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TRAINING TIPS

Think you're in great shape and there is no need to train... think again! The USMC Ultimate Challenge Mud Run can take the fastest, the strongest and the most physically fit to a new level. You'll need endurance and your team members more than you expect...

It's not easy, but just completing the Leatherneck will give you an increased sense of accomplishment.

Blood Clots...Bones Heal...Sweat Dries...

PRIDE IS FOREVER!

Visit our partner Body Shop Athletics for the Ultimate in MudRun training!

  1. Run, whether inside on a treadmill or outside in the elements.

  2. Run in wet clothes and shoes.

  3. Get soaking wet from head to toe - you can jump into the ocean, into a river or pool or just get into your shower fully dressed, then go for your run.

  4. Train on dirt, on sand in mud and through water.

  5. Run up hills and stairs.

  6. Work on your upper body and core strength.

  7. Strengthen your cardio endurance.

  8. Train harder than the actual event will be.

Clothing Checklist

We recommend that you wear old comfortable clothes. They will get soaking wet and dirty during most events, but also protect you from cuts and bruises. Military surplus shops can help you get "geared up" from head to toe. They have most of the gear mentioned below.

Team Shirts add to the spirit of any event. If you're on a team, make up your own team name and a shirt to show the pride of your team. We've seen some great team shirts and it makes the event all the more fun. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, just something that communicates the esprit de corps of your team.

Loose fitting cotton should be avoided. Sweat pants are extremely bad. Unless you're just training, avoid thick cottons that absorb and hold water and mud and add weight.

T-shirts can be worn loose as they don't weigh much, even when wet. Anything that soaks up a lot of mud and water will weigh you down, not to mention chaff you.

Spandex is an option for any racing event. It is lightweight and doesn't hold much water. Keep in mind that it gets damaged easily.

Wear long pants or running tights You'll need these to protect your legs in the deep, dark mud pits. Running tights made from robust nylon fabric are a good option. Wear shorts under your pants Being able to shed down to your shorts versus your muddy underwear.

Wear an unlined jacket on windy days, which is a rain top with no zip. Zips can get clogged with mud. Choose a smooth nylon fabric from which mud just slides off. Any cotton feel may hold more mud.

Wear thick socks. Knee high socks are like ankle weights when wet. Wear ankle socks, preferably the ones made for running. This will prevent blisters and help your feet feel just as good as the day before the event. Definitely no cotton socks. Cotton + water = blisters.

Wear boots or trail running shoes! Unless you want to slip and suffer, leave those sneakers at home! You'll need a pair of boots with good tread, especially after your first stomp in the mud. Sneakers do not have enough traction with all the mud that will get caked on. The hills of dirt that you climb along the Mud Run have been known to eat sneakers ... they come off so easy.

 

Thank you for your support of the USMC Ultimate Challenge Mud Run!