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Candles, bubble bath and ugly sweaters – we’ve all had to plaster a grateful smile on our face when we’ve unwrapped a gift that doesn’t quite hit the spot. But if there was a year where everyone deserved an epic Christmas present it’s this year. So why not make life easy for you and those you love and give the gift of mud, teamwork, personal achievement and a damn good time? Here are our top five reasons why Tough Mudder is the best Christmas present…ever.

Why You Should Give The Gift of Tough Mudder

1. Goodbye Wrapping

Christmas might be the season of giving but after this year, there’s no harm in looking after number one (that’s you by the way). Give someone the gift of Tough Mudder this year and the most you’ll need to do is write a card – if you even want to do that. Forget wrinkled wrapping paper ripping right at the wrong spot and sticky tape stuck to absolutely everything in sight. This year treat yourself to no wrapping and instead perhaps indulge in a little Christmas tipple? We know what we’d choose.

2. Give the Gift of…YOU

Not only is a Tough Mudder ticket an invitation to an unforgettable day where the lucky recipient will get outside of their comfort zone and make themselves feel proud, it’s also a reunion. What better way to get the whole team back together, after almost a full year of socially-distanced walks and video calls, than getting seriously hands on to tackle teamwork-demanding obstacles? There is none.

3. Ahead of the Game

You see them every year, in the middle of a jam-packed shopping centre. They’re pale and sweaty and they have fear in their eyes. It’s Christmas eve and this poor soul hasn’t finished their shopping yet *insert blood curdling scream*. This could be you. Or you could be at home snuggled up on the sofa, smugly eyeing the piles of glittering gifts beneath the tree. Book your Tough Mudder gift tickets today and…you’re done. No last minute panic and definitely no , “sorry it got lost in the post”.

4. A Family Affair

So there’s mum, dad, your two sisters and half brother (and they all have partners). Then don’t forget Auntie Shabnam and Uncle Dereck and their two kids. You should probably get your two best mates something, and don’t forget your significant other – they’ll be expecting something special this year. Feeling panicked? Don’t. This is your team and you need Tough Mudder tickets for everyone. With events ranging from 5K to 10 miles and Lidl Mudder too, there’s no reason you can’t get everyone involved. Plus, you’ll be arranging the next family get together – that will earn you some brownie points.

5. An Epic Gift

There’s lots of ways that giving the gift of mud makes your life easier. But perhaps you just really want to treat the people that you love the most this year. Maybe they overcame some obstacles of their own in 2020, or maybe you just think they deserve to kick back and have some real fun. Either way, imagine their face when you tell them you’re taking them to Tough Mudder and then compare it to the face they give when they open that really nice jumper you got them…No comparison.

Tough Mudder Challenge: Mission Sea to Space provides a unique opportunity for like-minded individuals to take on a new challenge. Whether you are a fitness guru, someone looking to take control of your personal health and wellness, or looking for an escape out of the ordinary, Tough Mudder Challenges continues to create an outlet for all Mudders. Navy Federal Credit Union Branch Manager and long-time loyal Mudder participant, shares his personal fitness journey that motivates, inspires, and encourages others to stay active.

Today’s Mission Highlight: Bernard Byers

Fitness has been a major part of my life for as long as I can remember. I have participated in over 110 different running events all over the US, ranging from 5Ks to marathons. Overall, I have completed 13 Tough Mudders as well as a 2X participant in the annual World Toughest Mudder event. I love that Tough Mudders push you mentally as well as physically for their runs. For instance, getting ready for a World Toughest Mudder event is truly a year-long training process. You must prepare yourself in both weight training and conditioning activities to be successful in completing the 24-hour run. 

Nutrition is a very important part of the process as well, as you must stay hydrated, manage your calorie intake and find the proper vitamin regimen for your body. Receiving the proper rest and recovery is a major component for Mudder success as well. Without Tough Mudders, I wouldn’t have taken any of these items as seriously as I do and being disciplined in your training translates to positively affecting non-athletic parts of your life. 

My fitness life has evolved throughout the years from participant to teacher. 

