Tough mudder - praise to the heavens.

wheezy57

I would like to praise an event that I have just been to to the rafters. it was TOUGH MUDDER in Yorkshire. Although it rained and rained, the atmosphere was fantastic. There were babies, kids, dogs, grannies and grandpas, young and old having a lovely stress free day. You can see some events on YouTube. I have never enjoyed myself along with thousands of others so much. The competitors were so focused and determined and all had a really good time.

I believe the charity was Help for Heroes and it was held over two days. Ten thousand runners the first and about 5K for the Sunday. If you ever get a chance to go and watch please do. I guarantee you will come away with a feeling of utter enjoyment for such a good cause. That feeling stays for days!!

I was in the Red Cross Medical tent where all sorts limped and hobbled in for medical attention. Each of which were seen with utter professional and dedicated care. All the volunteers were there because they wanted to help and be there for the competitors and their families. Even to the lass who had a false nail drama!!

The organisation for such a huge endeavor was superb and every aspect was considered and well planned. The doctors and nurses were all volunteers and came from all corners of the country. As indeed all the people who were involved were absolutely fantastic. It was hard work, wet, muddy and in a field but nobody grumbled and everybody mucked in.

I am very very cynical these days but I cannot fault at any level the dedication of the Red Cross Team that weekend. I also cannot fault at any level the organisation of the Tough Mudder event.

Again, I recommend this fantastic event to ALL. Long may these events happen and long live wonderful charities like the British Red Cross to be there to help and care....

sweetme

This was a nice read. I am doing Total Warrior in September and I hope the organization etc is of a similar vein. I find charity runs usually are great fun though. Pretty Muddy last year was absolutely brilliant and I ran a 5k a couple of weeks ago, along with my 7 year old whom I'm very proud to say managed it really well, for the Heart Foundation. Both were fantastic days out!

powerful_Rogue

The Obstacle Race community, such a friendly bunch of people where everyone pulls together to help each other

szam_

I'll probably be doing Tough Mudder next year, assuming I manage to overcome the problems with my lower legs (I can run about a mile, then crippling pain starts setting in), was meant to be this year but I'm been having the problem a while so I couldn't train (and have actually put on around 2 stone because it puts me out of action for about 3 weeks).

Sounds good though.

wheezy57

It doesnt matter if you have two heads or even walk the course. Dont worry about your legs. There is ALWAYS someone to give you a shove, encouragement and a helping hand. Even if you get to the Everest (which was the greatest of fun to watch) obstacle - it is meant for sheer personal achievement and to share that with others. People, young and old had a go and it didnt matter a jot that it was hard. The amount of hands and encouragement from the top was absolutely fantastic. It wasnt a question of winning. There were no prizes. The only prize is from yourself - with a wet and muddy pat on the back and a few quid for the charity.

Just go for it and have fun, get wet, tired and muddy and be amongst other like minded people. It just is simply the best thing I have witnessed for a long long time.

As a side bar, I cant do anything except be in the Med Tent offering support, a warm blanket and be of help to the Red Cross and of course the wonderful runners.....

wheezy57

sweetme wrote: »

This was a nice read. I am doing Total Warrior in September and I hope the organization etc is of a similar vein. I find charity runs usually are great fun though. Pretty Muddy last year was absolutely brilliant and I ran a 5k a couple of weeks ago, along with my 7 year old whom I'm very proud to say managed it really well, for the Heart Foundation. Both were fantastic days out!

When I read posts like yours I feel so chuffed to really know what you and your son managed. I cant emphasize enough how everyone can get involved even standing on the sidelines cheering runners on!! The atmosphere is just brilliant isnt it?

wheezy57

powerful_Rogue wrote: »

The Obstacle Race community, such a friendly bunch of people where everyone pulls together to help each other

Absolutely true. Doesnt it make one proud to be amongst everyone who has the same mindset...

In my experience, I never heard one word of complaint (apart from the ones who had good cause), not one grumble, not one negative remark. In this day and age that is pretty rare.

powerful_Rogue

wheezy57 wrote: »

Absolutely true. Doesnt it make one proud to be amongst everyone who has the same mindset...

In my experience, I never heard one word of complaint (apart from the ones who had good cause), not one grumble, not one negative remark. In this day and age that is pretty rare.

Absolutely.

I've never done Tough Mudder, but I do the Nuts Challenge twice a year and also Back To The Trenches and a few others. Such a great community to be involved with. A few years ago I joined Mudstacle - An OCR community. Its great turning up to events in the famous yellow Mudstacle t-shirt. (Plus the insurance you get as part of the membership is handy for piece of mind!)

szam_

wheezy57 wrote: »

Dont worry about your legs.

I have to worry, when I talk about pain, I mean it can get the point where walking is unbelievably painful and crippling (or feels like it) so I'd probably be crawling half of it, or given up halfway round, and I hate quitting any challenge.

I need to lose 4st and make sure my legs are capable of it by next year. Not being able to exercise properly (due to my legs) has gotten me completely out of shape.

wheezy57

szam_ wrote: »

I have to worry, when I talk about pain, I mean it can get the point where walking is unbelievably painful and crippling (or feels like it) so I'd probably be crawling half of it, or given up halfway round, and I hate quitting any challenge.

I need to lose 4st and make sure my legs are capable of it by next year. Not being able to exercise properly (due to my legs) has gotten me completely out of shape.

I didnt mean to be disrespectful when I said 'not to worry about your legs'.

The very thought that you are seriously thinking about doing something like TM is so brave and fantastic that I have the utmost admiration for you.

What a goal to work towards - losing the weight and then on to an event like TM will be totally awesome for you and everyone else who has not the fittest of bods, but the determination and sheer guts to have this in your sights.

Please let us know how you get on.