Last Updated on October 24, 2019 by Heather Hart, ACSM EP, CSCS
(A tale of horrible injuries, amazing people, and me admitting when I’m wrong.)
Ask me if I “do Tough Mudders”. No really, go ahead. It happens multiple times a week.
In parkour class, as we go around the group sharing our fitness backgrounds, I say that I enjoy training for and racing obstacle course races. “OH LIKE THE TOUGH MUDDER!” my instructor immediately and enthusiastically replied. No. I mean, yes, but no.
At a local trail, as we are burpeeing, running, and carrying heavy objects (logs, cement blocks, each other, etc), and passers by shout “hey, are you guys training for a Tough Mudder?” No…but sort of, I guess.
And my favorite, is when describing the grueling 22-ish miles/11 hours I completed of the Spartan Ultra Beast last year to almost anyone, they reply with something like: “Boy that’s great. But have you ever done a Tough Mudder? I hear those are really tough.”
No, I’ve never run a Tough Mudder.
You see, Tough Mudder and I have had a rocky relationship from the start, though I’m pretty sure they have no idea who I am (yeah, one of those relationships). And yes, I’ll be the first to admit that I am stubborn when when I set my mind to certain things, and for some reason, the topic of Tough Mudder has somehow morphed into one of them. Let me explain.
Last spring I was actually registered for the Tough Mudder at Mt. Snow, here in Vermont. Days before, I came down with a gnarly spring virus, to the point where I couldn’t stop coughing, never mind breathe sufficiently enough to run. May in Vermont is notorious for questionable weather, and that weekend proved to be a little colder than I was hoping. I knew that one of the very first obstacles I would face would be the Arctic Enema (yes, it is probably as horrible as it sounds, watch this video), and that I would ultimately be frozen for the duration of the race. Long story short, for the sake of my health, I didn’t go. Then I heard from other participants about how much standing around they did on the course while waiting for obstacles, and I became thankful that I missed it. I would have been freezing the entire time, and besides, what kind of “test of strength” has you standing around twiddling your thumbs? Strike #1 (though admittedly, the virus was not their fault).
September rolls around, and suddenly I have a ton of angry athlete friends who were either stuck in 7 hours of traffic trying to get to the Mid Atlantic Tough Mudder, stuck ON the muddy parking lot of Tough Mudder, took part in only half of the race since so many obstacles were shut down, or had their race canceled altogether. Didn’t hear about this gigantic race failure? Read this article here, and check out some reviews, like this one, this one, and this one. While this didn’t affect me personally, out of solidarity for my athletic friends, it left me with a less than stellar impression of Tough Mudder. Strike #2.
Over the course of last summer, I had the pleasure of spending about 72 sleepless hours working at the Spartan Death Race. I met some of the most absolutely incredible athletes on the face of this earth. I also spent A LOT time with a lot of the faces behind Spartan Race, including some of the founders. They are genuinely good people, who not only have the sport of obstacle course racing at heart, but truly want to see people change their lives by succeeding at these races. (Unless of course, we are talking about the Death Race, in which case, they will tell you that you ARE going fail, so you might as well just quit.) These were my people, and I liked them. So when through word of mouth, and then published articles like “Playing Dirty” from Outside Magazine, detailing the dirty (and I’m not talking mud) tactics behind the scenes at Tough Mudder were brought to my attention, I was thoroughly disgusted with Tough Mudder. Not simply as a friend of Sparta, but as a member of the obstacle course racing world as a whole. Strike #3, you’re out Tough Mudder.
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| As you can tell, Spartan Race isn’t completely innocent in the Mud Wars battle… |
And that’s when it hit me. I’ve totally fallen into this mud-run-wars trap myself.
