MudRunFun Magazine Sept. 2013 | Page 27

Mud Run Training Trio: Run, Chin-ups, and Core. #1 Run. The event is a Mud RUN. All of these require that you be able to run at least 3 miles (5 kilometers) and many are longer. If you do not normally lace up your single stretch. Start by running one mile 2 or 3 times a week. Get the feel for your legs and your shoes. Experience your breathing and heart rate. Find out where you are comfortable. Measure your one mile pace. shoes and run on a treadmill or out on the streets, When this becomes easy, bump your run up to 2 then it is time to get started. Other forms of cardio miles at a time. Also, try running on grass and rough like group fitness classes and Insanity are great, but terrain. Mud runs are seldom on cement and asphalt they are not a direct substitute for plain old running. surfaces. You need to get used to stepping on uneven You need time in your shoes to develop all of the dirt and grass. When I run in my neighborhood, I muscles and coordination that go into running. spend most of the time in the grass strip between Running is what you will be doing the most in this the road and the sidewalk. It is actually fun to dodge event, so you need to know that you can do it. trees, step around sprinkler boxes, and hop over dog You do not have to become a marathoner. You do not even have to be able to run 3 to 5 miles in a treats. Every step is unique, not the same old flopflop of feet on the street.