BREAKING NEWS: You don’t have to run a Half Marathon to run Tough Mudder

Let’s get one thing straight – you don’t need to have run 16 KMs (even 5K for that matter)  in order to complete a Tough Mudder. What you do need is a positive mindset, a little conditioning, the support of your team, and Mudder Nation to cross the finish line.

If you’re worried about running, stop right now. You’re in luck … we’ve introduced the NEW 5K Mudder, that’s right 5k and 13 obstacles. More fun, less running, more obstacles.

Think you’ve got more in the tank, don’t worry we still have the Classic Mudder at 16ks, but even then the running is just a side note.

Though a Classic Tough Mudder is just a couple of KMs shy of a half marathon, you don’t need to run the 21 KMs it takes to complete a half marathon in order to complete a Classic Tough Mudder.  But knowing that you can will instill a confidence in you that’ll make for a successful day in the mud.

People often think that training for a long distance run is just about pounding the pavement – day, after day, after day. However, a good half marathon program includes more than just logging daily mileage and long runs.

Certain components of half marathon training are the perfect complement to preparing for event day. Intervals, bodyweight exercises and cross training strengthen the whole body, while the weekly mileage will amp up cardio endurance prepping you for your day in the mud.

Whether you use the tips below as part of Tough Mudder training, or actual half marathon preparation, one thing is for sure – you’ll see some surprising benefits both on, and off, the course.

Intervals
Want to get through as fast as possible? You’ll need  to add some speed work into your program. Short periods of high-intensity running will help you decrease your overall pace. These quick bouts of explosive speed can be utilized during obstacles like Everest 2.0. There’s no such thing as jogging up Everest. The slick, 15’ foot quarter pipe with a curved top requires you to launch into an all-out sprint while reaching toward the encouraging hands of your teammates waiting at the top.

 

Bodyweight Exercises
Running may strengthen certain muscles in the legs, but last time we checked, the body is made up of more than just legs. It’ll take more than just lower body strength to cross the finish line. Bodyweight exercises engage your entire body, strengthening areas like your core and upper body, along with the muscles in your legs that might not get as much love when running.

Add some spice to your long run recipe by adding a circuit of bodyweight exercises every Km, or 10 minutes, including push ups, planks, squats, and burpees. When you make it to Funky Monkey The Revolution you’ll be able to tackle those bars, wheels and ladder rungs with your new arms of steel.

Cross Training
Most half marathon programs will include rest days and cross training days to give your legs a break and keep em fresh. Cycling, yoga, and swimming are common workouts that runners will sprinkle into their training regimen. Swimming is low impact and puts your lungs to work without beating up your legs. It’ll also get you comfortable in the water for the Block Ness Monster and Cage Crawl. Yoga helps keep you flexible, which will come in handy when you’re trying to swing your leg over Berlin Walls. Finally, cycling helps increase leg strength, crucial when you are slogging through Mud Mile 2.0, trying to keep your feet from getting sucked into the quicksand-like mud.