Why Wolé Parks Loves Tough Mudder and How It Can Make You A Better Person
Imagine running a tough obstacle course. Now imagine running a tough obstacle course that’s up to 10-miles long or more.
Some who set out to complete the popular Tough Mudder course perhaps don’t quite know what they’re up against — aside from exhaustion (not all finish), there have been some health consequences to tackling the circuit.
However, despite this, there are some people like Wolé Parks who regularly compete in these grueling events. Parks himself has completed the challenge eight times already.
But why?
He says it partially comes down to proving something to yourself and pushing your limits. But that’s not all. Here are some of the other positives of taking part in such a challenging event.
A Boost in Confidence and Teamwork
You have to have a certain amount of confidence in your abilities going in — running through ten miles of hills, mud and even electrified cables requires some amount of physical prowess. However, overcoming the physical and mental barriers that bar your path to the finish line is a great motivator and overall life-lesson.
Unlike other mud runs, teamwork is emphasized over competition. There’s no official timer and you’re encouraged to help others along the course (some obstacles require cooperation). Whether you’re running solo or as part of a team, you instantly become part of a community of people who are challenging themselves. This can lead to bonds that could go on to become long lasting friendships, says Parks.
It’s a Chance To Have Fun
While many people might cringe when they read the details of the Tough Mudder Classic course, Wolé Parks says there’s a positive spirit at the event. You will inevitably have others cheering for you, giving you a push to make your way through the obstacles.
In fact, there is a lot of laughs and some people even take the opportunity to come in costume, he adds.
It Helps Improve Your Fitness
It’s true that there’s a considerable amount of training that goes into getting ready for this course — you should be conditioned enough to run at least a 10-mile distance, while working on your upper body and grip strength to help you through some of the more challenging obstacles (including monkey bars crossing over water.)
You Can Raise Money For a Cause
Those like Wolé Parks who participate in Tough Mudder have an opportunity to raise money for a charity of their choice. The event also has a charity family that it works closely with — having helped to raise millions for the Wounded Warrior Project in the U.S. Wolé Parks concludes that by helping to raise money for a charity, the Tough Mudder no longer only provides a personal benefit but also a societal benefit as your participation and donations help other members of the community.
