Anyone who knows me knows that I love a a good obstacle run and anyone who has ran an obstacle run knows they always involve mud. I’ve introduced several people to obstacle mud runs and always lay out a list of things they should bring and prepare for. Preparation is key to getting through a mud run safely and having a blast doing it. Here are a few must-haves to bring with you.
A Running Partner
You may think hey, I can get through it on my own and in reality you probably can. However, there are many obstacles in mud runs that make it physically hard to accomplish on your own. When I did the Gladiator run this past year there was an obstacle where you had to jump into a semi truck bed. On the outside there were bails of hay to help you up but once inside there was nothing. If it weren’t for a fellow gladiator in the truck as well as my boyfriend, I probably would have been stuck in there. Another benefit to having a partner is that if something happens to you on the course when no one else is around, it could take a while for something to find you. If you must run an obstacle mud run on your own, try your best to stay with a group of people.
The Running Outfit
When it comes to your running outfit and an obstacle run, its always best to wear spandex(underwear and all!). Loose fitting shirts are easy to get caught on barb wire and other obstacles and not to mention extremely heavy when they get covered in mud. The great thing about spandex and compression pieces is that they’re thin, dry quickly, and rinse mud off when no problem. Shoes are also a huge part of your outfit. Wear lightweight, gripping shoes and don’t bother with wanting to keep them cute. Your shoes will probably change to a nice shade of brown and smell terrible after. Also, if you decide you don’t want to keep your shoes after the run, there are normally shoe donation tents around to give them to people in need.
After the Run
Always bring a backpack to check at the run for after you finish. Some events charge a small fee(usually around $5) and some events are free so always have cash just in case. Not to mention food trucks and beer vendors will usually be around and you might want another beer or two after your free one so the extra cash is always nice to have. Besides cash, you will want to make sure you pack a full size towel to dry with, a clean change of clothes, a hand towel to stand on when changing shoes, a clean pair of shoes(flip flops are usually best), and possible a jacket to keep you warm from the cold hosing off you just id. Other little things would be your phone for post run pictures, an extra hair tie, and your photo id. Another cool investment you could snatch up is a shoe or wrist id from Road ID that usually run around $20.
These are just a few things to keep in mind when prepping for an obstacle run so don’t forget to train, stretch, hydrate, and kick ass!
I love that they have shoe donations around the tent!! I’m sure a lot of people do pitch perfectly good shoes rather than wanting to clean them. I think these runs look fun.
This is a great list! My brother and sister in law do runs like this and they really enjoy it. I’m still trying to just get into running in general but something like this might make it more fun!
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I have heard and seen obstacle runs in our country but not this extreme. It would be a great event to start and hold in our country as many are becoming running enthusiast; this is a good way to test their endurance.
Louise recently posted…3RD Philippine SME Business Expo
This sounds like a lot of fun. I know we have an inflatable 5k coming, which doesn’t sound super challenging but definitely super fun!
Jaime Nicole recently posted…4 Reasons Why Solo Parenting Can Be Awesome.
These are great tips. The obstacle run looks so fun, but I don’t think I’m up for this. My daughter would love this, though.
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I have been thinking about running obstacle run, but I’m not fond of the idea getting muddy 😀 Thank you for the great tips!
Leelo R recently posted…OOTD: JORD Wood Watch Ely
I’ve really wanted to do an obstacle run but have never actually pulled the trigger. I need to find that partner to push me to do it and keep me accountable!
Jacob Fu recently posted…Jet Ski San Diego
Obstacles runs sound really intense. I can see whey you need specific types of clothing for the mud alone.
Wow! This looks so fun! I can’t believe I’m saying this – but I would love to try this!!
Karen Patten recently posted…Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts
The last time I did an obstacle course I was 7 that was 21 years ago, not sure I would want to do it now but cool tips. Preparation is definitely the key
Miranda (Myrabev) recently posted…How to pack for a spa weekend
Omg so I’m sooooo not a runner, but I have to admit obstacle runs look like loads of fun, even to a lazy girl like myself 😉
These are some great tips for running a obstacle course. An event like this can be so much fun and having fun is the key to a good run . Thanks for sharing.
I’m cheering you every step of the way! As this seems way to strenuous for something I was ever do again! Good on ya and hope you feel a sense of achievement in completing!
Wow, obstacle runs look INTENSE! I can imagine completing the run is such a great feeling of achievement though. One for the bucket list for sure!
obstacle run, mud….not my thing. But it does sounds like a good time for a few people i know.