This blog was written in collaboration with Aflac.
Labor Day may mark the unofficial end of summer: days are getting shorter, you’re packing up your swimsuit and kissing Summer Friday’s “Goodbye”. But instead of sulking as you scroll through pictures of your favorite warm weather memories like beach days, muddy courses, and friend-filled BBQ’s, consider throwing a party with your Tough Mudder team so you can look back on your favorite moments together and start plotting which course you’ll conquer next.
In case you need help hosting your Tough Mudder teammates, we put together a list of 7 tips for throwing the ultimate BBQ bash.
1. Prep the Day Before.
Legionnaires know that planning ahead to tackle team-oriented obstacles and shindigs are the key to enjoying the event at hand. That means that just because you’re hosting the get together doesn’t mean you can’t have the same amount of fun… as long as you do a little prep ahead of time. Once salads have been concocted and side dishes have been prepped, you’ll be able to spend actual time with the team and chow down stress-free.
2. Let Your Friends Help.
In the mud, the Tough Mudder community follows a strict no-Mudder-left-behind policy. But out of it, Mudders keep the policy going strong. If you have a friend who is handy in the kitchen or good with the grill, break out a six-pack and get cooking as a team. Besides, just like training for a Tough Mudder adventure is more fun with your teammates by your side, so is BBQ-ing.
3. Serve Some Dishes at Room Temperature.
Your BBQ can become another opportunity to make memories with your teammates if you’re not toiling over the grill or stovetop. Think: Pyramid Scheme without the pyramid, Everest 2.0 without the slope, and The Block Ness Monster without the muddy-water. If you have to heat up, oven-cook or grill more than 20% of the eats you’re bringing to the table, you won’t be able to reminisce about your favorite Tough Mudder courses or devise a plan to conquer the next event together. So keep your cold to not-so-cold dish ratio at 80/20 and spend the heart of the night sitting back with your buds.
4. Get Creative.
By the time Labor Day rolls around, you might be tired of eating the same ole’ hot dogs and burgers. Shake things up with a build-you-own bar and let your team customize their perfect plate. “This works with tacos, fajitas, salads – really, anything you can think of. Give an abundance of healthy veggie toppings and fillings, and you can even add a meat or cheese in there if you’d like” says Jen Clarke, co-founder of GOOD Fest.
Why stop the originality at the main course? If creativity is your thing, dream up a fun theme your guests can dress up for and jive to. If you’re feeling a Tough Mudder inspired theme, we recommend “Vegas” in honor of our upcoming Las Vegas World’s Toughest Mudder.
5. Game Up.
Mudder Nation loves adrenaline-packed days and nights. And while you may not be able to import gallons of mud or recreate Snot Rocket for event day, you can give your teammates the rush they crave. Leave out a bin of games and toys like badminton, frisbee, catch, beanbag toss, volleyball, and sacks for relay races. Or if you’re feeling especially brave, turn your background into a mini obstacle course and make your own version of obstacle classics like Hero Carry, Hold Your Wood 2.0, and The Reach Around.
6. Take Pictures.
Speaking of looking good… why not set up a funky background you know your pals will love to keep photo-taking top of mind? Whether it’s setting up a full-blown homemade photo-booth for fridge-worthy snapshots, or keeping an old school camera out to encourage memory-making, give your guests photos to cherish and share. Who knows, they might even switch their profile photo from their Tough Mudder pain-faces to a shot from the last and best day of Summer.
7. Keep The Party Going.
Don’t let the night die without adding a new adventure to the calendar. What’s a better time to plan your next adventure than a night of games, grub, and beer? Check out the Tough Mudder Event page with the team and start getting excited for your next mud-race.
Aflac believes experiences are the key to living a full and healthy life. That’s why they pay cash directly to you (unless otherwise assigned) when you’re sick or injured, so you don’t have to give up the experiences you love – like a summer BBQ or beach trip – to help pay for unanticipated medical experiences. To learn more about keeping your lifestyle healthy, visit Aflac.com. Aflac herein means American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus and American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
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