Small land development company, Watsons, take a different approach to building a successful business. Engineering Project Manager, Dan Kennedy and his team from Mornington, focus on team building exercises and regularly implement activities into the workplace to improve communication within the business. As part of this experience, Dan and the team at Watsons recently tackled the 16+KM Tough Mudder obstacle challenge for the first time which was held at St Anne’s Winery, Myrniong in October.

Kennedy said the key to working in a great company is more than just hard work, “Our business requires many different roles and services from surveyors to engineers and project managers to town planners so working together is essential. We’re all quite active at Watsons and regularly enter corporate events to encourage teamwork and camaraderie.
“Quite a few of us had always thought about doing Tough Mudder and after receiving a fantastic response, I registered a team of 20 from the office. Tough Mudder is the perfect fit for our business, we share the same core values where no man or woman is left behind.”
Like Tough Mudder, there are workplace challenges and obstacles that staff need to work together to complete and overcome. Kennedy found that his crew approached the course in the same way, with many discussing tactics and strategy together in the lead up to the event and implementing them on the day.

“We all get along quite well, having worked with one another for so long but we also believe building a great relationship with the people you work with is important considering the amount of time you spend with your colleagues,” added Kennedy.
Taking yourself out of your comfort zone can be quite intimidating, but it is also rewarding overcoming a challenge as a team. Over the years, Watsons have participated in team events such as corporate triathlons and even created their own footy and cricket matches, but this is the first time they’ve done anything like this before.

“We had so much fun completing the course together. Tough Mudder definitely helped us with our team building and leadership skills, pushed our boundaries and helped us set new goals for us to achieve in the future.  Although we were a team of 20, we split into four groups of five to manage each obstacle more easily and as a result there’s actually a bit of healthy competitiveness coming into it.  We also had team mates that weren’t so keen before the day, already asking about next year’s Tough Mudder event. It’s certainly created a lot of excitement in the office this past week,” said Kennedy.
Kennedy believes it’s important to reward staff members by involving them in activities like Tough Mudder, because it gives them the opportunity to bond and achieve something unrelated to work, together. Many of the employees at Watsons have been with the company for over 15 years and are all quite close. An enjoyable working environment starts with a good work culture and Watsons will continue to look for other group challenges to take on and sign up for Tough Mudder round two.

1. See a someone you fancy? Tell them to meet you at The Reach Around for a good time. Trust us, they will.

2.“Hey baby, you’re giving me the shivers.” Perfect for hanging out at Arctic Enema.

3. At Tough Mudder dirty talk takes on a whole new meaning.“Oh Hey, you like it dirty too?”

4. Why wait around? A real Mudder gets those digits first thing. “Hey [Babe, Dude, Sugar, Sunshine]. You got a race bib? Cause I need your name and number.”

5. When you run a Tough Mudder, don’t beat around the bush, cut right to the chase. Why dance around that Mudder you saw at mile 3? Hit em with “Your mud or mine?” and get down to business.

1. We were born for this. As children we were already in training for Tough Mudder, swinging from the Hills Hoist in the backyard until it bent out of shape or we got yelled at (or both). Then as young adults, we repurposed the Hills Hoist for an even better game, Goon of Fortune.

2. We have to battle with 21 varieties of deadly snakes here in Australia. Sure, Canada has to deal with wild bears on course, but we have to face our fears everyday we step into the great outdoors during training.

3. Over 100,000 Aussies have completed Tough Mudder since 2012, taking on arctic cold conditions, fire, electricity, gas chambers, and more. And 60% of you keep coming back for more.

4. Tough Mudder founder Will Dean says so. “It wasn’t what I expected but people in Australia are very much up for stuff and that really comes across. You also have a higher percentage of women here than in any country in the world.”

5. Statistically Aussies sign up later than anywhere else in the world. Proving that they don’t need to commit early and start training, they’re already tough enough!

6. Our breakfast of choice, Vegemite is 70% salt and 30% tar. Enough said.

7. We can fend off sharks with our bare hands. You’ve all seen the video, but here is it again if you want to feel some Aussie pride.

After losing his sight 10 years ago from the degenerative condition retinitis pigmentosa, Sunshine Coast man Robin Braidwood didn’t think he’d run again. That was until now. With his love for a challenge and gritty determination, Robin decided that completing a Tough Mudder was the ultimate goal.

