It is not a race, it is teamwork.
These were the words that stuck in my head when I first joined the Tough Mudder Philippines Training in Obstacle Course Factory in Makati City. I was so intimidated back then seeing those good looking men and women in a physique like there was runway show relocated in that place. I felt like a weakling that would eventually become a burden to the team being left behind in the race.
But all my speculations and ideas about Tough Mudder Philippines have change after my first day of training. I felt not just overwhelmed about my own capabilities but was also already looking forward on the next. Over a few hours, most of the “Mudders” (as each were called) felt like we already know each other. Everybody was warm and very supportive. And just like how they said it, it was truly teamwork. Nobody was left behind.
Continue reading, will tell you more about my personal experience about the Tough Mudder Philippines training.
Tough Mudder Philippines
The training always ends with a group photo
Tough Mudder is a series of hardcore obstacle-mud run that will test ones strength, stamina and grit. It originated in the U.S. with a main principle that revolves around teamwork. Camaraderie is a value needed in the race were participants commits to help each other to complete each course, encouraging each members to overcome their fears.
Over the years and after a lot of events, Tough Mudder now expands to Asia, making the Philippines to have its very first race coming July 21 and 22, 2018. There are only a few Obstacle Course Race (OCR) in the country, if you are into it, it is best for you not to miss it.
Tough Mudder 5k / Half
No Limits as Sam Adjani’s cap says . . .
There will be two types of race on the upcoming Tough Mudder event, the 5k and the Half, which is basically half the distance of a typical Tough Mudder challenge. The event will be held at Amore, Vista Land, Daang Hari Road, Alabang, Philippines. Both race will include different obstacle courses with either mud or water on it that would make the course even harder (Now you might probably ask why would I burden myself doing it? Will tell you more about the experience in a short while.)
Saddlerow Coach Carla Piscoso
If you are planning to register, here are the informations you need to know;
- Tough Mudder 5k Basic | Php 1,700 (Event Singlet, Race bib, Finisher’s Shirt and Finisher’s Headband)
- 5k Premium | Php 3,200 (Event Singlet, Race bib, Drybag(10L), Towel, Finisher’s Shirt and Finisher’s Headband)
- Tough Mudder Half Basic | Php 2,900 (Event Singlet, Race bib, Finisher’s Shirt and Finisher’s Headband)
- Half Premium | Php 4,400 (Event Singlet, Race bib, Drybag(10L), Towel, Finisher’s Shirt and Finisher’s Headband)
Build your team and register. To know more information about the registration visit the official website http://toughmudder.ph/. Just a tip, join with a big group so you can all avail a group discount.
The Tough Mudder Training Experience
Will Devaughn, Me and Jeffrey Ong warming up
I coined myself as “Adventurous Mudder” (at the back of my head I should have said ‘Blogger Mudder’ just to make it straight forward). Before each training, everybody is given a time to introduce themselves by giving a name that would best describe them. I thought about “Adventurous Mudder” simply because I love adventure and also considering that I am a lifestyle and travel blogger. Though I realize eventually that a “Blogger Mudder” could be more definite.
Tough Mudder Coach Noel Agra
Ambassadors Cristi McGarry, Eduardo Lara and George Irineu
Partner workout
I’ve learned about this when a friend of mine, Jeffrey Ong, posted a video of him doing the Monkey Bars and the Everest. After seeing the post, I immediately messaged him and inquire about the activity. After a week, I was already there trying the course for my self.
Starring Lharby Policarpio as Tarzan, lol!
It was my first time to try this kind of activity. Though I did try Ninja Academy before, but comparing it, Tough Mudder is way too extreme. Even before learning about it, I’ve already admired those people who competes at the tv series “American Ninja Warrior“. It just amazes me how they were able to successfully finish each course (or the whole race). Questioning myself if I could be able to do it as well.
Comes this moment, where a chance has been given to me to try it. Each Tough Mudder training usually starts with the Tough Mudder oath, stating that teamwork is the main essence of the activity. It will then be followed by a series of warmup exercises (that is actually already too tiring). All the Mudders will then be divided into teams that will then do a set of obstacles. There are 15 to 18 Obstacles needed to perform each training with a series of exercises in between (whoahhh!!). As they say it, this is not a race, so you can take your time in doing so. If one obstacle felt a bit hard for you, your teammates will be there to give you a helping hand.
Now decide which hand to pick: Hideo or George?
Teamwork is the key
Told you, this is not just for the fit and strong.
Coach Noel Agra, Tough Mudder Ambassador, once said to me that I’ve been getting stronger over the past few weeks, making it easier for me to overcome each obstacles. Which is actually the true intention of the training; for each of us to be prepared for the big race.
Though I’ve done this for the past few weeks already, there are still a few Obstacles that scares me. One of which is the ‘Everest’. Yes, I did surpass this a lot of times but I still cannot imagine climbing that huge wall with all the mud and sweat all over my body (and the obstacle itself). That could be one of the worst thing we would need to face on the race.
Is it dangerous? I would be lying if I said ‘No’, but just like any other sports or activities, proper caution should always be kept in mind. Coaches are readily available at the training to help you out. Also it is one of the main reasons why you should do the training, for you to be able to learn the proper way to do it. Practicing makes you better. Just like learning how to bike, there is a big chance that you’ll fall out at start but will eventually over come that fear over time.
Thinking about the whole experience, I was happy that I made this decision and joined. I felt that there is something special about this whole activity (aside that I’m just bored by simply going to the gym) that even in my laziest days, I would see to it that I could be able to attend the Monday night training – traveling from North to South, battling the horrible Manila traffic. That is a lot to take in, but I still do it.
I guess it is all because of the feeling of fulfilment whenever I finish the course strong. That I was able to face my fears head on. It made me feel tougher each training. There is this feeling of belongingness that you know you were a part of a family. And when hope is already ceasing, a hand will always be there to pull you up.
The success of one member is the success of the whole team.
Join us and train, Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Call 02-8822911 or follow them on IG @toughmudderphilippines
