Tough Mudder- The Ultimate Physical and Mental Challenge...Tips and Strategies to apply to everyday Life!

wolfpack (38)in #challenge • 8 years ago (edited)

I had a recent request to offer advice and tips on how to train and prepare for a “Tough Mudder”.

Tough Mudder is an endurance event series in which participants attempt a 10–12 mile-long obstacle course that tests mental as well as physical strength. It was co-founded by Will Dean, a former British counter terrorism officer, and Guy Livingstone, a former corporate lawyer. The obstacles often play on common human fears, such as fire, water, electricity and heights. The main principle of the Tough Mudder revolves around teamwork. The Tough Mudder organization values camaraderie throughout the course, designing obstacles that encourage group participation. Participants must commit to helping others complete the course, putting teammates before themselves, and overcoming fears. An average 78% of entrants successfully complete the course.

“Tough Mudder” has become a world event, that since its beginnings in 2010, more than 2.5 million people worldwide have participated in Tough Mudder events. Aside from both the physical and mental challenge of just completing the course, “Tough Mudder” has raised over $6.5 million that has been donated to WWP (Wounded Warriors Project) by Tough Mudder participants.!

In less than ten years, the Traumatic Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (TSGLI) program has paid more than $817 million in benefits to eligible service members and veterans. WWP has been able to ensure the immediate and long-term care needs of 250 of the most severely wounded and are taken care of through a $30 million commitment to the INDEPENDENCE PROGRAM AND LONG-TERM SUPPORT TRUST. Additionally, WWP has also been able to place thousands into meaningful employment through the WARRIORS TO WORK program, and has encouraged thousands to live mentally and physically healthier lives through programs like SOLDIER RIDE and PROJECT ODYSSEY.

I have attempted and completed three “Tough Mudders” in 2013, 2014 and 2015.The story behind how I got involved with doing a Tough Mudder goes like this….Just before my 50th birthday, a friend had suggested that I do a “Tough Mudder” as something to check off my bucket list and more or less a challenge as something he believed I would not attempt. The only problem was, that I am highly competitive and will NOT back down from a challenge. But, as is with any challenge, there is always a price to pay for success!

Each Tough Mudder I have finished, I learned something new about myself and ultimately the correlation between a Tough Mudder and Life itself! So, even if you are reading this and contemplating doing a Tough Mudder yourself, or would like to read my posts from a perspective of overcoming the challenges of life, goal setting, fitness and nutrition, please Follow my posts.