Tough Mudder Training | Steve Ryall, August 9 2012

Steve Ryall - Tough Mudder | Trevor | Aug 9, 2012

TOUGH MUDDER should have an obstacle based on the rototiller.  Wow, what a workout.  In an effort to keep trying new tests in preparation for the 23 obstacles, tackling the tiller has proven to be a killer in terms of post workout pain.  I spent about 4 hours making passes on an area about 30 feet long.  Because of the dry summer, the ground was almost concrete like, and therefore provided an incredible burn in my shoulders, forearms and hands.  The remaining 3 hours after the “till” was spent raking the area back to a smooth surface.  Hopefully some sod laying in the coming days will brighten up that area.

 

The sledge hammer.  Another non traditional workout tool that has provided so many options in terms of various drills.  I have hit a tire in 4 different patterns, used it to lift with one arm at a time (each time increasing the distance with my hand from the head of hammer, making it harder to control stability), swinging it in back and forth motions and around my head for core work, and tossing it.  Who knew a $15 piece of wood and iron would be a great gym apparatus.

 

Plans for the last week and a half before race day.  Try to get in 3 good long runs, 10-12 k’s, 5 workouts in the yard with the tire, sledge hammer, balance beam ( 2”x 6” x 12’ ), 2 sessions of hill climbs and 1k sprints, lots of eating clean,  pool time, and some good nights of sleep.

 

I received my start time for the race.  I had requested 10:30 a.m. on the 18th, hoping to beat the heat and still giving me time to get to the race site that morning.  Unfortunately I will be heading up the mountain at 12:30 p.m. on the Saturday, so training the past 8 weeks in the heat will probably come into play.  Quick calculations of entries for the race, looks like there are about 20,000 people over the two days.  Did an interview yesterday with my local newspaper, the Dorchester Signpost, thanks to them for the support

 

Off for a run (Go Canada Go!).