TM Tampa Memories: Thrills and Chills

As our fearless leader has requested, I am adding my experiences from my TM debut last December.  Being from Indiana (where it actually gets cold), I thoroughly enjoyed the arctic enema.  It was a wonderful way to start the day and refreshing in my view.

However, I did have difficulty with the monkey bars and wall walk.  For monkey bars, I think it is important to be efficient.  I just tried to get across quickly because I knew I don't have a lot of upper body strength.  However, my speed cost me grip which landed me in the drink.  Note to Tough Mudders: Make sure you have a secure grip before you continue to the next bar.  The wall walk (as noted previously) is a thin ledge for feet and a thin ledge for fingers that you walk along.  In my opinion, only those with incredibly small feet and ultra muscular fingers could complete this event successfully so I wasn't too worried.  Note to Tough Mudders: Failing an event is not a sign of weakness.  Each participant will have different strengths.  TM is designed to challenge you, not destroy you. 

The last event I would like to talk about (and also the actual last event) is the fun run through electrical wires.  My advice for this is simple.  GO!  Full speed ahead and don't slow down.  The shock is not preventative or debilitating.  However, you will feel it.  Do not make the mistake I did (i.e., following Pompa).  He will throw wires into your head which is grossly more painful than a slight sting to the leg.


With the last bit of my entry, I would like to address a pact that the veterans made last year, namely our mohawk/faux hawk agreement.  I intend to fully carry out my promise of a mohawk so Denny is not our only bad ass brethren.  Pompa, everyone heard you were in for the faux hawk, so prepare yourself.


Happy training.