23 Apr

Off the Couch! 5 1/2 Reasons To Do Tough Mudder Half

TAG: Amped-Up Adventure, Festivals Events, Summer Fun

Posted by: Pip Campbell

Huzzah, summer is almost here!

The season of lakes and sunshine is upon us and if you are feeling a bit sluggish after hiding all winter with Netflix and cat cuddles, you are not alone. Perk up – warm spring weather is here and there’s a host of fun running and fitness events on the way to inspire you to get out and catch up with friends you haven’t seen in months (they miss you).

That’s right, it’s Tough Mudder time, baby. People are getting pumped to descend on Whistler Olympic Park this June 18 19, 2016 to test their mettle on a 16 – 19 k (10 – 12 mile) military-inspired obstacle course. They’re preparing to go up and over, leap from heights, scramble through mud and receive an electric shock or two while helping their friends and experiencing the joy of suffering – and finishing – together.

Just because it’s tough, doesn’t mean it can’t be tons of fun – check out the smiles on these dials TOUGH MUDDER PHOTOS

If that sounds like a bit too much of a challenge this early in the year, we totally understand! But before you slink back into your darkened living room, check out the brand new Tough Mudder Half, coming to Whistler on June 25, 2016. It’s an 8 k (5 mile) course billed as offering all the mud at half the distance with no ice baths or electric shocks in sight.

If that isn’t enough to get you interested, here’s a solid 5 ½ reasons to sign up for Tough Mudder Half today:

1. High Fun Ratio

It may be half the distance of the original event, but the Tough Mudder Half course will be held on the same mountainous terrain. It will include 14+ obstacles over 8 k compared to 20+ obstacles over 18 k – that’s more obstacles per kilometer, meaning more bang for your buck, and more fun with your friends.

Left: Everest, the obstacle. MIKE CRANE PHOTO Right: The Flying Squirrel, coming soon to Whistler TOUGH MUDDER PHOTO

2. Conquer the ‘Flying Squirrel’, Exclusive to Tough Mudder Half

Along with favourite obstacles featured in Tough Mudder like the Blockness Monster, Mud Mile and Everest, Tough Mudder Half-ers will get to test themselves on the ‘Flying Squirrel’, a brand-new high-flying trampoline-to-zipline obstacle. This one might convert some Tough Mudder fans – or challenge them the real tough guys to sign up for both.

3. Your’re in the Optimal Training Window Now

‘Drink Beer, Be Awesome, Repeat’ are the official fitness qualifications for Tough Mudder Half, which sounds rather good, doesn’t it? If you want to go in with all guns blazing you’ve got a whole month and a half to add running and core strength exercise to your routine. Check out our procrastinators guide to fitness for inspiration and fashion tips.

Tough Mudder Half is held on the same mountainous terrain as Tough Mudder. MIKE CRANE PHOTOS

4. Less Time Between the Start Line and Beer

Officials estimate that the Tough Mudder Half will take around 2-3 hours for the average person to complete, compared to 4 or more for the longer Tough Mudder course. Not only does it mean you can down that ice-cold beer sooner, it leaves the rest of one of the longest days of the summer to conquer a patio or chillax by a lake, basking in the sun and a warm glow of achievement.

5. Convincing Friends Will be a Breeze

Camaraderie and teamwork that get you through the most challenging obstacles in the Tough Mudder world so friends are essential for getting you to the start line and through the course. Luckily we’ve put together points 1 – 4 above to help you convince any fence-sitters. Plus there’s a special 2 Ticket Bundle available right now for Tough Mudder Half that gives you 10% off registration, if money talks. Hot Tip: Ask your buddies over coffee instead of texting, it’s harder to wiggle out of face-to-face promises.

Impossible to have a bad day with friends like these. MIKE CRANE PHOTOS

5 ½. Because deep down inside, you know you can do it

We believe in you! *Crowd Roars*

Ladies and gentlemen, the obstacles aren’t going to conquer themselves. Grab your crew, sign up today and get moving to be part of the first ever Tough Mudder Half in Whistler.

If you’re after a pre-Mudder warm up, check out Whistler’s Great Outdoors Festival for a host of healthy activities from yoga to stand up paddleboarding, fun runs on the Valley Trail and ping pong. You can get advice on anything Whistler and summer related from Whistler.com.

Post challenge dip, anyone? Rainbow Park, Alta Lake in Whistler. MIKE CRANE PHOTO