Lace up your Merrells and grab some SPF 30+ because Tough Mudder 5K is bringing you a new breed of fun-run. Nestled in one of Nashville’s most iconic downtown venues, this first-of-its-kind event will bring you 3 wild miles and 10 fun-filled obstacles. Tough Mudder die-hards will recognize obstacle-faves like Pyramid Scheme, Ape Shit, and Bump & Grind as they tackle the course with their crew.
When we found out Ironman finisher and Season 11 winner of The Bachelorette, Shawn Booth, is planning to travel back to his hometown to take the field of thousands at Nissan Stadium on August 12 for the inaugural Tough Mudder 5K, we had to get details.
Q: You’re a fit guy who has done 5Ks before, but the Tough Mudder version is going to be filled with obstacles. What do you think makes this event stand out in the 5K space?
A: “This is definitely my style for a 5K. I can get bored pretty easily, because I’m not a person who enjoys running long distances. I started training for the Lake Placid NY IRONMAN this year , and I am starting to enjoy the running side of training a little more – but I really enjoy being able to do something that involves endurance and strength. My whole life, I grew up playing every sport you can think of, so everybody is shocked when I say I don’t like running. But I like running if I’m chasing a soccer ball. I like running if I’m playing basketball, and I’ll (really) like running if I’m going through an obstacle course. This event is more exciting and gives people a cool way to show off their physical strengths.”
Q: How has your preparation for this 5K been different from your IRONMAN training?
A: “After training for and finishing the IRONMAN, I’ll have the endurance side of things nailed down pretty well for this Tough Mudder event. Now that I’ve finished the IRONMAN, I have more time to focus on strength-training and weightlifting, which will be helpful for obstacles like The Hangover or Ape Shit.”
(You don’t really need to train for Tough Mudder 5K like Shawn, but if you’re also looking for that extra leg up, we’ve got your back. Download our free Tough Mudder 5K training guide and get course-ready.)
Q: You’ll certainly need some of that upper-body strength on the course. What will your strategy be with some of the signature Tough Mudder obstacles which you’ll encounter throughout the 5K?
A: “I’ve definitely YouTube’d some of the signature TM obstacles. I’m most looking forward to Everest and the Pyramid Scheme– you’ve got everyone just climbing all over each other, it’s pretty wild. Everest looks especially nuts– it’s tall, slick, and rounded, so you can’t get a good grip. I used to joke with my fiancée that I after I completed an IRONMAN I wanted to climb Mount Everest. This will be a good first step in that direction – trying to climb the Tough Mudder Everest first.”
Q: What type of advice, training tips would you give to the participants competing in the 5K?
A: “The number one thing to keep in mind is having fun with it. This event is for everybody, so just get out, get moving, and try to set little goals for yourself along the way. That’s what I always tell my clients who are looking to get training or get into fitness: set goals. Whether it’s daily, weekly, or monthly try to set cardio and weightlifting goals. But for the 5K, I’d start strategizing and finding a good crew who can help you get through the course, because it’s all about teamwork.”
Q: What’s the post-workout meal that you always crave?
A: “After I finish a longer workout like the 5K, I usually cheat a little bit and go off my everyday dieting. I’ll probably have something high in carbs, high in calories, and filled with some good fat. I’ll probably grab myself a nice burger after the event. You’re allowed to cheat every once in a while as long as you work for it.”
Q: Are you going to partake in the Tough Mudder tradition of a celebratory beer at the end of the event?
A: “I might have to. I’ve cut back my drinking by about 98 percent because of the training for the IRONMAN, but I’ll probably indulge in a nice, cold beverage as soon as it’s over.”
Are you ready to experience the inaugural Tough Mudder 5K? Sign up HERE.
