One Tough Mudder, by Doug Grady
On Saturday, March 12th I completed my first Tough Mudder in Cedartown, GA. Modeled after British Special Forces training, it was a grueling course with 18 obstacles in the North Georgia mountains. When I first wrote about Tough Mudder I was convinced that the hardest part about completing this run would be the training (read Tough Mudder Goal Setting). I was wrong. My first marathon was tough (small "t"). This run was TOUGH- way tougher than my training. I guess there's a reason they don't call it the somewhat difficult mudder. I can only imagine how tough it would have been if I did not train.
My 18 week regimen prior to Mudder included strength, core, speed, endurance and flexibility training. It did not include mudpits, ice cold lakes, rocks in my shoes, crawling under barbed wire or electroshock therapy (not kidding- that was one of the obstacles). The 14+ mile obstacle course with the crawling, slipping, falling, climbing and swimming took me three and a half hours to complete. It wasn't pretty, it wasn't pleasant, and I am thrilled I did it.
Several people, particularly those who saw me limping on Sunday asked me why I did it. Here's why- when I am at my best as a man I am consistently challenging myself with intense physical exercise. Training for and completing the Tough Mudder has created breakthroughs in my life mentally, physically, emotionally, professionally and spiritually. This is the essence of The Ripple Effect, the title of my forthcoming book.
No matter where you are there is always another level. Training gets you there. Training for something tough and completing it gets you there quicker. I am currently in the process of choosing my next physical challenge, considering training adjustments and anticipating the ripples that will follow.
Life can be tough. Train tough. Get tough. Complete tough. Repeat.
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Doug Grady is President of High Achievers Network. For over 17 years, Doug has been engaging audiences from coast to coast with his wit and wisdom. Exciting, entertaining and enlightening are words invariably used to describe his unique seminars and workshops. He has been privileged to share the platform with legends Brian Tracy, Tom Hopkins, Tony Robbins, and Dr. Denis Waitley. As a business owner, professional speaker and musician, Doug is a jack of many trades and a master of one: helping you master yours. The companies he has trained include AFLAC, BNI, MetLife, and Sprint.
"I have worked with Doug several times and have had great results. He has inspired my salespeople with his training and increased my revenues as a result. I recommend Doug without reservation." -Blake Cooper, Cooper Music
"Doug Grady gives you practical, proven ideas and methods you can use immediately, and he presents them in a fast-moving, entertaining and enjoyable style." -Brian Tracy, Author, Maximum Achievement
"Doug Grady has real world information that will make you listen, make you laugh, make you think, and make you money." -Jeffrey Gitomer, Author, The Sales Bible
“Although I just arrived during your opening song, I can't tell you how long it's been that I've felt so totally re-energized; it's almost like the ideas and contacts wouldn't stop so I could get to sleep. I have a notepad next to my bed and it was full for the first time the next morning!” -Kathy Bonner, Group Sales Manager, Laguna Playhouse