The days are getting longer and we’re starting to not have the heating on 24/7, but that doesn’t quite mean the early morning training sessions become a walk in the park. Your motivation of a 2021 Tough Mudder event is one thing, but you need some serious inspiration to push yourself through that last, full body shaking, set. It doesn’t matter what it is but having a reason for getting moving is going to keep you motivated and propel you through the toughest sessions and trickiest sections of the course. Ten Mudders share their reasons for taking part, tackling obstacles and pushing their limits on a Tough Mudder course.
1. “Because it let’s me test my potential”
“I Tough Mudder because it brings the mental clarity, grit, confidence and determination you need in your life. Sometimes things get overwhelming, you lose focus on your goals (and potentially yourself), and with that you lose self confidence and start questioning things that shouldn’t be questioned. I Tough Mudder because it has helped to refocus myself and my team. It has helped to reassure us that we are exactly right where we need to be, and that we can overcome anything that life throws at us and have a BLAST doing so!” —Taylor
2. “For the unforgettable memories”
“I Mudder because of all the times I have doubted myself. I take this 10 mile journey every year so I can remind myself how much I’m capable of, how grateful I am that I am able to challenge myself mentally and physically. I run because I get a full day of unforgettable memories, laughs, tears, leg cramps, and MUD in places with some of my very favourite people in the whole world. I mud because I love it, because it’s hard but one of the most rewarding things I have ever done, because it helps me stay in shape, it reminds me about who we are as people at the core, which is just humans who are perfectly imperfect and just want to laugh and love and push ourselves to be better each day.” —Tierra
3. “For bragging rights and a finisher beer”
“Bragging rights – I love to tell people when I’ve completed a Mudder and what I had to do and when I see the expressions on their faces, it’s priceless. Then “ah, it’s no big deal. Why don’t you join me on the next one”. I love the travelling to the location. I love the training, and getting ready. I love the feeling I get at the starting line. I love when it’s over and hanging out, getting to know other Mudders. I’m a Mudder for life!” —Sarah
4. “Because I can! 57 years young and still going strong”
“Because I still can! I enjoy getting out there with people half my age and still being able to climb a wall or get down and dirty. I’m 57 years young! Besides how else can I put my pole exercising classes to go use.” —Kate
5. “It gives me a goal to work toward and keeps me on track all year”
“I Mudder because it shows a lot of cooperation between everyone no matter their age, size or gender. We are all accomplishing the same goal to finish every obstacle and to have fun while doing it. It’s a chance to see what I am really made of while having a great time with friends and co-workers. It also gives me a goal to work toward and keeps me on track all year.” —Dan
6. “In memory of my grandma. To raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s Society and Dementia Awareness.”
“I started because I thought it’d be a one off. A team laugh and joke. My family thought it was amazing when we finished and especially my grandma who was so intrigued. She was fascinated. She sadly suddenly passed away a few months later. Ever since then (2014) I’ve done it to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s Society and Dementia Awareness. The feeling is incredible when I cross the finish line, just remembering her cheeky smile when I showed her the filthy, crazy, happy photos. Thank you TM! Now I’m heading towards my 25th!” —Hazel
7. “It’s such a great opportunity to either strengthen old friendships or create new ones with acquaintances and co-workers”
“I convinced 23 people to go on the Tough Mudder 5k with me and I loved the bonding and the camaraderie that formed during the race. I realised it’s such a great opportunity to either strengthen old friendships, or create new ones with acquaintances and co-workers. I’m excited to go on the 10k this year with a group of 15 people this time!” —Samuel
8. “I did with the help of total strangers who became part of my family during the event”
“DO IT! Not cliché at all. I NEVER thought I could finish Tough Mudder Classic completing all the obstacles, but I did with the help of total strangers who became part of my family during the event. I will never forget my 1st, and yes I’m doing it again. Why? An incredible experience, muddy yes, scraps and bruises yes, all shared with total strangers, my son and best friend. Can’t wait for this year to do my best, better.” —Saarn
9. “I became tired of saying ‘I could never do that!'”
“I became tired of saying ‘I could never do that!’ I love the Spin classes at my gym and, my daughter recently talked me into trying kick boxing. I loved that too. She said, “Mum why don’t we do a Tough Mudder? I told her she was crazy, but then said yes. I wanted to prove to myself that I could DO IT!” —Patty
10. “Life is to short and precious not to live each day to the fullest.”
“My son had cancer back in 2009-2013. He fought it and has been cancer free since. After that, I realised life is to short and precious not to live each day to the fullest. Tyler and I have been doing Tough Mudder 3 years in a row now. He was only 14 when he got his illness, we are now 55 and 25. Thank you so much for having this event and giving us the opportunity to do it together. I’m a Tough Mudder raising a Tough Son. We enjoy the time spent together. I can’t wait for 2021.”—Ezzy
Why do you Mudder? Join the conversation at #WhyIMudder on Facebook and Instagram.
