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A hilarious guide to surviving Tough Mudder madness with Flip Insurance

Author: Tough Mudder Australia September 27, 2023

Hey there, thrill-seekers! Are you ready to get down and dirty in the muddiest, most gruelling obstacle course known to humanity? Welcome to the Tough Mudder experience, where participants willingly subject themselves to an array of hilarious yet treacherous obstacles that are sure to test not only your physical strength but also your mental fortitude – and your sanity!

Reading on, you’ll see why we’ve partnered with Flip Insurance to ensure all our participants are automatically given one day of accidental injury insurance so you can give each obstacle your all, injury be damned!

There are no lock-in contracts with Flip’s pay-as-you-go accidental injury insurance, so you’re free to choose when you need cover.

For just $7 a day or $25 a week*, Flip provides cover on and off the course. You can sign up on your phone in two minutes.

Flip Insurance will be joining you out on the course in 2023 as our accidental injury insurance partner and its cover will be included for every Mudder taking part at no extra cost.

If you’re interested in trying Flip for your own adventure, you can use code MUDDER23 at checkout to get 15% off your first purchase.

So, why do we think our Mudders having insurance is so important?

Take the Arctic Enema for example… imagine jumping into a giant ice bath, but instead of refreshing your body, it’s more like the equivalent of diving headfirst into a freezing river in the North Pole. You’ll gasp, you’ll shiver, and you’ll definitely reconsider your life choices. It takes a lot of confidence to make that leap, so maybe the knowledge of having Flip Insurance will give you that little bit of extra boost you need.

Then you’ve got Electroshock Therapy. Just the sounds of it might make you think you’ve stumbled into a wacky science experiment gone wrong. You’ll be dodging wires while getting zapped like a living light bulb, but knowing you have cover from Flip can make you feel all that more invincible, tackling everything the course throws your way.

A crowd-favourite obstacle is Everest. It’s not just a mountain; it’s a slippery, muddy, and a borderline impossible wall to scale without help. One wrong move, and you’ll be rolling back down like a human mud snowball. We want you to unleash your inner daredevil, fearlessly take on the challenges and revel in the laughter and camaraderie with your fellow mudders – which you can do with peace of mind!

We’re sure you’ve all heard of the Funky Monkey, an obstacle Tarzan would be proud of – monkey bars greased with mud and water. Anything could happen, a slip, a fall, a broken bone. Don’t be surprised if you end up resembling a muddy circus clown by the end of it all!

If you’ve been acquainted with our Block Ness Monster before, you’ll have a good idea of the struggle you’re in for. This obstacle is the water park ride from hell. You’ll try to get over rotating, slippery barriers while other contestants push and pull to create chaotic fun. You might find yourself being propelled through the air like a mud-filled ragdoll.

Trust us, this event is best experienced with insurance – and a good sense of humour. Flip Insurance is included in your entry price, and we encourage you to find out more about it so you can make a claim if you need to. It’s like having a safety net for those moments when you slip, slide, and somersault your way to victory – or just endure a muddy face plant.

*_{Read the PDS and TMD at getflip.com.au and consider whether this product is appropriate for you. Issued by HCF Life.}

_{HCF Life Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 37 001 831 250, AFSL 236 806 (HCF Life) has issued a Flip Insurance policy (Policy) to the event organiser for Tough Mudder Australia & NZ, which is the owner of this Policy. Event participants are automatically covered under this Policy. This communication contains only factual information and it is not a comprehensive description of the cover terms and exclusions. Please refer to the insurance policy fact sheet available through your Flip account.}

Featured

Training Tips to Conquer Tough Mudder with Merrell

Author: Tough Mudder Australia September 19, 2023

Tough Mudder, the ultimate test of physical and mental endurance, awaits those who seek adventure. One of the best ways to conquer Tough Mudder is some optional preparation. With the support of Merrell, we have put together our top ten training tips that will help you beat the course and gear to keep you comfortable and confident throughout the journey.

