It became immediately obvious to me that engaging in acts of
physically risky behavior in a mass of humanity through organized pandemonium
is incredibly fun. I’m not talking about roller derby or starting a riot (but on second
thought…); I’m speaking on the art of the mud run.
Rhetorically all together now, who doesn’t like to run, jump around, get dirty and bowl through obstacles while attempting to best large crowds of people trying to do the same thing? I know when I found out there were events that combined all those elements…it was on!!
Upon registering for my first mud run under the guise of market research for a forthcoming event I would be co-planning, I had no background, no strategy and no expectations. I had only run one competitive 5K ever and it was just two weeks prior to my mud run debut. But after smashing the would-be competition in an utter mudslide, I was instantly hooked.
I competed in five more mud runs that year (hint: it was last year) - never finishing worse than second, highlighted by a win despite straying off course twice (it was very poorly marked) and losing a shoe while off-track with over a mile to the finish. Considering myself somewhat of a novice expert now, I think I know what I’m talking about…and I want to share some winning mud run tips with you – future mud champion*!
(* = Unless I’m racing against you, then you’ll be a future runner-up!)
Let’s break it down into categories, shall we?
ATTIRE
When it comes to shoes, roll out your favorite grungy, lawn mowing shoes – the more comfortable and worn in: the better. High tops with good ankle support (one wrong step and there goes an ankle) might be the best choice but any low-top running or cross-training shoe will work.
Races often have shoe donation piles at the finish line where the old soles will be given to a charity. If you plan on running multiple races in year, why give them away? Unless you have a large footwear budget or an endorsement deal (Dear adidas: call me!), just leave your battle-tested shoes on the back porch for a day or two after a race to dry and air out, scrub ‘em up and they’re ready for the next challenge. Looks don’t matter; your kicks will eventually get ruined – maybe not actually falling about, but the funky smell will ultimately force you to trash them at some point. When even the dog refuses to pick them up, the time has come.
If you’re worried about losing a shoe during the race in a particularly thick mudhole, you might employ the duct tape strategy. Just tape your shoes across the ankle and around the tongue using the sticky silver cure-all.
Depending on your preference and resistance to blisters, socks are optional.
On to the remainder of your wardrobe:
Inevitably some party animals will dress as superheroes or maybe a literal
animal. These costumes are fun for photo ops and drawing curious stares from
participants and spectators alike, but are never the ideal get-up for a serious
mud runner – unless it is your secret weapon. No one suspects the
rainbow-wigged, blazer-wearing fool to win!
So I suggest swim trunks, basketball shorts or yoga pants on the bottom and a dri-fit tank/shirt or t-shirt on the top. Going lightweight and somewhat form-fitting means less drag from wet and muddy excess fabric slowing you down!
Lots of 5K runners wear sunglasses - to look cool, intimidating, whatever – but you won’t see many shades at a mud run. Too many elements can dirty up your lenses and you will waste valuable time trying to clean your glasses so you can see again.
THE PRE-RACE
Arrive early to acclimate yourself with the starting gate area. You’ll also want to leisurely check-in early so you’re not scrambling to the line as everyone is already lining up and loose. Maybe study a map or list of obstacles if such resources are posted. Plus you can track down answers to the big questions (Are there mile markers on the course? What do the directional markers look like? Water stations? Bathrooms? Prize money? Where are you allowed to sign autographs or snap photos with adoring fans at the finish line after winning?) But don’t get there too early and burn off all that anxious adrenaline!
While putting on a stretching display (quads and calves, my friends), try to scope out other runners in your wave and guess who might be on your fitness level and who you want to follow or spot the one who will be following you. Here, you can also meet a drafting buddy or someone to share front pacing duties and control the race. Handshakes and fist bumps all around!
AND YOU’RE OFF!
Like a horse in the starting gate at the Kentucky Derby, don’t buck too early. There is usually all sorts of pageantry before the “Ready, Set, Go!” commands. You may need to listen to a long list of sponsors who helped put on the event. Maybe even a national anthem. This gives you time to channel your inner warrior…or at least photobomb someone’s start line #selfie. And why not one final check to make sure your shoes are tied tight and your bib number is secure?
Once the pistol fires, break away from the pack early; you might not know how close the first obstacle is from the starting line and don’t want to get bogged down early. So crowd near the front of the starting line. Or hide in the trenches and blow by all the leisurely strollers right away so you can sneak up on potential competition.
Once clear of traffic, run with a lead pack of two or three. If you’re not familiar with the course, don’t be the leader pacing everyone (unless all other athletes in your wave are slow and you have no choice). Running second allows you to scout out how the leader approaches an obstacle in case it looks confusing or you can improve on the method in which he/she completes the challenge. Plus, if you’re the leader and get lost or run off a poorly marked course – good luck – unless you become the trendsetter and everyone blazes a new trail after you.
