If skiing and snowboarding is your obsession, we’ve got great news for you – Tough Mudder is about to become your new favorite off-season jam. Here’s why Tough Mudder is the natural fit you didn’t know you needed. Skiers are the best Mudders, fact.
Three Reasons Skiers Are The Best At Tough Mudder
It’s Where Fitness and Badassery Meet
What gets your blood pumping like an exhilarating day taking on obstacles? Skiers and snowboarders know that feeling all too well – and chasing that vibe is going to bring you to a Tough Mudder course come springtime. You’ll be living your best life that’s all gain and some pain – but every minute is a thrill ride.
It’s Not Just A Sport, But A Lifestyle
Some love life on the slopes, and then some live life on the slopes. The same can be said of Mudder nation, which is all about the camaraderie and commitment that mud run life brings to the table. What can we say – that sense of community just brings out the best in us.
Because Après Mudder Is Definitely A Thing
Getting together for a good time at the lodge is what après-ski is all about, and we’re sure you caught that the Mudder fam is tight as can be. Plus, we all know that like at the lodge, there are two parts to Tough Mudder: first there’s the mud run. Then there’s the fun that comes after. If there’s one thing we know, it’s that Mudder nation goes hard before, during, and after hours.
And there you have it, those are a few of the reasons skiers make the best Mudders.
Think you have what it takes? We are heading to 2 markets where the winter lifestyle reigns supreme: Vermont & Colorado. Join us in the Green Mountains on June 4 -5 or let’s get Rocky Mountain high on July 23 – 24.
Explore
5 Adventures to Take with your Significant Other
Author: Tough MudderFebruary 9, 2023
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This Valentine’s Day, plan the ultimate adventure with the one you love. We’ve put our heads together to create a list of the adventures you should take with your significant other.
Adventures With Your Significant Other
1. Travel to a bucket list location
Whether it is a drive or plane ride away, now is the time to finally start checking things off your bucket list.
2. Hike on a scenic trail or mountain
Hiking is an enjoyable bonding experience, with incredible views. Choose a local spot or plan a trip out of it.
3. Go on skydiving adventures
This is on everyone’s bucket list. Do it, you won’t regret it.
4. Try something new with your significant other
It can be as simple as cooking a new recipe together or trying a new restaurant. Be sure to save room for dessert!
5. Take on a Tough Mudder Adventure
It couldn’t be an ‘adventures with your significant other’ list without a Tough Mudder. Experience the adventure together out on course by signing up for your Tough Mudder.
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Top 5 Things to do for Galentine’s Day
Author: Tough MudderJanuary 24, 2023
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This year, it is time to focus on your galentine’s. Whether it is one or ten girlfriends, gather your squad and plan an adventure. You deserve it! Adventure’s come in all shapes and forms, but one size that fits all is a Tough Mudder event. Add Tough Mudder to your things to do this galentine’s day.
Things to do for Galentine’s
1. Take a group workout class
From pilates, to zumba, to pole dancing, the options are endless. Pick a class that is going to get you and your friends on your feet and having fun.
2. Indulge in a spa day
Manicures, pedicures, facials, massages… Galentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to get it all. Find a great local spa or make a homemade one right at home.
3. Plan some friendly competition
Form teams and play the sport of your choice. Whether it’s volleyball, tennis, or basketball you will be sure to have fun and get in exercise, too. Losing team buys the first round of mimosas!
4. Have a cooking night for galentine’s
Try a new recipe, drink some wine, and enjoy. You could also order out from your favorite restaurant… we won’t tell.
5. Form a team for a Tough Mudder
Convince all of your girlfriends to take on the adventure at Tough Mudder! Be sure to create a group costume and get ready for the mud. Sign your team up here.
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5 tips on how to get outside & begin to live adventurously
Author: Tough MudderJanuary 1, 2022
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We get it… you’re busy with everyday life: jobs, bills, family, yardwork, errands, etc. It often might feel that the saying “it never ends” is actually true. Sure, the daily routine is tough and can be taxing – but when was the last time you added something into your routine that excited you? We aren’t talking about a “one and done” type of activity, but something you tried that pushed you outside your comfort zone, felt adventurous and made you completely forget about the normal daily grind? We tend to feel these can often be found outdoors, alongside friends, finishing with a cold beer. Break free of the “typical” resolutions and focus on trying something new.