In the past few years, I started a club basketball organization for young women aged 6-14 years old. We travel from city to city across the US playing in tournaments. I have been able to incorporate my Tough Mudder training into our basketball practice schedule by offering a special weekly conditioning day on Sunday mornings. During these sessions, we work on long-distance running, weight training, various core activities and share healthy tips on nutrition. I also train all of the parents and family members so our sessions can get quite packed. Since I create, run and monitor all of the basketball and conditioning based sessions, these are purely volunteer-based and the families can attend every week without paying a dime. Some of the parents have joked the sessions are harder than the paid private trainers that they have! 

None of these successes would exist if it wasn’t for signing up for my first Tough Mudder 10 years ago. I’m excited to participate in the upcoming Tough Mudder Challenge sponsored by my employer, Navy Federal Credit Union.

Navy Federal Credit Union is proud to serve all branches of the military, the DoD, veterans and their families. We want you to earn more, save more and live the life you want knowing we’re behind you each step of the way, because our members are the mission. Learn more and become a member. Insured by NCUA.

Tough Mudder Challenges: Mission Sea to Space is in full swing and challenge participants are taking on some of the most intense military inspired challenges, pushing their physical and mental limits to new levels. Tough Mudder and Navy Federal Credit Union are continuing to drive motivation through the personal wellness journeys of Navy Federal Credit Union employees and challenge participants, showcasing the joy that can be discovered through focus, dedication, and a commitment to one’s fitness. 

Today’s Mission Highlight: Denise Lockwood.

Currently working as an Assistant Branch Manager for Navy Federal Credit Union, Denise shares her powerful fitness journey that has led her to her first Tough Mudder challenge.

Here is her story in her own words:

Losing 80 pounds is no easy feat. That amount of weight is 2 four-year-olds or a large dog. For years and years, I have been carrying that weight with me and considered that my normal. I have had type 2 diabetes for 13 years and took medication for high blood pressure and high cholesterol. After the birth of my third son, I finally decided it was time to take care of me if I wanted to be able to take care of them. 

I started my journey at the doctors. I told myself the habit I had of going every now and then to manage my diabetes was not the way to fix the problem. So I went to every doctor’s appointment and took all the tests to find the right medication for me. Then I asked to see a nutritionist and saw her every 3 months. 

Once I was working on my medications and food choices, I started adding exercise. I have always been athletic and love working out but never remain consistent. I started with a couch to 5K app on my phone. It allowed me to have a training plan and started off slow and based runs on time instead of distance. 

After 3 months of training, I was able to run 30 minutes. After that, I started setting distance goals for myself, starting with that 5K. I knew I needed some strength training to help boost the weight loss so I started looking into a new gym that was opening in my city called F45. F45 combines elements of high intensity interval training, circuit training and functional training. Since every day is a different class, I made a six-month commitment and have been attending 5-6 times a week. 

Running, F45 and my guidance from doctors have allowed me to transform my life. I can now run 6 miles nonstop and am no longer taking any medications for diabetes, high blood pressure or cholesterol. My kids have a mom who can keep up with them and will be around for every milestone in their life. I am no longer carrying around 2 four-year-olds or a large dog on my body, and I will use this newfound freedom to continue this journey and continue challenging myself and hopefully motivate others on their paths. I work for Navy Federal Credit Union and am proud to represent them in the Tough Mudder Challenge this year!

Navy Federal Credit union is proud to serve all branches of the military, the DoD, veterans and their families. We want you to earn more, save more and live the life you want knowing we’re behind you each step of the way, because our members are the mission. Learn more and become a member. Insured by NCUA.

This article appeared on Spartan Unbreakable and has been published here with permission.

The best tools to get us through life’s toughest obstacles are free. The most important artillery for life’s obstacles isn’t something we buy; it’s something we build. One of the most powerful tools? Your breath!

Why Proper Breathing Is SO Critical

Let’s face it: We are stressed to the max. According to a Gallup poll from 2019, Americans are some of the most stressed people in the world. Add a global pandemic, social isolation, and economic upheaval into the mix, and that stress level has only increased. We’re in trouble, and we need a healthy escape. Even if you’re working out, taking cold showers, and meditating, stress inevitably builds up throughout the day. Having a quick valve to decompress is critical.

