XNM does Tough Mudder

Come and join XNM as we do the Tough Mudder. TM is not a race, it's a muddy obstacle endurance course that encourages you to push beyond your self-perceived limits and fears with the help and encouragement of your teammates. It is a bonding experience that will not be forgotten!

Cost is $105. I can only hold this price until March 21st, after that, it will go up from the current non-discounted price of $130, which typically increases the by $10 per month. After you pay, I will send your registration link/code. Send payments to Bob Seamon:
Zelle: phone # 856 979 6633
Venmo: @bobseamon (do NOT pay for goods or services, pay as friend)
PayPal: @robertseamon1 (pay as friends and family)

We will arrive between 9:45 and 10am and sign in at registration. Then we'll meet together before heading over to the starting line for a race start time of 10:30. After the event, those interested will haul their sore and muddy selves over to Victory Brewing in Downingtown for a celebratory drink and food.

Here's a quick FAQ:

What kind of shape do I have to be in? Prior to the event, you should be able to run 3 mi without stopping and/or be able to hike for 9 miles over varied terrain at a 3 mph pace (about the pace of XNM's day hikes). The course has 20 obstacles spanning 9 mi so at no time will you ever be running more than a mile at once... The average distance between obstacles is only a half mile. Additionally, we will start as a team and finish as a team, leaving no one behind.

Do I have to run the whole thing? No. We'll likely do a comfortable jog between obstacles and we will wait for those going a little slower. We're not trying to set any land speed records, but we also don't want to turn this into a 5 hour event ;-)

There is a 5k (3 mile) option with fewer obstacles, can I do that instead? Well, yes. However I can't get a group price for that and the current price of the 5k 12-obstacle event is the same as our group price for the 9 mile race, and doesn't include parking (normally $20). The 5k race runs separately from the larger race. So come out for the big race and 20 obstacles, jog when you can or do a brisk walk otherwise. We start as a team and finish as a team!

Do I have to do every obstacle? No. You'll be encouraged to challenge yourself to push beyond your limits. But if an obstacle seems like it is beyond your capabilities, you can walk around it.

How would I train for it? (Bob) will be hosting various training meetups in the Philly area, starting at about 6 weeks before the event. Attendance is encouraged, but not mandatory, and will prepare you for the rigors of the event. The more prepared you are, the lesser chance of injury.

What is included in the fee? A Tough Mudder t-shirt, medal, headband, post race beer, free parking (normally $20), and free bag check.

Can I come and cheer on the team if I'm not participating? Yes, definitely! TM has spectator passes available here.
https://endurancecui.active.com/new/events/90776107/select-race?_gl=1*1t91q2s*_gcl_au*MTYxMDE5MTgwMS4xNzM0NDUwNTkx&inviteId=57c6fca4-f248-4dd7-b21c-b4d625c5abf7

What do I bring/wear? We'll be running in May, so temperatures should be mild. Keep it simple... performance shorts, t-shirt, and socks (polyester, not cotton) and a decent pair of running shoes. The mud will wash out, but will likely stain organic fibers like cotton and wool. Outdoor showers are provided, so bring an old towel for drying yourself off, and a change of half-decent clothes including another pair of shoes to wear afterwards. (The outdoor showers get you rinsed off, but you'll still need a thorough cleaning when you get home :D ). Also bring a plastic trash bag for your muddy shoes and clothes. Bring food and drink for energy and hydration as needed. There are water stations along the race trail.

About your host: Bob has completed 9 Tough Mudders since 2011 and is very familiar with the race format, obstacles, and the course in Coatesville. He has also served in the Marine Corps Infantry as a squad leader and enjoys team building and getting dirty! He has witnessed the fear that some participants experience when stepping up to obstacles that involve heights, water, tight spaces, cold, etc; and the elation those people experience when they push themselves beyond their fears. He also holds a master's degree in transpersonal psychology, which will be useful for talking people through difficult experiences.

Participants and Carpooling:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1uen3Vab1CifO12zcIzpCmKrlqJJLT9N3nWG6d4-nwSw/edit?usp=sharing