Tough Mudder Challenge: Mission Sea to Space provides a unique opportunity for like-minded individuals to take on a new challenge. Whether you are a fitness guru, someone looking to take control of your personal health and wellness, or looking for an escape out of the ordinary, Tough Mudder Challenges continues to create an outlet for all Mudders. Navy Federal Credit Union Branch Manager and long-time loyal Mudder participant, shares his personal fitness journey that motivates, inspires, and encourages others to stay active.
Today’s Mission Highlight: Bernard Byers
Fitness has been a major part of my life for as long as I can remember. I have participated in over 110 different running events all over the US, ranging from 5Ks to marathons. Overall, I have completed 13 Tough Mudders as well as a 2X participant in the annual World Toughest Mudder event. I love that Tough Mudders push you mentally as well as physically for their runs. For instance, getting ready for a World Toughest Mudder event is truly a year-long training process. You must prepare yourself in both weight training and conditioning activities to be successful in completing the 24-hour run.
Nutrition is a very important part of the process as well, as you must stay hydrated, manage your calorie intake and find the proper vitamin regimen for your body. Receiving the proper rest and recovery is a major component for Mudder success as well. Without Tough Mudders, I wouldn’t have taken any of these items as seriously as I do and being disciplined in your training translates to positively affecting non-athletic parts of your life.
My fitness life has evolved throughout the years from participant to teacher.
In the past few years, I started a club basketball organization for young women aged 6-14 years old. We travel from city to city across the US playing in tournaments. I have been able to incorporate my Tough Mudder training into our basketball practice schedule by offering a special weekly conditioning day on Sunday mornings. During these sessions, we work on long-distance running, weight training, various core activities and share healthy tips on nutrition. I also train all of the parents and family members so our sessions can get quite packed. Since I create, run and monitor all of the basketball and conditioning based sessions, these are purely volunteer-based and the families can attend every week without paying a dime. Some of the parents have joked the sessions are harder than the paid private trainers that they have!
None of these successes would exist if it wasn’t for signing up for my first Tough Mudder 10 years ago. I’m excited to participate in the upcoming Tough Mudder Challenge sponsored by my employer, Navy Federal Credit Union.
Navy Federal Credit Union is proud to serve all branches of the military, the DoD, veterans and their families. We want you to earn more, save more and live the life you want knowing we’re behind you each step of the way, because our members are the mission. Learn more and become a member. Insured by NCUA.