15 Things Only Mud Runners Know

Written by
Erica Schuckies
Mud running is a culture all its own. Planning on wearing a cotton T-shirt to your mud run? Have you stocked up on compression gear? Don't worry; you'll have everything you need from our list of things only a hard-core mud runner would know.
You'll use muscles you didn't even know existed
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"Wow, I've never been sore there before. I didn't even know there was a muscle there."
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Is that a cotton shirt?
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Don'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.

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Forget those expensive road running shoes
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Five-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.
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The important things
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If 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
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Mud running is a community
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Don'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.
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Mud running is much more fun in groups
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Doing 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.
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It's called a mud RUN, not a mud RACE... for a reason
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Mud 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.
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No monkey business
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Hit the local playground before you sign up for a mud run. Those monkey bars aren't as easy as they were as a kid.
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Rock climbing + mud runs = BFFs 4-ever
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Taking up rock climbing will help exponentially with your grip strength, something that goes overlooked for mud running.
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Just say no to drugs
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There are few things more addictive than mud runs. Once you do one, there's no turning back—you're a full-blown addict.

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Before and after
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Always take a pre- and post-run picture to prove just how gnarly and tough you are. Brownie points if you post to social media.
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Water, water and more water
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Bring your own water—for both drinking and avoiding the long lines at the washing stations.

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Don't forget your post-run change of clothes and towel
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This includes underwear. You will ruin your car's upholstery. Ain't nobody got time for that.
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You'll find mud in new places
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Your post-mud run shower might take a little longer than usual, scrubbing every inch, curve and... well, ya know.
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Anyone can do a mud run
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Yes, 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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