Robin’s training started three months prior to the event, when he began running alongside his coach Norbert Petras. The pair run tethered together by a cord, enabling Mr. Petras to sense Robin’s pace and guide him along the way. Building trust throughout their training was vital, and whilst Robin tackles each obstacle on course himself, for the most part, Mr Petras is his eyes.

Whilst the usual obstacles runners face over the 18 km course- mild electrocution, barbed wire and ice- are challenging enough; even the straight runs are potential obstacles for Robin. Running through rugged terrain means he never knows where a pothole or divot may be, or where his foot may land. But this wasn’t enough to deter Robin, who joked that he will be a source of entertainment for spectators.

In May 2016, Robin completed the South-East Queensland course alongside his coach. Both Robin and Norbert were elated with their efforts in completing the challenge. Although navigating the fallen trees and obstacles was difficult, both men stated that the hardest test was definitely the last. Electroshock Therapy is nasty at best – but even more so when you have to link arms to get through successfully. For Robin and Norbert this meant double the shocks, as every time one was zapped it would travel through to the other.

For Robin, life is all about taking one obstacle at a time, and having friends to help you out along the way.

Inspired to tackle Tough Mudder yourself? Sign up now.

Got an story to tell about your reasons for completing Tough Mudder? Share it with us here.

The Instagram addict

You’ll find them posing for selfies before the race, taking group pics in their costumes, running along with their phone in a water-proof case, and generally documenting every second of the day via social media. Tip: stay vigilant to avoid collisions when they stop abruptly to snap that finish line picture! You don’t want to ruin their #photooftheday

Super serious Sam

We all know the type. They’re all about schedules, PBs, meal prep, and getting up early on weekends to train. They’ve got a Fitbit, they’re fueled up on Musashi Pre-workout, they’ve got their custom designed Merrell shoes, and they’re not afraid to abandon their team if you’re all TOO SLOW!!

The Obstacle race obsessive

They’ve done every obstacle race out there and they’ve got it down to a fine art. Scaling obstacles in 2.5 seconds, they’ll be at the top offering you a helping hand before you’ve had the chance to even assess possible methods of getting up there. Ice? Hardly cold! Mud? The more the better! You need someone like this in your team.

Miss Mudderella

They’ve got their outfit for the day sorted down to their color coordinated accessories. Somehow, even after they’ve run 18km over obstacles and through bucket loads of mud, they still manage to look perfect. Guaranteed to cross the finish line without a drop of sweat or hair out of place, whilst you resemble a deranged, swamp-cat.

The Hero

The star of the team, you’ll feel guilty for complaining around this person because they’re tough as nails. They’ve usually overcome a huge feat to be there next to you and are always smashing goals that us mere mortals wouldn’t dream of being able to do! Everyone in the team is secretly hoping a little of their toughness might rub off.

Ready to go? Sign up now

1. Because you can

With the right mentality and the right team, anyone can reach the finish line–all it takes is audacity to say “I’ll give it a go”.

2. It’ll hold you accountable to your goals
Once you commit to Tough Mudder, you’ll have no choice but to get in the best shape you’ve ever been in. Trust us.

3. Brand-spanking-new obstacles

Thought Block Ness Monster was an awesome obstacles? Wait ‘til you see what’s in store for you in 2017.

4. You’re not getting any younger

If not now, then when? In 2016, a great-grandmother finished a Tough Mudder. What’s your excuse?

5. Become an inspirational role model

When others see the positive transformation you went through to become a Tough Mudder, they’ll want to follow suit.

6. The finish line is only the beginning
A headband and a cold beer cannot compare to the confidence, respect and sense of accomplishment that awaits you at the finish.

7. Your bonds will become stronger

Nothing brings people closer than sludging through 18+ kilometres of thick mud, ice and electricity together as one.

8. Life happens outside of your comfort zone

You’re going to be scared. You’re going to feel a little pain. Hell, you might even cry. But guess what? Nothin’ worth having is easy to get.

9. It’ll restore your faith in humanity

On course, you’re going to see some inspiring things that will make you proud to be apart of something greater than yourself.

10. Become a member of Mudder Nation
Every weekend, tens of thousands of people join the ranks of Mudder Nation-the ever-supportive Tough Mudder community.

Ready to take on the Tough Mudder challenge? We thought so. Now start browsing Tough Mudder events near you.

As we celebrate the theme #BeBoldForChange this International Women’s Day, there’s one name that springs to mind.