CREDIT: TOUGHMUDDER.COM
Participants in the Tough Mudder challenge push themselves to the limit.

Last week we discussed TRX suspension training and how it has really picked up a lot of steam in terms of popularity. An even bigger fitness phenomenon developing over the last couple of years is summer- based long-distance running events involving obstacle courses.

The Warrior Dash kind of paved the way in terms of catapulting the popularity across Ontario. It started off in Australia and eventually made its sport's international debut a few years back. I happened to participate in the first Ontario Warrior Dash, which is held in Barrie. Mud, ropes, broken cars, flames, gravel pits, hay stacks, lots of fun idiots in costumes, bananas, firemen hosing you down and many other fun and challenging things make up the three and a half mile Warrior Dash.

Oh, I almost forgot — HILLS, HILLS and more HILLS! Many contestants take these events rather seriously, and they train quite hard leading up to the event. On the other hand, many don't take it seriously at all, and regardless of where you stand, there is a place for you and it is a hell of a good time either way.

My friends and I took the standard approach and trained by running a lot before the event. However, we failed to incorporate hill training into our regimen. We did quite well for the most part on the day of the event, but the hills definitely slowed us down. You have been warned; if you're going to enter these events, ensure you train hills or you're in for an even more grueling experience!

A quick Internet search will show you that there are numerous events similar to the Warrior Dash these days. The one that seems to be stealing all the thunder as of late is Tough Mudder. The site's administration claims it is "probably the toughest event on the planet." Although that is quite the bold statement, their events are 10 to 12 miles long! Tough Mudder is teambased and you have to run as a unit to help each other get through the obstacles, which adds a lot of excitement to the event.

Chances are that you've already participated in or at least heard about these events. I wouldn't recommend Tough Mudder to someone who hates long-distance runs, so if it's an event that you are iffy about trying, you may want to baby-step your way by signing up for the much shorter Warrior Dash first. The events are followed by award ceremonies, bands and a big party where everyone recovers and enjoys a few beers. I can guarantee one thing: regardless of your fitness level; you're in for a hell of a weekend and festivities that you won't regret taking part in!