Confession time: I am guilty, of more than once, responding to someone who has told me they have just finished a Tough Mudder, with “Great! Now you need to do a Spartan Race”, as if their accomplishment of finishing a Tough Mudder wasn’t enough (sound familiar?). I admit to almost always making some sort of comment when I pass a car with a Tough Mudder sticker on it (just ask Geoff), and I’ll even admit to rolling my eyes at the trainer at my old gym who has the Tough Mudder logo tattooed on his leg. I know, not nice. But at least I’m owning up to it.
Now, before you start laughing about how (probably too) serious I take this sport, think about it for a minute, this competition of “which race is harder” and “this is why we are more badass than you” affects more than just the obstacle course world. I’ve heard people claim that finishing a 140.6 mile triathlon wasn’t the same as finishing an “Ironman” branded race. Marathoners telling other marathoners that they “didn’t really run a marathon” because they didn’t finish under a specific time. Go ahead and take a poll in your local CrossFit box about their opinion of what is harder/better: what they do or what the ladies in Zumba class are doing (caution: language warning on the last link).
I’d certainly like to attribute this trend more so to the fact that so many of us athletes, amateur, elite, or weekend warriors, possess a bit of type-A personality, and a good chunk of internal competition; and not simply because we all get a kick out of tearing each other down. After all, that competitive drive is what motivates so many of us to do what we do. In fact, I bet most of us don’t even realize that we are inadvertently diminishing others accomplishments.
But we are. And we need to stop. So back to my issue with Tough Mudder…
The selfless act of the strangers who helped my friend this weekend reminded me that it is NOT about the race itself…or any race for that matter. It is about the participants.
It is about those people who never settle for the ordinary, who always push for more. It’s about pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones. About striving to be the best we can be, physically and mentally. It’s about camaraderie…not only between friends, family, and teammates…but between strangers. It is about making the world a better place, every single time we not only try to better ourselves, but even more so in every time we help others do the same.
Yesterday’s events reassured what I have always known: we are one big family, the endurance community. Will Dean may (or may not) have shady business tactics, but what matters most is the bigger picture behind why people show up to his race. Tough Mudder may be the reason they show up, but Tough Mudder is not the reason they finish. That comes from a special place inside of each one of us… maybe with a little help from a friend.
Or a stranger.
So long story short, I publicly apologize for my Tough Mudder rantings, if you’ve ever had the misfortune of hearing them. Keep on keeping on Tough MudderS, with your crazy electric shocks…and even more crazy electric shocks. Who am I to ever judge and assume that your Tough Mudder experience wasn’t nearly as epic, amazing, and life changing as my Ultra Beast experience. And just maybe one day I’ll join your ranks with a bright orange headband of my own…
Have you ever run a Tough Mudder? I would love to hear your opinion of the race!
Heather Hart is an ACSM certified Exercise Physiologist, NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), UESCA certified Ultrarunning Coach, RRCA certified Running Coach, co-founder of Hart Strength and Endurance Coaching, and creator of this site, Relentless Forward Commotion. She is a mom of two teen boys, and has been running and racing distances of 5K to 100+ miles for over a decade. Heather has been writing and encouraging others to find a love for fitness and movement since 2009.
Rowald
I have run a tough mudder, a spartan sprint and a warrior dash. I had a great time doing all of them, they all have their own unque merits. This year I am participating in the Iron Warrior Dash (16 mile course) and next year I hope to do the super villain (a marathon length course). I have never understood the bashing between racers, but then again I am not a type-A personality. I race to push myself, and to help others push themselves. I have several friends who, when I ran the warrior dash, said “you should have done >insert race here<" to which my reply was, I'll try that one next time. I am in it for the sport itself and to meet other awesome people. If someone says, "I'm doing race X" my response is usually something along the lines of "That's awesome tell me about the course" OCR participants are some of the most kind and caring folks you could hope to meet or know. we really are like a large disjointed family. The willingness of this community to pitch in and help each other is what keeps me in it. Now if there is a group to be making fun of it's those foam and color vibe runners.... I kid, I kid.. I'm just glad to see people exercising. Rob – Former fat guy turned OCR addict.