It might take a few steps to find this, but it all comes with applying yourself and thinking outside the box. Everyone has their own definition of adventure, so think as small or big as you would like. The idea is to try something new that pushes and gets you outside.
Here are 5 tips on how to think differently, get outside and make adventure a priority in your life. You’re welcome.
Have an OPEN mind:
Take a hard look at your schedule, what time you have available and what the radius of your surroundings are. You might be surprised at what is in your community’s backyard. Most importantly, have an open mind to something NEW you might uncover when you start to take a look at what your town, city, county might offer. Know what you don’t like to do and lean into something that perks your interest.
Put your phone AWAY:
This will be uncomfortable, but the idea of adventure is to dive head first into new experiences and try NEW things that might excite you without hesitation. Phones can often distract you from choosing things you want to
Be SPONTANEOUS:
Live near an ocean or lake? Go for a swim. (good Arctic Enema training if the water is cold).
Live near a park you haven’t been to yet? Go for a trail run, walk, jog or just go explore a trail network with the intention of getting a bit lost.
Live near the mountains? Pick a random trail and scale that peak.
Live near a scenic vista you have never been to before? Run, jog, walk or bike ride the long way.
Find an adventure buddy
We all have a friend, old colleague or something you might admire who might have discovered an adventurous hobby a little bit before you. Some of the best outdoor experiences and adventures start with your extroverted adventurer just fired up to show someone something new. Better yet, your community might have certain adventure groups or businesses that promote alternative lifestyles to join in on. Don’t be shy – put yourself out there.
Make the commitment
After you have vetted your network, general surroundings and identified what type of new venture you want to try – make a commitment to do it. This is important: don’t just try it. Give. It. Your. All. Most new experiences people drop because they are afraid of not succeeding. Manage your own expectations and know you are choosing to prioritize adventure in your routine to have more FUN.
Truth is: life is short and we at Tough Mudder want to help you and your friends live a more adventurous life and have some fun not taking yourself too seriously. Try the above on for size and let Tough Mudder be a page in your 2022 book titled: “how I chose to f*ck resolutions and started to focus on myself having more fun and avoiding the everyday bullsh*t.”
We caught up with Ross, the winner of the Tough Mudder 2021 Obstacle Design Contest, to chat about his winning design and how it came to be.
5 Questions About The Winning Obstacles Design
TM: How did you first think up your design?
Ross:
I first came up with the idea while taking part in the feedback portion of the Tough Mudder Obstacle Innovation Testing in Las Vagas for Kong Infinity. We were all in groups giving feedback on the obstacles we tested that day. Trying to create more around buzz words like, ‘Big Splash’ and ‘Teamwork’. This lead to few ideas but nothing major until I saw the challenge this year.
TM: What really inspired this design?
Ross:
With the global pandemic, it was a while since I ran or got my book of designs out and had a little sketch. When the competition came round again, I thought I would get back into my old habits and give it another go. I gave myself one constraint this time around which was it had to be a teamwork design. Teamwork designs are definitely the hardest to design but I was up to the challenge. The dream is to get something as popular as Block Ness Monster!
TM: What do you think will be the most challenging part of this design for the Obstacle Innovation Team?
Ross:
Getting the balance between the number of people required to lift the bridge without making it too easy or hard.
TM: One question our team wanted to know, how do you see the last person getting across?
Ross:
It’s a good question, to be honest! I originally pictured your teammates running back around like they do to help at the walls, but never contemplated how far that return walk would be. Since the announcement of Counterweight, I’ve read most of the comments and contemplated a few changes based on people’s reactions.
TM: What are any further tweaks or design advice you have had since the original design?
Ross:
One change that could be tested based on the announcement feedback would be an additional rope on the other side. The downside of this would be the additional help might make it too easy and you wouldn’t see too many wet runners.
The other way that could be tested for the ‘Last Runner’ is if the rope was long enough to be thrown across the bridge to the already crossed runners so they could grab it, pull and allow the last runners to cross.
I would also consider adding knots on the rope to avoid rope burn from slipping.
Stay tuned for further updates on the winning design and more Obstacle Innovation developments as we head into 2022.
“Step outside of the gym to reignite your passion for fitness, improve your exercise performance and amplify your health.”
