The Apollo | Don’t Get Pressed | Ep 185

TF Recounts His Brutal 15k Tough Mudder Race

1:47:35 – 1:52:455:10 long

TF joins Smac in the studio to detail the grueling conditions of his mountain obstacle run.

TF arrives at the studio fresh off competing in a grueling 15k Tough Mudder obstacle course held in the mountains. TF sets up the discussion at 18:00 by explaining that he decided to take on the challenge despite having no prior mountain running or formal trail endurance training.

Walking through his race, TF breaks down the timeline of his weekend at 18:40. He reveals that he completed the main 15k mountain race on Saturday, which covered over ten miles of steep elevation changes, and then turned around to complete an additional 5k race the very next morning. TF describes at 20:10 encountering brutal conditions on the course, including waist-deep freezing water, mud pits, and steep inclines that caused his legs to cramp severely by the second mile.

Despite the physical toll, TF recounts a unique moment on the trail at 21:30 when he spotted a wild white wolf standing near the course. He explains at 21:55 that seeing the animal felt symbolic and gave him a surge of mental energy, helping him fight through muscle cramps and exhaustion to finish the race. TF shares at 22:20 that he ultimately placed 73rd out of over 400 participants in his division.

TF lands on the point that mental fortitude can carry a person through extreme physical tests even when body preparation is lacking. Smac praises TF at 22:40 for his discipline and determination, noting that completing such a grueling race proves his work ethic both inside and outside the podcast studio.

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