Jill Bradley Hall
I’ve run three Tough Mudders so far and will add four to the list on Saturday. It was one of the first OCRs I did and have since become completely smitten with running races. I’m not an elite athlete but in decent shape. I was also at the Mid-Atlantic TM and spent three hours helping push cars out of the disaster that was parking. We were lucky enough to finish the race before obstacles were closed. I agree that logistics were a mess at that race and I hope TM learned a few lessons. The location for this weekend’s TM has been used in the past for a warrior dash and parking was a nightmare then. I hope it’s better this go round. All that being said, I can’t wait to get there. I’m running solo but have already found a group of stranger willing to add me to their team. The camaraderie at TM can not be beat. I have done Spartan, Warrior dash, Rugged Maniac but none have come close to the spirit at TM. Don’t get me wrong. I enjoyed all my races but TM is still my favorite. I have also read the Outside magazine article and was disappointed but not enough to keep me from going back. I guess not racing to win makes a difference too. I’ll never be on the podium at a Spartan Race I’m always just happy to make it to the finish line in one piece. TM gives me the chance to work with a team to make that happen.
MouseRN
Hi Heather! You know my story…48 years old and dragged almost kicking and screaming into the Spartan World. A bunch the Tink girls are going to do Tough Mudder in Tahoe come Sept. I’ll let you know how that goes but I have to admit that I AM looking forward to the Arctic Enema and the electroshocks. I guess it’s the masochist in me…that the only reason I think I’ve gotten hooked on OCRs. I’m actually disappointed because I can’t find another Super to get a second Trifecta this year (Utah will the the first).
Great post, opened my eyes to somethings and I’ll try not to be biased when I actually get to TM (because I do love Sparta and my Weeple Army = major teamwork). Maybe I’ll make it to the East coast and meet you again at a Spartan Race. Bye!!
Beth
Stacia
I finished my first Tough Mudder this Saturday (Boston) it was my 5th obstacle race in the past year and a half. I had a great experience! The race from parking to participating was well organized. Participants, staff, volunteer were amazingly friendly and supportive, It was tough, so hilly and the Artic Enema in 90 degree weather hurts just as bad. One obstacle out of 21 was shut down. It was a great experience and I am so glad I participated and of course finished! I have raced one Spartan (at Fenway) and it was top notch also.
AmyL
I did my first Tough Mudder this year. I really had no interest in doing one based on all the negative things I’d heard about it, but I wanted to qualify for World’s Toughest (which doesn’t matter anymore, but I digress). I had a completely awesome and amazing time. I was really impressed with the company and the race itself– not just the people who ran. I wrote a more detailed blog about it. Hope it’s ok to post the link here– http://running4one.blogspot.com/2013/03/miami-tough-mudder-2013.html
The Law
This is so well put. I come from the other side of the face, as TM only guy. I randomly caught a 5 second clip on TV one night from the first race and signed right up. I felt like since I brought it to all my friends and introduced it to everyone in my neck of the woods, I kind of made it my “brand” and backed it a lot. I backed it blindly not having ever set foot on any of the other courses. And while for me it was a huge personal accomplishment being that years before I couldn’t even get my fat butt around the block for a 2 minute jog, I have come to realize that these races mean something different to each person out there. After having seen the good and the bad of TM (I was in that traffic at Mid-Atlantic last year and I was at the oversold Englishtown Saturday event last year as well), I’d be lying to say if I didn’t start to sour on them slightly. But that being said, I do keep going back for two reasons. One reason just to be to better my effort from the time before, even if it is just to go a few minutes faster or to complete just one more obstacle that I hadn’t before. The main reason though being that I love the “mudders”. I’ve seen so many helpful and selfless acts on the course, it helps me to renew my faith in mankind since I tend to be a bit sour on humanity at times. I see all the good people do and have to offer each other, and every time I go that feeling carries over with me into the real world for a bit longer each time. It shows me what could happen in real life on a daily basis, so I use that feeling to try to better myself and inspire others to bring that mentality to their daily lives.