Start with a Strong Base: Incorporate running, walking, and functional exercises into your routine to build a foundation of cardiovascular fitness and strength. Whether you are putting kilometers on trails or bitumen, Merrell’s commitment to durable and high-performance footwear ensures that your feet are supported, allowing you to train comfortably.
Gear Up with Merrell: Invest in quality footwear and apparel. Merrell offers durable and comfortable gear designed for rugged terrains. Their trail running shoes provide excellent grip and support.
Obstacle-Specific Training: Identify the unique challenges of Tough Mudder and train accordingly. Practice climbing walls, crawling through mud, and conquering obstacles like a pro. Merrell’s versatile gear allows you to confidently adapt to different terrains and obstacles.
Teamwork Matters: Tough Mudder is so much fun as a team. Train with your teammates to build camaraderie and practice helping each other through obstacles.
Endurance Training: If you plan on running the course – totally optional – gradually increase your running distance and time to prepare for the course’s length. Merrell’s comfortable shoes will keep your feet blister-free.
Strength and Core Work: Strengthening your core and upper body can help with grip and upper body strength. Incorporate pull-ups, push-ups, and planks into your routine. Merrell’s gym and training range supports your movements, allowing you to work on your strength effectively.
Flexibility and Mobility: Don’t forget to stretch; its our favourite part of training
Terrain Simulation: Train on hills and rough terrain to mimic Tough Mudder conditions.
Hydration and Nutrition: Stay hydrated during training and learn what foods fuel your body best for endurance.
Avoid New Shoes on the Big Day: On the day of the Tough Mudder event, avoid wearing brand-new shoes. Instead, opt for the trusted Merrell footwear you’ve trained in. New shoes can lead to discomfort, blisters, and potential obstacles on the course. Stick with what you know works to ensure a smooth race day experience.

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Conquering the Course: Why the Right Footwear Makes All the Difference

Author: Tough Mudder Australia September 7, 2023

When it comes to conquering the challenging obstacles and muddy terrain of a Tough Mudder event, having the right gear can make or break your experience. One key component that often gets overlooked is your footwear. Thanks to Merrell, we’ll delve into why the choice of footwear, specifically Merrell high-performance shoes, can make all the difference in your quest for muddy glory.

The Traction Tango

Obstacle courses are all about navigating through various surfaces, from slick mud to rocky terrain. Merrell’s Vibram Traction Lug outsole design provides the grip you need to tackle any obstacle in your path confidently. Superior traction helps you maintain stability even in the muddiest of conditions.

Built Tough, Like Chuck Norris

Tough Mudder events can put a strain on your gear. Merrell’s reputation for durability ensures that its footwear is built to withstand the challenges of the course, from crawling through tight spaces to scaling walls. They even have waterproof options.

Comfort and Support for the Long Haul

Completing a Tough Mudder requires both physical and mental stamina. Merrell’s commitment to comfort and support comes into play here. From cushioned insoles to ankle support, comfy shoes will keep you feeling your best from start to finish. And if you head to the Merrell website, you can shop by features such as activities, features and widths.

Innovation Meets Style

Modern Mudders don’t just want functional gear; they also want shoes that look good. Merrell’s shoe designs seamlessly blend innovation with style. We’re talking innovation with a side of swagger because who says you can’t be fierce and fashionable simultaneously? You could even colour code to Tough Mudder and get some orange shoes.

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Tough Mudder Australia: A Guide for First-Timers – Get Ready to Get Muddy! thanks to Hahn

Author: Tough Mudder Australia July 21, 2023

Mudders of Australia! Are you ready to step out of your comfort zone, challenge yourself, and get down and dirty? This is not your typical fun run – it’s an epic adventure designed to push your limits and leave you covered in mud from head to toe. But never fear; our friends at Hahn have the inside word on everything you need to know to tackle Tough Mudder Australia like a pro. So, grab your sense of adventure and a good pair of shoes, and let’s dive into this thrilling mud-soaked experience!

What is Tough Mudder?

