Tuesday, June 8, 2010

After the Mud Run

Running is second nature to me these days.  I run often, and I almost always have one long run (greater than 10 miles) per week.  The area that I live in is very hilly and consists of both trail and pavement running.  This being said, the Mud Run was not terribly difficult for me.  The 1.8 mile climb uphill was challenging, but not difficult...and mostly challenging due to the sun beating down on us with absolutely no air movement!  After the race I felt good.  My muscles weren't sore and I didn't have that nauseous, I pushed myself too hard, feeling.

So imagine my surprise when Monday morning rolled around and I was so stiff in my ankles and calves that I could hardly stand up out of bed. Turns out that very long hill, the mud pits, slippery hills and army crawls really did wear my body out.  I think the biggest problem is that I hadn't spent quality time, okay...any time, stretching after the race.  We walked around a lot and drank tons of fluid, but stretching somehow escaped us.  This is amplified by the fact that we then got into the car and drove for over an hour and half back home.  So I am paying now for allowing my excitement to deter me from stretching properly after a challenging race. Even with the extreme discomfort I am feeling in my left calf, ankle and foot...the race was worth it!  Check out the video of this year's mud run, and don't forget to stretch after your runs!





Monday, June 7, 2010

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!