TMHQ is stoked to be returning to Lake Las Vegas for World’s Toughest Mudder in November. Located 35 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip (the event’s first major obstacle is leaving the partying until afterwards), and just 30 minutes from Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport (LAS), Lake Las Vegas is an ideal venue for the 2017 World’s Toughest Mudder. The site itself contains several hundred acres of rolling desert landscape and a massive freshwater lake that will be incorporated into the course design, with temperatures assured to fluctuate significantly between day and night. Plus, the WTM Vegas volunteers have been epic over the last few years. (Seriously, who can forget Mike, his dad Bill and the legendary sombrero?) As we near the 2017 WTM event, we wanted to catch up with some more of our rockstar volunteers who have helped at run the showdown in the past. (Been wanting to sign up? for a shift Click here.)
Dubbed “The Florida Sisters”, Michelle and Suzanne travelled from the Sunshine state to volunteer for multiple day and nighttime shifts in 2016. We wanted to learn why they made the trek to Nevada last year and whether they’d be back at it again this year.
What made you both volunteer at the 2016 event?
Suzanne – Last year was my 40th birthday and a trip for the two of us to Las Vegas was my present from Michelle. Las Vegas plus tons of hot muddy dudes giving free hugs? Who could ask for more.
Michelle – Plus, watching the main WTM event in Las Vegas was definitely on our Bucket List. We had volunteered at the Central Florida Tough Mudder events and had an awesome time so going to volunteer at Vegas was a no-brainer. Plus, the volunteers get a lot of awesome swag.
You both did a few different shifts over the weekend – what was your favourite?
Suzanne – The day and night shifts were completely different experiences, but both were amazing.
During registration we got to see and fangirl all the Mudders we had been following up to that point. Melissa “Sharkbait” came through our line (she’s so sweet) and Jim “Da Goat” got sassy with us. Plus, we made lifelong friends with (and hugged) Mike and Bill Jones and got to hear a few eyebrow-raising jokes from the Sr. What a treat.
Our overnight shift on Stage 5 Clinger was a completely different atmosphere. We saw, encouraged, hugged completely exhausted Mudders pushing themselves past their limits in the mud. There was no fangirling this time, just love, pride, and a tired Tough Mudder family.
Plus, I got a hug from ERock and a first-bump from Coach… (Okay, a little fangirling).
Michelle – The overnight shift was inspiring because everyone was thankful for us and every high-five, hug, and cheer we gave. It’s amazing how a warm hug at 2 am is just what some of the Mudders needed to carry on through the night. I realized that volunteers can really make a difference.
Did volunteering inspire you to run?
Suzanne – When I heard about World’s Toughest Mudder or saw it on TV, I thought, “I won’t be able to do that, only the top athletes do that”. But volunteering showed me just how many different levels and abilities actually run it.
Michelle – Yes! After being there and feeling the energy and epicness, we wanted to be on the participating side. The Tough Mudder Community is great in itself but being part of the World’s Toughest Community takes it to another level.
Can you name a favourite moment?
Suzanne – Honestly, it was epic from start to finish.
Michelle – All of my favorite moments happened during the overnight shift, when everyone was tired, cold and most likely “over it”. Even in the night the implicit ‘no man left behind’ policy held strong, it was inspiring to see. There were participate from all countries, so seeing them help one another made me think, “Wow, if world leaders could all do a WTM, maybe we would have world peace”.
Will we be seeing you at this years event?
Suzanne – Actually… Yes! The Florida Sisters will be volunteering again at registration AND running it.
Michelle – Yes, Suzy and I signed up right after the event. We were still riding the WTM high we got from being there. Plus, I turned 50 this year and we made it a birthday tradition so here we come. And of course we will be at registration, can’t miss that fun!
What would you say to someone thinking of volunteering at WTM?
Suzanne – You won’t regret it!
Michelle – Do it! And come ready to have the time of your life. Oh, and when you see Suzy and I on the course, we will be looking for that muddy hug!
There you have it folks. Straight from the mouths (keyboards) of The Florida Sisters. You can see Suzy and Michelle all event long at WTM 2017 giving muddy hugs and running alongside you. Inspired to come and get your slice of the desert-action? Sign up for a shift here.