5K vs 10K mud run

PollyWolly98

I signed up for what I thought was a 5K mud run, but turns out it is 10K. It is in 2 wks. I have been running for a few months now and this is really for fun. However, I have never run farther than 3 miles yet. Is this going to kill me? I'm not sure if I should contact the organizers or what. Any advice or suggestions on the distance? Also, is it twice the obstacles in the 10K or just longer running stretches? Help me out folks, I'm kind of freaking out right now!

drgndancer

First, mud runs are very different from regular runs. They're both much harder (obstacles), and much easier. You get lots of rest breaks standing in line for the obstacles unless you run an elite heat, the obstacles give you regular adrenalin hits, and times are largely meaningless outside the elite heats so even people who are competitive in regular road and trail runs usually take it pretty easy on these. To be honest, normal road or trail running is barely even a prep for most mud runs unless it's combined with a Crossfit or other strength regime. The elites in these races aren't runners, they're Crossfit types who also do some running.

All that to say, even if the race were 5K, you wouldn't be prepared; but also, don't worry about it. The races are fun. You get dirty, you get to play on adult sized playground equipment, and you get to test your limits. Go in, do what you can, take the penalties for what you can't, and walk when you need to. Enjoy the after party (mud runs always seem to have the best after party); have plenty of aspirin on hand for the pain you'll be in the next day.

BrettPGH

You will be ok. It'll be more but you'll love it. Like was said already, there are breaks every time you come to an obstacle. And you're not doing this to set some record time. You're doing it for fun, to see what you're made of. You'll find out and you will feel amazing afterwards.

Just go and have a good time. That's why we do this.

PollyWolly98

Thank you! You have eased my mind a bit. I am pretty fit, but definitely haven't trained specifically for this. All of my friends have been saying how much fun mud runs are, so I wanted to go for it. I still haven't told my friend that we are doing a 10K yet. Oops!