We’ve completed many Tough Mudder’s and if it’s your first one this year these tips may help reassure before earning your first headband.
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The Electric Shocks
This is a worry to most newbies starting out for their first Tough Mudder. If you haven’t ever experienced an electricshock the thought can be terrifying! I have completed several TM’s and it still gets me every time. However, it’s not that bad. The key is to plan your route and stick to it.
Not every dangling cable has electric through it. Don’t just run straight into it - you’re asking for trouble. Though it’s not that bad and if it’s too much, you CAN walk around it, so don’t avoid TM because this scares you.
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It’s always around 12 miles
Running 12 miles is a long way without obstacles so it won’t be a walk in the park. Make sure you have attempted to at least run two thirds of the distance before to avoid cramping.
The average time is around three hours as you’ll have to queue at many obstacles and also to take many attempts. So expect to be on the course for a long time whilst being wet and muddy. Pace yourself and don’t fly off only to burn out early on.
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Take some fuel
Along the way TM will provide snacks in the form of bananas, protein bars and water but you will need more than this to keep your engine topped up with fuel. It’s unlikely you’d do a half marathon without some energy gels or whatever is your preference so take some with you to nibble on.
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Wear the right shoes
Most of the accidents I’ve seen at Tough Mudder are from runners slipping down the muddy hills with normal road trainers and twisting their ankle. There is an answer to this though - buy some shoes with grip!
So you might not want to fork out the cash for a new pair of shoes but we recommend the More Mile shoes for beginners if you’re only doing a few events a year. Experts should consider the Inov-8 X Talon 212 for those wanting a light shoe or Inov-8 Mudclaw for more foot support. Ignore the ‘wear old shoes’ myth, shoes easily wash up like brand new.
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Dress correctly
What you wear can make a huge difference. Don’t wear cotton t shirts as they’ll get heavy when wet and muddy (within the first mile).
For warmer events a technical (polyester) top is perfect. Many wear compression base layer underneath to stop any scratches and reduce wind chill.
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Ignore the voice of doubt
Whether you’re planning to sign up or on the day, you’ll need to overcome this voice. When you’re at the top of the plank with a drop down into cold water it’s easy to be overcome by fear or that you can’t do it.
Part of Tough Mudder is overcoming these doubts and fears. You CAN do it!
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You’re never too old
There’s always time to fit a Tough Mudder in your life.
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You will probably surprise yourself
The goal isn’t to do it the quickest, it’s to get round with your team. You may think that parts will be a struggle and that you would never be able to do that, but with your team on side you can do anything.
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Build your team
There’s some big obstacles and walls along the course so you’ll need some teammates to give you a leg up as well as fun motivation.
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Crowds
There’s some big obstacles and walls that can get crowded. Don’t let this worry you. Tough Mudder’s are friendly. You will get a push over the wall from anyone.
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Be prepared to be freaked out
There will be some tight squeezes and this year TM’s own tear gas will make a debut so expect the unexpected! The cage crawl does freak some out but remember you can skip it if it’s not your thing.
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Embrace the difference
Tough Mudder isn’t like a half marathon. There will be chanting at the beginner and cult like behaviour - this is perfectly normal so just get involved.
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Don’t gulp the water
Sounds obvious but try not to drink it.
Next: See what new obstacles you will be up against this year