Tough Mudder? What was i thinking?

5/2/2012

I should never drink again !!!

I do and say some crazy stuff when I have a few beers and I am always accountable for my actions. Let me fill you in.
This last weekend I spent the afternoon in the Snow to Surf race's beer gardens with some great friends. I was later invited to dinner at Chris Ketch's ( owner of Bodynetix) house with a bunch of his friends and clients. They had formed a team to enter the Whistler Tough Mudder event this coming June.
Way back in the day they used to get innocent men piss drunk in taverns and recrute them to work in harsh conditions at sea as sailors. They would wake up in the morning and poof they were in a ship on the ocean. No turning back. This is how I felt when I woke up the next day because I had 5 texts with links to where I had to sign up for this event. (Thanks Tia ! I need a person like you to get new members down to my club) I was trapped!
I had heard of the Tough Mudder but didnt know exactly what it detailed. I followed the links to their website and once there my stomache did a backflip. I am in deep sh*t my friends.! Tough Mudder events are hardcore 10-12 mile obstacle courses designed by British Special Forces to test your all around strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie
As a trainer at the club I have to stay in somewhat good shape but I have been slipping a bit in the last years or so on the cardio department . This event is in 6 weeks and I have to be in top shape as this course is not for the weak and I will never give up.
I am going to train for this event the same way we train for a fight at the club and go balls to the wall. I will be part of a 20 person team mostly out of the Bodynetix gym and some of my mma friends will be there to stand shoulder to shoulder. They have had some time to train for this event so I have to step it up and catch up to them. This event is not a race but a team builder and a test of courage and determination. Not only at the event but the training up to it. I look forward to training with these poor souls.

I figure I have a lot to offer this squad as I have experience training and preparing great athletes at my club. They can also rely on my past leadership roles that I have from rugby and hockey from wearing the 'C' on my jersey to get these guys motivated to get over the walls and help them to finish where they might have stopped.
Chris Ketch has been getting them prepared and I am sure wouldnt mind some help but I hope they dont mind my work ethic as I dont eff around when it comes to getting ready for tough challenges.

I am going to leave a couple links on here. One will be the event itself and the other will be a link to pledge money for the Wounded Warrior fund in which I will be raising money on my behalf.
Anytime you feel sorry for yourself just look at what these soldiers have sacrificed in your honour. I hope you give generously as it will drive me even more knowing I have people supporting me and this cause.
I will be posting more blogs on our training with pictures so please follow me on my biggest challenge to date.
http://toughmudder.com/
https://www.raceit.com/fundraising/donate.aspx?event=6581&fundraiser=r3672143

7 Comments

Derrick Riedlinger

5/3/2012 02:48:26 am

I will be down to give you some cash for this,thanks for raising money for my wounded brothers,.
Now you will get a taste of what real soldiers go through lol we used to have to do our obstacle course in the regiment every 6 months
starting with a 10km full rucksack run do the course and end with a full kit 10km march.
U can do it

Jonny Mac

5/3/2012 04:22:39 am

Thank you Derrick. I know that you have made sacrifices yourself and your words just got me charged up. I will do this and I am happy to have your support.

Tammy McElheron

5/3/2012 04:17:31 am

You are a brave, brave soul Jonny! You can do it! :)

Derek Rice

5/3/2012 05:26:34 am

I am on the same boat, Jonny. No Cardio, and I smoke! Its gonna be tough. Luckily the 10 miles of running is broken up by cringeworthy obstacles randomly scattered throughout. LETS DO THIS!! TOUGH MUDDDDERRRRR!!!!!!!

Rico Holland link

5/9/2012 03:57:04 pm

Jonny,
From us to you... Go get 'em, have fun and remember when you are doing it and you are burning, just remember those poor soldiers in the past who never had the opportunity to just stop what they were doing. If they stopped, they died.
You are an inspiration to so many, which reminds me...I have to stop in to see you. Thank you

Janine Jarvis link

6/20/2012 12:11:59 am

That sounds amazing! Exciting! I love team work and I love personal challenges... Helps u grow in different ways.... Thank u for sharing! Good luck ! Keep me posted!

mma trainings link

4/15/2013 12:06:08 am

I see that it is very tiring and exhausting training. A good way to exercise.