The first aspect of the Tough Mudder worth mentioning is that it’s a challenge not a race, so Mudders are not timed. Many time themselves and peg the benchmark at 3 hours for the 10-12 mile challenge with 20+ obstacles. I ran with a buddy who suffered a minor bone contusion and we finished around 2:50. I would categorize our speed as comfortable and conversation-paced jogging between obstacles and occasional walking around the 5 aid stations. All aid stations had ample water and a few had bananas, one had Sharkies energy gummy sharks (yum). Some of my favorite obstacles were:
- Arctic Enema: Ice plunge with ample cubes
- Cliffhanger: Large mound of slipper mud
- Berlin Walls: 8 feet plus, some required Mudder comradery
- Hold Your Wood: 1/4 Log or large wood block carry
- Funkey Monkey: Monkey bars
- Everest: 1/4 pipe charge
- Trench Warfare: Trench crawl with partial blackness
- Walk the Plank: 15′ jump into water
- Mud Mile: There were several, but only one had lots of fun mud
- Electricshock Therapy: One of two that shock you. High voltage, but low amperage prevents electrocution.
I experienced no wait at any obstacle and thoroughly enjoyed my experience during the 11+ mile challenge. The difficulty level was low to moderate. There were no penalties for failed obstacles, but the distance could wear on those who didn’t train for high mileage courses. The Tough Mudder should be on everyone’s To Do list for 2013. The 2013 schedule can be found here: Tough Mudder 2013