Tough Mudder is an obstacle course race that will test your physical strength, mental grit, and ability to endure epic amounts of mud. It’s not about finishing first; it’s about challenging yourself, helping others, and having a muddy good time along the way. With a range of obstacles that will make your heart race, your biceps burn, and your mind boggle, this is the ultimate adventure for adrenaline junkies, fitness enthusiasts, and people who like to have a muddy good time.

Choosing the Right Event

In 2023, Tough Mudder Australia has three lengths to choose from, so you can find one that suits your appetite for mud. From the iconic 15K Classic Tough Mudder to the shorter but equally challenging Tough Mudder 10K and even a 5K if you are just out for a stroll, there’s something for everyone. If you’re a first-timer, we recommend starting with the Tough Mudder 10K – it’s a great introduction to the world of mud runs without overwhelming you with a full-length course. Trust us, whatever distance you complete, it’ll still leave you feeling like a muddy superhero!

Training Tips

Now that you’ve committed to conquering Tough Mudder Australia, it’s time to prepare your body for the muddy mayhem. While you don’t need to be an elite athlete, a little training goes a long way. Focus on building cardiovascular endurance through running or biking, and incorporate strength training exercises to prepare for the upper body obstacles. Don’t forget to work on your grip strength – you’ll need it to conquer those slippery walls and monkey bars!

Gear up, Buttercup!

When it comes to gear, comfort and functionality are key. Invest in a good pair of grippy shoes with excellent traction to navigate through the muddy terrain. Dress in moisture-wicking and quick-drying clothing that won’t weigh you down once it’s drenched in mud. Leave your favorite t-shirt at home unless you want it to become a mud-soaked rag!

Overcoming Obstacles

The heart and soul of Tough Mudder Australia lies in its obstacles. From the infamous Arctic Enema, where you plunge into an ice-cold dumpster filled with water, to the daunting Everest, a massive quarter-pipe that requires teamwork to conquer, each obstacle will push your limits and test your mettle. Remember, it’s not about doing them alone; it’s about helping your fellow Mudders. Embrace the camaraderie and the spirit of teamwork as you conquer these incredible challenges together. Oh, and did we mention the mud? Get ready to roll, crawl, and slide through muddy pits like a champion!

Celebrate Your Muddy Victory

Once you cross that finish line, covered head to toe in mud and grinning from ear to ear, it’s time to celebrate your triumph with an ice-cold Hahn, How Good. Enjoy the lively atmosphere with fellow Mudders, grab a well-deserved beer, and revel in your accomplishment. You’ve earned it! Be sure to capture the moment with plenty of photos and, of course, flaunt your Tough Mudder head.

Featured

Opportunities for Greatness

Author: Tough Mudder Australia June 5, 2023

In Picton, obstacles become opportunities for greatness.
– Unknown

OK, we made that quote up, but we couldn’t think of a better home to bring Tough Mudder back to after four long years in the wild. So here are our top five reasons we believe Picton is pretty ace.

1. Rich Obstacle Racing Heritage – Are you really an obstacle racer in Australia if you have never crawled uphill under barbed wire at Picton?

2. Diverse Terrain – From challenging mud trails to rugged hills and water obstacles

3. The World’s Best Courses – This terrain leans itself to building courses that test your strength, grit, and friendships.

4. Spectator Experience – Ain’t no party like a Mudder party. And Picton brings some of the best spectator viewing and post-event celebrations we have ever seen.

5. Accessible Location – within easy reach of Sydney, you can make a weekend of it and check out the sites and sounds of the harbour city.

LET’S GO!

Tough Mudder is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.

Win one of five prizes consisting of two economy return airfares. For interstate Mudders who sign up between June 1-30. Full terms and conditions apply.

Explore

“The Grand Canyon Challenge Has Been the Highlight of My Lockdown”

Author: Amr Hafiz

We can tell you time and time again why our brand new virtual fitness experience Tough Mudder Challenges is epic but really you need to hear it from the horse’s mouth. In this case the horse is Amr Hafiz, a Mudder who took on the first ever Tough Mudder Challenge and totally bossed it.