Everyone has a call to adventure. To try something new, step outside the box and take on a challenge. Often you need to travel to get there… those special landmarks, new terrain, and the unexplored.
Think of the mindset kids have. They have no predefined notion of fitness, they just want to explore. And while they play, their imagination is working. So let’s think like a kid.
Many people have a local trail network within 30 minutes of them. These are underutilized areas where you can find varied ways to get a workout in, but also experience nature, which is proven to boost mood, reduce stress, and improve overall wellbeing. In fact, when you’re on a trail run, get creative and think like a child. It has the power to alter your mindset and the course of your day. One of the best ways to put the “play” and “creativity“ into your outdoor workouts is to bring along a partner or friends to really challenge yourselves and holding each other accountable for that day’s goals.
There are plenty of opportunities to work out on the local trail. You only need to get a little creative and use what is around you.
THREE THINGS TO LOOK FOR ON YOUR LOCAL TRAILS:
Rocks: Small to medium-sized rocks make great free weights, medicine balls or kettlebells. Large rocks are great for balance. Use them for wall sits and incline push-ups. Larger boulders can often be scrambled on all-fours and occasionally offer good views.
Fallen logs: Sturdy logs that have fallen near the trail are perfect for toe taps and box jumps
Trees: Trees can also be great for wall sits. If you find a tree with a sturdy limb within reach, you can use it for pull-ups.
Example: start with a jog that leads into a series of long jumps. Then do some bear crawls. If you see a rock and you can pick it up do overhead carries while walking up hill. Get dirty, be creative. Climb, Lift, Carry, Throw, Jump. Get excited about random objects and play as you train. There is so much potential for movement and training in the environment.
Building a supportive community of friends, family, and fellow fitness enthusiasts can help keep you and everyone else get motivated when obstacles get in the way. So grab that partner or group, go get on that trail and get muddy. Then come and have an adventure, Tough Mudder style, at an event near you.
Event
Tough Mudder 15K: Obstacle Tips & Tricks
Author: Tough MudderApril 2, 2019
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Tough Mudder 15K (different name, same formidable challenge) is a return to our badass roots. The ultimate obstacle course now with 30 obstacles over a 9+ mile run. These are the must know 15K obstacle tips.
Think you’re up for the challenge? Well, get training and watch as Tough Mudder EmCee Eric “ERock” Botsford breaks down the tips and tricks that will help you and your teammates conquer some of the most epic and infamous obstacles on the Tough Mudder 15K course.
By far Tough Mudder’s well, muddiest obstacle, this one requires you and your teammates to navigate six 6-foot trenches. It’s all about teamwork, people.
This one’s all about you: 4 unique challenges—balance beam, wall traverse, and two tests of grip-strength—on the biggest obstacle Tough Mudder has ever created.
Prepare to get yer face (and everything else) dirty: This is 40 feet of mud you’ll need to crawl through—with razor-sharp barbed wire just 18 inches above you.
It’s all about slowing down to speed up when it comes to conquering this 60-foot cargo net that’s staked to the ground. You can do it by yourself—but it’ll be easier if you don’t.
This brand new obstacle requires you to get down on your hands and knees and go under multiple tubes, and then climb and crawl your way out the other side. If you weren’t totally muddy before, you will be now.
Didn’t think Tough Mudder was a spectator sport? Think again. Attending a Tough Mudder will leave you with a lasting memory, even if you don’t get dirty in the process. Tough Mudder spectators are welcome to soak in the energy—as Mudder athletes conquer obstacles—and participate in all of the on-site activities available in the Mudder Village Festival.
Tough Mudder Spectator Tips
If you’re planning to cheer on your team from the sidelines, check out these Tough Mudder spectator tips first in order to make it through event day from the other side of the ropes.
Tickets Required
First things first, all spectators are required to purchase a spectator ticket. You can do this online prior to the event or at the event site. We highly recommend purchasing ahead of time. In addition to entry to the event your ticket will provide you free parking and a free beer (US only). Tickets are not needed for children 12 years and younger.
On-site Arrivals
When you arrive onsite you must go through a similar process as the participants, checking-in at any registration kiosk to receive a wristband and your beer tickets. You may use any line to check in and will be asked to show your QR code and a form of identification if you are planning to redeem your beer ticket. If you arrive onsite and haven’t yet purchased a ticket, you may do this at the Mudder Services tent.
