Those who fail to prepare should prepare to fail – and nowhere is that old axiom more harshly realised than on the grueling courses of a Tough Mudder.
There are plenty of endurance races and sporting events in the calendar for 2021, but without adequate planning runners will soon find themselves up against it on the track.
It’s the moment we’ve been waiting for: the Jeep Tough Mudder series is back and it’s bringing four events to the UAE. Are you ready for a serious challenge this winter?
The event is happening at Ras Al Khaimah’s Mina Al Arab on Friday October 15; Hatta, Dubai on Saturday November 13; Abu Dhabi’s Al Hudiyarat Island on Friday December 10, and at Fujairah Adventures Park in Fujairah on January 28, 2022. The challenge uses world class obstacles to test your teamwork and push you out of your comfort zone. Click here to learn more about the winter challenges.
The event will give you two different course routes to choose from including the Jeep Tough Mudder 5K, which includes 13-plus obstacles on a 5k route and the Jeep Tough Mudder Classic, which hosts 25-plus obstacles on a 10k route. It’s a huge challenge either way, and it’s best to be prepared.
For those taking part in the approaching races, here are five top tips from Jeep Tough Mudder ambassador and fitness trainer Nicky Holland to help mudders cross the finish line.
Have a positive outlook
You can do it. Mindset plays a massive part in whether you can achieve something or not. Think positive. The great thing about a Tough Mudder is that it is all about team work and everyone helps everyone. When you’re out on the course you’re in good company.
Prepare the mind and body
Prepare yourself mentally and physically for the obstacle course. If this is your first Tough Mudder, watch videos of previous events to see what challenges you will be taking on. Visualise yourself taking on the challenge and the feeling of accomplishment afterwards.
Practise hard
Practise before the event. Practise crawling, climbing, hanging and running as these are the fundamentals that you will need for most of the obstacles.
Get started early
Don’t leave it too late to work on your fitness. Have a plan and give yourself time to improve your cardiovascular levels, upper body strength and to master crawling and climbing techniques. I would say 12 weeks is a good benchmark to prepare for the event.
Get stuck in
Embrace the challenge and the opportunity to get stuck in. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty and have fun in doing so – fitness has never been as fun. The best photos are the ones where you look like you’ve enjoyed yourself.
Looking for more sporting action in the UAE?
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Take part in the Expo 2020 Dubai run
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