These four men will spend 24 hours running an obstacle course that many of us would be reluctant to run for an hour. They will run the World’s Toughest Mudder (WTM) obstacle course in Las Vegas on November 15, continuously for 24 hours, aiming to complete at as many laps of the grueling course as possible.
Tell us a little about the team?
Adrian, 38 and his brothers Grant 29, Shane 25 and David 34, call their team The Aussie Mudders, known as three brothers and one crazy friend.
Why have you entered a team in the WTM?
We originally entered a team to honor the memory of a loved one. The team had run many races together and this event seemed like a nice progression. It’s just a bonus that everyone loves a challenge.
Tell us about your preparation?
Just like all people preparing for this event, we train tired during all hours that the event will be run. I think the winning team last year did about 130 km over the 24 hours. There has been a couple of nice training peaks along the way for us, as such, runs of 120 km in 12 hours are just around the corner. This should put us in a good position.
Training is tough, the team is up at 2.30 am, and always one step ahead of the competition and ‘chafing means progress’.
There are always unknowns and always the risk of injury, however they are inherent and involved for anyone participating in these kind of events.
Have you undertaken any all-nighter training for WTM?
Several in fact. We have run some 24 hour obstacle course runs for cancer charities over the past 12 months. We had never run any extended races before, so wanted to get in some specific training on courses with lots of obstacles. It’s been a pleasure being able to undertake some fund raising whilst getting our training done. To their credit the Raw Challenge events came to the party and made the facilities available so the fund raising could occur. We found running 12 hours runs were just not specific enough.
As well as the positive charity outcome, these runs were also about getting race strategies and nutrition right. Now, the system is working smoothly.
Do you guys have any strategies going into the WTM?
We are feeling good going into this event. It might be that we just take the lead from the start and never look back. Regardless, if we decide to hang back and watch thing unfold or take off, we will be grinding out the full 24 hours if necessary.
Will you have a pit crew?
The Aussie Mudder only have the best pit crew around. Dr Watson and her support crew have been with us throughout our 24 hour runs, as such they know how we operate, what we need and when we need it. I must say having an efficient pit crew makes all the difference with time conservation. The best thing about that is they are coming with us to Vegas.
Will you be going after the win or just to participate?
I guess anyone can be average or participate. Our training hasn’t been average, our commitment hasn’t been average, we are going for the win of course, it’s never about the participation medal.
We my not have the hype around us that other teams have, there are no high profile athletes here, just hard work. We have been greatly supported by our fans – This is ‘the peoples’ team, supported by the people for the people.
What do you expect the course to be like at WTM 2014?
We think the course will be similar to the Barrington Tops race, hilly, dusty, hot during the day and freezing at night. Nothing we can’t handle.
What are the hardest hours of a 24 hour race?
Around 5 am to 6 am is difficult as the temperature drops and you just have to keep moving to maintain warmth.
To be honest, there are never any really hard hours. There can definitely be tough times during a race and if you have never ran a lap with one in the chamber, you will have never really experienced tough times.
Who do you think is your main competition?
Smart money is always on the reigning champs, 3 am Waterfalls. They have held the title well, but we are the best over this time period and well prepared. Besides, we have a blood connection that other teams won’t have.
So what I would say to any other team entering the World’s Toughest Mudder 2014 is, beat us – if you can.