Top notch 5K racers might think transitioning to 5K mud run course (5K is the standard distance for mud runs) would be easy. But remember, while running a 5K, there are minimal stimuli or changing conditions. Sure you may run up and down hills or shift from paved to gravel or trail terrain, but the same motion and pace of putting one foot forward over and over is easy. Your flow is disrupted or sometimes comes to a complete halt at every mud run obstacle. The repeated motion of running is severely interrupted with the need to use other muscles and complete other actions. After the shock wears off, it might be hard to get back to your regular running pace, so interval cardio training – combined with parkour – might be the solution for street and trail-only runners to excel at mud runs.
Rhetorically all together now, who doesn’t like to run, jump around, get dirty and bowl through obstacles while attempting to best large crowds of people trying to do the same thing? I know when I found out there were events that combined all those elements…it was on!!
Upon registering for my first mud run under the guise of market research for a forthcoming event I would be co-planning, I had no background, no strategy and no expectations. I had only run one competitive 5K ever and it was just two weeks prior to my mud run debut. But after smashing the would-be competition in an utter mudslide, I was instantly hooked.
I competed in five more mud runs that year (hint: it was last year) - never finishing worse than second, highlighted by a win despite straying off course twice (it was very poorly marked) and losing a shoe while off-track with over a mile to the finish. Considering myself somewhat of a novice expert now, I think I know what I’m talking about…and I want to share some winning mud run tips with you – future mud champion*!
(* = Unless I’m racing against you, then you’ll be a future runner-up!)
Let’s break it down into categories, shall we?
ATTIRE
When it comes to shoes, roll out your favorite grungy, lawn mowing shoes – the more comfortable and worn in: the better. High tops with good ankle support (one wrong step and there goes an ankle) might be the best choice but any low-top running or cross-training shoe will work.
Races often have shoe donation piles at the finish line where the old soles will be given to a charity. If you plan on running multiple races in year, why give them away? Unless you have a large footwear budget or an endorsement deal (Dear adidas: call me!), just leave your battle-tested shoes on the back porch for a day or two after a race to dry and air out, scrub ‘em up and they’re ready for the next challenge. Looks don’t matter; your kicks will eventually get ruined – maybe not actually falling about, but the funky smell will ultimately force you to trash them at some point. When even the dog refuses to pick them up, the time has come.
If you’re worried about losing a shoe during the race in a particularly thick mudhole, you might employ the duct tape strategy. Just tape your shoes across the ankle and around the tongue using the sticky silver cure-all.
Depending on your preference and resistance to blisters, socks are optional.
On to the remainder of your wardrobe:
Inevitably some party animals will dress as superheroes or maybe a literal
animal. These costumes are fun for photo ops and drawing curious stares from
participants and spectators alike, but are never the ideal get-up for a serious
mud runner – unless it is your secret weapon. No one suspects the
rainbow-wigged, blazer-wearing fool to win!So I suggest swim trunks, basketball shorts or yoga pants on the bottom and a dri-fit tank/shirt or t-shirt on the top. Going lightweight and somewhat form-fitting means less drag from wet and muddy excess fabric slowing you down!
Lots of 5K runners wear sunglasses - to look cool, intimidating, whatever – but you won’t see many shades at a mud run. Too many elements can dirty up your lenses and you will waste valuable time trying to clean your glasses so you can see again.
THE PRE-RACE
Arrive early to acclimate yourself with the starting gate area. You’ll also want to leisurely check-in early so you’re not scrambling to the line as everyone is already lining up and loose. Maybe study a map or list of obstacles if such resources are posted. Plus you can track down answers to the big questions (Are there mile markers on the course? What do the directional markers look like? Water stations? Bathrooms? Prize money? Where are you allowed to sign autographs or snap photos with adoring fans at the finish line after winning?) But don’t get there too early and burn off all that anxious adrenaline!
While putting on a stretching display (quads and calves, my friends), try to scope out other runners in your wave and guess who might be on your fitness level and who you want to follow or spot the one who will be following you. Here, you can also meet a drafting buddy or someone to share front pacing duties and control the race. Handshakes and fist bumps all around!
AND YOU’RE OFF!
Like a horse in the starting gate at the Kentucky Derby, don’t buck too early. There is usually all sorts of pageantry before the “Ready, Set, Go!” commands. You may need to listen to a long list of sponsors who helped put on the event. Maybe even a national anthem. This gives you time to channel your inner warrior…or at least photobomb someone’s start line #selfie. And why not one final check to make sure your shoes are tied tight and your bib number is secure?
Once the pistol fires, break away from the pack early; you might not know how close the first obstacle is from the starting line and don’t want to get bogged down early. So crowd near the front of the starting line. Or hide in the trenches and blow by all the leisurely strollers right away so you can sneak up on potential competition.
