The Mudder
Tim Overend, 36, Syracuse, New York
Produce manager at a retail store and a father of two great kids!
Mudder History
My first ever Tough Mudder was at Mt. Snow in 2012. Over seven years ago! Since then I have been doing all of the East Coast Classic events: Mt. Snow, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Ohio, and Tri-State. I have only missed one year, and I am hoping to do a Toughest Mudder soon and some day build up to a World’s Toughest Mudder. I am looking forward to next year’s courses and hopefully will be doing at least two. Toronto is definitely on my bucket list.
I Mudder because…
It all started out as a fresh journey and challenge. I was overweight and unmotivated. A group of friends and I saw a video when Mudder first started 10 years ago, and I said, “What the heck, why not?” I started jogging slowly, then it built into running, then it became a group workout. Not only did it help me lose weight, it gave me a new reason to be with friends. After the first Mudder I did, not only did it become an obsession, it became a tradition. Now every year we do at least one or two Mudders and it’s no longer the challenge but “the thing to do.” We get together, dress up, run the race, and have fun. It’s not a new year without one.
On the morning of a Mudder, I wake up feeling…
Excited! I used to be nervous all the time. I didn’t know if my cardio was good enough to get me through, I didn’t know if I was ready mentally, but after completing Mt. Snow on my first try and building that confidence, it was just all about going out there, having fun, and having a great time with great people.
My favorite part of being a Mudder is…
Family! Not only is Tough Mudder a great opportunity to spend time with friends and family but when you start doing these Mudders, you start seeing some familiar faces. It’s almost like a second family. The atmosphere is always outstanding and it is such a good time. You might not know any of these people, but everyone is giving you high fives, encouraging you to keep pushing, and telling you you’re doing a great job. It is amazing!
Being a Mudder has changed how I…
Challenge myself and push myself to be better. When I did my first Tough Mudder, I had no idea what I was signing up for, let alone Mt. Snow, which was nothing but hills and everything I wasn’t ready for. Not even an hour into the event I thought I was ready to quit. But the support of everyone around me showed me that I can be mentally and physically stronger than I thought I was. It definitely built my confidence up and showed me that, if I put my mind to it, I can push through a lot of adversity and still achieve great results.
Why do you Mudder? Join the conversation at #WhyIMudder on Facebook and Instagram