Check the Map
We’ll have maps available for you both printed onsite and accessible via a QR code scan showing the course layout, spectator route, obstacles, and—maybe most important—the Mudder Village Festival. Review these ahead of time so you have a plan when you get on site. Pro Tip: Save a screenshot of the map on your phone in case cell service is spotty.
Most events feature two labeled spectator routes– one marked with red flags and one marked with purple.
These are typically off-road paths alongside the participant course and may feature uneven terrain.
The average spectator route is 1.5 to 2 miles in length.
Spectators are welcome to bring strollers, wagons and other carriers for kids, but know that some terrain may be unsuitable to certain wheeled carts.
Water will be available for spectators in the Mudder Village Area and on course at the Spectator Outpost. We recommend bringing a refillable water bottle.
Portable toilet facilities are available in the festival area and at the Spectator Outpost on course.
Check the event page 1 week out from the event date to get the map.
Know Before You Go
Pick a few obstacles to meet your team at for prime photo-taking opportunities. The facial expressions you’ll catch at Mud Mile, Arctic Enema, Funky Monkey, Everest, Mudderhorn, and Electroshock Therapy are ones you’ll never want to forget.
Our courses may not have much shade– you can grab hats at the Mudder Gear Shop and free sunscreen at Mudder Services and Info Hub.
With your Spectator & Mudder Village Pass, you get a complimentary beer! Stop by the beer tent and redeem your green wristband for a frosty one on us. In most venues, you’re allowed to bring this on course with you– look out for signage.
You’re welcome to bring camp chairs and wagons to help you and your family navigate the course, but no large coolers or grills are permitted. We’ve got plenty of picnic tables and seating in the festival area that you’re welcome to use.
Explore Mudder Village Festival
Did we mention how epic the Mudder Village Festival is going to be this year? From mouthwatering local eats and frosty cold beer (a freebie is included with every spectator ticket), to killer live entertainment, lawn games, and awesome giveaways, you may be tempted to skip the “spectator” part and just hang out.
Essentials
There will be portable toilets and water stations located throughout the Festival Site.
Please bring a water bottle to fill up at the water stations.
A spectator outpost is located on course with water and portable toilets.
In the event you’re feeling unwell or injured, please flag down a mobile medic or visit the medical tent in the festival areas.
Tough Mudder 5K, 10K, 15K and Endurance Events
Tough Mudder 5k: The average 5k participant takes 1.5-2 hours to complete the course. View them at the start line for their start ceremony, and then follow the spectator route to see them on the 5k course. Make sure you’re following the green-marked course on the map.
Tough Mudder 10: The average 10k participant takes 2.5-3.5 hours to complete the course.
Tough Mudder 15k: could take upwards of 3-5 hours to complete. Wear comfortable shoes that can withstand a bit of mud, pack a few snacks, and get ready to experience something you’ve never seen before.
Toughest Mudder
Toughest Mudder is a 12-hour race through the night, from 8:00 pm Saturday to 8:00 am Sunday. You’re not just a spectator at this event, you’re officially a pit crew member. This means in addition to what you would bring to a normal Tough Mudder, you need to be ready to motivate your athlete through one of the hardest experiences of their lives. Pack appropriately for overnight conditions. Also snacks. This is your test run for the ultimate pit crew experience: World’s Toughest Mudder.
World’s Toughest Mudder
World’s Toughest Mudder is the most extreme, insane, pulse-pounding, heart-stopping 24-hour obstacle course challenge on the planet. For this event, you’re either a committed pit crew member, or a day-time spectator.
Spectator: A day-time spectator at World’s Toughest Mudder doesn’t need any more preparation than normal Tough Mudder spectators. There are plenty of options for food and drinks in the Mudder Village Festival. World’s Toughest is a 5 mile loop, so all of the obstacles are within a reasonable distance from the Mudder Village Festival.
Pit Crew: As a member of the carefully selected (up to) four-person pit crew for your World’s Toughest Mudder athlete, you’re responsible for a slew of things: constant motivation, fueling your runner with plenty of snacks and drinks, stretching them and keeping them warm in between laps, and really anything else they need. Remember, they’re the ones running for 24 hours straight after all…
Ready to support your team? Spectator tickets are available for purchase on our event pages.