I have to imagine that exists on some of the other courses out there as well since we really are a community. Once my pass is up this year, I had decided that next year I’m going to get out there and see the rest of the community and go to a few new races. Definitely a Spartan or two, maybe an Iron Warrior if the timing works out, and whatever else I can find out there that seems like it would be a good time with our fellow mudders. I’ll be doing a TM or two as well, as there is just no way I can pass up on bring around that group.
The bottom line is that while all of the courses and brands do offer something different to us, there really is no need for us to draw lines in the sand about which is better, which is tougher, etc. The one thing I’ve learned is that it just doesn’t really matter. Everyone is out there for their own personal reasons, so we should be helping to push each other and not ripping each other down just because we enjoy one brand more than another. I’ve been guilty of it in the past, but I’ve changed my tune over the last year or two. Now anytime I hear anyone talking about a race, I always offer then encouragement or congrats. It’s glad to hear you’ve turned a corner as well. It’s a great community we have out here, so we just need to make sure we are bringing it together and keeping it strong for the right reasons.
Weather you decide to do a TM or not, only time will tell. But if you are looking for a reason, look no further than going just to see and experience the good people that are out there on this planet willing to do right.
Crystal Ybanez
In April I did Tough Mudder Austin and saw something that nearly made me cry. At the rope wall (Wall 10-12 ft tall with a rope to climb up), there was a heavy man struggling to get over the wall. It was obvious that he wasn’t in great shape, but he was giving it his all. Basically everyone stopped what they were doing and stood there to cheer him on. Two people he didn’t know got below him to help with his footing and another man got up to the top of the wall to help him up. As he neared the top, the hundred people standing there were yelling and screaming and cheering. Once he made it, the crowd went absolutely insane. It was a “movie-moment” and something that was completely inspiring. This event was the weekend after the Boston tragedy and the West, Texas explosion. I was feeling sad and down because of all of the tragedy in the world. Seeing this lifted my spirits and made me realize that there is still good in the world. We just have to find it. Tough Mudder is a great place to find this.
I love Spartan races because of my competitive streak. I will always love them and be proud to run them. However, TM is definitely a place to see more teamwork and selfless people. Spartan races make you want to finish in your best time instead of stopping to cheer people on and help when you can.
Ashley @ Running Bun
Great post!!! I completed a 13 mi Tough Mudder in NJ in November of 2011. The first obstacle was the ice-filled dumpster followed by 2 more water obstacles where we would be fully submerged. I was frozen for the entire race. Like shaking, can barely move type of frozen. Despite standig around a lot, my team worked together to finish and I felt badass afterwards.
A few months ago, I had the opportunity to go to the Spartan/Reebok partnership press conference in Times Square where we learned SO much about the race, the founders and their goals. I knew I had to do one. I completed the Tri-State Spartan Sprint this past weekend. It was 4 miles of mountain climbing and heavy lifting. I have never worked so hard in my life at a workout! It was much more challening than the 13 mile TM I did. Knowing their future goals and having completed a race, I am definitely a convert to the Spartan Race!
snowfoxbandit
I really love all the prior comments!
I’m registered for my first Tough Mudder this fall. It will be my first OCR as well. As someone who grew up very introverted (still quietly competitive, but not type-A!) and not at all athletic, I’ve been transforming over the past two years and am really excited to attempt this with what has become a huge group of dear friends.
I don’t know anything about OCR politics or mud wars, but I’m a big fan of the TM ideal about teamwork, as well as supporting the Wounded Warrior project. I know many people race for time, but I really love that it’s all about pushing yourself, helping each other, and overcoming — not about a score. I always thought the Spartan crew seemed sort of like snobs (no offense!), because they were turning something fun/a personal challenge into a hyped-up competition where it was all about your score. It came off as sort of elitist to me – “we’re the best OC racers out there, and the effort you put in means nothing” was the impression I got. Which, as a sensitive person just learning my mental/physical toughness and capabilities, kind of hurt. We’re all in this together! We do this for FUN!
