Has Anyone Participated in the Tough Mudder?

[Rdskn4Lyf21]

I came across this online the other day, and I really want to enter the one in Tampa. Here's the course map for it and a video from the Pennsylvania event:

http://toughmudder.com/events/florida/florida-tampa-2011-course-map/

Ul1yYK_z0Rc

....has anyone ever participated in this? Thoughts?


More info. on the event below:

THE TOUGH MUDDER PHILOSOPHY

http://toughmudder.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Tough_Mudder_Gudkov_Facebook0028-500x333.jpg

The Tough Mudder series was created because there is not an event in America that tests toughness, fitness, strength, stamina and mental grit all in one place and all in one day. Sure, there are a few that will test these things – for thousands of dollars and a week of your life. But in one day in one location? We don’t think so. Other mud runs like the Muddy Buddy series? Forget it – unless you want to run alongside your 60-year-old grandmother. Tough Mudder is a truly exceptional event for truly exceptional people. Fair weather runners should stay at home.

FACT – Marathon running is simply boring. And the only thing more boring than doing a marathon is watching a marathon. Road-running may give you a healthy set of lungs, but will leave you with as much upper body strength as Keira Knightley. At Tough Mudder, we want to test your all-around mettle, not just your ability to run in a straight line, on your own, for hours on end, getting bored out of your mind.

Tough Mudder is also about experiencing a true sense of camaraderie that, sadly, is rarely seen outside of the military these days. To get over some of our obstacles you will need the help of others – they are simply too much for one man to tackle alone. Tough Mudders, unlike some other types of endurance runners, are team players; they help out other Tough Mudders. We want everyone to compete, but being a Tough Mudder is also about making sure no man is left behind, not worrying about your finish time.

THE TOUGH MUDDER PLEDGE

http://toughmudder.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Pledge2.jpg

We think it is important that all Tough Mudders uphold the ideals and philosophy behind Tough Mudder and share a common attitude to teamwork and camaraderie. For this reason, we make all participants recite it together when they are on the start line. This is something very important to us, so if you want be a Mudder you have to accept the principles of the Mudder.

The Pledge:

As a Tough Mudder I pledge that…

* I understand that Tough Mudder is not a race but a challenge.

* I put teamwork and camaraderie before my course time.

* I do not whine – kids whine.

* I help my fellow Mudders complete the course.

* I overcome all fears.

COURSE DESIGN

http://toughmudder.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Tough_Mudder_Gudkov_Facebook0113-500x333.jpg

Each event consists of a 7-12 mile trail run over uneven, hilly, and wet ground that includes 17-20 military-style obstalces. Each event is designed to be slightly different and incorporates varying features depending on local terrain.

[skinsfan_1215]

I'm signed up for the VA one in Oct. Training is going to be, well, tough.

---------- Post added April-28th-2011 at 10:48 AM ----------

By the way, what is your training going to consist of? What kind of shape are you currently in?

[The Evil Genius]

Some of my coworkers are doing the Tahoe one (Squaw Valley) in September. I think it's better if you find a "team" to do it with.

[Rdskn4Lyf21]

I'm signed up for the VA one in Oct. Training is going to be, well, tough. By the way, what is your training going to consist of? What kind of shape are you currently in?

I'd say on a scale of 1 to 10 of being in shape I'm a 7.

The best shape I've ever been in, and the most athletic I've ever felt (while playing sports) was after doing P90x. The structure of it worked for me, but unfortunately I got bored. I just started working out again, and I'm incorporating the same scheduling as P90x, and a lot of the same workouts, just tweaking them some. I'm also doing PACE running and on my stationary bike. It's basically interval training and focuses on increasing lung capacity.

What's your plan?


Some of my coworkers are doing the Tahoe one (Squaw Valley) in September. I think it's better if you find a "team" to do it with.

That's what I'm hoping to do...I started asking friends this morning if they'd be interested.

[Bliz]

I have several friends that did one

I recommend some off road runs. Treadmill or street is a lot different than running on that course, they said

[Pick6]

I would love to do one of these. Problem is most my boys are too lazy and drink too much. Funny thing is most are cops and could pretty easily get in the shape necessary to do this.

[Rdskn4Lyf21]

This is awesome.

YErZ5GjOyas

---------- Post added April-28th-2011 at 11:13 AM ----------

My goal is the Tampa one, I just need to find a team.

Looking ahead, there is one in D.C. on February 11th and 12th. Would any of you guys like to put together a team for that? I'd be more than happy to come up for it.

[skinsfan_1215]

I'd say on a scale of 1 to 10 of being in shape I'm a 7.

The best shape I've ever been in, and the most athletic I've ever felt (while playing sports) was after doing P90x. The structure of it worked for me, but unfortunately I got bored. I just started working out again, and I'm incorporating the same scheduling as P90x, and a lot of the same workouts, just tweaking them some. I'm also doing PACE running and on my stationary bike. It's basically interval training and focuses on increasing lung capacity.

What's your plan?



