Native88

Spatzcat, I believe you should really consider researching running form. It is imperative that you learn to run correctly from the start, or you may get soured on the whole thing. I hated running because of the pain you describe. Once I learned to run properly I found it doesn't have to be painful.. sometimes it's even fun. Google Barefoot Running and do some reading. I'm not suggesting that you actually run barefoot, but the form used is the least abusive to your body. You can apply it to regular running shoes or even the minimalist type, such as Vibrams. Good luck!

Hi Laura, If you haven't bought anything yet, I would definitely recommend this: WaveMaster XXL Free standing to work around and at 270 lbs it's not moving anywhere. A pretty strong striker can make it "scoot" a little bit, but if you strike and work around it you can keep it in the same general area. I would not recommend the BOB for general bag work. It's fine if you want to work on some accuracy drills or have something in particular you want to focus on. Also, you can only strike BOB from the front & sides. Good luck -Adam

I was thinking about using my Vibrams for Tough Mudder & Warrior Dash. The only thing that makes me wary is the fact that there is a lot of mud, and rocks and other possibly sharp things hidden in it. If you land in a bad spot in the Vibrams, it could really screw your foot up. Also, thinking of the Junk Yard area of the race, could be some sharp items there. Not sure if that is really a legit concern, but that's my only hangup.

+1 this! I'm doing a Tough Mudder in September as well (I think.. so far away I forgot the date). I'm just going to do as much body weight circuit training as possible. Also, if I can run 3-5 miles with random body weight exercises every 1/2 mile, I think that would help.

I have run one of these, and doing another on May 20 in Maryland. The above advice is solid. Last time, for training, I did 3/4 mile at a good clip and then stopped and did some push-ups or other exercise for about a minute, followed with a ~60 second rest, then repeated until I ran about 3 miles. Find hills if you can, or at least trails and uneven ground. You will be more than ready if you can get through that circuit regularly.