Croatia, Tough Mudder & More..

So I’m writing this blog post from the comfort of the sofa in my self-catered apartment located in Cavtat, Croatia. It’s such a beautiful place and even at 8am on a Sunday morning, the sky is clear blue and you know it’s going to be another hot one! 

This time of year I always reflect on my blog and Food & Fitness Always as a whole and look at ways to improve it. Mainly because almost 3 years ago it was launched from another hot place in Cala D’or, Majorca. 

One thing I promised myself to do at the start of this year was to say ‘yes’ more often and wherever possible, because a yes opens up a great deal more in the shape of possibilities, adventures and experiences that are not only great for me personally, but great to share with you guys too, especially when it comes to Food and Fitness ones. 

A few weeks ago I said yes to the ‘Port Sunlight 10km run’. 

I’d never ran a proper race before even though I’d probably ran 10km playing football a number of times. 

I thought to myself ‘you run a fitness blog for god’s sake, why aren’t you the one trying to compete in these races? Why isn’t it you receiving these medals? Why aren’t there your pics on instagram of your training regime?’ So I thought it was about time I moved out of the gym, onto the pavement and start running for real. 

I also decided to compete in that race because I’d been asked to put a team together and work with For Goodness Shakes, who are one of the sponsors of Tough Mudder. I said yes to Tough Mudder even though I knew deep down that I wasn’t physically ready yet, but knew that I could be. 

By the way, in case you’re wondering what Tough Mudder is exactly (which I was myself, even though I’d heard the name before) it’s a 10-12 mile course, full of mud and various obstacles that are designed to test your physical fitness, endurance, strength and resolve. 

On their website they describe it as “probably the toughest event on the planet” – I like the sound of that! 

They asked me if I’d like to take part in the Full event or the Half version. I of course decided on the Full course (which I may live to regret!). 

Since signing up I’ve visited the Tough Mudder website on numerous occasions which has many exercise programmes you can select and watch numerous exercises that will build your legs, back and upper body.

The workouts are specifically designed for each Tough Mudder obstacle so the more you follow, the more prepared you’ll be when it comes to the event itself. 

For Goodness Shakes have given me the opportunity to put my team together and have provided us with a good supply of their protein drinks to aid us in our training for Tough Mudder. The protein drinks themselves taste fantastic. They taste like chocolate milk but have the added protein to really help you in your recovery after a tough training session. 

The team itself is made up of 6 individuals, all of whom have various levels of fitness, endurance and strength, but all have the will to want to do this, and to me that’s what counts. You can’t go into an event like Tough Mudder without a complete positive mindset. 

One thing to mention to you guys is that ever since signing up my whole attitude at the gym has changed for the better. 

Before signing up I’d go to the gym, go through the motions of various exercises and still work hard don’t get me wrong. Now though it’s different. 

The focus is there like there’s the goal in sight ‘to be ready for Tough Mudder’ by September. I already feel as though I’m on my way. My aerobic fitness is better than it’s ever been as I can run further than I’ve ever done in the past and my upper body strength has greatly improved too (which certainly helped when it came to carrying the suitcases up many flights of stairs!). 

For Goodness Shakes have placed the carrot in front of me and I’m more than determined to reach it, compete well in it and finish strongly alongside my team. 

I’ll keep you guys posted over the coming months of how I’m getting on and if you’d like more information on Tough Mudder and how to get involved (which you definitely should!) click here. 

Adam Warren