Once clear of traffic, run with a lead pack of two or three. If you’re not familiar with the course, don’t be the leader pacing everyone (unless all other athletes in your wave are slow and you have no choice). Running second allows you to scout out how the leader approaches an obstacle in case it looks confusing or you can improve on the method in which he/she completes the challenge. Plus, if you’re the leader and get lost or run off a poorly marked course – good luck – unless you become the trendsetter and everyone blazes a new trail after you.
Top notch 5K racers might think transitioning to 5K mud run course (5K is the standard distance for mud runs) would be easy. But remember, while running a 5K, there are minimal stimuli or changing conditions. Sure you may run up and down hills or shift from paved to gravel or trail terrain, but the same motion and pace of putting one foot forward over and over is easy. Your flow is disrupted or sometimes comes to a complete halt at every mud run obstacle. The repeated motion of running is severely interrupted with the need to use other muscles and complete other actions. After the shock wears off, it might be hard to get back to your regular running pace, so interval cardio training – combined with parkour – might be the solution for street and trail-only runners to excel at mud runs.
Unless you’re a wide-eyed northerner or fan of ice fishing, the first plunge
into a water obstacle will be a jolt to the system and take your breath away.
I’ve done mud runs in temps ranging from 47 to 87 degrees and everything in
between, so I've been in some downright chilly ponds but I got used to the water and warmed up fairly quickly. And this goes
without saying, but running in water is probably the toughest and most taxing
terrain…I mean, you could step on a fish!
So anyway, you’re out in front, sailing smoothly, feeling good and conquering every challenge… but look out – it’s lap traffic! If you’re in a multiple wave race and not in the first heat, you will likely come up on lap traffic from previous waves quickly. They’re just out there to get muddy and laugh with friends or family and want to take in the scenery. No problems there.
Many obstacles have several entry points - and you don’t want to get stuck behind someone in a tunnel or climbing a wall, so shoot the gap and cut people off to tackle the obstacle ASAP. Most will understand and tip their would-be caps to someone more athletic than they are. And don’t worry about yelling at them to get out of your way or butt through to approach any obstacle if there is a logjam of people standing around waiting for teammates to complete a challenge – just blow right on by.
Well planned obstacle courses always have a grand finale or signature big finish (for photo ops and to leave a lasting memory). Most veteran runners can sense how long a 5K is or key in on context clues to figure that they’re approaching the finish line…so don’t leave anything in the tank when you get to the ending obstacles. It’s also worth asking (pre-race, remember?) if the course has mile markers so you know when you need to conserve energy or when you can push hard.
Now is the time to make the pass and take the lead and the glory. Finish lines tend to be lined with muddy finishers from a previous wave or clean cohorts ready to hit the course next. If you look super awesome, intense and pumped on the approach, they’ll likely be cheering for you to finish. So use that energy and leave it all in the mud!
Finally before I clock out, don’t fret over the clock. You simple cannot compare times from race to race since there are no set mud run courses; even the same event may feature different obstacles year-to-year. They’re like muddy snowflakes – no two are the same. So enjoy their unique [filthy] beauty.
THE MORAL OF THE STORY
If all else fails, most importantly remember: mud runs are awesome playgrounds for adults where you are encouraged to get dirty and accomplish crazy tasks! I'll see you out there!
So anyway, you’re out in front, sailing smoothly, feeling good and conquering every challenge… but look out – it’s lap traffic! If you’re in a multiple wave race and not in the first heat, you will likely come up on lap traffic from previous waves quickly. They’re just out there to get muddy and laugh with friends or family and want to take in the scenery. No problems there.
Many obstacles have several entry points - and you don’t want to get stuck behind someone in a tunnel or climbing a wall, so shoot the gap and cut people off to tackle the obstacle ASAP. Most will understand and tip their would-be caps to someone more athletic than they are. And don’t worry about yelling at them to get out of your way or butt through to approach any obstacle if there is a logjam of people standing around waiting for teammates to complete a challenge – just blow right on by.
Well planned obstacle courses always have a grand finale or signature big finish (for photo ops and to leave a lasting memory). Most veteran runners can sense how long a 5K is or key in on context clues to figure that they’re approaching the finish line…so don’t leave anything in the tank when you get to the ending obstacles. It’s also worth asking (pre-race, remember?) if the course has mile markers so you know when you need to conserve energy or when you can push hard.
Now is the time to make the pass and take the lead and the glory. Finish lines tend to be lined with muddy finishers from a previous wave or clean cohorts ready to hit the course next. If you look super awesome, intense and pumped on the approach, they’ll likely be cheering for you to finish. So use that energy and leave it all in the mud!
Finally before I clock out, don’t fret over the clock. You simple cannot compare times from race to race since there are no set mud run courses; even the same event may feature different obstacles year-to-year. They’re like muddy snowflakes – no two are the same. So enjoy their unique [filthy] beauty.
THE MORAL OF THE STORY
If all else fails, most importantly remember: mud runs are awesome playgrounds for adults where you are encouraged to get dirty and accomplish crazy tasks! I'll see you out there!
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