Tough Mudder & Spartan Questions...

[Tiggsy]

My regular fitness stuff (at age 46) is a combo of weights and 5 or 10k runs. These arent the best of bed fellows so, this year, I've added some obstical races to my "must do" list as being a bit bigger/stronger than the average 10k jogger is a help (sometimes)

I did my first on Sunday (The General 10k in Winchester) and had a ball - started in the last wave due to registering late but didnt get over taken by anyone and finished up with plenty from the earlier waves. Took me about 1hr20 - a regular 10k for me is sub 50m.

Anyone.....addictive personality and all that.....I now want more of this (and the medals for OCR are so much cooler than 10k runs!)

Doing a Forrest Warrior in a couple of weeks then Tough Mudder in Henley in May followed by Spartan in June.

Questions.....For TM if I pay extra to go off in the first wave (tougher mudder) am I going to look at fool as newbie up with the top guys and be left behind and overtaken by the regulars laughing at me? I like the idea of being timed....should I just focus on getting around first time out?

Also - I run solo - i assume thats no big deal and people help out loners!

As for Spartan.....I want to do the "age group" run but again it means going off in an early wave (right after elite) - same problem?

Any other tips? Training wise I'm just keeping up my jogging (have a few regular 10k's lined up as well) and lifting - I'll just add a bit more omphh to some of the weights (for example, it's back in the gym today but instead of regular chins I'll do the ones advised for OCR runners (which emulate rope climbs, etc)

[Freakuk]

My experience of TM... Go in an early wave as the ground will be firmer the earlier you can get going, which may lead to better times. They'll always be people to help and vice versa you help others also.

I did more upper body than anything else for a TM as there are something like 30+ obstacles over 12 miles so you're not running too far before your next obstacle and you could be queuing anyway so some recovery time.

[coldel]

I did a Nuclear Race last year, 14k I think it was, was told that was a more gentle intro into these types of things. Still took me a few hours as there were 100+ obstacles in total (mix of natural and manmade ones) but it was really enjoyable and not much queuing, people were super friendly as well I did it with a mate but got help from plenty of other people.

Edit, its in Essex at the site of the secret nuclear bunker (signposted!) I live in Surrey and it was only a 60-70 minute drive around the M25 on a sunday morning.

Edited by coldel on Tuesday 9th April 11:37

[Nezquick]

I did Tough Mudder a few years ago and really enjoyed it. All i'd done up to then was a few 5k's each week and some general strength/gym stuff so you'll get round easily enough I would say.

Personally, I would just do it in one of the later waves and concentrate on getting round for your first one. You will need people to help you on some obstacles but everyone helps everyone else regardless of whether you are on your own or not. That'll then give you a good target to aim for next time when you'll have a better idea of what you'll face and how to approach your training.

Take it easy though going round. It's a long way (12 miles or so) but you get a bit of a rest every half a mile to do an obstacle. Time is not really important - just enjoy it.

[coldel]

Yes don't worry about times, make sure you have a go at all the obstacles, enjoy it when you fail some and take that helping hand when offered.

I started in a wave around 11am on the Nuclear race (there are about 20 of them starting at 9am) so nicely in the middle and overtook a fair few people it does feel good to chug on. Mind you some people are just legends on this, one guy me and my mate overtook looked strong as an ox wearing a friday the 13th hockey mask and we jogged past him thinking wow thought he would be better at it - turns out he was on his second lap and planned on doing at least three laps that day