There is no question that mud obstacle races are soaring in popularity across the nation. In addition to providing an intense full-body workout, participants are drawn to the camaraderie, team environment, and sense of accomplishment from overcoming physical and mental obstacles.  

Ready to get dirty? The experts at Mudderella share 5 tips for your first mud race. 

1. Set a goal and sign up: Seriously, that’s step one. You’re probably getting blasted with lots of New Year’s resolutions messaging right now, and it can be tempting to make a long list of everything you’re going to accomplish in 2014. Instead, make a short list and set specific goals. If you commit to an athletic challenge like Mudderella now, you’ll also commit to training, spending more time with friends and, in my opinion, general awesomeness. 
    
2. Train: Mud runs vary in distance, but, regardless of the distance, you’ll also be taking on obstacles. At Mudderella, our obstacles test full body strength and endurance. You don’t have to start pumping iron and running marathons every day, but you should incorporate both cardio and strength-training into your workout. The Mudderella Training Program incorporates high intensity cardio (like squat jumps) with strength conditioning (like push-ups). You don’t want to beast it on the running, only to get tired when climbing over a wall. It’s also time to shake things up a bit: If you run outside every day, try a cycling class; if you’re a regular at pilates, try kickboxing. Changing your routine will not only make your workouts more fun, it will also help prepare your body for a variety of physical challenges. 
    
3. Form a team: The same way going to a dinner party with your friends is more fun, participating in a mud run with your friends is more fun. Teamwork is a big part of Mudderella, your team helps you over obstacles, motivates you to keep going, and celebrates with you at the end. Creating a team can also be a great way to commit to training. Sign up for classes with your teammates (the one at 6 AM that you now have to go to because they’re waiting for you), share workout plans, and hold each other accountable. 
    
4. Get in gear: What should you wear to a mud run? Going through 3 - 14 miles of mud (depending on the event) means your shoes will likely get pretty dirty. Mudderella is 5-7 miles, and I would recommend wearing an old pair of sneakers. On the rest of your body wear lightweight or compression gear. For some mud runs, you may be swimming and the more clothes you’re wearing, the harder it will be to dry off. Plus, once that super warm sweatshirt gets wet, it’s going to weigh you down the whole time. Even when it’s cold, my outfit of choice is shorts, tank top, and old running shoes. 
    
5. Own Your Strong: Ultimately, mud runs are all about having a good time and challenging yourself. Mudderella encourages you to Own Your Strong, be your best, push yourself and have a great time doing it. With adequate training and a great team by your side, a day in the mud is a day of spending time with your friends in a new environment. Plus, now you have a new reason to celebrate together.

About Mudderella

Mudderella events are obstacle course challenges that empower women to own their strength, work together, and have fun. Participants are encouraged to "Own Your Strong" as they take on 12 -15 obstacles testing balance, strength, agility, endurance, willpower and overall fitness while encouraging teamwork and fun across a 5-7 mile long course.  Mudderella believes in three truths: 1) You are stronger than you think you are, 2) There is more to life than going to the gym and 3) You deserve an awesome experience. To learn more and for a schedule of dates and locations, visit Mudderella.com.