Mud gets us all excited. We love the harmonic “squishing” sound of shoe stepping into Earth’s finest sludge. And there’s nothing better than watching the head-first splat of a speedy Mudder who thought they could run right through it. The combination of dirt and water makes everything that much tougher … and perfect.
If you’re a true Mudder you will have come in contact with all of this muck during a Tough Mudder:
Ankle Grabber
The clingy ex-boyfriend or girlfriend that just can’t let go, this mud gloms onto your shoes and will hold you back for the rest of the run. Like a Band-Aid, take it off quickly. Knock your shoes on the nearest large rock, big tree or spectator.
Wet Mud
Wet mud doesn’t seem so bad until you come out on the other side with shoes weighing four pounds more than when you started. Think of it as Earth’s leg weights. Feel the burn. The mud soaks your shoes and clothes, slowing you down. Wear lightweight and breathable shoes that will dry quickly as you make your way along the course. Ah, who are we kidding? You’re never going to get dry.
Snow Mud
Remember how frigid that unrequited high school crush was? Yeah, well, this mud is even colder. A killer combination of wintry precipitation and sopping wet dirt, this mud is so icy it penetrates to your very soul. Our advice? Grab a couple snow cones at the local fair, dump them in your shoes, and get yourself a funnel cake.
Red Clay
A Southern specialty. Mudder aficionados are familiar with red clay and how it never comes out of anything, including your skin. Red clay is just about the slipperiest surface around and proves quite challenging on steep inclines. Naturally, we try to include as many red clay hills in our courses as possible. Shoes with good traction will help prevent slipping. Maybe.
Deep Mud
This unsuspecting pit possesses the maximum suck of a Hoover vacuum. Think it’s plain, everyday mud? Stride into it, and you’ll end up digging around in search of those $100 sneakers. Tie your laces tight, double- or triple-knot your shoes, SuperGlue — whatever works — to prevent deep mud from swallowing you and your footwear.
NorCal Sticks and Stones Mud
Just like those that live in it, this mud seems cool and collected on the outside, but be careful: it has an edge to it. Countless Mudders have fallen face first into this mud only to wind up with a stick in their eye or a mouthful of gravel. Just think back on your childhood trips to the gem mine. Except this time your only souvenir will be pain and flesh wounds, not gold specs and amethysts.
Florida ’Gator Mud
As much sand mixed with water as dirt, this mud bites. A murky mess with ties to the swamps of the Everglades, you’ll want to keep one eye peeled for what lies below. If you go under, you just may not come back up.
Jersey Slime Mud
And you thought the boardwalk couldn’t get any dirtier? Jersey Slime is some of the most detested mud around. The smell seeps into your nostrils and sets up shop in your sinuses, and it’s nastier than an episode of “Jersey Shore.” Step into this and you’ll really be in a situation.
Got other favorite types of mud? Any certified Tough Mudder mud experiences to share? Let us know!
