Each event is unique - even if they share a lot of the same obstacles! Every different event has its own personality, given to it by the race director, volunteers and the overall "vibe" of the event. Some are great, some notsomuch... it happens. I've read hundreds of different reviews for the same event where some participants had a great time and others hated it! Don't let that deter you, each event has a bit of fun, adventure and excitement and if you enjoy it for what it is, you'll most likely have a great time - they are a chance to challenge your strength, agility and physical ability over daunting obstacles (sometimes mud, water & fire!) over a 5k to 12-mile distance. Here are a couple distinctions between "the big three"

Running is a commitment of time, physical and mental energy, but it's far more important than a simple pastime to pick up. A fitness and running regimen is an investment that you make in yourself, and the potential dividends are many: a healthier, happier life; a sense of accomplishment by reaching your goals; the fortitude that comes from learning from mistakes and fighting through setbacks to keep your goals in sight. There will be many ups and downs during your running career, and you’ll learn valuable lessons from each victory and many more from any failures and stumbles along the way to hit your goals. Some training sessions will feel like a trip to the dentist while others will feel like a day at the spa. To adopt a runner’s mentality means to embrace the good with the bad and keep an open mind to all the things you'll learn along the way. I personally never envisioned becoming a runner. I cherish all the memories I’ve made “on the run” and look forward to the experiences I’ve yet to have.

In Ultimate Obstacle Race Training, we went into detail about all the different walls you will face at most obstacle races and mud runs. Some are larger than others (Tough Mudder's Everest for example) others are made from interesting materials (like Hadrian's Wall at Victory Quest, made from old tires lashed together) but for the most part walls are exactly a you'd expect: A barrier between you and the rest of the course that you need to scale - by any means necessary - to continue on your quest to finish the event. To help you in your training, we've designed a DIY wall you can build in your own backyard. You can find the guide here. Enjoy!

Bounce Boot Camp is the first obstacle course– style fitness program utilizing inflatable castles, slides, obstacle courses, and other interactive equipment. Thomas Hill and his team have developed the course to include leadership training, nutritional counseling, strength building, and cardiovascular conditioning so that kids can get fit, develop athletic skill, flexibility, dexterity, agility, endurance, and have fun—all while learning life lessons and developmental skills to be future leaders. Read more about it here

Hey, this is Brett - for those who haven't read any of my books or don't know me, let me just say I'm a glass-half-full kind of guy. I always look for the positive in each situation and give anyone I meet the benefit of the doubt. I've made it through over 4 decades being an optimist, and although my wife doesn't realize it I'm a pretty decent realist as well. One thing I have a bit of a knack for is spotting trends; whether it is in interpersonal relationships or in business. For example, as a graphic artist/digital designer for my entire career, I have seen the cyclical process of in-house and outsourced design teams over the past 25+ years enough that I can spot it from a mile away. I've worked with multiple technology start-ups (and a by-product is knowing more about "Crossing the Chasm" than the average Joe) and I have been involved in the sport of triathlon for well over a decade and have seen it flourish.

Obstacle Races and Mud Runs (Ob/Mud) as a whole are in danger of Jumping the Shark. It's happening right now, and if you care about the sport you need to get off your ass and contribute to the well-being of this fledgeling industry.

In order to keep mudrunguide.com the #1 online source for Mud Runs, Obstacle Races and Adventure Challenges we needed to create some of the most intuitive features possible to go along with the award-winning video, articles & content.

Here are a few of the latest feature additions:

Hey folks, Brett from 7 Weeks to Fitness here - every so often we'll give you behind-the-scenes access to obstacle races, mud runs and even training facilities. April has been a lot of fun so far; I've been lucky enough to travel to multiple events where I've helped to build obstacles, set up courses and even train on some amazing adventure courses!