Well I've got much further to go than you. With 10 being ripped and 1 being unable to move, I'd put myself at 5.75. I haven't actively played sports since high school and my attempts at maintaining a gym regimen have all failed after a month or two. I'm 5'8" and roughly 170, should be a lean 155 or strong 160. Right now I'm teaching myself how to run again and building up my leg strength and cardio first. I'm trying to get into barefoot running to help avoid leg injuries. This has unfortunately set me back even more because I'm using completely new muscles, but I've still got like 6 months.

At this point I'm basically doing the running and some pushups, but will probably incorporate more upper body work as I get closer to the event.

For me, the Tough Mudder is really about having a goal. I'm sick of my body not being a well oiled machine and I want to get back to that point. So dropping $80 on Tough Mudder and then signing a bunch of friends up was the way to go. Not only would failure be a waste of my money, it would be downright embarrassing because I'm the team captain. So it won't happen.

[TMK9973]

Tough Mudder is 10 miles....
I'm doing the spartan sprint and the Warrior dash....Same concept - 5k
:)

[Chicken Fried]

I'm doing the VA one in October. If anyone wants to join my team send me a PM.

[skinsfan_1215]

Tough Mudder is 10 miles....
I'm doing the spartan sprint and the Warrior dash....Same concept - 5k
:)

I've read that part of the Tough Mudder psychological challenge is to tell you it's 10 miles. Then when you get to mile marker 9 and think you're on the home stretch, they inform you you've got 3 more miles. Brutal.

BTW the VA one is going to be tougher than your average Tough Mudder. The ski slopes they've got you running up and down are pretty damn steep and long.

[DButz65]

I am doing the "Warrior Dash" here in MD close to where I live in late may

http://www.warriordash.com/

Same thing basically

Hope I make it LMAO!

[Rdskn4Lyf21]

The Warrior Dash looks badass as well. I'm going to put that on my calendar too :)

[AsburySkinsFan]

This is awesome.

That dude's mustache could win all by itself!!! Dang that guy is :yikes: push ups on 4 basketballs?! Who even thinks of that!

[pointyfootball]

I've done adventure races before (through EX2 and other companies), but TM seems like it's all about fitness and fighting through the challenges of being cold and exhausted. ARs require navigation/strategy/mental toughness as well as fitness whereas obstacle course type races mainly require strength

AR I'm training for in October is 24-28miles long with running/trekking (mountains), MTB, canoeing & swimming. I'm also doing an Olympic triathlon in July so training kind of overlaps. Anyway, my weekly average (over the year) goals:
2-3 bike rides (35miles road, 10-15 MTB)
2-3 runs (2 road for 7-8mi total, 1 trail for 3-5mi total)
2-3 swim (mostly pool, 2.25-3.5mi total)
Strength: weights 2x/week, kayak/canoe 1x/month

I would think for doing TM, for endurance you need to work up to being able to run 10-13 miles off-road. Shorter training runs (5-6 miles) could incorporate calisthentics/strength tests such as push-ups, heart-poppers, back-pack w/ weight in it, etc. Be inventive, make sure to mix challenges in with your runs (such as adding stairs half-way through that you have to climb 3 at a time, hard hill work, etc). Plyometrics are great as well.

Good luck!

[DeaconTheVillain]

I'm down with the obstacles. Not really down with doing a lot of running as I am out of shape. But it looks pretty damn cool.

I'd be interested to hear how hard it really is, or if its just a day of fun and teamwork. Considering people looked like they were drinking beer, it looks more like the later.

[pointyfootball]

I'm down with the obstacles. Not really down with doing a lot of running as I am out of shape. But it looks pretty damn cool.

I'd be interested to hear how hard it really is, or if its just a day of fun and teamwork. Considering people looked like they were drinking beer, it looks more like the later.

I think they were drinking beer AFTER the race. Results aren't important, but their website says they only track 100 of the first 500 runners:

"However, we know a small percentage of you are out to win this event, so if you think you have what it takes to be in the top 100 finishers, we’d like to offer you the opportunity to be part of the first wave of starters. There will be 500 in this group, but only the top 100 of these will have their times recorded by Tough Mudder staff. Please note: in order to qualify, you MUST have completed a marathon in 3 hours and 15 minutes and/or an olympic triathlon in 2 hours and 15 minutes"That's a serious athlete. 2hour/15min OlyTri is pretty fast. 3hr15min marathon is averaging 7.5min/mile. Considering most marathoners don't have a lot of muscle mass you might need for TM, that type of person doing a TM and marathon at that pace must be pretty impressive.

[dchogs]

I've been giving it a lot of thought... I'll be in Asia for the VA TM, but would be up for maybe the Tampa one. The thought of being wet and muddy in DC in January doesn't appeal to me at all!

[The Evil Genius]

Not sure if the obstacles are different for each race, but the Tahoe one (Sqauw Valley) looks extremely brutal, especially when you factor that the race is at elevation (6200+ feet).

Yikes.

http://toughmudder.com/events/norcal2011/nor-cal-2011-course-map/

[dchogs]

Looks fairly standard from what I've seen...

