Tough Mudder Training

**7rc1** · 29-12-2011 08:27 PM

Hi folks,

Looking for a bit of advice and training tips, really need to improve my cardio in time for the above event in July 2012.

My training usually consists of a warm up on xtrainer or treadmill then get stuck into the weights, and on rest days usually running 1-2miles with my dog.

Can you offer any advice or if you are doing this challange what does your training involve.

Thanks and hope you had a good xmas Ross

**SpiderDan** · 29-12-2011 08:45 PM

Im actually developing a training plan and diet regime for a friend of mine for tough mudder or the tough guy challenge (he hasnt picked an event yet). I have little experience in endurance based events so its going off of my best (educated) guess.

Im basing it off of a 3 day/week running plan (including hill/beach sprints, tempo runs/lactate threshold training and one distance run) and two days lifting (just basic compounds)

Im also breaking him in on a 30 day paleo challenge with a low carb initial two weeks to make his body use fat as his main fuel source. We'll then reintoduce carbs to fuel performance and use a carb loading strategy prior to the event.

**7rc1** · 29-12-2011 08:53 PM

Thanks fairly new to the (proper) fitness scene so google will have to be used to decypher some of the words and work out what they mean lol

Have build a decent foundation over the past 9 months so will have a look at the tempo runs/lactate threshold and see how I can apply them, will struggle with the beach runs living in the heart of Glasgow but plenty of hills to work with.

Thanks for the ideas :-)

**SpiderDan** · 29-12-2011 09:03 PM

its fairly new to me as well but hes asked for help so we're going to try.

He lives in Brighton so beach work is easy for him. The only reason Ive put those in because I dont want him road running, the event is not done on the road so hes not going to train on it.

With running plans you just have to look at the different aspects of running fitness and develope suitable plans to train each aspect. V02 max, lactate threshold, oxidative energy systems, endurance are all important things to consider.

**Bobby-bandito** · 03-01-2012 09:19 PM

soak yourself and do hill sprints, do lots of endurance work whilst wet (rowing, cycling and cross country running), bodyweight movements and some core work and finally squatting/pullups with weight.

Get some mental toughness too but all in all its just one of those events that you have to 'suck it and see'

I guess the point to be made is get used to being uncomfortable for a long time and most of all ENJOY it.

edited to add - wear decent boots or trail shoes.

**lev arris** · 03-01-2012 10:53 PM

From what I have read the event will be 10-12 miles and also involve water.

I did the mens fitness survival thing the other year and the cold water takes a lot out of you. I'm also doing a 10k event thats similar this year.

I'd recommend going out for some long runs and almost doing a half-marathon plan, as that is basically what you will be doing on the day. If you're not used to running long distance I'd recommend vasolining up your nipples and inner thighs it sounds a bit pansy but believe me you don't want the telltale sore nipples in the shower after. Also buy some decent running tops and some double lined running socks. When your feet get wet and your doing distance they can be a life saver!

As bobby says a lot of it will be will to win on the day, you'll be in a team I believe? So getting over obstacles should be easier.

**7rc1** · 04-01-2012 03:40 PM

I work outside no matter what the weather and determination and push is a big part of my work too so dont imagine the mental abality should be an issue, im thinking my local country park jump in the water (when not fast flow) build it up to 5miles and do chin/pull ups on anything I can find, jump/pull over fallen trees, think my dog will love this training more than me

Thanks so much for all the tips, fair helped and cheered me up after an awfull start to the new year!

**davecpfc** · 15-01-2012 01:43 PM

There is a massive feature on tough mudder in a magazine I bought recently. It even had a training programme tailored for the event. Im struggling to remember which magazine but I think it was mens fitness. If its not still on sale i'll see if i can post it on here. Maybe try the mensfitness website?