The Tough Mudder season is in full swing, you’ve done all the legwork – choosing the right date, training to prepare for the gnarly course, and rallying your team.
Now it’s time to pack, so to take worrying out of the game – make sure you bring these 10 things with you and you’ll enjoy a hassle-free day full of mud and camaraderie.
The Ten Things You Need To Bring To Tough Mudder
1. HYDRATION
You’re going to want to walk into Mudder Village with at least two litres of water. Sound excessive? It’s called playing it safe in case you arrive just in time for your start time, you won’t have to walk around in search of some last minute sips. Actiph Water will also be on hand to provide extra hydration at the finish line.
2. SUPPLEMENTS
Once your body uses the glycogen stores from your morning porridge and last night’s pasta, it’ll tap into protein chains for energy. Luckily in 2021 PhD Nutrition will be bringing their tasty protein bars for you to try to keep those protein levels boosted.
3. CHANGE OF CLOTHES
Every Tough Mudder course is different but you’ll be guaranteed to cross the finish line with mud in places you didn’t know existed. You don’t have to change immediately after crossing the finish line, after all walking filthily around Mudder Village is an essential component of a Tough Mudder day, but for the sake of the interior of the car or train you’re leaving in, you might want to change before you depart. There are rinse stations available, but you’re responsible for a second pair of socks, shoes, underwear, shorts/pants, shirt, jacket (in case it gets cold in the afternoon), and a towel. You can donate your old clothing or bring them home, which would travel best in a plastic bag.
4. GLOVES
Yes, your gloves will get wet and muddy too, but that doesn’t mean they’re completely useless. Some Mudders swear by their trusty gloves to help them through obstacles like Funky Monkey, others are convinced all they need is a pair of bare hands and the will to survive. What team you fall into is up to you.
5. WEATHER PROTECTION
For some Tough Mudder events around the globe this section would simply read: sunscreen. But here in Britain if there’s only one thing we can predict – it’s the unpredictable weather. Of course it’s a good idea to check what the skies might hold in store on the day of your event but we suggest bringing plenty of layers so you can keep warm and a waterproof for obvious reasons. Maybe whack some suncream on your most important bits before you head out the door – if by some miracle the sun does put in an appearance we wouldn’t want you to leave redfaced.
6. TICKET & ID
Screenshot the QR code on your confirmation email and bring some ID along for check in. You no longer need to print and sign a waiver as you will sign a digital waiver on the day (saving the planet woo).
7. MONEY
Included in your registration is a finisher drink (a refreshing Three Fold Hard Seltzer in 2021), t-shirt and headband. You’ll need money for food, a beer, cool Tough Mudder gear and any other transportation costs you may have. All vendors in Mudder Village are card only.
8. MASSAGE TOOL
Whether it’s using a foam roller, lacrosse ball, or massage stick, self myofascial release can only help you overcome obstacles. Bring your roller, ball or massage bar into Mudder Village, find a spot with open space, and start improving blood circulation by targeting the glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps, calves, upper back, hip, and chest. Overall range of motion will increase by loosening up these muscles prior to the event which will help you reach higher with your arms and legs.
9. SNACKS
Sometimes you just need something in your system right before an endurance event like Tough Mudder. Almonds, walnuts, pecans, and protein bars are nutrient-dense snacks for munching on before you start warming up. As you might expect battling through the course can really work up an appetite.
10. PEOPLE
Yes, we’re talking about last-minute texts, phone calls and e-mails to family, friends and co-workers to either come run Tough Mudder with you or watch as a spectator. Your main selling points are trying something new, challenging yourself and partying afterwards. Plus, the “what else are you going to be doing?” argument. The words Tough Mudder are infectious to people of all fitness levels: once someone plants the bug to another and they both agree, it’s hard to convince both of them NOT to follow through with their decision to try a Tough Mudder.
Put your mental grit to the test on a course this season. Grab your place on the Tough Mudder start line.
