D1 Rockford Coaches Tackle Tough Mudder Together: 'No Egos, Just Effort'

The Tough Mudder is a hardcore obstacle race through mud designed to test participants' all around strength, stamina, and mental grit.

So of course, the coaching staff at D1 Training Rockford decided to compete in one last Saturday.

From muddy trenches to wall climbs and electric shocks, the four coaches braced through the toughest stretches to finish it.

Coach Ryan McNamer participated in the Tough Mudder as an opportunity to prove to himself that he still is in tip-top shape.

"A few people told me I was too old to do the Tough Mudder but I didn't sign up to prove them wrong. I signed up to prove to myself that I've still got it," he said. "Age is just a number but mental toughness? That's built through years of facing obstacles and I've had decades of practice. That's what we train for at D1. Not just muscles, but positive mindsets, no matter what the obstacles are."

For D1 Rockford general manager Robert Appell, the resiliency of his coaches showcased what his D1 Training is all about.

"As a GM, my job is to lead a facility that helps train people for life inside and outside the gym. This weekend at the Tough Mudder our team lived that out," he said. "Everyone showed up ready to get uncomfortable, lift each other up, and finish strong. No egos, just effort. That's the culture we're proud to build at D1!"

Check Out: The Turf's First Episode

The Turf: Powered By D1 is a new podcast from D1 Training, hosted by founder/CEO Will Bartholomew. The first episode with Vanderbilt Head Football Coach Clark Lea released on Wednesday, so check it out!

D1 Daily is produced by Dom Bonvissuto & Ty Wellemeyer