The first ever virtual Tough Mudder Challenge, Grand Canyon, has come and gone for many Mudders including myself. I’ve been doing a lot of virtual challenges over this quarantine but I have to say the Tough Mudder was a different breed, and a lot of fun! It wasn’t just another virtual run and done. While there is nothing wrong with that kind of virtual challenge, and I have enjoyed a number I have done, it was great to try something truly outside the box. There were challenges that were rather difficult or made our neighbors wonder what on earth we were doing (True Finisher, De Ja Vu), those that let us get to enjoy a bit of the event we are missing (Muddy Angels, and Arctic Enema), and those that just let us celebrate our 21 day accomplishments (Shake it Up).
Looking ahead to Fiji, and the remaining 4 months I have already signed up for here are some helpful tips to make your challenges enjoyable and successful:
1. Start early!
If your quarantine has been anything like mine, I swear it’s only been about a month, not the four and a half it’s actually been. So imagine how quickly 21 days will go!
2. 21 days has more spare time than you realize.
If you like to end your day with some TV, during your favorite 1 hour show use the commercial breaks to knock out reps or gain elevation on the stairs. You’ll really be cursing those lengthy commercial breaks by the end of the show, but you will chip away at your goal bit by bit.
3. Mudder nation never fails to lend a hand.
If you’re struggling to finish as day 21 draws closer, you might find yourself with a muddy shoulder to step on (virtually speaking). During the Grand Canyon Challenge, the community stepped forward and created a system of “donating” extra miles to Mudders in need. Folks who have completed their goals, or live in high elevation areas like Colorado, donated elevation and miles to Mudders who were struggling or couldn’t gain access to elevation because they live in the plains. Give it your honest best and when all else fails, know we got your back.
4. Share your funny pictures and videos in the Facebook group.
It might feel embarrassing, but take the pressure off yourself and laugh a little, and let others get a good laugh too. *Did you see my True Finisher attempt where I tried to get my head through a sleeve hole? Yeah… that happened, it’s in the group if you search for it.*
5. HAVE FUN!
These challenges are meant to challenge you, but overall be fun!
If you are looking for a virtual challenge that will test you while providing lots of laughs, the Tough Mudder Challenges are for you. Whether you are a seasoned legionnaire, or if you are still waiting to dip a toe in the muddy waters, Tough Mudder Challenges are a perfect addition to your training or introduction to the Tough Mudder community. After you participate in your first one, you will be hooked and anxiously awaiting to get out in the mud, like the rest of us. Take the leap, the FIJI challenge is in full swing and you can still sign up to join the fun.
Michele F. is a Tough Mudder Ambassador, 38x Tough Mudder Legionnaire, and 2x Mudder Volunteer. You’ll see her at events like Philly, Tri-State and Virginia wearing crazy cat shirts, or hanging from the top of the Pyramid Scheme for hours helping other Mudders over the obstacle! Check her out on instagram @lacrosse26m.
