What do you think about mud runs? Yay? Nay?
In the past year and a half, I’ve participated in a couple of mud runs, which I’ve recapped here and here. I never thought it would be the type of event for me, but I had a really great time taking part and having fun with my friends!
Unfortunately, I think that mud runs get a bad rap. So I thought it would be great to talk about some of the silliest reasons I’ve heard that people stay away from mud runs and try to debunk them once and for all! I’m also going to tell you about a great opportunity to try an upcoming mud run, the Muckfest MS!
As usual, I’m participating in the Workout Wednesday linkup, hosted by Annmarie from The Fit Foodie Mama, Angelena Marie from Angelena Marie: Happy, Healthy & Balanced, Michelle at Fruition Fitness and Nicole from Fitful Focus! We’re all sharing workout ideas, motivation, inspiration and recipes to try.
I’m also linking with Jill Conyers for Living a Life of Fitness, Health and Happiness!
And last but not least, I’m joining Julie for the Best of the Blogs monthly linkup!
[bctt tweet=”Silly #mudrun myths debunked – and find out how to get $7 off registration for the @muckfestms #muckfestms ” username=”Janelle_RWNR”]
5 Silliest Mud Run Myths
The weather is getting warmer and mud run season is picking up again! There are so many different types of mud run and obstacle course races available the participate in these days so I really think that there’s something for everyone.
But I’m sure you’ve heard, or maybe even stated a few reasons why mud runs are not worth the trouble! Try to give mud runs a fair shot with a balanced review. I’m going to go through 5 of the silliest myths I’ve heard that keep people away from these events and hopefully if you’re a doubter, you’ll be able to see things from a new perspective.
#1 – You’ve Got to Be a Hardcore Athlete
If you’ve ever seen advertisements of obstacle course races and mud runs, you may think that that these types of events are catered to the military vet or Crossfit junkie who can easily cross greased monkey bars and climb steep mountains. You also may have noticed OCR events that are so elite that there are opportunities to win prize money and even seek corporate sponsorships.
But for every super competitive event, there are many more out there that are catered to participants of all ages, shapes and sizes from the weekend warrior to the fitness rookie. While it’s a great idea to train for an upcoming mud run to be familiar with the types of obstacles you’ll encounter on the course, it’s not necessarily required if your goal is to finish and have fun! Don’t be intimidated by some of the more serious athletes!
#2 – Your Clothes/Gear Will Get Ruined
If you’re running through mud, yes, your clothes will get dirty. I think that’s pretty obvious! But that doesn’t mean that your gear will be destroyed in the process!
There are a lot of great clothing that you can wear and even reuse for future mud run events. I recommend wearing clothing that fit well and are NOT made of cotton so that you don’t have to worry about stretching out your clothes. And if you have old running shoes that you don’t plan to wear again, these events are the perfect way to reuse them. You can always make the effort to wash those dirty shoes, but most mud runs will donate them to the less fortunate. Here’s a post I wrote with tips on how to survive your first mud run.
Another thing to remember is that you shouldn’t wear your fanciest gear to a mud run. No Fitbit, Garmin, or GoPro unless you really want to take the risk of breaking or losing your valuables. Not being able to know your finishing time at a mud run should not be a reason not to participate, but I’ve heard it before!
#3 – The Mud Will Make You Sick
Over the years, there have been a few reports that e. Coli contaminants (aka fecal bacteria) in mud have some given participants digestive problems due to accidental ingestion of mud. That’s definitely not a laughing matter.
But it really is a perfect storm that is necessary in order for the same to happen to you. I have completed 2 mud runs and I can tell you that I have never had a case of Montezuma’s revenge upon completing the events. I was really paranoid about keeping my mouth closed for every obstacle and if mud got near my mouth, I made sure to immediately wipe it away with a wristband.
Here are some additional tips to avoid getting sick from a mud run:
- Ensure that you’re healthy leading up to the event so you’re less susceptible to any bugs.
- Thoroughly rinse off/wash up after your event.
- If food or fluids are offered along the course, don’t try anything new if you have a sensitive GI system.
#4 – Mud Runs Are All About Profits
I’ve found it interesting that some of the more “fun” events like mud runs and color runs are criticized about being too expensive and more concerned with profits than providing a unique, fun experience. And it’s true, that some mud runs are here today and gone tomorrow.
But the primary goal of a business is to make profits, right? It’s the American way! I believe that mud runs are no different from any other race that is put together, including road races. It’s an opportunity to raise profits for different organizations in addition to a variety of charities. As long as the money goes where it is promised, I don’t think there are any moral issues with mud runs.
If you’re leery about the sticker shock of these events, you can always do online searches for discounts and make sure that you’re signing up for a trusted brand that has had longevity and positive reviews. Being a runner that has paid over $70 for a 10K with no medal, I just can’t take this reasoning seriously!
