Tough Mudder

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rdhawkins

Original Poster:

322 posts

290 months

Wednesday 7th November 2012
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I'm signed up to do a Tough Mudder a week on Saturday (17th November), has anyone done one of these or similar?

It's going to flippin cold and flippin muddy, wondering what, if anything to wear on my hands and head. You would have thought a hat would be obvious but then when you jump in some freezing water is it a good idea to have a freezing cold thing on your head.

Rob

Freakuk

3,471 posts

158 months

Wednesday 7th November 2012
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YouTube is your friend

fiatpower

3,191 posts

178 months

Wednesday 7th November 2012
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I did tough guy a few years back which is essentially the same.

I wore a cheap primark hat which I lost halfway through in a pond so I'd suggest tying it to your ear with some string, you'll look a bit silly but having a hat will make a big difference. I was noticeably colder even if the hat was soaking wet.

I didn't wear gloves which I regret. Try get some gripper gloves or something similar.

Spice_Weasel

2,292 posts

260 months

Thursday 8th November 2012
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I did Mudrunner Classic across Land Rover's customer experience course in the Malvern Hills a few week ago. It wasn't as cold as it is now but it was the muddiest they have seen it. I like to keep warm when running and like a hat in cold weather and wore one for this year's Hellrunner in February but it was -8 at the start time. With something like a Climacool hat, it should dry very quickly.

Trail shoes are a must. You will have no grip on the really muddy sections with regular road shoes!

rdhawkins

Original Poster:

322 posts

290 months

Thursday 8th November 2012
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Thanks for the replies.

Yep, have a pair of Inov-8 mudclaw trail shoes run in and ready, friend who is doing it too is just going to wear and old pair of running shoes so we'll have to who's better off.

Ok, so I have a beanie style running hat so I'll take that, just not sure about gloves now. Its not just the cold its the ripping my hands to shreds on the various obstacles that concerns me, I'm a namby pamby office worker so my hands aren't exactly used to clambering over an assault course in November! Had a look for 'grip gloves' but there are so many different sorts. Will have to hit Google/Youtube to see what people use.

Rob

stew-S160

8,006 posts

245 months

Thursday 8th November 2012
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I did it in May. It was a lot of fun. 2 hours 15 mins. I'll say this, the river crossings were damned cold, despite the air temp being warm. So with it now being winter, kudos to those who take part at this time of year, as it's going to be horrificly cold.

Enjoy smile

Roger645

1,744 posts

254 months

Thursday 8th November 2012
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Neoprene gloves will keep your hands warm even if they are wet. Check out windsurfing kit for an appropriate hat.

Highway Star

3,596 posts

238 months

Thursday 8th November 2012
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rdhawkins said:
Yep, have a pair of Inov-8 mudclaw trail shoes run in and ready, friend who is doing it too is just going to wear and old pair of running shoes so we'll have to who's better off.
You'll kill him - they are brilliant compared to normal shoes. I've got a pair too. Just watch out on smooth slippery surfaces in them - I did a fell race a few weeks back, uphill through the mud they were great, downhill over smooth rocks I spent more time on my arse than on my feet.

rdhawkins

Original Poster:

322 posts

290 months

Thursday 8th November 2012
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stew-S160 said:
I did it in May. It was a lot of fun. 2 hours 15 mins. I'll say this, the river crossings were damned cold, despite the air temp being warm. So with it now being winter, kudos to those who take part at this time of year, as it's going to be horrificly cold.

Enjoy smile
Yes, saw this one but I'm doing it as a team and others didn't think they would be ready in time.

Did you wear gloves?

stew-S160

8,006 posts

245 months

Thursday 8th November 2012
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rdhawkins said:
Yes, saw this one but I'm doing it as a team and others didn't think they would be ready in time.

Did you wear gloves?
I wore tipless gym gloves.

SHutchinson

2,119 posts

191 months

Thursday 8th November 2012
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I usually just run in Adidas Kanadia trail shoes, compression tights and long sleeved top, running shorts and whatever t-shirt I get free on the day. I've done it in gloves before but I don't find they offer that much benefit. Never felt like I've wanted to wear a hat either.

Spice_Weasel

2,292 posts

260 months

Thursday 8th November 2012
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If you do go for gloves, perhaps try SealSkinz Ultra Grip. Pricey, though, at over 30 quid

leemarkadams

853 posts

222 months

Thursday 8th November 2012
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I am doing this event also as the wife signed me up as it is my 40th birthday on the 17th!

Doing the southern 'hellrunner' on Saturday as a 'warm up'!




rdhawkins

Original Poster:

322 posts

290 months

Thursday 8th November 2012
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leemarkadams said:
I am doing this event also as the wife signed me up as it is my 40th birthday on the 17th!

Doing the southern 'hellrunner' on Saturday as a 'warm up'!
Nice one, what time are you starting? I'm in a team of 13 and were off at 11:40 which is the latest I think.

Have been training like crazy for the last 4-5 months, think I'll be ok or at least not the slowest in our team

Not heard of hellrunner, did a 10k last weekend and a half marathon a month ago

leemarkadams

853 posts

222 months

Thursday 8th November 2012
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Starting at 11 in a team of 4. Am fairly active anyway (gym everyday) so not felt the need to do any extra training for this.

Will see how it goes but should be a good event, not after a blistering time!

rdhawkins

Original Poster:

322 posts

290 months

Sunday 18th November 2012
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leemarkadams said:
Starting at 11 in a team of 4. Am fairly active anyway (gym everyday) so not felt the need to do any extra training for this.

Will see how it goes but should be a good event, not after a blistering time!
How did you get on? I was in a team if 10 that went at 11:40, we had mixed fitness so spent a lot if time running back to encourage the stragglers, was the only way to keep moving and therefore keep warm.

Worst obstacle? I think we all agreed the lake one where you had to go under he 3 rows of barrels. I have never been so cold after that, it seemed even colder than the arctic enema and the jump into water, maybe because you we're in he water for a lot longer.

Didn't bother with hat or gloves in the end although I think I should have gone for gloves, hands were so cold near the end I couldn't grip the bars on Funky Monkey, that and the fact they were covered in slippery mud and spun round in their holes!

Thinking of doing another next year, there is one about 40 minutes from me which would be easier.

Mudclaw trainers worked a treat, was really sure footed through all the mud, grass, bogs and water, those with normal trainers were all over the place in the mud.

rdhawkins

Original Poster:

322 posts

290 months

Monday 19th November 2012
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Paddy_N_Murphy said:
But, you enjoyed it, right?
Oh yes, will be doing another one next year for sure smile

Shinobi

5,077 posts

197 months

Monday 19th November 2012
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Tough mudders with all the hats, gloves and modern kit to keep you warm. Really spartan!

stew-S160

8,006 posts

245 months

Tuesday 20th November 2012
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rdhawkins said:
Paddy_N_Murphy said:
But, you enjoyed it, right?
Oh yes, will be doing another one next year for sure smile
Good man.
Well done for doing the winter event. I love the cold, but no way would I do it at this time of year.

InertialTooth45

2,111 posts

194 months

Tuesday 20th November 2012
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Have a look at rat race dirty weekend, it's supposed to be longer and harder than tough guy and tough mudder put together!