I’m not a yogi, like my mom was, and I never will be. But when it comes to breathing, I’m all in. The science is irrefutable. Breathing is good for your mind and your body, and in today’s world — where chaos is at every turn — we need something at our disposal that calms us down fast. 

Not all of the science has been completely ironed out yet, but there is one thing we know for sure: Breathing changes your state of mind. Neuroscientists at the University of California, San Francisco have been conducting research on what they call the “breathing pacemaker,” which basically tells your brain to chill out. The details are still a bit hazy, but the consensus is that changing your breathing is a surefire way to change your state of mind.

Breathing truth: When you focus on slowing your breath, you are tapping the breaks on your entire regulatory system, which lowers your blood pressure. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a big problem in the U.S., and the even bigger problem, heart disease, is the No. 1 cause of death in America. The fact that we have this medication-free, no-cost, available-to-you-whenever tool that helps reduce blood pressure is one more reason to start your deep and slow breaths right now.

Box Breathing Is a Game Changer

Still not convinced? Check out what the Navy SEALs are doing. Former U.S. Navy SEALs Commander Mark Divine — also the founder of Unbeatable Mind & SEALFIT — recommends box breathing. His method goes as follows:

Hold a deep breath in for four counts, take a deep breath out for four more, and then hold again for four counts. This method is both simple and satisfying, as you feel yourself literally begin to turn down the volume on all things stressful.

Very little feels in our control right now, but as I’ve been reminded time and time again by Dr. Lara Pence, Spartan Chief Mind Doc, “feelings aren’t facts.” We have more control over our mind and our body than we think we do. And your breath is one thing that you can control and implement for free.

Start now and take control of your own stress level.

Halloween is creeping up on us this year, and while school is out it can be hard to think of creative and spooky activities to keep your Mini Mudders busy at home. Fear not – we’re here to help. We’ve rounded up some Halloween inspired challenges so good they’re scary. They’ll keep your tots active and occupied this week leading up to All Hallows’ Eve. 

We’d love to see how your mini monsters conquer their fears and get into the Halloween spirit. Share your videos, photos and stories using the hashtag #LidlMudderChallenges (UK Mudders, check out the link here to see how you can turn these activities into a contest) and we will repost any photos and videos that give us a good cackle.

Ghost Races

Get the whole family involved in this spooky sack race challenge.  Dig out some old pillow cases and carve out a scary-good Ghost. Use a black marker pen or pieces of black felt to recreate the ghost’s eyes and mouth. Similar to the Mini Mudder start line, line up your troops, and may the best ghost win.

Scary Scavenger Hunt

A Halloween scavenger hunt is a great way to keep your Mini Mudders brains ticking over during the school holidays. Hide a selection of Halloween treats and items around the house for the kids to find and give them a few clue cards to help them out along the way. From our experience, the better the costume the higher the chance of winning.

Spider Toes

Miss being out on course? Us too. Put your kids balance and problem-solving skills to the ultimate test. Get your little ones to create their own spider web and challenge them to collect as many spiders placed around their web without stepping off the lines. Super strong spider-proof tape will work both in and outdoors.

Spooky Camp Out

Ask your parents to help you set up camp and spend the night sleeping under the stars. No garden? No problem. Create an indoor den in your living room to complete this challenge. 

Be creative when building your den – there are lots of different things around the house that can transform your camp. Sheets, pillows, and flashlights are a great addition, but don’t forget the snacks, movies, and scary masks too. Have fun with it and share your photos with us.

Enjoying these spooky activities? Check out Tough Mudder Challenges for more activities, fitness challenges, and content to keep you entertained and physically fit for the 2021 season.

Mudders near and far, you’ve risen to new heights for the Grand Canyon Challenge, trekked the distance of Fiji, and found your power in the Marvel Edition Challenge. Now, we are taking it all the way from Sea to Space. 