[The Evil Genius]

Looks fairly standard from what I've seen...

except for the thin air, right? Or are they usually done at ski resorts and/or at elevation?

[skinsfan_1215]

except for the thin air, right? Or are they usually done at ski resorts and/or at elevation?

I've seen several, including the VA one, at a ski resort. Obviously your mountains are bigger than ours so the elevation will be more of a factor. The VA one is between 2700 and 3700 feet (roughly).

[Henry]

A freind of mine is running the VA one and is trying to talk me into running it with him. I'm on the fence about it. I ran the Marine Corps Marathon in October and I'm still in pretty decent running shape, but other than pushups I don't do much upper body work. I like road racing but running in the mud ... I don't know. I might do it just so I can say I did it.

[The Evil Genius]

I've seen several, including the VA one, at a ski resort. Obviously your mountains are bigger than ours so the elevation will be more of a factor. The VA one is between 2700 and 3700 feet (roughly).

Those are hills. ;)

Actually, I grew up where the local "mountain" was called Mt. Trashmore ...and it was hill made from a landfill.

So I would have to train for 5 years before I could do the one here.

[TMK9973]

For those that think its fun...except the 10 mile run...

http://www.spartanrace.com/spartan-sprint-obstacle-course-race.html

This is the one I'm doing outside of leesburg on June 18th. This is a beer fest included! :)

[skinsfan_1215]

Those are hills. ;)

Actually, I grew up where the local "mountain" was called Mt. Trashmore ...and it was hill made from a landfill.

So I would have to train for 5 years before I could do the one here.

Interestingly enough, the VA mountain in question appears to actually be larger than the Squaw Valley one in terms of elevation difference compared to the surrounding landscape. The peak at Squaw Valley is about 8500 compared to 6200 at Lake Tahoe. The peak at Wintergreen VA is 3800 and the elevation in the valley is 700.

[skinsfan_1215]

I'm about to head out for TM today, running at 9am.

---------- Post added October-23rd-2011 at 06:14 AM ----------

Worth noting is that the temp will be in the low to mid 30s when I start running. And they have added an ice water obstacle.

[GoSkins561]

Those are hills. ;)

Actually, I grew up where the local "mountain" was called Mt. Trashmore ...and it was hill made from a landfill.

So I would have to train for 5 years before I could do the one here.

One of the greatest skate parks ever.


Interestingly enough, the VA mountain in question appears to actually be larger than the Squaw Valley one in terms of elevation difference compared to the surrounding landscape. The peak at Squaw Valley is about 8500 compared to 6200 at Lake Tahoe. The peak at Wintergreen VA is 3800 and the elevation in the valley is 700.

The thinner the air the harder it will be, even though there is more of a vertical drop in VA, I bet Tahoe is brutal because the air is so thin.



I'm about to head out for TM today, running at 9am.

---------- Post added October-23rd-2011 at 06:14 AM ----------

Worth noting is that the temp will be in the low to mid 30s when I start running. And they have added an ice water obstacle.

I run a lot, I just did a half marathon last weekend, I can't imagine running 18 miles soaking wet and muddy.
Preparing for a half marathon is time consuming, how do you even prepare for something like this?

Good luck, sounds like a tough challenge.

[Koolblue13]

I'm thinking of doing the April Mudder, if I can just get into running.

[GoSkins561]

"The Tough Mudder series was created because there is not an event in America that tests toughness, fitness, strength, stamina and mental grit all in one place and all in one day. Sure, there are a few that will test these things – for thousands of dollars and a week of your life. But in one day in one location? We don’t think so. Other mud runs like the Muddy Buddy series? Forget it – unless you want to run alongside your 60-year-old grandmother. Tough Mudder is a truly exceptional event for truly exceptional people. Fair weather runners should stay at home.

FACT – Marathon running is simply boring. And the only thing more boring than doing a marathon is watching a marathon. Road-running may give you a healthy set of lungs, but will leave you with as much upper body strength as Keira Knightley. At Tough Mudder, we want to test your all-around mettle, not just your ability to run in a straight line, on your own, for hours on end, getting bored out of your mind."

I'm sure they get a lot of people that have never ran 10 miles in their life signing up for these things. As someone who enjoys road running, I have no doubts you need to be tuned up for this thing.

[Corcaigh]

I'm sure they get a lot of people that have never ran 10 miles in their life signing up for these things. As someone who enjoys road running, I have no doubts you need to be tuned up for this thing.

They are a little heavy on the marketing for an obstacle course, :ols: but as they are asking anything up to $180 to participate depending on when you sign up, I guess they have to sell it hard.

Lots of fat and otherwise out of shape people participate in these, just like your local road races.

I know a 5'5" 130lb dude who said it wasn't 'tough' But he's one of those pasty ectomorphs they mock in the marketing. Being in aerobic shape is important.

[GoSkins561]

They are a little heavy on the marketing for an obstacle course, :ols: but as they are asking anything up to $180 to participate depending on when you sign up, I guess they have to sell it hard.