Amr’s Tough Mudder Challenge Experience

“As is the case with most of us, lockdown has pushed my body and mind to levels of laziness it could only ever dream of. The main attraction to the Tough Mudder Challenges for me, besides the swag of course, was the fact that there would be a unique and wacky Tough Mudder spin on things. It wasn’t going to be just another 5k run, some burpees and a medal in the post.

I set about joining the Facebook group, and was definitely surprised by the number of people from all backgrounds and abilities who had already joined and were excited for what was to come. Before 2020, I had done a few “real life” Tough Mudders, but to say I trained for them would be a lie. Tallying up all the training I had done for a Tough Mudder previously would probably be less than 50 miles in 4 years. I had more event miles than training miles! This was definitely about to change when the details of the Grand Canyon Challenge were announced.

The Extra Mile 100km in 21 days – “I could probably do that… maybe get the bike out”

Grand Canyon 1829m of elevation gain – (Googles peaks in Warwickshire… Aaaand flat as a pancake) “Stairs it is then”

Centurion 200 reps of 5 exercises – “Ooooh maybe I could level up this one, doesn’t seem too bad” (In hindsight… Pfft HA!)

Arctic Ene.. – “NOPE! NOPE! NOPE! NOPE!”

With this very detailed plan in hand, I took to the Facebook group again. There were people like me who were figuring it out as they went along, those who created clever spreadsheets and were happy to share them, and everything else in between. The community was always there motivating, conquering and most importantly laughing its way through the activities. I joined in where I could and was surrounded by a sense of belonging that made these activities something I looked forward to daily.

Speaking of daily, my days went from the normal, work from home, eat and watch TV routine, to something more like, work, do a plank above 6 eggs on my lunch break, watch TV, go for a short walk, eat, run up the stairs as much as I can. Those short walks and stair climbs combined with a longer hike in the Peak District were enough to get me to the distance and elevation goals for the Challenge. With the Centurion, press ups were definitely a killer, but after some advice from the all knowing Tough Mudder community on Facebook, I managed to split the exercises in a way that was much more manageable.

If these activities weren’t enough, TMHQ decided to surprise us with 4 extra weekly activities (of which we picked 2) that were designed to make us the talk of the street. From running around in circles in our driveways, to carrying our books/pets/significant others on our backs for 100m, each activity tested us in a different way. Thursday – the day when a new list of of absurd activities was announced – became the highlight of the week. Of these, I would have to say my favourite was definitely Graffeeti. The goal was to write out the letters ‘TM’ using a GPS tracker. If you were feeling extra keen, you could write out the full words ‘TOUGH MUDDER’. I chose to do this in a nearby field during one of my afternoon walks. Much to the confusion of passers by, and the annoyance of my decreasingly patient wife, I managed the full ‘TOUGH MUDDER’, and knocked off a few kilometres of Extra Mile – WIN!

‘;

My least favourite activity had to be Snip Snip. Trying to cut 1m x 1m of grass using nail scissors used up the last of my motivation, but I had thankfully left this to be done at the end. The hardest activity however was definitely Arctic Enema. My twisted logic thought that it would be easier to level up the activity since I wouldn’t have to continuously dunk my head. Eight kilograms of ice and full body submerging for 10 minutes was definitely not easier! Knowing that I wasn’t the only one doing it, and watching the videos of my fellow Mudders smashing it helped get me power through. My wife laughing in the background, however, did not.

Overall, the Grand Canyon Challenge has been a highlight of my lockdown. It has helped me stay active. It has helped me remain sane. And when the next Tough Mudder live event comes round, I will probably be the most prepared I have ever been! As a result, I am signed up to do the remaining 5 months, and currently enjoying fun-filled Fiji. I look forward to meeting more of you out on course (virtually), wherever Tough Mudder decides to take us next.”

Now It’s Your Turn

If Amr’s experience has got you considering your own virtual fitness adventure, then it’s time to get involved in Tough Mudder Challenges. You can still sign up for August’s Tough Mudder Challenge – Fiji, or if you’re not quite ready, you can choose one of the later Challenges – there’s a brand new, uniquely-themed Challenge every month until the end of the year.