still struggled on a couple obstacles (Everest, berlin walls and monkey bars being the three I recall). Having someone to offer a hand when your struggling can make all the difference. Good luck.
  • rainandwood93
    rainandwood93 Posts: 121 Member
    Thanks. That makes me a little worried. I don't think I'm going to be able to convince anyone to come with me (too expensive/not fit enough are the excuses I've heard so far) and I only have four months. Hope it still goes okay.
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    Mfp and Socal are big places. Post a thread saying that you are looking for SoCal Tough Mudders and hoping to form or join a team. You'd be surprised at how well that sometimes works.

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