Lots of fat and otherwise out of shape people participate in these, just like your local road races.

I know a 5'5" 130lb dude who said it wasn't 'tough' But he's one of those pasty ectomorphs they mock in the marketing. Being in aerobic shape is important.

Yeah, when they say it requires endurance and strength like any other event and that marathon running is boring, i'm thinking a half marathon at a decent clip (9:30 pace or faster) would break half of the people and 26 miles would break at least 90 percent. I dont have any interest in running a full marathon but i'm pretty sure one of these doesn't make your toe nails fall off. One of my friends on facebook ran the VA one yesterday, he isn't in distance running shape and he completed it.

[SkinsHokieFan]

My gf and I did the "Run for your lives" 5k zombie run yesterday.

Lets just say 80 percent of the people were walking 80 percent of the time :ols:

The obstacles were fun, as was dodging "zombies" but you could just show up and particpate, no problem.

[GoSkins561]

Looks like fun, what does the electric shock feel like?

[Henry]

That friend of mine ran it on Saturday (I did not.) He did P90X for nine months and got his long runs up to 13 miles, and said the upper body work is more important than endurance.

He also said that by the time you get to the electro-shock part you're so beat up you hardly notice it.

[MattFancy]

I am doing the "Warrior Dash" here in MD close to where I live in late may

http://www.warriordash.com/

Same thing basically

Hope I make it LMAO!

I think I'm going to do that one this year too. Didn't get a chance to do it this past year because I was at my bachelor party haha. But I will definitely be coming down for it this year.

[GoSkins561]

Yeah, i have seen some pictures of peoples knees, they are all torn up.

[GoSkins561]

I think I'm going to do that one this year too. Didn't get a chance to do it this past year because I was at my bachelor party haha. But I will definitely be coming down for it this year.

Which do you think will be more challenging, the half marathon or tough mudder?

[MattFancy]

Which do you think will be more challenging, the half marathon or tough mudder?

I'd say the tough mudder. Seems harder to train for. I had never done a race before I did the half. But I trained for 3 months to get ready for it. For the tough mudder, not only do you have to train running wise, you have to train upper body wise too to get through the obsticales. Add to the fact that you're covered in mud and it definitely can't be easy.

[Titaw]

I did the Warrior Dash in MD in May it was a blast. Hopefully I'll be back from Afghanistan in time to do it again next year, and run tough mudder as well.

[skinsfan_1215]

Looks like fun, what does the electric shock feel like?

I was so numb by the time I got to it I couldn't feel it at all. The other guys I ran with said it was a minor jolt.

FYI, for the VA one and I'm assuming any others that are on a mountain, you don't spend much time running. Most of it is hiking straight up the side of a mountain. My training was pretty much useless since I was working on running.

[MissU28]

I will be signing up for this (in Frederick, MD) on payday. I will be running with a team, I'm not sure how many people are on it yet....but I bet it'll be at least 10 of us. I am scared ****less. I have about 7 months to prepare for it, though. :)

[Win4us]

Holy cow, those races look fun as hell! Keep us posted on how you guys do.

[Samuels]

I was planning to sign up for the tough mudder later this year. How much did it cost?

[MissU28]

I was planning to sign up for the tough mudder later this year. How much did it cost?

It's $95 by feb. 7, then it goes up. $15 discount if you are a vet or in the military

[MissU28]

My tough mudder is in two weeks from Sunday. I'm scared :(

[Henry]

My tough mudder is in two weeks from Sunday. I'm scared :(

Mine's two weeks from Saturday. I'll tell you how it goes. :)

[MissU28]

Mine's two weeks from Saturday. I'll tell you how it goes. :)

I don't know why our guy in charge didn't make it for the Saturday race. Doesn't he know Sunday is the start of football season??? UGH. But yes, please let me know how it is. What have you been doing to train? I'm about to finish a round of Insanity and I've done a little bit of running, but nothing close to 12 miles.

[Pick6]

Mine's two weeks from Saturday. I'll tell you how it goes. :)

I am doing it that Saturday as well. My team's start time is 10am.

[mattsb84]

Doing mine in October...first time. Going with a group from work.

For those of you that have done it; how did you train for it? I've never liked running, but will normally do two days of cardio doing 2-2.5 miles at 8min pace. Was thinking of tacking on running a mile after lifting to help get my legs acclimated to the running bit.

[GoSkins561]

Tough Mudder mid-atlantic, my group heads out around 9:20, what time are you guys running?

I don't think it seems like its going to be that hard, especially compared to a half marathon. From what I understand, unless you jump out in front with an early group, there is a lot of standing in line waiting to cross obstacles.

[MissU28]

I think my wave is at 1pm on Sunday

[GoSkins561]

Doing mine in October...first time. Going with a group from work.

For those of you that have done it; how did you train for it? I've never liked running, but will normally do two days of cardio doing 2-2.5 miles at 8min pace. Was thinking of tacking on running a mile after lifting to help get my legs acclimated to the running bit.