November presents a challenge that honors our troops and the traits we admire in them most. Tough Mudder and Navy Federal Credit Union alike are dedicated to recognizing the military community, both active and retired, for their service and dedication. From the sea, to land, through air and into space, each challenge pays tribute to a different branch of the military and the veteran’s who have served our country. 

We aren’t about to candy coat it; this challenge will push you. Like all Tough Mudder courses and challenges, anybody can complete it. But that doesn’t mean it won’t test you. For those with that special combination of mental grit, strength, and the power of will, the title of finisher is yours. Do you have what it takes to make the commitment to complete this mission in honor of those who’ve completed so many missions for us? 

Going The Distance

Maybe you can talk the talk, but can you walk the walk? 

For this challenge, you’ll have to walk, run, bike, paddle board, row, or gain a good number of miles through any means necessary. How many miles? That number is still a mystery but it’s not small. 

Taking on this challenge is a commitment you’ll make to yourself and one that will test you all the way through. We know you got this, though. Just need a little hard work, determination, and willpower. 

Knot What You Think

When it comes to the Sea to Space Challenge, you might find yourself in a bit of a bind. It might challenge you, frustrate you, and make you want to throw in the towel. But ultimately, we’re about to learn some new skills, Mudder Nation and that’s all we’re going to say about that. 

Basic Training

It’s not as brutal as bootcamp. There are no 5am wake up calls or drill sergeants shouting in your face. But it will test you, hone your skills, sharpen your wits, and spit you out on the other end with a stronger power of will. You’ll see what we mean. 

Survival Skills 

While you hopefully will never need to use them, but it’s always good to have basic survival skills. If you join the military, you will obtain advanced survival skills throughout the course of bootcamp and active duty. While we won’t push you quite that far, we are going to make sure you sharpen your skills and walk away from this challenge with enough to get you through a cold night.

So the only question that remains is do you have what it takes?

Tough Mudder Challenges – Mission: Sea To Space, presented by Navy Federal Credit Union, begins November 10. We’re ready to dive in. Will you be there with us? Sign up here and commit to the challenge.

Navy Federal Credit union is proud to serve all branches of the military, the DoD, veterans and their families. We want you to earn more, save more and live the life you want knowing we’re behind you each step of the way, because our members are the mission. Learn more and become a member. 

Mudders across the United States, Canada, the UK, and beyond tapped into their power at the commencement of the Tough Mudder Challenges – Marvel Edition. 

The virtual challenge, which can be activated until November 12, is a feat not only of power and strength, but also the mental willpower.

It’s not the miles we’ve run or the obstacles we’ve traversed. It’s the mindset of Mudders. So far, Mudders across the globe have trekked over 125,000 miles, and completed 60,000 workouts. And we are just getting started. 

How are the Challenges Moving us forward so far?

Here’s what Mudders had to say:

“First virtual Tough Mudder and I’m a little nervous about the reps and elevation the most. I plan on biking half of the miles at least and broke down the reps for a daily amount. It’s an overwhelming amount of stuff to do..but I’ll just keep plugging along. I’m hoping to get a few extra miles to donate..fingers crossed” – Kerry

“I have completed two Challenges this year and have been surprised at how fast the miles add up doing 1-2 short walks/runs per day. I was such an underdog when I started and now I have had extras to share” – Heather

Lets start at the beginning

The origin story of these challenges is one you already know. A year of chaos confined us all to our homes and wiped away our hopes and dreams of conquering Tough Mudder courses near and far. But Mudder Nation is a scrappy bunch and when things took an unexpected turn, a brand new adventure came out and Mudders stepped up.  

Each Challenger begins with 4 compulsory obstacles. These are the tried and true feats of strength we must complete to be a finisher.  They are not for the faint of heart. Take, for example, Black Panther’s Mount Bashenga. Challengers travel to Wakanda to tackle Mount Bashenga in honor of warrior-shaman Bashenga, the King of Wakanda and first Black Panther. Challengers must individually reach the mystical nation’s highest point over the 21 days, at an elevation of 4912 feet. Many have already met the challenge while others are still trekking away. So far, we have collectively conquered 1,500,000 feet and that’s just the beginning. With two more weeks to go, we will rise to the challenge and beyond. 