#5 – They’re Not For Serious Runners
False!! As I stated in Myth #1, mud runs are for anyone and everyone. I actually trained for several weeks for my last 10-mile event and the biggest complaint that I heard from people along the way was that they couldn’t handle the running.
Being a runner can prepare you for the endurance needed for longer distance events. Just because it’s not a pure race with a straightforward beginning, middle, and end, doesn’t mean that these events don’t provide a great value. You could really be missing out on your next favorite thing!
Joining in Muckfest MS – a FUN Mud Run
I was so excited to be contacted by Muckfest MS to promote and participate in their annual mud run series! The Muckfest MS is a 5K obstacle course with lots of mud and a focus on fun! I’ll be participating in the event taking place in Philadelphia on Sunday, June 5!
While providing a great physical challenge, Muckfest MS also raises awareness and funds for the National MS Society which fights to end Multiple Sclerosis, affecting 2.3 million people worldwide. It’s such a worthy cause that I’m happy to support.
Thanks to Muckfest MS, I am able to offer you $7 off registration using code SPORTY7 for any upcoming event, and there are several coming up all around the country!
- Charlotte – 5/6/17
Boston – 5/20/17 – 5/21/17
Philadelphia – 6/3/17 – 6/4/17
New Jersey – 6/24/17 – 6/25/17
Denver – 7/15/17
Detroit – 8/5/17
Twin Cities (Minneapolis) – 8/19/17
Chicago – 9/16/17
Bay Area – 10/1/17
Dallas – 10/28/17
SoCal – 11/11/17
And what’s included with your registration?
- Race Bib
- MuckFestival and Lil’ Muckers Admission
- Muckfest MS T-Shirt
- Free Beer
- Free Race Photos
- Free Parking (which is huge!!)
Hopefully, you’ll be able to participate in one of these Muckfest MS events! Don’t let those silly myths about mud runs hold you back!
[bctt tweet=”Get a $7 discount to any @muckfestMS mud run – find out how! #muckfestMS” username=”Janelle_RWNR”]
Have you ever tried a mud run? What’s the craziest thing you’ve heard about them?
Great post! I used to be a hardcore obstacle course racer, but I haven’t been in the mud in over a year! My last race however was Muckfest. It was a ton of fun, perfect for beginners or anyone looking to have a good time!
I saw your review for Muckfest, it really does sound like a fun time and I’m looking forward to trying it out!
While I think mud runs look like fun, they’re not for me! I guess I’m not very adventurous when it comes to running off road! Plus I’m always worried about getting injured…
Oh yes, I try to be very careful as I navigate a mud run to avoid injury! I bet you’d do awesome in an event like this though, you’re so strong and have great balance!
I think if you go into it knowing all of the above and take it for what it is it can be very fun. It’s not a PR kind of race in my experience. We did a foam/mud run last summer it was fun. Wouldn’t want to do it all the time.
I totally agree, Deborah! I think it’s something that you can just embrace in the moment! I never did a foam run, those look really fun/goofy!
How much fun! I’ve never done a mud run (I hate being dirty!,) but you make a good argument to try it!
And the mud is only temporary, lol! I think it’s worth trying once!
I have never done a mud run but it’s not for not wanting to or being afraid of dirty mud or it being too easy/hard whatever. We just haven’t had a ton in our area 🙁 Definitely on my bucket list- I hope to do one in the near future!
I’m surprised you don’t have any local mud runs! I think you’d do great, hopefully you find a local one soon!
I have never done a mud run. I don’t know if I would enjoy that. When running I feel like I already get so yucky from sweaty and the salt that running through mud would just bring on additional mess. Although doing the obstacles I’m sure takes your mind off the distance you are running.
Yeah, that’s so true…I think the nice thing about mud runs/obstacle races is that you don’t have a lot of time to realize how gross you’re getting because you’re moving on to the next challenge!
Mud runs–like all races!–are as serious or laid back as you want them to be! I just don’t like mud… one of the few quite girly things about me lol
Haha, Susie, nothing wrong with that! I thought mud grossed me out but when everyone’s in it, it is what it is!
I’ve yet to participate in a mud run, but I do know many friends who have participated have really enjoyed them. They view it as a fun new challenge.
Exactly! It’s nice to do different types of races once in a while!
I like mud runs! I find them challenging and a great way to push myself beyond just running. I love that you are debunking all these myths. I did ruin a nice pair of capris during the Tough Mudder, but it was kind of my fault. I decided to slide down a big rocky hill instead of trying to run down it, and a rock tore my pants right in the butt!
Aw man, that stinks that you ripped your capris during Tough Mudder! I did get a slight scratch on my back from sliding down a mud pit, thankfully nothing worse than that!
