Preparing for your first Mud Run

Whether it’s the Rat Race, Tough Mudder, or Airfield Anarchy, obstacle course races, or mud runs are the new fitness craze. With more variety than a simple 5km, 10km or marathon run, mud runs combine strength, stamina, endurance and mental toughness to make for a truly testing, but fun endurance race! Mud runs require a unique training plan and preparation and there are a few things that can make the race day more enjoyable for you so that you get the best experience from it. First and foremost is finding a decent training plan. In order to complete a mud race successfully, strength, stamina and mental grit is needed and your workout routine needs to reflect this. Simply running 5km in preparation for a 5km mud run will not get you the best results and a fully comprehensive training program will include strength and conditioning as well as distance cardio over different terrain. An example for a 5km run program may include a 1km run, followed by a full body strength workout consisting of exercises such as squats, push-ups, pull-ups and sit-ups. Another kilometre could then be run, followed by strength training and the pattern continues for a full workout program, combining strength and cardio, both of which are needed for a mud run. Preparation is key for a mud run and getting the right equipment for both before and after the race is hugely important. Mud runs are done over different terrain as well as in water and so a t-shirt and pair of shorts will leave you cold, wet and miserable. Under armour or a base layer is crucial for both your top half and bottom half and will keep the majority of the water out, as well as drying quickly and helping to prevent cuts and scrapes along the course. A decent pair of trail shoes or trainers is also crucial to help maintain grip over muddy terrain and in water, improving your race time as well as stopping slips and trips. For after the race, warm, dry clothes are essential and will prevent you getting cold and ill following the race once your body cools down from the exercise. There are normally shower facilities at these events and I definitely recommend taking one, getting the majority of the mud you’ll be caked in off before you get clean clothes on. Antibacterial gel is also great for after mud runs, killing any germs or bacteria you may have picked up along the trail in the mud or water. Mud runs can be great fun and a real test of physical and mental strength, but preparation for before and after the race is of crucial importance. If you find a decent workout program to get you fit for purpose, the right clothing and equipment for the race and look after yourself after the finish line mud runs are fun, a great day out and an awesome way of setting yourself a goal to get fit!