And that’s not all we’ve done. Three other compulsory challenges await those who are up to the feat. 21 days is all we have to rack up the miles and reign in our strength

Fantastic Four Hero Carry

Each week Mudders find a set of optional challenges in their inbox. Two out of four possible obstacles must be completed fully. In this challenge so far, we’ve found our inner Super Hero and carried our friends, family, and neighbours to safe keeping (or at least a reasonable distance from where we’ve started). As you may recall, Hero Carry is our classic obstacle that requires Mudders to carry teammates to a checkpoint, piggyback style. 

It turns out teamwork transcends the course, with extra flair for creativity. In this month’s Fantastic Four Hero Carry, we first dressed up ourselves, our teammates, and pressed on for the distance. So far we’ve tackled over 100,000 Meters of Carried distances and we’re still moving forward

Rocket’s Refreshments

But we stopped at nothing. The Fantastic Four Hero Carry was just one obstacle we encountered in our first week of our physical and mental training. While we were at it, we challenged ourselves to Rocket’s Refreshments, one of the more mentally challenging activities. In this challenge challengers lined up 6 tablespoons of condiments, each inspired by the Guardians of the Galaxy. Those snacks? They include mustard, mayo, pickle juice, and hot sauce, among others. Challengers rolled a dice and found their fate lies with the numbers rolled. Here’s a highlight:

Motivation. The ever-coveted feeling for those wishing to establish and maintain a fitness routine. We all are balancing so much. Working full time, a lot of us are parenting and balancing remote learning, work, attempting to have a social life. I often get asked how I balance it all and stay motivated. I fully acknowledge that I have a lot on my plate. I’m a parent and full-time professional geologist. I go to the climbing gym a couple times a week, strength train and run four to five times a week. All things that require a lot of discipline and motivation. So how do I stay motivated? The answer…I don’t.

Sometimes the emotional weight of dragging myself off the couch and heading to the gym feels heavier than doing goblet squats with a 50 lb kettlebell. So how? How do you peel yourself off the couch and away from binge watching your favorite show, ignoring the multiple slightly shaming “Are you still watching?” prompts? Motivation is a journey, not a destination. It has highs and lows; good days and bad. I’ve explored some of the things I do to try to do to maintain motivation, but we all operate differently and find our own unique paths.  

1. Create a goal.

Whether my goal is to train for a upcoming event (Fiji Challenges, Mt. Tomavani – I’ve got my eye on you) or simply to get three to four workouts back in after taking a break over the holidays – big or small, I establish it, write it down, and think about it…a lot. 

2. Make a plan.

I’m actually obsessed with my planner. So much so I have a personalized cover with my name artfully printed on the front, but I digress. If my goal is to build up strength, I establish a climbing and strength training routine that will get me there, and I write it down. If it is to build my cardio back up, I set running/walking mileage goals and, again, I write it down. I make my plan attainable, and I build in contingency to allow myself “slip-ups” here and there. 

3. Carve out the time.

Ok, this is a tough one. Working, parenting, exhaustion, yikes. A lot of you might laugh and roll your eyes, psh, where am I supposed to fabricate time that doesn’t exist? Well, you gotta create it. Morning person? Get up an hour early before the family/pets/work begins demanding your time and get that run in, go for a walk, stream a workout video. Night owl? Get the kiddos down and then get after it. This is actually my preference…I envy the morning people – I’m not one of them! 

4. Find some accountability.

A friend, an online group, a group class (at this point this is also likely virtual), weekly step challenges with a fitness tracker, anything to get some accountability and feel the little competitive edge step in that will drive you to keep going. I have found a lot of accountability through the Tough Mudder Challenges Facebook group and through their 21-day virtual challenges. Having a work-out buddy is also really helpful. Someone to check in with, ask how their day is going, complain about burpees or sore quads. 