I’ve never tried a mud run but this is a great post to quell people’s fears about them. I don’t understand why people get mad about runs making a profit. Race directors are in business just like everyone else. {It just reminds me of the similar kinda thing that people are shocked that bloggers expect compensation sometimes.} Anyway, this series sounds awesome! I wish Boston wasn’t this weekend as we’ll be away, but maybe I’ll check out another one for a little road trip!
Thanks a lot, Chrissy! The profit thing always gets to me…like these mud runs are evil empires, haha! I love that Muckfest MS supports Multiple Sclerosis and encourages participants to fundraise for the cause. Hopefully you’ll get to check out one of the events this year!
Jenelle, I’m going to give this one to you! Mud runs do not tickle my fancy. I’m not a clean freak by any stretch but this does not appeal to me. But I do think you have to be one bada$$ to do these!
Aside from the mud the obstacles are very challenging and if you can do them you really have done something!
It is great to see how people help others in completing the course, that right there is what it is all about!
Haha, that’s fair. I think after being a runner and running through discomfort so often, what’s a little mud? But YES, what I love about these events is how we’re all very supportive of each other and we’re all on the same team!
I have worried about my clothes getting wrecked though I probably wouldn’t wear my best outfit just in case. Maybe this year I’ll finally give one a try.
I hope you give it a shot, Muckfest looks like a great way to introduce yourself to mud runs!
I did a mud run a few yeas ago…I enjoyed it!
I got traumatized though because after the run while playing football, I tore my ACL…I blame it on the mud run-lol
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Aw man, that would definitely cause me to feel the same way! Hopefully you’ll find your way back to try another one out like the Muckfest!
Different strokes for different folks! 🙂
Indeed!
I’ll be doing the one in Minneapolis in August!
Oh, awesome! I hope you enjoy!
I know mud runs appeal to a lot of people, but they just aren’t for me. I’m too much of a girlie girl.
That’s understandable. I’ve definitely seen some “girly girls” at events who try to avoid the mud. Kinda defeats the purpose lol!
I have toyed with doing a mud run/OCR event, but have not yet done so. I’m not afraid of the challenges/obstacles, but I do not like getting sloppy/muddy/dirty and/or wet LOL I’ve also been forewarned that a lot of the obstacles get bottle-necked……and that would annoy me. Yes, I’m a bit high-maintenance. There also is the potential for injury, and I’m not exactly very deft on my feet (#totalklutz)
I think there are different events that work for different types of athletes, for sure. The bottlenecks can be a bit of an issue, more so if you’re doing an event in the cold! That’s why it’s great to have a team that you can hang out with and pass the time.
Great points, but … it still doesn’t sound fun to me!
LOL! Fair enough!!
I have never done a mud run. I am decidedly anti-wet shoes and I really don’t like dirt LOL. I’m just not a good candidate. Not saying never, but it would take a lot to get me out there. Free parking is always a good start.
Haha Jenn, I hear ya. For me, the wet shoes didn’t really bother me while everything was going on…everyone’s all “suffering” the same way so it doesn’t seem like a big deal. And some events are definitely dirtier than others! But hey, like you said, you never know!
A lot of my friends from college did the Tough Mudder in Michigan and got sick, but if I remember correctly, it was from the water provided for hand-washing at the bathrooms, not the mud! I’ve done a couple mud runs when I first started running, and they were really fun.
Oh wow, that’s crazy! I do think if I got sick during an event, I’d be leery of repeating that event. Sometimes running can get a little too serious, so I like these events because the priority is to have a fun time!
Oh, I was really hoping you’d touch on my biggest fear: twisting an ankle! Running in mud seems like your asking for a injury. Don’t your feet get stuck in the mud? Don’t you lose your shoes in the mud?
I’d never ever heard of fecal matter in the mud. Yikes.
You know, that’s a good point…some people actually used duck tape to keep their shoes secure, but I just made sure to tie my shoes really well and didn’t have any problems with them popping off! It’s actually helpful to have some obstacles where you walk through water because it helps unclog your shoes! And yes, you definitely have to be careful with your footing!
How great that this benefits the National MS society. Looks like such a fun run! I have never done a mud run but would love to do one with friends sometime.
I’m really looking forward to this event! I think it’s worth trying out even once, especially the mud runs that are shorter distance!
I did a Tough Mudder last August and it was so much fun. BUT. If I did one again I would never ever wear my contacts. I jumped into a pit of muddy water and it dislodged BOTH of mine. And my hands were too messy to fix ’em! I’d have to figure that one out, because that was quite uncomfortable. Awesome that you’re doing Muckfest! I think I’ll be away but I might still have time to sign up for Philly. 🙂
Thanks again for linking up to #BestofBlogs Tweeting for you!
Thanks, Julie! I really enjoy your linkup!