IMO, running is a key ingredient to getting through this thing feeling good at the end. This is a 12 mile endurance challege, if I were you i would work on building my mileage up to 8 or 9 miles before the mudder.

[skinsfan_1215]

I'm running Saturday too, not sure what time. I've had a crazy couple months, limited training time, and I'm coming in grossly unprepared. So I'll be the guy everyone is passing (and hopefully not the one injured).

[MissU28]

There are 15 people in my group, but I think some of the guys who are in the military will be leaving us in the dust. No matter, the rest of us will have a grand old time trying to survive.

[mattsb84]

Howd you guys do this weekend?

[Pick6]

Howd you guys do this weekend?

The one everyone is talking about isn't until Sept. 8th.

[Forehead]

Good luck to all. I did a 5 mile mud run in VA Beach two summers ago and had to walk through most of it because I didn't train for running in sand, which was about 60-70% of the course. I was exhausted within the first mile. I'm not sure how to even simulate that for training purposes.

[Henry]

Yeah I'm doing the mid-Atlantic one. My group is running at 11am I think. There are five of us and one is a doctor, so there's that. :)

I did a long run of 13 miles this past Saturday and I'll now be gearing down the running. I do P90X resistance work once or twice a week and cardio (either P90X or tae kwon do class) twice a week. I'd say I'm definitely more of a runner/cardio guy than a strength guy. Running and jumping I should be ok with. I'm guessing lifting heavy things, pulling myself over walls and swinging across monkey bars and stuff will be my biggest problem. That and I'm too old for this ****. :) I'll let you all know.

[Stugein]

I've done 6 Warrior Dashes. I'd like to do Tough Mudder one day but my endurance isn't up to it yet. I can roll for ~4-5mi. before I'm out of gas. I'm working on it though.

[Henry]

Good luck to all. I did a 5 mile mud run in VA Beach two summers ago and had to walk through most of it because I didn't train for running in sand, which was about 60-70% of the course. I was exhausted within the first mile. I'm not sure how to even simulate that for training purposes.

This has been a concern of mine. The guy in charge of our group (who's run a TM before) is slower than I am and our group has decided to stick together so I'm hoping a slower pace than I'm used to plus all the stops will make up for the off-road factor. Of course I could be just deluding myself.

[Pick6]

This has been a concern of mine. The guy in charge of our group (who's run a TM before) is slower than I am and our group has decided to stick together so I'm hoping a slower pace than I'm used to plus all the stops will make up for the off-road factor. Of course I could be just deluding myself.

I know meatheads who have done the tough mudder and never do cardio. It isn't easy they said, but you can get through it. I am not a long distance runner at all, but overall muscle endurance shouldn't be an issue for me.

[Henry]

I know meatheads who have done the tough mudder and never do cardio. It isn't easy they said, but you can get through it.

Are they in their 40s? :)

[Pick6]

Are they in their 40s? :)

Hahaha no, but I am sure you will be fine. It sounds like if it was just a flat out 10 mile run you could handle it. I think the worst part is going to be trying to run soaked to the bone and caked in mud.

[GoSkins561]

Good luck to all. I did a 5 mile mud run in VA Beach two summers ago and had to walk through most of it because I didn't train for running in sand, which was about 60-70% of the course. I was exhausted within the first mile. I'm not sure how to even simulate that for training purposes.

The difference is, you are mostly running and walking on grass until you hit the obstacles, wet sand is a son of a *****, dry sand is a mother &$%$%##.

---------- Post added August-27th-2012 at 08:42 PM ----------


I know meatheads who have done the tough mudder and never do cardio. It isn't easy they said, but you can get through it. I am not a long distance runner at all, but overall muscle endurance shouldn't be an issue for me.

As much as tough mudder knocks long distance running, im anxious to find out which one is more difficult, a half marathon or the mudder, based on some friends i have seen complete the mudder, right now i am going to say half marathons are more challenging. Can't wait to find out.

[MissU28]

Mine's two weeks from Saturday. I'll tell you how it goes. :)


I am doing it that Saturday as well. My team's start time is 10am.


Tough Mudder mid-atlantic, my group heads out around 9:20, what time are you guys running?

I don't think it seems like its going to be that hard, especially compared to a half marathon. From what I understand, unless you jump out in front with an early group, there is a lot of standing in line waiting to cross obstacles.


I'm running Saturday too, not sure what time. I've had a crazy couple months, limited training time, and I'm coming in grossly unprepared. So I'll be the guy everyone is passing (and hopefully not the one injured).


Yeah I'm doing the mid-Atlantic one. My group is running at 11am I think. There are five of us and one is a doctor, so there's that. :)

I did a long run of 13 miles this past Saturday and I'll now be gearing down the running. I do P90X resistance work once or twice a week and cardio (either P90X or tae kwon do class) twice a week. I'd say I'm definitely more of a runner/cardio guy than a strength guy. Running and jumping I should be ok with. I'm guessing lifting heavy things, pulling myself over walls and swinging across monkey bars and stuff will be my biggest problem. That and I'm too old for this ****. :) I'll let you all know.