These four items create the backbone of how I personally maintain motivation and build up fitness routine that becomes habitual. Find something that you love and look forward to. I love climbing, hiking, and building that upper body strength to be able to conquer obstacles like Funky Monkey. Working on a bouldering problem at the climbing gym brings me joy and releases the stress of the day, listening to music while out running becomes soothing. Something  that is so important and a key to success is…forgiveness. Didn’t get your run in? Please don’t be too hard on yourself. Had a super busy week at work and missed a week of training? All is most certainly not lost, jump back in where you left off. Life happens, go easy on yourself and remember…you’re a bad ass Mudder.

Katherine Nicholas is a professional geologist who lives with her family in Denver, Colorado. She has been running Tough Mudder since 2016 and has 11 under her belt through traveling the US and Canada. On the weekends you can find her hiking the mountains in Colorado with her fellow Mudder partner and six-year-old kiddo. You can find her on Instagram @geologistkat.

When it comes to mud pits, barbed wire, and ice-cold water, not only do you need physical strength and a team of Mudders ready to escape the ordinary with you… you need mental toughness to reveal the Super Hero within. 

You’re already running, box jumping, and bicep curling your way to physical greatness, but now it’s time to start doing some mental burpees. Truth be told, building mental toughness isn’t as easy dropping to the floor and cranking out 20. It takes work to get your brain to a point where it is willing to push longer and harder than it ever was before, finding strength you never even knew you had. And while we swear that anyone can do a Tough Mudder or Tough Mudder Challenge, reaching new heights and breaking distances, is no joke. 

Fear not Mudders, here are 5 ways you can train your minds so that your neurotransmitters don’t fatigue and quit leaving you waist-deep in a pile of muck, but instead set you up for success and unbeatable toughness that will activate those Super Heroes powers.

1. Blast Your Tunes

Let’s start real easy…just grab your headphones. It has been shown that music can boost athletic performance…if it’s the right kind of beat. The key is finding music that inspires and motivates you. In training, the music will distract you from your effort, which allows you to go harder. So when you’re training to pass a challenging physical test, break a personal record, or gear up for your first time hitting the mud, listen to one specific song. Do this on your hard training days only. Then, when faced with the challenge, blast the song before you dive in. You’ll feel it throughout your body, invigorating you to go harder and longer just like you practiced. Finding the right music allows you to block out those fears and distractions, enhances your senses, and lets you take on any obstacle in your way

2. Stick to a Routine 

While the post-training bath or celebratory meal may feel like the most important part of a training, they’re not. Creating a workout routine is. Challenging yourself to get out there when you don’t feel like it, when you’re busy, tired, or the weather’s not ideal, will boost your discipline. If you can make a sweat-routine that you stick to no matter what, it’ll begin to feel like second nature. Plus, it’s that much more rewarding to push boundaries and finish a workout in tough conditions than in easy ones.

Need help finding a training plan that works for you? We’ve got you covered with our Tough Mudder Training Guide. Unleashing the courage of Captain America, this guide will have your mind and body start and finish line ready in no time, intensify your speed, stamina and endurance to new levels you never even knew you had. 

3. Be Prepared

Obstacle course and endurance athletes know the drill. Meaning, if you’ve prepared for anything, you’ll be able to handle anything. If in training you know that you’ve done everything possible to get to your goal, on event-day or during challenges you’ll be vibing on a next-level-feeling-of calm. 

You should know on race day what you’re going to eat, what you’re going to wear, and what your routine is going to look like the morning of. The morning of your event is not the time to try out whipped-cream on your protein waffled after a year going dairy-free… nor is it the time to see if your stomach is as tough as the rest of you. Eggs loaded with Sriracha? Not today, buddy. 

If you’re planning on impressing your fellow Mudders and want to prove that your super powers aren’t only within, you’d be wise to have your Marvel themed outfit sewn, sized, laid out and ready for wear the next morning. If you’re not planning on decking yourself out in Super Hero garb, we’d still advise you to figure out what you’re going to wear to the toughest event on the planet prior to game-day.

