I was extremely excited going into this event. I was lucky enough to be able to sleep in a bed the night before and woke up on Saturday, June 29, 2013 in good spirits and high hopes for the day. This was crushed only a few hours later when I found out that my running partner was sick and barely moving in his tent. I hike the 3/4 of a mile from my car to the starting area. Oh, the lengths I'll go to save $10. I had planned to run the first lap with a group of first timers. However, I was quickly persuaded after the start to just run the course. It was supposed to rain that afternoon and I wanted to get the 2nd lap in before those shenanigans hit. I started out at the rear of the 8:00 A.M. starting group and spent the next 20 minutes trying to pass the solid mass of people out in front. Luckily, Tough Mudder has a way of helping those in need. I was able to find some other running partners for both of my laps that helped me to keep pushing myself harder.
I met a man named Russ a little after Arctic Enema. We chatted briefly and I asked if I could pace with him. He was happy to oblige and we ran the rest of the course together. It worked out well since I was able to help him out at several obstacles. Being tall has its consequences. Especially at the Boa Constrictor. I can easily ball up and shimmy up the slope. Russ, being over 6' was unable to copy my technique. I threw my legs down the tube and helped him out of the pipe. Overall, the first lap was uneventful. I didn't have to walk anywhere due to the mud and the only new obstacle, the Cage Crawl, was very easy and quite refreshing. The only issue I had was at Electric Eel where I lost count of how many shocks I had after 15. Getting shocked that many times on a fresh battery is just painful.
The first lap was finished in around 1 hr, 45 minutes. A little fast for a 2 lap day but overall, I felt good going into the second lap. After finishing I quickly grabbed my headband and shirt, threw them on, and promptly jumped in for the 10:00 start.
Lap 2 was a big learning experience for me. I would see how race-day nutrition and hydration play a key role in how well you can perform. I set an easier pace on this lap and eventually ran into two brothers who I ran with for the rest of the lap. Joe and Chris were their names. It was their first time running a TM and it worked out well for my pace. Everything was good until around mile 6. I realized later that the amount of nutrition available on the course is not enough to supplement what I truly needed. I think I had enough calories, it was my hydration and sodium levels that were too low. This led to a calf cramp at Bale bonds on mile 11 of 12 that severely dampened my pace. Luckily, I had enough gas to make it up Everest and finish in 2 hours and 45 minutes for my second lap.
Overall, I'd give this course an 8 out of 10. The first demerit is for having to walk so damn far from the parking lot to the venue. The second is for the soil. Very sandy and rocky so my knees and elbows were shredded by the end of the day. The last is for having the changing tents at the bottom of the hill while the showers were at the top. I was unable to change into some dry things because of this. Once I was at the top of the hill, I wasn't moving back down! Otherwise, the terrain was good. Lots of rolling hills that made me ache later. It was not nearly as flat as I had predicted. They also made use of the many concrete dividers as mini obstacles throughout the course.
This race was by far the best learning experience I have had in some time. I feel like my training is on course for the World's Toughest Mudder in November. I understand how critical nutrition and hydration are for my overall performance. I was also able to test my mental stability after my legs were burning and wanting to stop.
Build-Up Plan
- Run longer. There is an old saying that "one is infinitely better than two". My first lap was easy. My second lap was a challenge. Third lap and beyond? I need to get my legs used to the pounding if I am to survive the WTM in November.
- Nutrition and Hydration. Plan better for multiple lap days. One lap is good with using the on-course goods. Two laps or more I need to bring a race belt with gel packets.
Focus Training for WTM 2013
- Grip Strength - Continue bouldering and training on my climbing wall
- Running - Keep increasing mileage and frequency of long runs
- Rucking - Build up to 50 lb pack and hike for 10 miles. Will use in place of sprint days.
- Weight Training - Maintain leg and upper body strength
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