How To Prepare For the Tough Mudder
My first time doing the Tough Mudder Race was in 2018. Honestly, I was very scared in regards to what I was getting myself into. However, I had the time of my life. Now it’s your turn to get prepared for the messy fun. Here is a list of stuff that you need in order for yourself have a successful time!
How to prepare yourself :
CARB LOAD: Two days before make sure that you carb up. Spaghetti type noodles are a great choice. You will utlize the energy from your carbs throughout the race.
HYDRATE: Water is very important to keep you going. Two days out, make sure you’re having the time of your life with that H2O because you’re going to need it.
CLIP YOUR NAILS: Mud, so much mud. Get ready to get down and dirty all in your nails. You don’t have to cut them short however, shorter than normal in order to climb stuff. You don’t want to break your nail on the course!
GET THE RIGHT SHOES: During my first Tough Mudder, I ended up running in regular Nikes. It was very hard to grip in the mud and I would slip at times. However, it wasn’t “bad”. This year I upgraded and got the actual “Tough Mudder” shoes (click here). I ended up getting the men’s version due to the fact that they did run out of my size for women’s. I recommend getting the shoes off season of Tough Mudder. I ended up buying mine around December/January and paid about $34 instead of $130.
DRY FIT CLOTHING: Very important. Think about it. A sample of what my group wore is above. We also were fun and matched! If you get wet, your clothes are going to weigh you down. Make sure to wear clothing that can dry easily and also not too loose. Remember, mud and water everywhere. If you get lucky, rain. Cotton clothing will weigh you down. I recommend getting kapri-like shorts and a tank top for ladies from personal experience with my team. You do not .. want mud going up your you know what.
POUCH: Buy one. A small pouch to go around your waist to put some goods in for energy such as GU energy, mustard, and more. Click here for a sample. I got mine at Five Below. Remember to keep it lightweight because you have to crawl with it on.
ENERGY SUPPLEMENTS: You’re going to need it. Last year, they gave away GU packets during the race at different water stations. This helped replenish your body. Below are samples that we carried:
Cliff Energy Blocks (bring a ziplock because you won’t eat the whole thing at once)
Mustard packets (just take go inside Chick-fil-a and grab some
A DRY BAG: After the race you’re going to want to get so fresh and so clean clean. Therefore, pack a bag with goodies! Keep reading for a better description of what is going to go inside.
BRING A PERMANENT MARKER: As seen in the photo above, you’re going to want to bring a permanent marker. This is because the sticker they give you in the beginning, as you can see on my shirt, is going to fall off literally 2 minutes later. It is smart to write your Tough Mudder bib number on your arms for photos! It is so much easier for photographers to find you and categorize your memories.
TIE YOUR HAIR: The mud, it gets everywhere. To prevent your hair from being in your face, tie it up. Regardless, you’re going to get DIRTY, so prepare accordingly.
JEWELRY: Leave it at home. No rings, no earrings, or necklaces. Basically, anything of value, leave it at home. The mud gets messy, and it might get stuck and “slip” off.
ELECTRONICS:
PHONE: In regards to your phone, I would suggest to leave it in the car if you do not have a pouch to keep it in while running. I’m a little “ehh” on this due to the fact that some people did have their phone on the course. That’s how I got some of my course photos. However, my team did not bring it. It’s a little scary with the thought of breaking your phone. If you were to take the phone with you, make sure to get protective gear for it such a ziplock or the water proof pouches such as this: CLICK HERE.
APPLE WATCH: Yes, we want to wear our Apple Watch to close our rings. I have found a product that does let you do that while getting down and dirty. However, it does not get your standing. So prepare to do our standing before / after your race. Also make sure that your watch is unlocked while using it. I experimented with it for some time to figure it out however, have not used it during the race yet. If interested, CLICK HERE.
How to prepare yourself for AFTER:
It’s all over, you got your free beer and snacks after. Now what? Let’s get clean. Prior to going to the starting line, you dropped off your dry bag filled with goods to the designated area. You’ll be able to change your clothes and rinse off your shoes. Last year, there was a tent that we could go inside. One for women and one for men. So, what to pack in your dry bag you might ask?
BABY WIPES: When you get inside the tent, it’s basically a big locker room. Everyone is trying to get clean after having a blast in the mud. Bring a pack of baby wipes to actually get you a little cleaner than you were before. This is going to help with getting in all the cracks and crevices that you never thought that mud would get in. There were actually no showers at my location. However, there was an area for you to wash your feet.
BRING AN OLD TOWL: Depending on the location, there might be an opportunity for you to take a “jail shower” with some of your clothes on. Jail shower meaning, get in and get out. Quick.
FLIP FLOPS: After the mud run, you’re going to want to take your socks and shoes off of course. In order for you to change and get your life together, bringing a pair of flip flops is ideal. Air your feet out!
PLASTIC BAG: Of course you’re going to want to take your clothes home and give them a good wash. Make sure that you bring a plastic bag to put your muddy clothes in!
CHANGE OF CLOTHES: I mean duh! Let’s not sit in your car on the way home in your muddy outfit. Here’s a small check list of items that you might want to change into:
Shirt
Pants / Shorts
Underwear
Bra / Sports Bra
Socks (if you would like)
You’re going to have the opportunity to donate your shoes. I wish I did it last year with my old Nikes because I really threw them out when I got home. However, if you have the shoes that I linked in this article, you are able to rinse them out and keep them for another time! The joys of being prepared.
Have fun! Tough Mudder is a “team” event. However, if you come by yourself or with a group, the whole population becomes your team. You’ll get help from strangers and also help randoms! Cherish your finisher shirt and headband. YOU earned it. Be nice to people, have fun, and don’t forget to plan a good meal after!
Stay safe, be healthy, and mindful of yourself.
