Tough Mudder

When it come to staying fit I like to have a goal to keep me motivated. In 2009, my goal was the McGuire Mud Run.  In 2010, it was the NYC Marathon. My goal for 2011 is the one and only Tri-State Tough Mudder.

What is the Tough Mudder?
Billed as “Probably the Toughest Event on the Planet” is a 12 mile obstacle course based off a design created by British Special Forces to test the all-around strength, stamina, mental grit and camaraderie of its participants. This not a race where you hope for a certain time or to win a medal. It is an event you simply try to finish. On average, only 78% of participants finish!

What Makes it so tough?Each obstacle along the course is designed to test your will in a different way. Here’s some of the obstacles I’ll have to face along the way:

• Ball Shrinker: A rickety swinging rope bridge over water.  (Did I mention that I’ll be doing this in November?  This water is going to be cold!)
• Walk the Plank: Jump off a 15 foot high platform into a fish filled lake, then swim to the other side.

• Underwater Tunnels: Bob up and down to pass a series of underwater tunnels.
• Spider Web: Have to climb up and over two large cargo nets.
• Mud Mile: Sludge my way through a long stretch of waist high muddy water.
• Cliffhanger: Climb up a series of muddy hills.

• Berlin Walls: Work with other Mudders to get over a series of 12 foot high walls.
• Boa Constrictor: Crawl through tunnels.
• Rubber Necking: Pick up a car tire and carry it around a race track.
• Tired Yet?: High-step through a field of tires.
• Kiss of Mud: Belly crawl under rows of barbed wire only 8 inches above the ground!

• Fire Walker: Run down a path lined on both sides with blazing kerosene soaked straw.  The 4 foot high flames will be both hot and smokey.
• Devil’s Beard: A long cargo net that you have to hold up as you walk underneath. 
• The Log Bog Jog: A swampy area broken up with a series of fallen trees that you have to go over or under.
• Funky Monkey: A pitched monkey bars set that goes over the cold lake water.  To keep it fun - some of the bars will be greased!

• Twinkle Toes: A balance bean, once again across the lake.
• Electroshock Therapy: Basically you run through a bunch of dangling wires.  Some of the wire are dead - others carry a 10,000 volt shock!

• Plus three “mystery” obstacles and a finishing sprint finish!

If you are wondering... Yes, I think think this is all a little bit crazy but that is the point!  Well... at least it is for a good cause!  Tough Mudder has raised over 1 million dollars for the Wounded Warrior Project!  (Click here to help injured service men and their families!)

Well... I have almost 5 months to get physically and mentally prepared.  How exactly I’m going to get ready, I’m not sure yet, but I’m sure that will be fun too!

Wish me luck... 

it's time to get my crazy on!

(If this sounds like your cup of tea... check out www.toughmudder.com to find a local event!)