Good luck to you all today! Please let me know what to expect and any tips you have! I guess we're kind of lucky because it's supposed to cool down tomorrow, so that's a positive at least...unless the Arctic Enema makes that a bad thing.

I met with most of my teammates last night and now I am more excited rather than scared! We also all got shirts made.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v720/tym2part/TM.jpg


I can't wait to hear about your experiences and which obstacles are the toughest!

[skinsfan_1215]

Just made it back. Whoever is responsible for parking should be fired immediately. 4 hour to get the last 5 miles, sat in the lot waiting to get out for 2 hours. Event was good though, didn't get hurt. Only lost like 4 obstacles due to lightning.

[MissU28]

yeah, I was following the TM facebook page- my team is planning to leave extra early tomorrow because of it. What was your start time?

[GoSkins561]

leave WAAAAAY early...a lot of people didnt get to run because they were stuck in trafffic.

---------- Post added September-9th-2012 at 12:04 AM ----------

Finished all 11, who ran in the rain?

---------- Post added September-9th-2012 at 12:07 AM ----------


Just made it back. Whoever is responsible for parking should be fired immediately. 4 hour to get the last 5 miles, sat in the lot waiting to get out for 2 hours. Event was good though, didn't get hurt. Only lost like 4 obstacles due to lightning.

We left in the 9:00 group and flew through the course, the parking lot was GIGANTIC, one lane roads screwed it up. I proud to say, I OWNED, the tough mudder, piece of cake, enjoy the run tomorrow Skins fans,

---------- Post added September-9th-2012 at 12:21 AM ----------




http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v720/tym2part/TM.jpg


I can't wait to hear about your experiences and which obstacles are the toughest!

Kiss the mud, easily the most challenging, crawling across rocks for 30 yards SUCKED, next in line electric eel, getting hit in the head with 10k watts\vollts whatever you want to call it straight up sucks penis.

Tough Mudder was a blast, i'm looking forward to more of them.

[MissU28]

Tough Mudder for today has been canceled. SO BUMMED. Their excuse (via facebook):

Mudders,

We are deeply disappointed to have to announce that Tough Mudder Mid-Atlantic Sunday must be canceled due to flooding and safety concerns. Yesterday's rain left us with an extremely waterlogged course, base area and parking area, which all prevent critical functions from keeping you safe. Our safety team spent considerable time working with local authorities to reevaluate the course this evening and have ultimately determined it unsafe for tomorrow's event. Safety has and always will be our top priority without compromise, so we must heed this decision.

We did not make this decision lightly, and we are sure it will be met with great disappointment. We are committed to bringing you an amazing experience, so you will be receiving a transfer code on Monday that you can use to participate free of charge in any upcoming 2012 or 2013 Tough Mudder event. If you have any questions regarding this policy, please email midatlantic@toughmudder.com.

Again, we truly apologize for the frustration this will cause. Our mission is to build the best endurance challenge on the planet, and we hope to have another chance to give you the experience that you expect from us.

Thank you for your support and understanding.

TMHQ


BS. The City of Frederick made Tough Mudder cancel the event because of the cluster it caused. We are pissed.

[GoSkins561]

Tough Mudder for today has been canceled. SO BUMMED. Their excuse (via facebook):



BS. The City of Frederick made Tough Mudder cancel the event because of the cluster it caused. We are pissed.

Sucks, sorry to hear about that. It sounds like they were going to have smaller crowds today, i think it could have gone smoother today had they let it happen. Frederick's In the Streets isn't happening today either, they should have let it happen.

(edit) After reading their facebook page, 2 things,1. all of the police were at in the streets yesterday, could have been much smoother today 2. the parking lot is probably waaaay jacked up because of the rain.

http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/news/display.htm?storyID=140477#.UEx5sY2PWIU

[jly0784]

Tough Mudder for today has been canceled. SO BUMMED. Their excuse (via facebook):



BS. The City of Frederick made Tough Mudder cancel the event because of the cluster it caused. We are pissed.

i did it yesterday , and the way the course looked when we were finished was terrible! theres no way, when the mud hardened, that anyone was going to be able to run it today, even staffers that were around the course said it didnt look good for tomorrow, way too many holes and divets the entire course.... dont get mad at the city, definatly not the ones who canceled it, it was the right call

[Pick6]

I did it yesterday in the rain. So much fun and we still got in all the obstacles, but the ice bath at the beginning. A great experience and will do it again for sure. Hopefully not in the rain.

I feel bad for the ones who were suppose to run today.

[GoSkins561]

Which obstacle did you think sucked the most pick6?

[Maxito]

I did it yesterday. Don't understand how people could run in the mud, since it was so slippery lol... Lets say my brother and I walked the last two miles of the course.. I am still sore... Unfortunayely the arctic enema was closed when I ran due to lightning (even though we didn't see the any). My favorite was walk the plank, and least favorite was Berlin Wall.

