Tough Mudder Ready

That’s right you know what this post is going to be about… Tough Mudder. Nine months ago a group of 13 girls talked about signing up for the Tahoe Tough Mudder at Northstar-at-Tahoe, 10 actually registered and nine ran the race. I was one of nine, but we were one team of 10,000+ individuals who pushed their limits on Saturday, September 22.

This wasn’t like every other Tough Mudder the elevation gain was 2,000+ ft  (7,500 ft to about 9,500+ ft) and at one point we were hiking straight up hill. The advantage… it wasn’t as muddy since Tahoe is mostly granite. Don’t get me wrong there was plenty of mud to go around.

Tough Mudder encourages dressing up… so of course we did…. and all the tutu’s are handmade!

Our journey went something like this:

Nine ladies from South Lake Tahoe in tutu’s ran 11.4 miles and nailed 20 obstacles…. yes they are tough and yes they girly.

Pre-start looking fabulous….

Arica and I pre race — we still have no clue….

Crowd shot: racers and spectators

Muddy mess close up

muddy , muddy shoes — what to do?

…. Donate, the saying is “all good tough shoes go to Africa”

• Shoes: New Balance 875  (Trail Running)
• Socks: Merrell Siren Sport Sock
• I typical hike in these socks and LOVE them. They never fell into my shoe, even soaking wet or pushing through muddy pits. I highly recommend these socks and you can bet I will be buying more. I didn’t have any blisters either!
• Shorts: C9 by Champion  (that’s right I rocked shorts from Target) 
• These shorts surprised me. They were pretty quick to dry and no chaffing from the material! 
• Top: Old  sports tank from Old Navy (yup that’s right) something like this
• Again I had no idea what was going to happen. This top worked nicely.
• Sports Bra: C9 by Champion seamless cami bra (that’s right I rocked a sport bra from Target too)
• OK – I just love the sports Bra’s from Target — period.

Tips:

• It’s not really necessary for gloves, goggles or knee pads. There are a few times you wish you had them but do you really want to carry them for 10-12 miles? No
• There are plenty of water stops along the way so there really isn’t a need for a camel back unless you really need  water every 10 minutes.
• Tighten your laces and make sure to double knot (I never stopped because of this) 
• Less is more… Remember you’re going to be wet the more clothes you have on the longer it takes to dry
• If you wear contacts bring eye drops… first aid didn’t have any and it gets dusty from time to time.
• Leave cotton clothes at home or at least until after the race… remember you’re going to get wet.
• Work together as a team even if you don’t know the person remember it’s not about your personal time, but teamwork.
• Check in with your teammates you might be at a 10, but your mate needs to take it to a 7 for 5 minutes (or vice versus) it’s about teamwork at the end of the day, right?
• Encourage others racers around you, it makes them feel good.
• Lastly, HAVE FUN!

Do you think you have what it takes? Take the test here.

Linked to weekend updates: Five30Three, Sami’s Shenanigans and Join The Gossip