That's the tagline you'll hear constantly at Tough Mudder events, media, and from workers there. While I'd say it's perhaps not the toughest event on the planet, it does give you a run for your money, and your balls! A good way to describe TM would be challenging your fears and determination. If you run a lot, 12 miles may not be a big deal to you. Most people, however, don't always jump in to some of the obstacles you'll see here. Some of the fears you may face are claustrophobia, electroshock, heights, and of course pain. I ran my first in Chicago in May this year, and my second several weeks ago in STL. The course for STL was pretty great, with a wide variety of obstacles and a lot of elevation changes. Here are some of the May experiences:
Wounded Warrior Carry! (In STL, I finally nutted up and carried a man twice my size on my back!):
Following the 17-foot jump:
The team, after the jump:
Endless running....
Another after jump photo op:
We survived the Electric Eel....
Belly-down through mud and water through live wires (up to 10,000 volts!):
While not everyone needs a teams to get through the obstacles, this is one big difference with TM: the brotherhood mentality. Everyone works together, everyone puts on a smile and gets through it. One of my favorite parts about TM, and the heart of it, is the pledge we all take before going out.
That's Tough Mudder. If you like getting dirty, working with friends and strangers, being badass, and feeling great about yourself, you'll love it. And the best part? Earning the delicious Dos Equis at the end. Hoorah!
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