If you love a challenge and would like a fast and fun way to test your physical limits, try signing up for a tough mudder event! These events and obstacles were designed for fun, yet difficult, workouts that test competitors’ physical abilities. But what happens if an obstacle is tougher than the competitors can handle? Can they skip it?
Tough Mudder competitors are allowed to skip obstacles. Tough Mudder encourages all contestants to attempt only the obstacles and activities they feel safe and confident doing. They also encourage participants with health concerns to be extra vigilant and cautious.
Hopefully, knowing that the Tough Mudder crowd will respect your limits brings you a little bit of relief. You shouldn’t feel discouraged from participating if you can’t complete an obstacle. Especially if you’re looking for a fun way to improve physically. Learn a little more about Tough Mudder obstacles and how to best prepare yourself for each of them!
What is Tough Mudder?
First, let’s discuss the fundamental question of what exactly Tough Mudder is. Tough Mudder
is an intensive exercise and physical challenge that allows people to sign up for different events. These events encourage teams to work together, regardless of their backgrounds and experiences. Tough Mudder promotes the physical aspect of challenges, in addition to a strong teamwork aspect and work ethic.
There are several different events, all of which feature different obstacles/activities at varying levels of extremity. You will have the opportunity to choose whichever one best suits your needs and skill level, but as mentioned earlier, nobody will think any less of you if you decide to sit one of the obstacles out.
Skipping the Tough Mudder obstacles
There may come a point during your challenge when an obstacle comes up and you’re too tired, just not feeling it, or are unsure of how it might go. While Tough Mudder encourages competitors to push themselves, they also encourage you to consider your mental and physical wellbeing before taking on a challenge. You can skip an obstacle if you don’t feel it suits you at that particular moment.
There is absolutely no shame in skipping an obstacle at a Tough Mudder competition, or even two. You can participate in all of those that are most comfortable for you and that only take you as far outside your comfort zone as you can handle at one time. To ensure every contestant competes at their skill level, there are several events of varying difficulties. Let’s look into them.
Tough Mudder Events
Tough Mudder 5K
Aside from the Tough Mudder for kids, the Tough Mudder 5K is probably the easiest (or at least the shortest) event on the list. As the name suggests, it spans about three miles and features thirteen of Tough Mudder’s teamwork-based challenges that you’ll get to participate in. If you’re a beginner and you’d like something a little slower and shorter, this is the package you want to pick.
Tough Mudder 10K
The 10K is going to kick it up a couple of notches. This run spans six or more miles and features 20 different obstacles that you’ll have to work through. The 10K is Tough Mudder’s newest addition to the obstacle course program/list so go ahead and give this one a try, if you dare. And remember, if you need a break, there’s no shame in skipping an obstacle!
Tough Mudder 15K
The Tough Mudder 15K is as tough a mudder as you’ll find. This event takes place over 9 miles or so and will bring you face to face with at least 30 of Tough Mudder’s most famous and most difficult challenges yet. If you choose the 15K you’re going to be in it for the long haul. It is most certainly not designed for the faint of heart.
There are a few other events you can participate in such as the Tough Mudder Endurance event (which could go for as long as 24 hours!). There is also an event for kids, so if you’ve got young ones at home who want to get involved sign them up. Tough Mudder has something for everybody!
Obstacles
By now, you’re undoubtedly wondering what kind of obstacles you’ll be facing and maybe a few you’d want to skip out on. The obstacles will vary a little depending on which event you choose to attend, but they’re all going to be pretty hardcore. Here are a few you might be facing at your Tough Mudder!
Pitfall
If your aim is to get some mud on your shoes, then sign up for the Pitfall obstacle. This challenge consists of a 35 foot long, pit filled with–you guessed it–mud, and a lot of it. This is another challenge in which you’re going to need a lot of help and support as you try to climb out. It will be slick and steep and yes, you’re going to get dirty.
Artic Enema
The Arctic Enema is one challenge that’ll take a lot of courage and a lot of willpower. To get through this obstacle you must be dunked in a tank of ice, twice. This will require a great deal of bravery and grit on your part, especially since there’s not a whole lot you can do to train or prepare for it.
Gauntlet
The Gauntlet is another one that’s going to push you to your limits. This obstacle is over 100 feet long and, takes the title for the longest Tough Mudder obstacle. You’ll be testing your core, arm, and leg strength in the Gauntlet’s four different sections. This is one you’ll need to train for.
Texas Hold ‘Em
If you want to really test the mettle of your teammates, give the Texas Hold ‘Em challenge a try. You and a teammate will grasp each other’s hands and try to balance on an ever-moving triangular platform and try to make it to the end. Your faith in your teammates, as well as your arm and leg muscles, are going to be severely tested.
You can read about Tough Mudder’s other obstacles on their obstacles page!
