The Toughest Event On The Planet

Are you bored with training for the marathon, triathlon, or the iron man? Then you might want to take a look at the Tough Mudder fitness challenge. Dubbed “the toughest event on the planet”, it’s probably the only fitness event you’ll even have to sign a “death waiver” before entering. This is where the top fitness gurus go to get their butts kicked.

This isn’t a winner take all event. The Tough Mudder website describes the goal saying, “A Tough Mudder event is a personal challenge — the goal is simply to complete the course”. It’s a grueling three hour event with multiple Water/First Aid stops; there’s no shame in skipping an obstacle you don’t feel comfortable with. It’s actually not even a race. Your time doesn’t matter and you’re encouraged to enter as a team. “Tough Mudder events are hardcore 10-12 mile obstacle courses designed by British Special Forces to test your all around strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie,” states the company website.

So, what would you be facing? Well, how about 12-ft. walls, underground mud tunnels, and running through 10,000 volts of electricity? Here’s a couple of the obstacle examples from the Tough Mudder site:

Gauntlet – Prepare to feel like you’re at a South American political demonstration as you get high-pressure hosed from both sides while climbing a steep, muddy incline. Usually, Mudders are already soaked to the bone and quite cold when entering the Gauntlet. This obstacle is as mentally challenging as it is physically, and definitely contributes to the “Tough” in Tough Mudder.

Fire Walker – As the name of the obstacle implies, you’ll be running through a trench of blazing, kerosene-soaked straw. You can expect flames at least 4 feet tall. While the flames might seem like the most intimidating aspect of this obstacle, Mudders often forget that with fire comes smoke. Take a deep breath before you enter this obstacle because believe us, you don’t want your lungs full of this thick smoke. Build up your lung capacity while training for Tough Mudder or you’ll be forced to inhale some nasty carcinogens.

Everest – Snowboarders and skate boarders have the half-pipe. Mudders have a real obstacle: Everest. A quarter-pipe that you’ll have to sprint up and enlist the help of other Mudders to hurl you over this beastly summit. Everest is coated in mud and grease, a combination which will likely send you right back from where you came. Call upon other Mudders to catch you as you run up the quarter-pipe or work together to form a human chain so that you can scale someone’s shoulders to finally summit Everest.

Electroshock Therapy – Sprint through a field of live wires — some carrying as much as 10,000 volts of electric shock. Watch out for hay bales and deep mud, or you will face-plant into some electrifying mud. Some Mudders try to stealthily wind their way through the wires without getting shocked, while others barrel forward to get through as quickly as possible. Either way, you are guaranteed to get zapped with as much as 10,000 volts of electricity and it does NOT tickle. This is typically the last obstacle Mudders must overcome before they cross the finish line.

The Tough Mudder sounds like one of the most difficult trials you and your friends will ever face. Paul Katami, celebrity trainer, described it as “one of the hardest physical challenges I’ve faced.” Katami, though, plans to go again next year. So, even if it’s hard, it sounds rewarding!

So Rockheads, have you been through a Tough Mudder? Would you? Let me know in the comments below!