Tough Guy 2013

Hi, new to the sight ,

 Just signed up for tough guy 2013 in January, trying to find people who are doing the january event, pretty nervouse but excited too, or if anybody out there has done 1 in the past do you have any tips, adding hill running to my treadmill gym routine and doing leg press to build muscle in legs, I am generaly fit but want to be in best condition for event...

It's not just about leg strength and stamina- a lot of people find the obstacle course very hard due to a lack of upper body strength.

Train bodyweight exercises- burpees, press ups etc. 

Train as winter draws in outside- don't stay in the gym or the shock of the cold will be bad!

Run down rivers, turn the shower to freezing, lots of hill sprints and be comfortable running over uneven surfaces.

See you at the finish line!

Training : Hit the trails and run. Do pull ups. Its that simple.

On the day : Wear as little light clothing as possible (wet clothes will just make you colder). Running shorts and a clsoe fitting tech tshirt will be good. Wear a set of cycle or weight gloves. Set off fast to avoid the huuuuuge queues at some obstacles as people try all sorts of methods to be as slow as possible over them. When you get in the cold water go through as fast as you can, get out and get moving. Don't hang around in it feeling sorry for yourself.

I participated this year. I would say it is a real advantage to have some cross country training in the bank, getting ahead of the pack near the start means you can maintain momentum and subsequently body temperature (to some degree) in the Killing Fields.

<span>A few ice baths, closely followed by going for a run a few weeks before the event is good preparation.

Good luck, its is great fun and very satisfing to complete. 

And also, wearing a rubber swim hat really helps protect against the worst of the cold when you are fully submerged. 

Thank you for all the advice, it is much appreciated, also as I am doing the challenge alone, should there be anybody in my position would like to pair up on the day, please let me know.

Cheers

Hi Daren, I've signed up too!

Watched a few videos of last years event and tbh I don't think it looks that bad physically, like others have said it's just trying to combat the cold.

I'm going with a team of 6 guys, more than welcome to buddy up with us on the day

Karleigh

Hi Karleigh,

Thank you for the response, that would be great to join with your group on the day, I am staying over the night event too, I will be starting as a wetneck I believe! lol. I am in training at the minute to be ready, but like you said, the cold will be the biggest obstacle, what sort of fitness levels arre you guys?.  I watched lots of videos too, it should be a great day and great achievment to finish the course.

can't wait

I'll be getting a hotel for 2 days, there is NO WAY I'm camping before the event and after I'm going to want a hot bath!

We're all different levels, all resonably fit but we're no athletes haha

Are you on Twitter?

Follow me, @thekarleighshow

Hi Darren and friends...

Just where is the tough guy event challenge held ?

G'day

Event is just outside Wolverhampton.

Signed up as soon as registration opened this year so will be in the Wetneck starting group.

Whilst I've not competed in an event of this calibre, I have learnt from previous obstacle course races that running on uneven ground, mud and hills where possible, and doing bodyweight exercises like pull-ups and push-ups are about all I've needed. Hypothermia looks like it could be the main difficulty.

Hi Guys.

My name is Chris and have entered tough guy at the end of the month. I'm a very weak runner and let's just say i'm not the fittest (currently look like i've swallowed a couple of turkeys over christmas lol)! However i've entered with 2 super fit friends who are stronger than me in all physical activities.

I'm quite nervous about this event, but have been training for around 6 months now. I can do 20 pull ups at a time, have just managed to do 25 press ups and recently completed a 10k race in 2hours 33 minutes.

Do anyone have any words of wisdom for me for the forthcoming event, really am nervous but can't wait to be a tough guy!!

Thanks

Hi all.

Just managed 26 press ups. 

yessssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss!

Hey Chris Bray.. Don't worry about it. I have been training really really hard with my brother, running round a 5 km course in Melton Mowbray that takes in all of the local sites, including the dog food / pork pie factory. I can nail this in around 1hr30mins. To add to my training I am also a "semi pro" footballer in the Leicestershire County League (division 12) and I am confident that the adrenealine of the day will just cruise me round. Look forward to seeing you there. I am the ginger one in the swimming cap, wearing tights and a lycra top. P.S. are you wearing gloves? 

Are you sure the route is 5k Dan? Do you stop at all? 90 minutes works out at 30 minutes per mile and I am sure you be travelling faster than that!

I am sure. I only have one leg.

Shall we meet up?

Hi Boys,

You have certainly got my attention  I am comming over on my own for the 'Tough Guy' event from Ireland and have been really nervous about it. Good to see there are others too...

I know it is silly but I am def going to be wearing a swimming hat as well. You know what they say 'don't be a fool, wrap that tool' 

I am very lucky as I live on a farm and we have plenty of hills for cardio. Which is Ace. For my upper body strengh I do push ups with sheep. Sounds weird but really works. I know this is a really really girlie thing but am scared of heights. Hopefully this won't be an issue...

I am running for my ex-boyfriend who died two years ago from liver cancer. Please feel free to sponsor me www.rikcolwillfoundation.org

If anyone is also running on there own please free to message. Maybe we could have a party after before I fly back on the Monday 

Can't wait for the Craic

Kaz

Good luck to Chris and Dan !!