MUD RUN 2011

Army Navy Outdoors is happy to once again be the Official Jacksonville Mud Run Outfitter. We are not just the outfitter but we also run the race so we know how to help. Ask our staff for tips but here are some ideas.

It is fun to look cool but on mile 3 you want to really just be comfortable! The fist thing you do is get dirty, really muddy. Withing the fist couple hundred yards you are soaked and that cool looking outfit is now a mess anyway.

1. Boots, Boots, Boots and Socks, Socks, Socks:

Think about it. You will be running, crawling and climbing in sometimes waist deep water and mud. Anything short of a boot will be soaked, uncomfortable, and may not come out of the mud. This is the real deal and boots will make a huge difference. Get something over your ankle for sure and if you get good quality you will be able to just hose them off and use them again for something else. Good boots are made for this many time over. Jungle boots were a hit since they drain and are not expensive. I wound up using a full tactical boot and loved it. They cleaned up find, were comfortable and ran like a sneaker.

Socks are very important! Wear Merino wool. They feel good, keep your feet dry when they are soaking wet and do not cause friction. Spend the whole 12 bucks here. Cheap socks means cheap blisters for the week after. Synthetic wool does not count.

2. Pants

We were all very happy that we were in long pants! You are crawling on the ground and you do want to protect your legs. You are also climbing on walls in some areas and short would just not be fun. Army pants (BDU) were great. Do not tuck them into your boots. You want to but don't. We did and slashed wholes in the legs when they filled up with water. Let them drain. Some people cut the pockets also but we did not have any issues there and wanted to use them again. They are made for this and are tough, dry fast and comfortable.

3. Belt

A wet pair of pants need a belt. Nylon is best of the cotton web is ok too.

4. Team

Have fun but keep your team together. They tell you that you all have to finish together. Our team is pretty competitive people and found that you are as fast as your slowest person so if you are racing getting way in from of your team does not count. We had a great time pushing, pulling and at one time tossing a team mate over a wall.

Please feel free to ask us anything and share your stories with us. We want you to have a great time and our suggestions are meant to help.