Add meaning to your mud, fundraise with givestar
Why Taking Time Out of the Office for Physical Activity and Team Building Is Essential:
Our Tough Mudder Experience
In today’s fast-paced work environment, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind, often neglecting the importance of physical activity and team bonding. But taking time out of the office
to engage in physical challenges and build camaraderie with colleagues isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. And what better way to do this than by participating in a Tough Mudder. Here’s why we decided to take on this challenge and how it turned into an unforgettable experience of teamwork, personal growth, and giving back.
Building the Team: The Power of Diversity and Unity
When I first mentioned the idea of forming a Tough Mudder team at work, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Having organized teams for Tough Mudder in the past, I knew the impact it could have — not just on fitness levels, but on team morale and unity. So, when the company asked me to put together a team, I jumped at the chance.
We assembled an eclectic group of 20 people from various departments, ranging from the shop floor to the office, with a wide range of ages, genders, and fitness levels. The only
requirements? You had to be a team player and “up for the craic”—a good laugh. And in the end, I think we got a great mix. Getting everyone on board wasn’t without its challenges. Some needed more persuasion than others, especially those who were nervous about the physical demands of the course. But with a little encouragement (and some playful teasing), we got everyone to commit. The nervous energy turned into determination as the event approached, and even those who were most hesitant started to get excited.
Running for a Cause: Why We Chose to Fundraise
Choosing to run for charity was a no-brainer for our team. After a brief discussion, we decided to support two charities close to our hearts: the MS Society and Ataxia UK. Both charities were
chosen because some of our team members have family members affected by these conditions. Knowing that our efforts would contribute to something meaningful added an extra layer of motivation and purpose to our training and participation.
Why Tough Mudder? Because It’s More Than Just a Run
For me, this was my fifth Tough Mudder, so I knew what to expect. One other team member had done it before, but for the rest, it was their first time—and nerves were high. Some of us trained rigorously, while others…well, not so much. But even those who were more reluctant to start training eventually got off the couch, motivated by the approaching event. Tough Mudder is more than just a race; it’s a test of physical endurance, mental toughness, and, most importantly, teamwork. The best moment of the day? It had to be crossing the finish line,
despite the electric shocks and choice expletives! The sheer joy, disbelief, and pride on everyone’s faces as we hugged, laughed, and celebrated our achievement was indescribable. Many of had never imagined taking on such a challenge, let alone completing it. By the endof the day, nearly everyone said they’d do it again—though they’d train a bit harder next time!
How Tough Mudder Made Us Feel: A Team, Proud, and a Leader
If I had to describe how Tough Mudder made me feel in three words, they’d be: A Team, Proud, A Leader. This experience brought us closer together as colleagues and friends, and it showed us the power of collective effort and support.
Why we chose givestar
When it came to fundraising, we chose givestar because of its convenience and flexibility. The ability to collect donations immediately without the hassle of chasing people after the event was a big plus. Additionally, givestar’s feature that allows us to spread the funds raised across multiple charities made it the perfect choice for our team.
How you can support us
We couldn’t have done this without the incredible support from our friends, family, and colleagues. A special shout-out to Ed Thompson for his help in organizing our biggest team yet!
If you’d like to support our ongoing efforts and contribute to the MS Society and Ataxia UK, you can visit our fundraising page here.
Taking on Tough Mudder was not just about conquering physical obstacles; it was about coming together as a team, pushing our limits, and making a difference for causes that matter. If you’re looking for an opportunity to bond with colleagues, boost morale, and make an impact, I highly recommend getting out of the office and taking on a challenge like Tough Mudder. Trust me—it’s an experience you won’t forget!
