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Home›Obstacle Course Racing (OCR)›Lessons learned from Europe’s Toughest Mudder 2017

Lessons learned from Europe’s Toughest Mudder 2017

By Wil Chung
March 11, 2018
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The UK Tough Mudder Season starts later this month with the first 5km City event in London. But for many Tough Mudder competitors, thoughts are focused on Europe’s Toughest Mudder events. This year there are two events in the UK – Midlands in May and Scotland in June. I’ve written a review from last year’s Europe’s Toughest Mudder and it can be found here.

Europe’s Toughest Mudder is now only 8 weeks away and training is going well.  This post is focused on the lessons learned from last year and how I can improve my performance for 2018. Especially when the “contender” status for World’s Toughest Mudder athletes has been increased from 25 to 30 miles. As I am participating in WTM in November, contender status at least affords me a better pit area (closer to the start/finish line) therefore, not wasting as much time or energy looking for my pit area.

Here are my reflections, I hope they are useful for your own Europe’s Toughest Mudder training.

  • Pitting & Timing – Last year’s time plan was just enough to get 6 laps in. Allowing us plenty of leaway to get the 5 laps competed. Timing will be tighter this year, which means spending a little less time in the pit (definitely dawdled around) and getting in and out quicker.
  • Shoe choice – I wore the Reebok All Terrain gen 2 shoe. The grip on those were awesome, but we’re very light with little cushioning – built for speed rather than distance. Which meant after 3 laps, I was starting to feel every inch of the terrain. The last lap I walked as I had issues with my hip and foot, I think stemming from the Reebok’s and lack of cushioning.  I’m  planning on wearing the Adidas Kanadia and Reebok Trail Attack. Both have great grip just like the All Terrain, but more.importantly have more cushioning like a traditional trainer. Hopefully I can go for longer without feeling too uncomfortable. They are a little heavier, but that’s the pay off I will have to make for better comfort.
  • Clothing – I had a wetsuit shorty along with base layers and was pretty happy with the choice. This time around I have purchased a front zip shorty (and full for WTM). This will make transition and changing easier. I did waste a bit of time in the pits because of a back zip AND couldnt quite regulate my temperature on the sprint lap. I have also purchased a pair of “Bleggmitts” which opens out to allow my hands to do the grip work rather than trying to grip with slippery gloves.
  • Nutrition – I was ok with my choices of food last year – having peanut butter and coconut sandwiches (no crust) when pitting along with some chocolate brownies. However towards the end I was getting a little fatigued. The only addition here will be to ensure I’ve taken a gel to take half way around the lap. I think it will definitely help in keeping me going.
  • Strength – In later laps my grip strength let me down. Since last year, I have started working on upper body strength with my gym work and started to climb at my local gym to help with grip strength.
  • Endurance – Again, since last year I have started working on my running and endurance. I have joined a running club and have upped my mileage so 30 miles is less daunting to me than 25 was last year.
  • Start – We were called to the start line at 11.15pm ready for the 12.00 start. We grouped near the back and this definitely lost me 10ish minutes on the first lap (that and stopping for a pee). I need to be nearer the front and ready earlier. 10 minutes could mean the difference between completing the 30 official miles.

So there are my thoughts on where I could improve to hit 30 miles. Do you have any additional tips for me or anyone looking to do a Toughest Mudder for their first time?

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Wil Chung

I'm a wellie wearing, spaniel owning, marketing ninja by day and a running & OCR  enthusiast at the weekend. I'm kindly supported by Enertor Global and 361º Europe whilst also proud to be a Tough Mudder UK Ambassador. This blog is a collection of race reviews, kit reviews, thoughts, musings and ideas.

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5 comments

  1. Europe's Toughest Mudder 2018 Race Review » Wil Chung 16 May, 2018 at 20:48 Reply

    […] status and after completing 25 miles last year, I knew it was a possibility. I took on board a few lessons from last year’s race to help me prepare myself for the 30 miles […]

  2. Packing for World's Toughest Mudder » Wil Chung 4 November, 2018 at 13:51 Reply

    […] Europe’s Toughest Mudders (Europe’s Toughest Mudder 2017 and ETM 2018 Race Recap) and a few Ultra races (Runstock, Equinox 24 and TrailBlaster) has helped […]

  3. Seven top tips for your first Toughest Mudder » Wil Chung 23 April, 2019 at 13:42 Reply

    […] So that’s my list. Do you have any more? What is your target this year? I’m not at ETM this year as it clashes with Nuclear Oblivion. I have my eye on Rustock and another Ultra, but my Half Marathon target of sub 1:30 and general running health will dictate this.Check out my Europes Toughest Mudder articles here:Lessons learned from Europes Toughest Mudder 2017 […]

  4. 7 things you should know about Nuclear Races Oblivion » Wil Chung 26 May, 2019 at 17:11 Reply

    […] as many laps of the “12km” Nuclear Races “Rush” course. Having taken on Europe’s Toughest Mudder two years in a row, I wanted a different challenge – and being based in the day rather than […]

  5. Local visitor attractions when you vist Europe's Toughest Mudder » Wil Chung 6 March, 2021 at 14:06 Reply

    […] of you will be travelling from Europe, the US and other countries to decend upon Europe’s Toughest Mudder in August this year taking on 12 hours of mud and obstacles in the glorious grounds of Belvoir […]

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I’m a Marketing Ninja by day, a weekend warrior, brand ambassador for Tough Mudder, 361° & Enertor and Field Spaniel owner based in Cheshire.

Originally from Newark, Nottinghamshire, I have a degree in Business Marketing and a black belt in Shotokan Karate (when I was 12).

I love obstacle racing (running) with my top three races being Tough Mudder, Tough Viking and Toughest.

Contact: wil [at] wilchung.co.uk

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