Tough Mudder decision!?!

A group of my friends and I are doing one this summer. Everything I've read basically said make sure you train. And not just in the gym. Find some hills to run up and down and do intervals one. Go to the playground and do the monkey bars. Just make sure you get a lot of outdoor training! Honestly I've just started training for one so that's the only advice I have thus far. Hopefully someone else can provide some more information! Oh and the only thing I've done prior to registering for this was a 5k.

Did a TM a couple of years ago. I spent countless hours training on my bowflex and running trails. I was not as prepared as I thought I was. The running was not an issue as I had trained regularly running 20k trails with steep ascents and descents. However, it was the unexpected that got me. I did mine in Whistler, BC in July at what was the Olympic Park. There was snow and ice on the ground (July 24th)! The toughest obstacle? The two ice baths. One was a 40ft trailer filled nearly to the brim with ice cold water and large ice blocks. A 2x6 was fixed below the water line so you had to duck your head into the frigid water. Once your head goes into the water, if you are not prepared for it, it literally takes your breath away. You cannot breathe once your head comes out of the water. We had a 2nd ice water obstacle about 1/2 way through the course. We had to run about 2 km on an ice covered trail, after being soaking wet from the first ice bath. We never dried off as the temperature never got warmer than 10C. The higher we climbed in the trails, the colder it got. The coldest point in the race it was 2C. We round a corner and there is a half-frozen lake! 1/2 the lake was still covered by a sheet of ice. By the time it was our turn there was so much ice and snow in the water from the previous contestants that the water was more like a 7/11 slushie drink. Again, the water was deep enough to be submerged above your head. Coming out of this one was excruciating as your whole body feels like it's on fire from the 10 - 15 seconds in that slush.

If a TM has been held in prior years at the same venue you will be going to, find out from the TM website's venue image gallery what obstacles there were - you will likely be facing those. Train for the toughest ones and you'll do fine with the rest.

Expect sections of very deep mud - up to your hips. Ensure your shoes fit snug. Several runners lost their shoes in this obstacle. Wear clothing that you don't mind losing, tearing and never being able to get the mud stains out of.