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My husband, me and my friend, Joe.
I’m going to admit something.
After watching a few of the ladies in the Housewives of OC participate in a mud run, I had the brilliant idea I wanted to do one.
It was now on my bucket list.
When I found a local race, I told my friend Joe.
Big mistake.
Joe has done it all. Everything from a doughnut derby to a 24 hour bike race to the Iron Man – literally.
There is nothing this man won’t do….and he does it well.
When I asked him if he would do it with me (knowing my husband had no interest at all), that was it.
He asked me every single day until I signed up. I couldn’t back down now.
So, I signed up and being the great wife I am, I signed my husband up too!
I was a bit terrified and had no idea what to expect.
But to my surprise it was a lot of fun and most importantly I was proud of myself for keeping right up with the men.
I ran 3 miles, swam in mud, climbed over a rock wall, went through tunnels and pulled myself up a slippery platform by a single rope.
Plus, I got messy from head to toe and my boys thought that was pretty cool!
It was especially fun to do this with my husband and after the event he said he wanted to do it again next year.
See, it wasn’t that bad!
During my experience, there were a few things I learned in order to survive a mud run.
I’ll share my knowledge with you, just in case you are planning to participate in one too.
#1. Don’t wear anything nice or white! I saw girls dressed in what appeared to be new white tank tops, brand new sneakers and some even had their wedding rings on. Don’t do this!
Wearing a wedding ring in the mud is a stupid idea. I was pretty shocked to see some women wearing their rings. If you value the ring, leave it at home.
After the event, people literally trashed their clothing and donated their sneakers:
#2. Tie your laces in double knots or tape them down. People were losing sneakers left and right. The mud is thick and if your shoes aren’t tied tight, say good-bye to them.
#3. Pace yourself. After going over obstacles or pulling yourself through mud, it tires you out. Plus, we ran up a ton of rocky hills and windy paths. Take your time and don’t try to over-do it, unless of course you are trying to win, which is plan old crazy!
#4. Close your mouth! I had mud in my eyes, nose, ears and on my lips. Keep that mouth shut while dragging yourself through the mud. Trust me you don’t want mud in your mouth!
#5. Wear tight clothing. I had a loose tank top on and by the time I went through the first mud pit, my shirt felt like a ton of bricks. It was stretched out from all the mud and it was weighing me down.
#6. Men – tie your pants. My husband had shorts on but didn’t tie the drawstring tight. When he got out of the first mud pit, his pants stayed behind. So tie those pants!
#7. Bring a buddy. These types of events are fun to do with a bunch of friends. Plus, you need the encouragement when you feel like you can’t go on anymore.
#8. Don’t crawl on your knees through the mud. This was a big mistake on my part. I literally cut up both of my legs and arms. Best piece of advice is use your feet to push you through the mud.
#9. Use sunscreen. It was early in the morning and I thought I would be fine without it. I was wrong. Make sure to put sunscreen on before the race.
#10. Pack a bag. Bring a towel, extra clothing, flip flops and wipes for after the event. Trust me, you’ll need it!
It was a great experience and I’m proud to say I have crossed this off my bucket list!
Have you ever participated in a mud run? Have any tips to share?
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
OMG!!! That sounds like SO much FUN!!!! I would totally do this (even though I’m scared by the whole running thing). So glad your hubby and friend joined you; I’ll have to look into doing one in my area
Charlotte´s last [type] ..Musings of a bridesmaid
Nice post. You def held your own, even though you didnt dunk your head like i suggested.