Your friends and family might be posting about “cutting sugar” and “less screen time” but you’ve got different goals for the new year. If your sights are set on upping your Tough Mudder game, a plan of action is key to making it happen for you in 2018. Focus on consistency in your training, adequate food and fuel, and a tougher than thou mindset shift to make this year the best yet.
1. Train Consistently
Come the first week of January, you and everyone you know will be hitting the gym with a newfound sense of dedication that, let’s be real here, will probably dip by mid-February. Getting yourself to the gym in summer can be hard, so why not keep your training exciting by getting out there and enjoying the outdoors? Surfing, stand up paddle boarding, swimming, jogging, kayaking, all are great workouts and plenty of fun.
2. Travel To A New Tough Mudder Destination
Not sure what city (or country) deserves to top your travel list in 2018? Go online, find an event, and commit right now. Where else would you want to climb a Berlin Wall but Germany? Or why not head north to South East Queensland for a Toughest Mudder?
3. Cross Train With Low-Impact Movement
It’s easy to get caught up in one, static workout routine, but bodies crave variation (or else you run the risk of plateauing). Do yourself a favor and work something low-impact into your week: try some yoga, pilates, or maybe even take a barre class. You’ll likely introduce some balance into your life (quite literally) and keep your body limber and less injury-prone.
4. Keep It Simple & Fuel Up With Whole Foods
Whether you’re thinking about opting for paleo-based reset, some crazy-extreme juice cleanse, or want to try keto on for size, there’s one nutrition trend that everyone can get behind: whole foods. Keeping your diet simple and focusing on eating stuff you can name rather than artificial add-ins is the easiest way to stay on track with healthy eating. 2018 is the year we’re saying “cya” to chemicals. Sticking to these tried-and-true Tough Mudder staples will give you all the energy that you need to work hard and build muscle.
5. Crush The Obstacle That Terrifies You
Does the mere thought of Kong send shivers down your spine? Does toppling Everest 2.0 seem impossible? Ditch the negative thinking and get affirmative; if you let an obstacle intimidate you, it’s already won. Courses are meant to be challenging — the race would be boring if you had everything in the bag. So switch your mindset, and write up an action plan to make steady progress in the weeks leading up to your event.
6. Register For An Event That Freaks You Out
Change doesn’t come from comfort zones. If you’ve mastered a 5k or the Half, it’s definitely time to conquer that Full. Smashed a full course, then Toughest Mudder is ready and waiting for you. Trying to introduce a little tenacity into your 2018? Seek out a race in the competitive series.