CONNECT: January 20, 2014

Getting to Know Phil Cyphers and the Tough, Muddy, Sometimes Spartan World He Thrives In

On November 23rd, Phil Cyphers - a health specialist and personal trainer at Pro-Activity - toed the starting line for his final race of the year: a grueling 24-hour Tough Mudder, an obstacle course race held at Raceway Park in Englishtown, NJ. YES, I SAID 24-HOURS!

Many of us have heard of  - or even done  - Tough Mudder events, those fun (?) races that include crazy obstacles through mud, icy pits, over 10-ft. walls, and the like. But this was the WORLD’S TOUGHEST MUDDER!!! And while there was mud, icy pits and 10-ft walls, there was also crawling through underground tubes, “frogging” across a pond using lily-pad like devices, up impossibly steep and slick slopes  and leaping from a 20-foot platform across a ten-foot span of water onto a hammock-like support structure, plus a bunch of other “fun stuff” for a total of 22 obstacles on every 5-mile loop….over and over again, for 24 hours!.

Race logistics are cruel though, for while he could “practice” them throughout the day, thereby giving himself additional confidence at night, the fact that you’ve done them a number of times actually makes it harder mentally to keep doing them, and doing them and doing them……...

I had the pleasure of “crewing” for Phil that day. That means that each time he finished a lap, I was waiting for him at his tent, ready to give him more nutrition, clean clothes, provide some encouraging words, snap a few pictures - basically get him ready for the next lap. As a veteran endurance athlete myself, I’ve run and biked through the night many times, so I understand the challenge this type of event presents, but I also know that with the right attitude and support, you can get through anything.

Throughout the year, Phil entered progressively harder events and continued to excel, placing in the top 1% in all of them, even winning on occasion. Who is this man Phil that finished the season ranked 35th in age group and 220th overall - in the world!? How did he get started? What’s his background? How can you too be an obstacle course racer?  I was so gracious to be part of his team and very inspired by his dedication that I thought his story had to be shared.  

Joe: When did you start to get involved in these types of events?

Phil: Last October (2012) Eric and I went to see what the original tough mudder was all about. Our goal was not only to complete the course but qualify in the top 5%, which we did.

Joe: So after that first event, you were hooked. What do you find appealing about them?

Phil: Each obstacle race is very unique. The thing I like the most is the primitive nature of the races and the diverse skill set needed. In most competitions only one skill needs to be mastered, for example, running a 5k - all you do is run. This is why triathlons are more challenging and exciting because you’re doing three activities in one event, but in an obstacle race you must run, swim, hike, jump, crawl, lift, carry and so on. You never know what's next but you better be ready for it. And of course, there’s no better feeling than crossing a finish line covered in mud, dirt and whatever else you waded through. I feel we have lost that sense of going outside and getting our hands dirty!

Joe: How many obstacle course race (OCR) events did you do last year? How did you do?

Phil: I completed 9 obstacle races in 2013. My first race of the season was the Mud Man X in the spring, which I took 1st. I raced in that series again about a month ago and took 3rd. My main focus was on the Spartan Series this year. I placed in the top 1% in all my races. I finished the season 35th in the world for my age and ranked 220th in the world - not bad for a rookie! My last race of the season was the World’s Toughest Mudder. Never in my life would I have thought I could run more than 10 miles or for more than a few hours. I completed 50 miles and placed 78th in my division.

Joe: That’s incredible! Do you also compete in other types of events (like running races)?

Phil: I try to compete in 5ks whenever one is local. Running is a big part of obstacle racing. When I run, I try to focus on running technique and race strategy. I also try things such as going out really fast or pacing myself until the finish - it’s a practice run for my OCR’s.

Joe: How do you prepare/train for tough mudder-style events?

Phil: That seems to be the big question. Most magazines have some type of OCR program in them that incorporates functional movements such as pushups, pullups, bear crawls and so on. They have the right idea of using functional movements. The best practice is to train specifically for that race.  I run on the trails to get used to uneven surfaces and hills. The distance I run depends on the distance of the race. I try to mimic obstacles in the race during my run such as carrying logs or sand bags or stopping every mile to do lunges, push ups and burpees. I also try to maintain strength by doing several weight lifting sessions a week. The key is to work on my weaknesses with these races.