[GoSkins561]

I did it yesterday. Don't understand how people could run in the mud, since it was so slippery lol... Lets say my brother and I walked the last two miles of the course.. I am still sore... Unfortunayely the arctic enema was closed when I ran due to lightning (even though we didn't see the any). My favorite was walk the plank, and least favorite was Berlin Wall.

What about boa constrictor? I'm claustrophobic and was dreading that one, I didn't think it was that bad, climbing up the tube was a good workout.

[Pick6]

Which obstacle did you think sucked the most pick6?

What do you mean? Like sucked as in weak or sucked as in it was hard?

[GoSkins561]

What do you mean? Like sucked as in weak or sucked as in it was hard?

For instance, I didn't really think any of them by themselves were "hard", the combination of all of them is what makes this challenging. When I say suck, which one did you enjoy the least/find the most challenging/made you work the hardest/didn't enjoy/but still had fun. :ols:

For instance, I thought the Funky Monkey, Berlin Walls, and Boa Constrictor, were probably the most challenging. Funky Monkey because i'm 6'5 220, not fat, Berlin Walls because getting the entire team over took some effort, and boa constrictor because i'm claustrophobic and climbing up the tube was fairly challenging.

Electric Eel was the one that I would say "sucked" the most, got nailed a few times in the head, and once my elbow where I have had surgery, i think i might have a little bit of metal left in there. I didn't think arctic enema was that big of a deal, it was a cold quick shock, that went away really quickly. i would also say kiss the mud, crawling across the rocks "SUCKED", the first one wasn't bad, but the one that was next to route 15 was filled with rocks.


My wife said Everest was taking people out left and right, she said she saw a ton of injuries. I got hit a few times during electro shock therapy, but made it through standing up.

I had a blast, the event itself is way more enjoyable than any half marathon I have ever done. Overall, I would say the half is slightly more difficult because you don't take breaks to stand in line. I am looking forward to more of them.

[Pick6]

Okay, I got you.

I loved the 15ft plank jump. It was the best and wanted to do it again.

I would say the funky monkey(I made it the whole way, but going on an incline with monkey bars isn't easy) and the boa constrictor were the most physically difficult. I have very broad shoulders and climbing up the inside of the tube was a challenge.

Everest kind of sucked, because it was so muddy and wet at that point. Probably would have been better on a day when it didn't rain. Don't think it would be that difficult without that added element.

The mud hills you climbed up and slide down into the thick mud, don't remember the name, was stupid and more dangerous than anything. I saw a lot of people crash into other people and a lot of mud in people eyes.

[Maxito]

Berlin Wall was the worst! I have no upper body strength at all. Climbing up on the Boa constrictor was a pain, got a few open wounds because of it.. I was fortunate I didn't get shocked at the electric eel. I was thrilled!!!! But couldn't say the same with Electric shock therapy. Was able to go through it on my feet, but it hurts like Hell!! Didn't even attempt Everest, legs were hurting..

[GoSkins561]

i grew up skateboarding half pipes, and i'm sure Everest was brutal when it was soaked, the key to getting up it is to 1. run fast and 2. don't stop running, run as far up the ramp as you can. i saw a lot of people running mid way, then jumping face first into the vert.

The mud mile was the huge mud pit, I thought that was fun.

[jly0784]

i rolled my left ankle about a mile into it, and my right one real bad a mile and a half into it, was able to do about 10 of the obstacles and finish the entire 10 miles, a great experience!!!

[Henry]

I started with the 11:40 crowd. The Storm hit at about mile 5 and we ran the last couple miles in a couple inches of mud. The only obstacles we missed were the electric eel and platform jump (forget what it's called.) I think we did everything else.

For me I think Everest was the toughest. I mean, I fell in about a third of the way through the monkey bars (my left leg cramped up immediately in the water. That was a fun swim to the edge) and the second set of Berlin Walls was ... very high (I got over both of them but I had a lot of help and have a nasty bruise on my right forearm) but when we got to Everest I took one look and was like. "uh ... no." I ended up watching for a few minutes to see how to get up the thing and picked a lane in front of three dudes on the top who were doing a great job of pulling people up. I figured I'd give it one try and if I didn't make it I'd walk around. So I point at the guys and they point at me and I hoof it up the pipe and somehow they miraculously catch me, one of them on each arm. I start to pull myself up, thinking I'm home free, when my midsection just explodes with pain. My right oblique ... I must have pulled it something awful. I grunt in pain and start to drop, now thinking it's just not going to happen, and the guy on my left hand goes 'Pull yourself up! Grab the platform! We're not letting go!' So with this seriously intense pain in my side I reach up and somehow get ahold on the platform, and they start pulling me all the way up. I get up to the top and turn to thank them but they are already helping the next person up. I'm not sure how I got down. But I managed to climb down eventually.

Anyway, I was cruising until Everest. It kinda pissed me off to hurt myself on basically the last obstacle, but I'm glad I got up the damn thing. I think it would have bugged me more if I hadn't.

