I’d never done a mud run before. Slivers, ankle sprains, broken arms and singed eyebrows come to mind. Then there’s all that mud…
When I was invited to run the Pretty Muddy 5k in Chicago, I reconsidered. It’s definitely out of my comfort zone. But it promised kinder, gentler obstacles, an untimed course and an all-women field. All women = much cleaner potties. Sold.
Here’s J and I pre-race, rocking our tiaras. Who says I’m uptight and humorless? The Caveman does. What does he know?
We went off in the 10:30 wave, running on a rugged soybean field. Our first obstacle was a bubble thing. We were shin deep in suds. Note to self: You’d best not fall.
Next was a laaaaarge a-frame ropey climbing thing. There was an ambulance complete with photo-taking paramedics posted next to the structure. Agile as cats, we scaled up, made the turn and shimmied down. Cirque Shanghai here we come.
We wound our way thru the fields. Gaggles of women: some running, most walking, all gabbing. We went thru a “Pretty Ballsy” cage of beachballs. I couldn’t help but punt a few up in the trees.
A high-knees rope thing just shouted “Come pull your hamstring and/or fall on your face” Against my better judgement, I high-kneed my way across until I did indeed trip and end up in an ominuously deep lunge. Dork.
There was a series of climbing walls. Things were getting muddy now.
As I bounced down an inflatable “mudside” it occurred to me I’d never actually been down one before. I’d always been the mom supervising and shouting warnings not to go down headfirst, etc. At the bottom there was mud. That was the first place I lost a shoe.
Boot-camp style, we hauled lumber over our shoulders up and around an incline. You know I like badassery. This was right up my alley. The volunteers and photogs could not have been nicer. I’m sure they were highly entertained.
The final mudpit was really the only spectator outpost. It. Was. A. Mess.
I was really pretty envious of J’s bouquet of weeds.
I bid a tired, muddy pair of Mizunos adieu and headed to the hose-down area.
Overall a VERY well done race. Parking was easy and plentiful. Waves went off smoothly, course and obstacles were fabulous, staff and volunteers were wonderful. The only criticism:
- No food at the finish line. The kids bought fro-yo and I smelled something being grilled but that was all for sale. Other than coconut water, I ate nothing.
- No medal. Runners love their bling, I would love to have something beyond a t-shirt to remember this fun experience!
Next up: Rock n Roll Denver!
I’ve never done a mud run but would like to! However…bling is a must for me! And I always wondered what everyone did with their muddy shoes!!! Loved the pics! Congrats on a fun race!
wow! great job with the mud run! ive never done one either, but i seriously applaud you!!! keep on sweatin’ pink!! spa love
Glad you got out of your comfort zone and tried it (and liked it!) Hopefully they’ll continue to improve in the years to come (i.e. feed the runners and reward them, lol). Great pics btw! I loved the PA Tough Mudder I did back in April…it was such a blast and a nice change from a regular road race. 🙂
A pair of shoes should be included in your registration packet! The mudslides are the best – congrats on completing your first mud run.
Hard to believe there were no snacks and rewards for all of that effort. Love the pic of you posing at the end of the post!
Yay, you did it! Those tiaras are fun… and I love the poses at the end. 🙂 Did you ever get that lost shoe back?!
Congrats on tackling your first mud run! Those post race pics are the best!
You are brave! Did you get to shower before getting into your car to drive home? Seriously, you make the mud look like so much fun!
Looks like you had an awesome time, minus not having any food! I can’t say that I’d ever do one of these races, though, because I’m pretty sure I’d end up completely broken.
Yay! You look so cute! I haven’t done one of these either, but I think I will have to put one on my schedule next year. Looks like you had a great time:)
Looks like y’all had a blast and that’s all that matters right? I love the idea of this mud run being all chicks, the tiara’s were a nice touch!
What fun! And you look pretty great covered in mud. 🙂 Sounds like good obstacles, too. At my race, we had a long trip down a slip n slide that was muddy at the bottom and a crawl through a mud pit, but I definitely could have used more obstacles.
Sounds like fun but I don’t think I’d do one. I am a klutz without the help, so I’d end up in the ambulance, not scaling it! I can’t believe they didn’t have food – bummer! Hope they at least gave you water!
Hahaha, these pictures are amazing! I think mud runs are a “must do once” kind of thing – glad it was a blast!
I am with you! this is not my kind of thing at all, although it looks way fun to read about other people doing it. 🙂 Great job and I hope to see you in Denver!!!
I like mud runs and obstacle course things, as long as they involve nothing ridiculous like hot coals or electric shocks. They are just fun, not really races. :^)
That really looked like fun! Glad you broke free of your comfort zone to try this. Maybe you’ve inspired me. Maybe.
ok, you officially made a mud run look like fun to me. way to step out of your comfort zone!!
I’ve always said I would never do one of these races…but you actually make it sound fun! Glad you had fun!
That looks like so much fun – and so muddy! 🙂 I would have totally bit it a million times, I’m sure, so good job on staying upright! Hope you found your crown!
Great job on your first mud run! I hate that there was no bling or food at the finish. That’s a bummer!
Hahaha! Looks like you had FUN Marcia!
That sounds like fun! I hate it when they don’t have food at the end though, especially when I pay a bit more for the race! The race I ran yesterday was like that!
Sounds and looks like you had a blast! Do you enjoy it enough to sign up for it again next year?
I can officially say I will probably never partake in a mud run! I’m that much of a wuss!
YAY Denver RnR!! Can’t wait!
This sounds like a lot of fun! When you lost the shoe, did you go back for it?
Bummer about no food at the finsh!
Looks like fun! I’ve never done a mud run and not sure if I ever will, but maybe.