I think ALL OCRs should be about pushing yourself and overcoming! I love the teamwork aspect of TM and the individual aspect of other races. I think some pretty cool people are drawn to these kinds of events, and I’d like to try everything from Color Run and Warrior Dash to Spartan races someday!
Thanks for sharing your insight!
amateuridiotprofessionaldad
I ran one Tough Mudder. Well, half of one. I slipped coming out of an obstacle and came up with a rusty nail embedded in my hand. I had to go to the hospital to get a tetanus shot. Even though I didn’t think it compared to the Spartans I’ve run, I’m signed up for another Mudder. I can’t let it beat me. (And, yes, parking sucked, there was a lot of waiting, and the course itself was kind of flat and boring. Though, the obstacles I encountered were pretty cool.)
Raceday Domination
I always love witnessing the participants helping each other. Really is the perfect picture of cooperative fitness. There are definitely those who are mostly interested in winning, but to each their own. I’m just glad to see people getting off those treadmills and doing some real exercising.
James ITGuyfromHell
I was a 20 year smoker who was convinced to quit and do my first TM in 2012 by my boss, a 2-time Ironman Triathlete.
I quit, ran (walked) my first TM in 2012. I immediately signed up for the next one in my state the following year, jogged that one in 2013 and I just completed my third last weekend. I love the TM. There is competition just among TM runners about which ones are more difficult, easier, flatter, colder, etc.
I am actually going to try for my Trifecta next year, already have laid out where the Sprint, Super and Beast are nearest to me and a Warrior Dash in there with my kids, a small local Triathlon, and then cap the year with my fourth TM in October.
I don’t feel loyalty to any of the brands. I think they all have merit and are food for their niche in the market. I don’t see TM and Spartan and Warrior Dash as competitors, they are all different animals.
Heather
James: CONGRATS on quitting smoking and on becoming a Tough Mudder! Since I wrote this post, I too have completed two Tough Mudders. I LOVED them. Seriously, I was surprised. So I’m with you, I’m NOT a brand, I’m an athlete who appreciates all of the different races for their own unique take on the OCR world! Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment!
Clifford
You experienced or heard about a couple bad experiences with TM. But all the same I counter your bad experiences with TM with just as many if not more about Spartan. Depends on timing and area. During that time you want to complain about the weather was really bad. OCR plan’s races several months in advance with no idea what the weather will be like. As for injuries… You as a racer make the event as safe as your own personal actions make it. Yes the obstacles are challenging and as TM we push ourselves because we take pride in what TM represents and we support an actual cause. But from personal experience and experience from a lot of my friends, the camaraderie at TM is above any other race that either of is have done. The friendships that are built and the sense of accomplishment lasts forever. I. The end… We are all OCR racers. No matter the name we do them because we like a challenge. Misfortunes happen anywhere anytime. When you do a TM, you will understand what I am talking about. I have done both and when asked… I chose TM every time because of what they represent, the challenge, the people and camaraderie, and pride I DoD something great while supporting our great soldiers that protect us.
Heather
Hi Cliff! Thank you for the comment! I hope you will take the time to read my two Tough Mudder recaps, both of which were written long AFTER this post. I had wonderful experiences, and apologized in person to TM staff. I’m never too proud to admit when I’m wrong. I am proud, however, to be a member of the Mudder Legion. 😉
Amanda
Hello! I will compleat my first spartan trifecta with a sprint next month and I have compleated 2 tough mudders. I think spartan tests physical strength mostly and tough mudder focuses on testing your mental strength. They are both great! I personally enjoy tough mudder though because you dont spend your entire time jumping over walls. I just think the obstacles are more fun but still difficult. In both these i have had to stand in line adding to my time. But what i have noticed is more spartan runners have put down tough mudders before they have even run them. I suggest people give them both a try because no matter what the people are the best. We are all in it together.