Camp Pendleton Mud Run

Yesterday I ran the Camp Pendleton Mud Run with my sister, brother-in-law, and good friend Jen for the second year.  If you have never participated in a mud run, especially the Camp Pendleton Mud Run, I highly recommend it!   The run is a challenging 10K run with water crossings, 5 ft wall climbs with mud on both sides, a slippery hill, tunnel crawl and a low sand crawl.  There are marines all along the route spraying you down, helping you out, and encouraging you to keep going. ;)

While there may be some tickets available for next weekends race on June 12th, the tickets usually sell out within hours of registration opening which begins January 1st each year.  Last year we competed as a 5 person team which was a BLAST.  We dressed up in construction hats and wore black shorts and shirts.  Our team was named M.U.D. (Muscles Under Development).  When you run as a team you must all stay together and cross the finish line together.

This year we ran as individuals which was equally fun, but I think I enjoyed the comradery of the team more.  Last year I was running just to run with the team, no expectations on my finish time or anything.  This year, since I was running alone, I kind of pushed my self to see what I could do.  Surprisingly, I finished in nearly the same time, even though I felt I ran better this year.  The difference I believe was the amount of people running as individuals and the hold up in the beginning and through the first few obstacles as so many people took off together.  Either way, it was a ton of fun and I can't wait for next years race!

Today, each of us are sore and tired in our individual ways.  Regardless of what type of race you do, it's always important to drink plenty of fluids, stretch well, and get some food into you after the race.  Getting the right fluid and food into you is key, however.  This article on Active.com provides great advice on post race recovery:  After the Race - Active.com

Aside from recovery, if you are interested in participating in the World Famous Camp Pendleton Mud Run, there is still space available for next Saturday's race (June 12, 2010.)  Follow this link for information and registration:  Camp Pendleton Mud Run - June 12, 2010.  If you can't make this one, I highly recommend keeping it in mind for next year.  Registration is always January 1st.  Hope to see you all out there!