Five things I learned about World’s Toughest Mudder

1. You have to be 100% healthy – I learned to my detriment that unless you are 100% healthy then World’s Toughest Mudder will most likely swallow you up and spit you out. I had been “getting over a cold” but unfortunately once I started my laps, I couldn’t regulate my breathing. This meant I was unable to keep the pace I wanted to and due to the near freezing temperatures, I just couldn’t keep myself warm. Ensure you have no niggles and keep yourself wrapped up in cotton wool the couple of weeks running up to World’s Toughest Mudder.
2. Be prepared – 24 hours is a long race and within that time, all sorts of changes can happen. Make sure you are prepped for as many circumstances as you can. Have a plan in mind and make sure your pit crew are well equipped to help you execute the plan. The weather dropped below zero and a number of obstacles were closed due to the unsafe freezing conditions.
3. It’s not a Toughest Mudder – Not just the time side of things, but the actual course and obstacles. Toughest Mudder is usually a small upgrade from the 5 mile loop. World’s Toughest Mudder takes it up several notches. 2018 had 26 obstacles (27 if you included the weather) along with bigger, unseen obstacles including The Stacks, Twin Peaks, and 6 lumberjacks in a row!
4. Those stepping up to the start line deserve all the respect in the world – The amount of training, hardwork and dedication required to get to World’s Toughest Mudder is huge. For me, the whole of 2018 was dedicated to the race and I am sure I am not alone. My total respect to everyone who got to the start line.
5. Enjoy the experience – World’s Toughest Mudder isn’t just the 24 hour race weekend. It’s the facebook forums, the dinners, get togethers, brunches, meet ups. Enjoy the total experience of sight-seeing, exploring and meeting new people.

They were my five things I have learned about World’s Toughest Mudder. Were you out there? Comment below with the experiences you took away.