4. Be Positive

In training and when you’re taking on challenges, there will be a dialogue going through your mind; some of these thoughts will be negative, but others will be positive. In order to be successful, focus on the positive elements – physical and mental toughness, strength, durability – that will allow your inner powers to intensity in unconventional ways. If you think you can’t muscle through the Black Widow – Standing Bicycle Crunches, you can’t. If you think you’re going to lose your grip on the Thor Dumbbell Swings, you will.

An easy way to keep a positive frame of mind is to create and use a mantra that gets you pumped up. Phrases such as “We are okay”, “We’ve got this”, “One foot at a time”, or “Yes we can” can help rid the brain of negativity and replace it with feelings of “Yes we can.’ Whether you’re the leader of your team and dig deep to find your inner Black Panther protector and leader power or bear the weight of the team through your immense Hulk strength, success is found by the individual aor joined forces only when positivity outweighs the negativity. 

6. Visualize Your Success

Before you step foot on the start line, you should have already completed the course mentally. Look over the map of obstacles as part of your training preparation and visualize yourself getting through each one successfully. Once you’ve completed the course with your mind, all you have to do is complete it with your body. 

Now, it is go time. Your senses are intensified, your fear is gone, your physical toughness is amplified, your mental toughness has reached new heights and your Super Hero powers have awoken and are ready to tackle any challenge thrown your way.

What a crazy fun European road trip we just virtually embarked on! This month we took on the Tough Mudder European Road Trip Challenge and walked, ran, biked, paddled, and climbed our way across La Grande Boucle and up Mt. Vesuvius. I learned that floor wipers tend to have a slithering effect unless you’re holding on to something, that holy heck – eight keepy-uppies are HARD (mad respect for all you soccer players), and that spaghetti is in fact still delicious. 

Tough Mudder really upped the ante this month with their challenges. For the Gladiator challenge, we had to do 300 push-ups, 300 floor wipers, 300 glute raises, and 300 seconds of planking. I could definitely feel my strength building in my shoulders and core throughout the month and am ending the challenge four pounds lighter. We also got to participate in some of the classic obstacles and it all felt very nostalgic. 

My favorite obstacle this month was Kiss of Mud. On course this obstacle is an army crawl through mud under barbed wire. You have to stay low to the ground to avoid snagging a piece of clothing or hair. I’ve managed to do both throughout the years (thanks fellow mudders for untangling me!). For this challenge, we had to do 40 ft of an army crawl and get as muddy as possible. Our mudder team set up a giant tarp in the backyard and covered it in soil from digging post holes for our backyard obstacle course slack line (we have an OCR problem). Our kids got involved and were super stoked to be amongst adults just as enthused about mud pies as them. Then…we got the hose out, made a huge mud pit, and got to it! We crawled through, banging up our knees and elbows along the way. Some of us penguin slid, which I don’t recommend because it resulted in small cuts and bruises. All in all, we got super muddy and had a BLAST. 

Another favorite was “It’s Called Football”. We balled up our Tough Mudder headbands and felt super confident that as a team, we would be easily able to conquer eight keepy uppies – that’s eight bounces off our feet without letting it touch the ground. Sounds easy, right? WRONG! It took forever, the head band fell apart, it ended up over the fence, almost into the neighbors yard, only accomplishing two or three keepy uppies at a time. We humbly got out the volleyball and found success with that.  

Finally, we had the happy coincidence of celebrating our son’s 7th birthday during the challenge. We were able to take advantage of a bounce house slip and slide for the Greece Lightning Challenge, a fun water slide challenge. We almost tipped over the bounce house itself. Worth it.  

It’s been a blast and we are super excited for the upcoming Marvel Challenge. Crossing us Tough Mudder nerds with the Marvel Universe is going to turn October into a blast of spontaneous adventures. We’ve assembled our team and are ready. See you all in the mud!

Katherine Nicholas is a professional geologist who lives with her family in Denver, Colorado. She has been running Tough Mudder since 2016 and has 11 under her belt through traveling the US and Canada. On the weekends you can find her hiking the mountains in Colorado with her fellow Mudder partner and six-year-old kiddo. You can find her on Instagram @geologistkat.