Time to Get Dirty

Derek Weaver · 02-04-2011, 02:34 PM

I, along with several friends, am going either do a Warrior Challenge in October, or a Tough Mudder in September.

If it's the Warrior Challenge, I'm not really concerned about it and may do it drunk seeing as it's only 3 miles or so.

The Tough Mudder though, is gnarly. 10-12 miles, various obstacles, and it's definitely the big boy course.

Not really sure how to prepare for it. Tough Mudder is in September, and I am rediscovering my endurance, but just being able to run far isn't going to be enough, I don't think.

Currently, I am following an unintentionally drawn out Get Fit Quickly approach I saw in Andrew W's sig when he still had it. Looking to lift 2-3x/week depending on recovery.

Only reason I'm posting this thread is because on the Tough Mudder website they said in New Jersey only 78% of people finished.

Input appreciated.

Derek Simonds · 02-05-2011, 04:15 AM

One of my good friends just broke his ankle doing a tough mudder...

Kelly White · 02-05-2011, 07:10 AM

I like the part where they are slamming beer on the course. It would be whole lot cooler if that was mid way through and not the end.

Even better would be a section where you have to drink a six pack as the obstacle.

Derek Weaver · 02-05-2011, 03:17 PM

Warrior Dash= Run the course with a buzz, at least.

Tough Mudder= I need to actually prepare for it.

I think I actually need to figure out a mixed approach to do it. If I can convince the friends of mine who are going to do one of these races to make it the Tough Mudder, I want to finish the race.

22% drop out rate is pretty harsh for a 10-12 mile course.

Just showing up and doing it isn't a great idea from what I can tell. Plus, I have nothing else to compete in, so figure I may use this as a way to plan my workouts.

Any ideas from anyone on getting through a race like the Tough Mudder?

Derek Weaver · 02-05-2011, 05:42 PM

Thanks Cyril. I've got a pair of Inov8 f-lite 230s that I really like and use on a gravel track while I am improving on my base level of fitness. In another month or two I will work on some trail runs, perhaps angling to hit some hills.

East Bay area has some good hiking trails that fit the bill to that effect.

I wasn't planning on doing the workout they have on there. For a race like this, I figure outside of the running and other aerobic stuff, the extra should fill the gaps, covering the anaerobic and strength side.

I don't want to waste away trying to get ready for a 10-12 mile race of all things.

Let us know how your race in May goes. I'd be interested to see how you ran it, and what you do to prepare.

I'm kinda hopped over the possibility of this because I am actually hyper competitive with no current competitive outlet, and I have never done an actual race where people didn't finish.

Joe Davidoski · 02-11-2011, 12:13 PM

Derek,

I ran the Tough Mudder in NorCal last October and it wasn't nearly as strenuous as I thought except for the altitude.

The courses are typically built around a ski resort so it has epic climbs up black diamond runs but I never saw anyone actually running those- it became hiking. Lots of the obstacles are fun but not really challenging like going through a tube or over massive cable spools. The only ones that were really mentally challenging were the water obstacles. For NorCal the water obstacles were in the snow making pool so the temp sucked the breath out of you.

Hopefully Tough Mudder got better at this but there was a line at some obstacles so it didn't really feel like a real 10 miler.

In the end though, it is a fun race and the high drop out rate is mainly because lots of deconditioned people attempt it. I recommend it for a fun time.

Derek Weaver · 02-11-2011, 02:33 PM

Joe,
Thanks for the info. I had found a couple other comments around the web saying something similar. I guess they hype it up and edit the footage well to make it look a lot tougher. 10 miles is still a trek, but it's a little different when it's spread over 2 hours instead of 1.

Are you going to the one at Squaw this year?

Joe Davidoski · 02-11-2011, 08:21 PM

It's def what you make of it. I think Khalipa brought most of CF Santa Clara and there were plenty of group t-shirts.

I'm actually considering heading down to LA to do the SOCAL one in May but I'll see if I can get the time.

Garrett Smith · 02-11-2011, 08:38 PM

CFE, of course!!! You should shoot for the 750# DL before ever attempting to start training for this with Tabata B2B squats.