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Define Defense at Tough Mudder Colorado 2012

13/06/12 14:22 Filed in: Other | My experiences | Fitness | Strength & Conditioning

Tough Mudder Colorado Vail Beaver Creek 2012 obstacle race mud run Define Defense challenge
Last Sunday, 4 guys of Define Defense Boulder participated in Tough Mudder Colorado 2012 in Beaver Creek.  The course was 12 miles long, had over 4,250 feet of altitude change and had approx. 25 obstacles throughout.  The team did great, we stuck together and made it all the way through!  After all, it's not a race but a challenge.  We had our difficulties with injuries that occurred prior to the race but we helped each other and even despite the injuries, completed the Tough Mudder.  That shows determination!

I had a great time since I've been looking forward to it for a long time and was fortunate enough not to have any injuries or limitations.  It's great to find new challenges and this particular one would challenge my endurance, balance, coordination, problem solving skills and especially: mental toughness.  

Some of the obstacles were especially mentally challenging, such as the ice bath (water with 1.5 feet of ice and you had to dive under a wooden board before exiting), and the electroshocks.  There were not one, two but three obstacles with live wires this year!  The first we had to crawl in water, second on an ice sheet and the third is the well known one running through live wires.  Of course, not all wires are charged but that makes it even more nerve wrecking.  I was shocked a total of 7 times.  During the last obstacle, right before the finish line, I got shocked twice on the head and it dazed me pretty well.  However, I was fortunate enough not to drop (we have seen other people go unconscious for a few seconds).  Even though the shocks aren't fun, it's part of the game and it added to the experience.  Obviously, if you have medical issues you shouldn't go through the electroshocks.

I did all the obstacles of the course and they were all great for different reasons.  A few objections I have with the challenge though are:

- Some of the obstacles that require physical skills, such as climbing, ducking etc.  were too short.  They should have been longer in length.  
- The course was reasonably tough and despite the fact that Tough Mudder needs to accommodate the general population of may different levels, I thought it would be harder.  The hardest part of the course was absolutely the altitude changes.  You had to run uphill, downhill, hike etc. which was GREAT!  That makes it a lot harder but I would like to see harder physically challenging obstacles.  Perhaps they should do the course as it is and do some extra things for an 'Elite Tough Mudder'?

Tough Mudder Colorado Vail Beaver Creek 2012 obstacle race mud run challenge
As mentioned, the course was a lot of fun, the altitude differences were perfect and challenging but I would like to have more trouble with some of the obstacles.  That being said, the rings you have to swing across water, I didn't make, but I still tried.  All other obstacles I came across without any problem.  I didn't even really need any help with any of them.  I was able to climb over the walls by myself and climb on the quarter pipe without help.  It would be have been more challenging (and fun) if I needed more help.  I do understand that Tough Mudder needs to accommodate everyone and I am fortunate enough to combine my work and passion, which enables me to train many hours per week.  The ice bath was a huge shock but I'm thrilled I did everything including this one.  Since the live wires don't really require any skill or physical capability, I'm not the biggest fan but it does add to the experience and mental challenge.  If you are limited or injured though, it is totally fine to skip some of the obstacles.  After all, you don't want to make things worse.

Tough Mudder Colorado Vail Beaver Creek 2012 obstacle race mud run challenge
Attendees who did the course in 2011 all mentioned this year's course was much harder since they added 2 miles and 2 more electroshock therapy obstacles.  Some said they would never do it again.  I say let's make it harder!  I already preregistered for 2013 and will sign up as soon as I get the email.   Hopefully, we can get another team together of perhaps 8-10 people!

P.S. A big thank you to the team and the people who came out to support!




Tough Mudder Colorado Vail Beaver Creek 2012 obstacle race mud run challengeIMG_0039380186_4073516597126_384348819_n


By Sander Vanacker, owner, head instructor and personal trainer of Define Defense Martial Arts & Personal Training.

Define Defense in Boulder, CO
- Modern Martial Arts
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & MMA
- Self Defense Classes & Workshops
- Personal Training
- Cross Training / TRX Classes

1805 11th Street Suite B
Boulder, CO 80302

(720) 340 6254
Info@DefineDefense.com


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