The UAE’s first Du Tough Mudder event is three weeks away. For those unsure of what to expect, here are some tips from Chris James, a 48-year-old Briton who was the first person in Europe to complete 50 Tough Mudder events.
Chris James’s top tips for Du Tough Mudder
1. Keep an open mind: Too many times people get nervous and don't attempt an obstacle but once you've tried/completed it, you'll find the obstacles aren't so bad.
2. Bring a smile: Chances are you will need help on some of the bigger obstacles no matter how tough you are (they are designed that way), so smile and be positive, you'll see a helping hand soon enough
3. Keep moving: If you've just had a go at a water obstacle it's a good idea to keep moving – don't hang around. If you're waiting for a teammate then at least swing your arms and legs around, or do burpees if you're tough.
4. Leave your gloves at home: Although they can prevent cuts and scrapes on "mud mile" or other crawls, gloves don't help on and of the big obstacles. In fact they usually make things worse.
5. Return the favour: You've cleared an obstacle, with or without help – that's great. Now turn around and help the Mudder behind you, they may need it.
6. Embrace the suck. You will get cold, tired and dirty, that's the fun part, so stop trying to skip around things to keep your new sports gear clean. If you're clean at the end then you didn't do it.
7. Run, walk or crawl, but finish: Most courses are between 16 and 19 kilometres and not everyone can run that far. If you're struggling then walk or crawl but keep moving forward and you'll get there. When you're getting tired, conserve energy by walking the hills
8. Bring a change of clothes and a towel: Chances are your clothes will be wet, muddy and smelly so make sure you have something clean and dry to wear when you're done.
9. Take advantage of the strong: There will be times when you need a hand. Don't be afraid to ask for help, sometimes if you don't ask for assistance people may think you're coping OK
10. Have fun: Du Tough Mudder is a challenge, not a race, so take your time and remember to enjoy it.
10 things not to do
1. Don't feel you're alone: One of the big things about Tough Mudder is that even if you turn up on your own (usually because your friends bailed) you are joining one big team. That team includes everyone running that day, the volunteers and the crew from tough Mudder. This is important because you may have turned up a lone runner but you will go home a Mudder and part of the tribe. You're never alone at Tough Mudder unless you want to be.
2. Don't quit: This is another big one. Doing these events can be tough, but that's the point. Most people will find things that they feel they can't do. Do them anyway… You're there to push yourself and the people around you will help you through.
3. Don't be that person: This may seem odd but many people get so caught up in the adrenaline they wave a hand for help and then once they have been helped they run off to continue without offering help to others. Don't. We're all in this together.
4. Don't buy lots of brand new clothes: They are likely to get destroyed so unless you really do have money to waste use something old and comfortable that you don't mind ruining
5. Don't run through electric obstacles: Many people feel the urge to run through. Don't – unless you want to be very entertaining for everyone else.
6. Don't forget to drink: It's better to hydrate leading up to your event. Do not wait until you're on course. If you feel thirsty, then you're already dehydrating.
7. Don't jump blind: Always look below you at water obstacles and even on mud-mile because it's easy to land on someone if you don't pay attention. Both of you can get hurt.
8. Don't open your mouth: It's not a great idea to eat the mud or drink the water so keep your mouth closed and blow out when you come out of a water obstacle.
9. Don't obstruct the course: Some people may be moving faster than you so let them pass. If you're walking in a group make sure there is a passage to one side so people can get past.
10. Don't ignore the safety briefing: Some vital information will be given so pay attention. You'll have time to talk with your mates on course. If you were injured you wouldn't want to be surrounded by people who hadn't listened to the safety briefing.
healthyliving@thenational.ae