Joe: Do you have a favorite obstacle? What is it and Why?

Phil: I don't know if I have a favorite obstacle but I know of a few I definitely do not like! Swimming is not my biggest strength but I like how hitting chest deep water during a race evens the playing field with other competitors. Originally the water was my biggest fear but now it has become my “slow down and relax point” in a race.

Joe: As a personal trainer, do you also train others in preparing specifically for tough mudder events?

Phil: If that is someones goal then I absolutely will. Most of the training we do at Pro-Activity is very functional and related to OCR. This summer I went out on the trails with a few guys and did some OCR specific training. It was one of the tougher workouts I had this summer but also the most fun - I was inspired and motivated by the others.

Joe: Prior to getting involved in obstacle course racing, I understand you were a bodybuilder; how long did you do that for? Did you compete?

Phil: Growing up I was always involved in sports, primarily soccer, baseball and wrestling, but I wasn’t very good. I was always competitive but I was the short skinny kid, who never played varsity and I definitely was not picked first in gym class. When I went to college, I tried out for rugby my freshman year; the coach told me I wouldn’t last a game if I didn't lift weights. By graduation, I had really immersed myself in muscle building and the research behind it and decided to compete. I trained pretty hard for about 8 months and competed in two divisions in the New Jersey “all natural” competition. I took 4th in amateurs and 3rd in my weight class.

Joe: Looking back at your year, does any one moment/race stand out as a turning point?

Phil: I competed in the Spartan Beast at the end of July. it was a 8+ mile course on a ski mountain. It would be the longest distance I had ever completed at that time. It was also the last race of the season before the World Championship so the best-of-the best were competing to get their final points in before the championships. The course started with a brutal two mile run to the top of the mountain with a short swim at the top. After that, it was obstacle after obstacle. It was probably the most fatigued I had ever felt and the most I had ever hurt. I remember getting out of the woods, doing more obstacles and then getting to the bottom of the mountain only to be handed a 40lb sandbag and being told to go half way back up the mountain. At this point my spirit was crushed, my legs were shaking and I was trying to fathom the idea of going half way. Long story short, when I crossed the finish line my tanks were beyond empty and the only thing I could do was fall to my knees and tear up. At that point I knew I could accomplish anything I wanted to, I had completed the longest distance in my life at that point, I had a few more weeks to the World Championships and realized that by staying true to yourself and dedicated, you can truly accomplish anything you set out to do. I felt unstoppable!

Joe: That’s pretty awesome. I agree that staying true to your goal is so important to success. What would you recommend to anyone interested in this sport? Do you need to be a bodybuilder first?

Phil: Like the Nike advertisement says, Just Do It!! OCR is incredible and it's not going anywhere. It continues to grow in popularity each year and the culture and people are awesome! When I go to a race I am always inspired. I have run alongside wounded warriors, biggest losers and professional athletes. Anyone can complete a race, all it takes is dedication, the willingness to prevail no matter what and some guidance on where to start.

Joe: What’s next? Any plans for 2014?

Phil: 2013 was a huge year for me so its definitely going to be hard to top. I plan on competing in the Spartan series again and also going to the World Championships in VT in September. My goal is to bump up a few spots in my rankings. I’ll also be competing again in the Worlds Toughest Mudder in November and hopefully pushing the mileage a bit further. Rumor also has it that there will be an OCR World Championship event in the Fall of 2014 that will bring together all racer-types:Spartans, Warriors, Mudders, etc. I’m hoping to qualify for that! Until then I’ll be playing in the mud.

Joe: Congratulations on a spectacular year, capped off with 50 miles at the World’s Toughest Mudder! It was an incredible experience to crew for you and a pleasure to interview you today and learn more about you and the sport.  Best of luck to you!

Phil: Thanks Joe, I appreciate all the support!

Always Believe,

~ Joe G