In part one of this three-part story, we discussed how Yale Security's George Hines and Roger Lutz recruited a team to fundraise and train for the Tough Mudder--a hardcore 10-12 mile obstacle course designed by British Special Forces. Funds raised from the Tough Mudder event benefit the Wounded Warrior Foundation. This foundation provides free programs that are structured to meet the needs of injured service men and women. To date, the team has been established--21 strong, both men and women from Yale Security and their families and friends-- and has begun group training. Throughout the winter and spring most trained solo, but summer came with monthly team training, check-ins and support. Team Captain Roger Lutz, Central Alarm Station Communications Officer, weighed in on training, team spirit and the all important endurance factor.

Trail running during summer training

Monthly the team meets up for a group practice session which lasts about 3 ½ hours.   The training consists of trail running, core strength training and crawling in beach mud. Mud (and being wet and cold) is a big factor when competing in the Tough Mudder. Participants need to endure running through muddy, wet trails and having the strength to scale all kinds of tall, slippery, electrically charged obstacles. "The team training was an eye opener for some folks," said Lutz. Most people train in somewhat comfortable conditions, running on the road or exercising in a gym. But trying to run up, over or around an obstacle soaking wet and muddy is totally different. "You have to deal with the elements, and it saps your strength, your muscles get cold and cramp up."

Lutz, who structured his team training sessions after talking with other Mudder veterans, is trying to prepare everyone for the course. During the Mudder everyone will be wet most of the time and exhaustion can set in quickly. So Lutz is focusing on endurance training, core strength training and getting the team ready by simulating the wet, muddy feel of the course. 

And then there are the obstacles in the midst of the muddy, hilly trails and icy water. They include: monkey bars, cargo net crawls, tire carry, fire run, half pipe, ice filled bath dumpster, and electrical shock field. "We discuss the importance of hydrating and

Balance training

endurance. We discuss obstacles and what to do and not do when scaling them," added Lutz. "We will need to keep our muscles warm to avoid cramping. And always you are dealing with mud."

Participating in Tough Mudder is about camaraderie within the teams and with other participants. "I've heard other people who ran in the event explain how complete strangers will help you either with a word of encouragement or with getting you through something," said Lutz. "Everyone is there for a cause, a great cause."

For now, the Security team trains together and separately. If someone can't make it, they check in via email or Facebook. "We have had great cohesion via in person or online communications," said Lutz. And the team is getting fit; almost all the team members have lost weight; one person lost 100 lbs.

The event will be held October 20 in Englishtown, New Jersey.

Team core strength training

 The Yale Security Team has raised almost $1000 and hopes to raise a total of $4000.

Anyone interested in making a donation should contact either George Hines or Roger Lutz.

Look for the final installment of this story in the October issue of Security News.