Pfft, Tough Mudder, talks tough, but. . .
So I was reviewing the beacon of truth known as the LetsRun.com forums, and a topic touch on the series of Tough Mudder. I found this interesting because there was recently a Tough Mudder event in my favorite state, Wisconsin. Some of the commentators on the forums pointed out how the Tough Mudder trashes distance running on their web site. I thought this wasn't very nice of the Tough Mudder, so I checked out there web site, and right there on the main page was this quote: "Tough Mudder is not your average lame-ass mud run or spirit-crushing ‘endurance’ road race."
Well, you know, cause training for months/years to run a foot race of considerable distance is to the best of your ability is boring and stupid. And nothing shows true strength and endurance like running through the mud and getting electric shocked (this is an actual one of the tough mudder's obstacles.)
Of course, all this relates to the greater problem facing America today that it seems that it is impossible for people/groups/organizations to build themselves up without tearing down their rival. In this case, the the rival of the tough mudder is the road race, whether that be the local 5k, or a national televised marathon. In these events, there is space for 'everyone' to enter, and the weekend warrior can train as hard as he or she can to complete and achieve his or her goals in that event. Well, unfortunately, that has become somewhat passe' in this 2nd running boom. We now have training groups who encourage the least amount of training to 'fit your busy lifestyle' and yes you can finish a marathon in 6 to 7 hours! Hooray!
So, the tough mudder took this concept, and said lets make a difficult course, add electric shocks and falling off a platform, and tell prospective participants that THEY AREN'T TRULY TOUGH UNLESS THEY DO THIS! and take a $180 entry fee, and really bash distance running while we are at it, and BAM! We have a new event! YOU WANT TO BE CALLED TOUGH DON'T YOU?? ARG!! SEND US $180!! This particular course I read about in Wisconsin was 10 miles long and it took 'elite' participants 2 hours to finish. HA! Were they walking or something? Seriously? If you average a 9 minute mile, then you are done in 90 minutes, what took your elite participants so long? And this event really isn't timed so that there are no actual winners, it is about the Camaraderie, or something. Translation: We are afraid that if people are timed or graded on how they do, they will be discouraged and will stop sending us $180 for an entry.
Seriously though, I wouldn't have a problem with this if the official tough mudder web site didn't bash distance running so much on their web site. Take down the offensive content, and I won't have a problem with you.
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07/25/2011
Pfft, Tough Mudder, talks tough, but. . .
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