Overall the whole thing was a lot of fun. I'm not sure if I'll ever do it again, but I'm glad I did it at least once.

[TMK9973]

So...After running the spartan beast (11 miles) and watching friends run the TM, I've noticed the difference.
TM - All about team work and making the obstacles as uncomfortable as possible. The electric shock, the ice, the dark...They arent the hardest things (although you will be tired) but they are all challanging and pushing you to do things you wouldn't want to normally do.

Spartan -Is about PHYSICALLY challenging things. There isnt anything like the electro shock where you will be thinking "Can I make myself do this" but its carry this 40lbs sandbag up and over these obstacles, hobbies hop (Which after mile 8, when your legs are cramping up, you tie your ankles together and have to hop 50 yards). There isn't much team work (Go swim thru mud then climb a rope is a 1 man show) and if you don't do a obstacle you have to do 30 burpees.

Mind you -I'm not knocking either - They are both extremely challenging, but in very different ways.

[mattsb84]

Got to do my first tough mudder this weekend. Tri-State Sunday run..12miles 20+ obstacles. Did all the obstacles, failed hang tough, funky monkey (by 2 frigging bars), and peg legs(where i almost died). Probably the most fun I've had since I was a kid. Sore today, but I'm really looking forward to doing more of these.

[Maxito]

Anybody attended this year Tough Mudder Run. Ran the Mid-Altantic today and I am completely sore. It was better organized than last year. There was actually places where you can legally park.Thirty minute bus ride to the event was a bummer but I'll take it. Did mostly every single obstacle course except monkey bars and Walk the plank. Walk the plank was closed for the day because of an apparent drowning. Overall it was much better than last years though.

[mattsb84]

I did..it was brutal. I did tristate and it was a cake walk compared to this one. The front end was run heavy with lots of hill climbs. Which I guess you should expect that in WV. Also waiting in line at the pirate booty obstacle for 10min absolutely destroyed me. Directly after that, everything below my waste was completely locked up/cramping/tight/etc, couldnt run at all. I did get my legs going again after the water slide thing. Really, it's a good thing that was at the end.

For those that did the midatlantic last year in Frederick, and then this one, how did it compare? I cant imagine the hills were even close to this years.

[PleaseBlitz]

I signed up for the Spartan Race in Leesburg in August. It is a "Super Spartan" so 8-9 miles and I think like a dozen obstacles.

http://www.spartanrace.com/midatlantic-obstacle-racing-super-spartan-virginia-2013.html

It will be the longest race I have done so far. Anyone else want to run this beast with me?

[Corcaigh]

If you are part of a later wave I hear that the water obstacles are easier to cross as you can just step on the backs of the dead bodies.

[PleaseBlitz]

If you are part of a later wave I hear that the water obstacles are easier to cross as you can just step on the backs of the dead bodies.

A friend of mine was exiting the water when that happened. And yes, easier is good, I will keep your advice in mind. :)

[GoSkins561]

Has anyone heard any updates on the guy who passed away on walk the plank?

Personally I don't think he could swim, the water is pretty deep and muddy.

[mattsb84]

Has anyone heard any updates on the guy who passed away on walk the plank?

Personally I don't think he could swim, the water is pretty deep and muddy.

I think cod was drowning..I think 1 of 3 things happened;

1.) Someone jumped on him, knocked him out and no one noticed until it was too late..i had read the obstacle was not terribly organized (unusual if true)
2.) Cramped up after jumping and no one noticed. Depending on where this obstacle was, before or after pirates booty, its plausible he cramped up. We had to wait 10-15min at pirates booty, waiting in the cold for that long at that point in the course was horrid. I physically could not run to the next obstacle. So if that was the next obstacle, I could see that.
3.) Couldn't swim. Which if he couldn't swim was just dumb to do the obstacle and NOT tell his group "hey, I cant swim so keep an eye out"...[COLOR="Gold"]

[Maxito]

I think cod was drowning..I think 1 of 3 things happened;

1.) Someone jumped on him, knocked him out and no one noticed until it was too late..i had read the obstacle was not terribly organized (unusual if true)
2.) Cramped up after jumping and no one noticed. Depending on where this obstacle was, before or after pirates booty, its plausible he cramped up. We had to wait 10-15min at pirates booty, waiting in the cold for that long at that point in the course was horrid. I physically could not run to the next obstacle. So if that was the next obstacle, I could see that.
3.) Couldn't swim. Which if he couldn't swim was just dumb to do the obstacle and NOT tell his group "hey, I cant swim so keep an eye out"...[COLOR="Gold"]

Walk the plank was like obstacle 4 or 5 in the course. I believe it was right after electric eel. Didn't like the wait on Pirate booty ugh the cold made it worse. Don't know what the happen to the guy who died. I was actually waiting in line in walk the plank when announced what had happen, and they are closing the obstacle.. Can't believe people were actually booing when they heard the news. My friend's mother was spectating the event, and she stayed and she said that it took like 5 minutes for divers to find the body. Heard numerous theories, stroke, couldn't swim.