Standing in line with tons of other crazy people under the blazing hot sun, my friend and I were not prepared for what lay ahead of us.
This was my first time competing in a mud run, and we had decided to do the Warrior Dash. The course wound through the backwoods and up and down the mountainside. The gun sounded, and it was time to run. We ran through the woods, over fences into mud and over even larger obstacles, but we weren’t halfway done yet.
This was a 5k race with roughly 12 obstacles on rugged terrain. Runners have to climb wooden structures with a rope, run through four-foot deep mud and jump over fire.
Jump. Over. Fire.
There was one obstacle about 15 to 20 feet high with no rope, no footholes, nothing. My friend and I are both about 5 feet 3 inches. Sometimes the obstacles on these runs seem insurmountable, but you’re not alone. Participating in these events is like joining a community that sticks together.
A group of guys standing by us must have sensed that we would not be able to make it over alone and offered to help. The atmosphere of these events is amazing — each person is supportive of everyone else because we all recognize that without each other, we are not going to finish.
But the perks don’t end there. Mud runs give you a full-body workout, and a lot of people don’t realize how much they’re doing until the day after. These runs are a great way to work muscles that sometimes get ignored at the gym.
Mud runs reward you for your work, too. If you’re over 21, you’ll get to enjoy a complimentary beer at the finish line. If you’re not of age, there’s still plenty of food and live entertainment at the post party for all participants at most of these runs.
And while these runs are more expensive than a trip to the Eppley Recreation Center, entry fees can be anywhere from $35 to $90, they usually support a good cause. Warrior Dash allows you to sign up as a St. Jude Warrior, which donates part of your fee to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. There is a private tent for St. Jude Warriors with food, drinks and private showers at the finish line.
Don’t worry if The Warrior Dash doesn’t come to your area, there are plenty of other mud runs to choose from. Tough Mudder, Spartan Race and Dirty Girl Mud Run are also very popular.
These runs are held across the country all year round. Stop making excuses and start training. I know I’ll be competing this summer. Will you be out there with me getting a little dirt on your shirt?
