Tough Mudder Midlands - 2015 - Event Review

Hi
 Well I made it to the Tough Mudder Midlands event, and me and my injured calf managed to jog  and walk/limp my way around, thanks to the family members I was running with kindly slowing their pace for me.

So time to review it! on arrival your through pretty quick after I.D checks (you DO need photo I.D) then its time to put on the multitude of sticker/wristband/chest running numbers which you lose most of in the first one or two obstacles..the  finally just to complete the look write your number on your face...now feeling part of the event wait to get in a running block.

the running blocks are timed every 20 minutes so do not have to wait too long, then a warm up, and your off...to a wall obstacle and then stop for a health and safety talk..then the Tough Mudder proper begins.The run itself is not too bad I managed jog most even with a painful calf, its not about time its about getting around and enjoying the course.

OBSTACLES

The Obstacles vary and as per the name you can expect Mud, Water and climbing, I'll not go through every Obstacle but some of the main ones:

• Walls! plenty of them but everyone helps each other (strangers give each other a lift here too) so do not worry too much.
• Arctic Enema! there are plenty of water Obstacles wading/swimming across or falling of floating pads to cross but the Arctic Enema is special filled with Ice you go in off a slide so a rapid entry(expect possible Ice-cream headache!) then have to duck back under...you'll come out cold but soon feel warm on the jog.
• Mud Mile- a slippery series of trench's filled with water but more fun as the mud is clay..plenty of slips slides struggling up the banks, watch out the though few sharp stones stick out so expect some scratches/cuts.
• monkey bars basically you'll fall off and get wet..few make it as bars are so coated in wet slippery mud its easy to miss a grip. lots look and just jump in the water :)
• Electroshock a run through a tangle of wires giving you some nice zaps! made more fun as the ground is boggy mud.

I'll probably update with some more Obstacles there were over 20! if anyone wants to ask about a specific one let me know.



AFTER EVENT

On the finish you get your Legendary Orange headband, a t-shirt, a Flannel(towel) a snackbar, water and a bottle of Cider. then time to scrape off the Mud there are some cold hosepipes arranged to rinse off and plenty of other stuff to do(heated hot tubs etc)

CONCLUSION

We all agreed we would do it again, and I'd love to run again with a pain free leg and really enjoy it all.


IMAGES

Images coming soon as I get them from the Spectators who watched us! :)


thanks for reading
Gareth
https://twitter.com/thetryath

Coping with Injury and staying motivated.

Hi all
 This is a difficult post for me as today has been a bad day, I've been resting my injured leg which I've had repeated problems with. Today I did a light test run as I want run a tough mudder with family next week I managed just a mile and a half then  had serious calf pain, had to stop before I did worse damage. I am now worried about next week I want run the event but if calf is still like this no chance I can :(.

So feeling down and struggling for motivation, going to spend some time reading posts by some other runners and athletes who inspire me and try keep motivated, also tomorrow I'll try get the gym and do a long session on the cross trainer as its none impact should still be ok so at least feel like done something to try keep fitness level up. Finally time I did something about my recurring injury so going to have to get it medically looked at and some more treatment advice.

I hope for some better days soon as today has been a real knock to my confidence and motivation.

I wish everyone well
Gareth

one week till Midlands Tough Mudder 2015

Well as i'm dodgy old legs have been playing up still(problems with calf strains and tears) I've rested up this week apart from circuits and walks, as its just a week now till the Midlands Tough Mudder I'm entered with some family members. I really hope all healed by then so I can run and enjoy the event it should be fun, and I'm looking forward to coming back with a good review of it for you folks who are thinking of entering one.

will keep you posted as the week goes on

Happy running all
Gareth

Bank holiday weekend - running reading and competitions

Hi
as the bank holiday weekend is here I shall be running (if dodgy calf lets me) or on the cross trainer at the gym and doing some reading up for my Open Uni course, but one other thing I'll be doing is entering competitions! there is always lots about on bank holiday weekends and it is a great way to pick up some shiny new gear for free! twitter and facebook  always  are good for them, check out the sporting stores and brands. If I see any really good ones I'll try remember to update this post with them :)

there is also a list of competitions over on the moneysavingexpert site see: http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.php?f=72

have a great weekend all
Gareth

Social media for running, exercise and the outdoors - support is out there

Hi
 thought I'd write a follow up post about getting support and interacting with other runners, or folks interested in increasing physical and mental health through exercise and outdoor activities.

I wrote a post about this a while ago and there was a lot of interest, running/exercise and outdoors activities are great for increasing confidence, fitness and positive thinking but if your not part of a large social group as I am not, then they can be a bit solitary. Now I know the natural response is join a group but for some people (myself included) this can be difficult down to confidence/depression or anxiety or even things like your location.

So where do we  find some support through difficult times, or get given tips on training or even just a pat on the back when we have done a good session. I have found a lot of support from social media or on websites where you post your training, also I know a lot of people have found local groups to train with from sites like this, and as they have already chatted with members of local clubs have got the confidence to join.

Some sites I use : http://therunningbug.co.uk or
                             ukrunchat.co.uk
                             http://www.mapmyrun.com/my_home/


 twitter -@TheRunningBug
              @UKRunChat   hosts regular group chats on twitter about running topics

also its worth following sports brands on social media they interact and often provide some interesting and motivational articles which they put up for discussion.


Happy and safe running all, on a safety note as with all social media avoid or report anyone trying to meet up or inappropriate messages. Stay safe!
Gareth.    

Squat Challenge to increase running strength

Hi
  
So  my week has been squats...lots of Squats, I've decided take up 30 day Squat Challenge this has come about as with me still getting niggling injuries in my calf's. I need up the strength in my legs for the Snowdonia trail marathon so I've been doing a daily Squat session at home and upping the numbers, its just an additional but should help when I need run for the hills! :) it also wakes me up and gets me feeling positive it is a good way to break any rubbish thoughts.

I have seen lots doing the 30 day Squat challenge this is kind of my own version, I've started at 150 a day as I'm comfortable with that, but going push the numbers. will let you guys know I get on.

now the final part of this update my shiny new jacket, when I was out on Brecon Beacons I realised I needed a new trail running jacket that was lightweight and really waterproof, I had some Amazon vouchers I'd saved and Amazon had a 20% off sports&outdoors offer  so I treated myself to a Montane Smock, I'll be posting a review soon.

updates soon
Gareth

Mindfulness books and exercises :)

Hi all

So this week has all been about the positives for me, it is easier when the sun is out. I realised I have been neglecting my Mindfulness exercises to increase mental health though.

Mindfulness exercises

 so I've started reading up again as lately I've had a few injuries again and they get me down. I really find the mindfulness useful it just helps focus on the good and clear my mind, and think about what you really want and what makes life better. There are lots of books out there if anyone is interested, I use 'Mindfulness: A practical guide to finding peace in a frantic world' but try local library or online and free audio downloads too. I will say that it takes time to get real benefit though and give yourself a full chance by doing it somewhere you get a bit of peace :)

Mindfulness does take a while to get comfortable with, and to get best results have to use it regular I've found, but it does help with breaking depression cycle for me and eases my anxiety problems, if listening to audio a worthwhile tip is try a few as I've found I find certain voices easier to respond too, as I think most people do. I guess  try it and find what works for you! also from speaking to other people find what time of the day you respond best as this seems to vary :)

on a final point I really think Mindfulness exercises benefit me not just against depression and anxiety, but also my approach to life in general my goals and enjoying the basics :)



Hope everyone is well.
happy running/walking or just being happy :)
Gareth