OCD FOR OCR

It has been five years since I ran my first Tough Mudder so when I realized this year’s event was in close proximity to me, I decided to try it on again and see what I thought. I didn’t go into it with any expectations other than to enjoy trying out some obstacles, I hadn’t experienced before and to put in some miles. I am happy to say that the Tough Mudder Central Florida did not disappoint!

• Registration and Festival:

Packet pick up was a smooth process as was parking. However, after attending two previous races where parking was included in the cost of the registration, having to shell out extra money upon arrival left that bad nickel and dime taste in my mouth.

The festival area had the usual food and drink vendors as well as some local business tents. The DJ was playing music and holding contests to engage the spectators and those waiting for their wave times. They also had two smaller upper body strength obstacles people were able to attempt, as well as games, such as Tough Mudder’s version of Beer Pong (without the beer) and Corn hole. The crowd was smaller than I expected, but seeing as it was on a Sunday and multiple OCR events were happening this weekend, the turnout was decent.

• Pre-race MC:

The MC was enjoyable and engaged the starting corral with his sense of humor as well as with a speech on how those that ran the race were the ones that motivated him after being called out for not giving a motivational speech in a prior race start. Calling himself out on being called out, only to again not give a motivational speech was actually a little motivating, well played.

• The Course:

The venue was beautiful. The course was set on a ranch that had beautiful scenery to run through. I would love to do another race at that location. The course was a mix of sand, mud, grass, and dirt as expected, yet it did not have the hidden ankle breaking holes, in the grass that some courses offer. The course split for the two distances that the race offered, and was well marked. The aid stations were sufficient and well placed. I also enjoyed the obstacles, especially the upper body strength assortment.Tough Mudder couldn’t be a Mudder, without mud and they took plenty of opportunities to have us crawl through muddy water, dunk us in an ice bath, and have us crawl up a ladder placed in a tube while it rained on us from above. While I value obstacle completion, I did choose to skip being electrocuted because I see zero value of having that on any course. To each his own with that one. Overall it was a great course with a good level of difficulty!

• The Bling:

Upon finishing, you were awarded your orange head band and race t-shirt. I also collected my green 2x runner headband. Due to it being a Sunday, there was no competitive wave for awards.

• Overall Feelings and Event Rating:

The volunteers on the course and in the festival area, were very friendly and the overall feel of the race was enjoyable. I really enjoyed the course and would definitely add this race to my schedule again. My biggest disappointment is in the lack of photos from the event. I still rate it 5 out of 5 stars!

Article Written by: Joy Moody