Another Tough Mudder Experience…

by: Brandon Richey–Get Free Updates And Training Guides Here

Another Tough Mudder Experience…

I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions. –Stephen Covey

So about a year or so ago I got call from a very interesting individual that was curious in learning more about my training program so that I could get her ready for the Tough Mudder adventure race. I’ll never forget about how enthusiastic and determined the voice was on the other end of the phone because I’ve had the “we’re serious about training” conversations with many folks over the years, but the majority of those lack the follow through, and the willingness to sacrifice to actually mean what they say. This time it would be different.

This Tough Mudder Story…

So going back to that conversation I had with this person on the phone I can remember her saying “If you tell me to do something, I’ll do it.” Not only did she say that to me, but she said it with conviction. I knew right away I probably had a warrior on my hands.  

So then Deb’s journey began with her getting ready for the Tough Mudder. On a side not if you follow this blog you would also know that I have trained 2 other successful Mudders that actually qualified for the World’s Toughest Mudder race with which one actually ended up going to compete in. Knowing this only fired up Deb even more. 

Push your limits with this bodyweight training guide!

She had never taken on a physical challenge such as this to my knowledge and I often wondered if she knew what she might be getting herself into. Nevertheless we trained fairly consistent for 3 days a week and did so in every environment imaginable.  

We would meet and use a couple of local parks in Gwinnett and over in Chamblee to get in all of our training and even though we live in Georgia we stayed on our training through one of the toughest winters the state has had in quite some time.

We literally met out at these parks on the pretty sunny days when everyone was out enjoying life, and we also met on the dark cold mental breaking days where we knew there would be no chance of anyone coming out to the park for any family fun time.

It didn’t matter if the sun was out, if it was raining, or snow was on the ground we got our strength and conditioning in for the Tough Mudder. We did it on 95 degree days and 17 degree days. It was truly a Tough Mudder training simulation. I believe Deb was starting to sense what was ahead on race day. 

After all this time I’ve never let Deb know this, but one day after one of our training sessions she pushed through fighting a bit of soreness and discomfort. I introduced the loaded vest to her and had her use it throughout many of our circuits and even with the implementation of the TRX.

Get your TRX trainer here today…

It had been raining and was about 35 degrees outside. She never quit through this day’s workout, but after we were finished with the final rep she looked at me and said “My body has nothing left.” I simply replied, “Not today, but it will in 48 hours.” 

I was so pumped after this workout that I decided to shoot a video to call out all those people in society today that want that so-called Magical Pill. I did the video right after the workout. As you watch this video you’ll notice the cold temperatures based on my clothing and you’ll also notice the water on the ground behind me. This was typical of Deb’s Tough Mudder journey. Check out my rant here on the Magical Pill. 

As you can see I was pretty fired up for the day. To take this story to the end this past weekend was race weekend for Deb and as you can see from the photo at the beginning of this article she made it all the way through the race until the end. That’s right 12 miles and 25 obstacles later she was finished with the Tough Mudder and did so just over the 4 hour mark. Not bad for a first time ever! 

Of course we used kettlebells for the Tough Mudder training!

She had to fight through me, 17 degree training temperatures, rain, snow, and 95 degree training heat. She had gotten sick with a sinus infection and had to fight through that 2 weeks prior to competition. She had an unrelenting travel schedule for her work and never once said “I can’t” with anything that I threw at her.

As a matter of fact as soon as she finished this Tough Mudder I asked her “Are you ready for the next one?” Without hesitation and with mud running down her face she replied “You bet!”  So here’s to you Deb! It’s been a great journey and I’m looking forward to round 2! 

I hope you enjoyed today’s post. This journey was more than just about training for a race. It is about a strong lesson on life. Life isn’t easy and you are a product of your decisions, not your circumstances.

There will be challenges and setbacks, but there is a legitimate hard earned victory to be won and it never should come from a place where you see yourself as a victim of circumstance. Adapt, overcome, and become stronger by building yourself up and not by tearing someone else down. Start your smart training today my friend. Please post up your questions and comments in the box below this article. 

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