It’s often called the toughest event on the planet. But if that’s true why is almost everyone smiling? How could people love pain and torture so much? Like a moth to the flame over 700,000 participants show up, have their number written on their face, and then blitz through the 10-12 obstacle course known as the Tough Mudder.
Outsiders gawk at the competitors as they watch them run, climb, clamber, and even crawl through slop and mud. They scale giant walls and belly crawl through muck with electrically charged wires waiting to shock them just inches over their backs. Their mental grit seems almost self-abusive and yet attractive at the same time.
The Tough Mudder competitions were started and designed by the British Special Forces. If you are brave enough to sign up, and just crazy enough to finish, it’s as if you have survived a rite of passage. You become a comrade with the other twisted fitness freaks. It connects you with a band of survivors across the globe who want to compete and race, but are bored with a typical marathon. Competitors don’t take themselves seriously. The obstacles can’t all be completed by yourself so you’re forced to wear a smile and get along. The guy you just passed and laughed at might be your only chance of getting over the next big wall.
Once you have your free spirited attitude in tact you’ll want to wear the right gear. As fun as it sounds to run through the obstacles in your underwear – everyone else will enjoy it much more if you dress the part.
Your shoes will get wet and packed with mud so protect your feet with Fox River Polypropylene socks. They wick water from your skin and prevent blisters by reducing friction. A Sport-Tek reversible mesh tank top provides plenty of options for team colors if you are taking a group with you. Match your top with your Champion Mesh Reversible shorts – which have a draw string they won’t slip off when belly crawling through muddy ice water. The mesh fabric for both the tank top and shorts will keep you comfortable and dry.