You'll use muscles you didn't even know existed
1 of 16"Wow, I've never been sore there before. I didn't even know there was a muscle there."
Find your
next raceIs that a cotton shirt?
2 of 16Don't wear it during a mud run. Remember that this is a mud run, so you can expect to encounter a lot of the slimy brown stuff. Regular cotton clothing will most likely be stained for life, so you're better off investing in high-quality polyester or spandex gear that mud and dirt can be washed out of easily. Compression gear will be your best friend, as wet, muddy, loose-fit clothes will sag heavily off your body, making running difficult.
Find your
next raceForget those expensive road running shoes
3 of 16Five-finger shoes or minimalistic trail running shoes are the way to go. Normal running shoes end up buried in mud pits and tend to be slippery when trying to climb muddy slopes.
Find your
next raceThe important things
4 of 16If your mud run provides a free beer, leave the voucher/tag with your bag check or with a non-runner. You never know what might not survive the course. #priorities
Find your
next raceMud running is a community
5 of 16Don't be surprised if you see the same people at a number of regional mud runs. Helping out your fellow mud runners is expected, especially during particularly difficult obstacles or sections of the course. If you don't, you may just find that karma will come back to you.
Find your
next raceMud running is much more fun in groups
6 of 16Doing a mud run alone doesn't give you the full experience. A running buddy can cheer you on and lend a helping hand on those nearly impossible obstacles, and then share post-run beers and stories.
Find your
next raceIt's called a mud RUN, not a mud RACE... for a reason
7 of 16Mud running is about challenging yourself and your teammates. You'll know the non-mud runners if they ask you what your best "mud run time" is.
Find your
next raceNo monkey business
8 of 16Hit the local playground before you sign up for a mud run. Those monkey bars aren't as easy as they were as a kid.
Find your
next raceRock climbing + mud runs = BFFs 4-ever
9 of 16Taking up rock climbing will help exponentially with your grip strength, something that goes overlooked for mud running.
Find your
next raceJust say no to drugs
10 of 16There are few things more addictive than mud runs. Once you do one, there's no turning back—you're a full-blown addict.
Find your
next raceBefore and after
11 of 16Always take a pre- and post-run picture to prove just how gnarly and tough you are. Brownie points if you post to social media.
Find your
next raceWater, water and more water
12 of 16Bring your own water—for both drinking and avoiding the long lines at the washing stations.
Find your
next raceDon't forget your post-run change of clothes and towel
13 of 16This includes underwear. You will ruin your car's upholstery. Ain't nobody got time for that.
Find your
next raceYou'll find mud in new places
14 of 16Your post-mud run shower might take a little longer than usual, scrubbing every inch, curve and... well, ya know.
Find your
next raceAnyone can do a mud run
15 of 16Yes, even you. You'll see runners of all shapes and sizes competing in mud runs. Most runs aren't timed, so the event is more about the experience and enjoying a challenge with your friends and loved ones (not to mention the stranger helping you over the next obstacle).
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