Who better to ask for Tough Mudder survival tips than our official Nutritional Bar partner, TREK?
Since we’re about halfway through event season the folks over at TREK have spent plenty of time handing out tasty TREK bars on-course and at the finish line.
After speaking to hundreds of Mudders and seeing all of the best obstacle action firsthand, TREK have combined this inside knowledge with their own nutritional expertise to bring you TREK’s Tough Mudder Survival Guide.
Before Tough Mudder
1. Get outdoors
Don’t let the great British weather stop you training. Working out in all weathers and on different terrains is great preparation for a course that throws everything at you.
2. Run
It’s easy to get preoccupied by the obstacles on a Tough Mudder course but you’ll need to get to them in the first place. That means being able to run between 5 and 12 miles (depending on your event). If you’re running the Tough Mudder full being able to run 10k is a good way to build your stamina.
3. Strengthen your upper body
Funky Monkey, Kong, Everest – plenty of the Tough Mudder obstacles require good upper body strength. Pull ups, chin ups, bar hangs and monkey bars are the best way to pump those guns.
4. Sleep
Getting enough rest is important when training for any event. Although you might be feeling nervous and excited the night before your Tough Mudder try to get a solid 8 hours of sleep so you feel your best on the day.
5. Eat well
Giving your body the right fuel is key. It can be the difference between leaping over the finish line and crawling towards it. TREK have a brilliant seven day nutrition guide that will give you all the information you need as well as recipes.
On Event Day
1. Stay warm
Brisk winds, rain and a dumpster full of ice water. Tough Mudder can get chilly, if you feel the cold consider wearing a thermal base-layer and leave the cotton at home. Put tight clothes over loose layers to avoid chafing.
2. Fancy footwear
If you’ve ever seen a Tough Mudder site at the end of the day you’ll know that not many trainers make it home. Wear a pair that you don’t mind saying goodbye to. Forget about wearing football boots as well – your fellow Mudders will thank you later.
3. To glove or not to glove?
The perpetual question. Some Mudders can’t get round without gloves, others find they hinder more than they help. Fingerless gloves with some kind of grip are the best approach and could help you dominate those wet monkey bars.
4. Embrace the mud
You’re going to get muddy. You’re going to feel scared. You might fail. The key to completing any Tough Mudder challenge is the willingness to embrace it all. Smile, offer a helping hand and keep moving.
5. No stress
So you can’t complete an obstacle? No one cares. The only person you have to worry about impressing is yourself.
6. Fuel up
TREK bars are perfect for event day. Try the Trek range in Mudder Village before you start for slow-release energy, grab some TREK Protein Energy Chunks on course to keep you going and grab another bar from the finish line to help you recover.
Don’t forget if you’re taking on Tough Mudder Full you could be on course for 3+ hours (depending on your speed obviously), so it’s really important that you take on some slow-release sustenance to help you round course – that’s why Trek are there.
7. Clean up
By the time you reach the finish line the likelihood is that you will be covered head-to-toe in mud. Your mum won’t want to let you in the car and the folks on the train home won’t be too impressed either. Bring a towl and spare clean clothes so you can rinse off before you head home.