A few weeks ago, MCCS had a mud run up at Camp Hansen. since a few of us couldn’t make it, Marie Lewis was kind enough to write up a description of the run for WOOT. Thanks, Marie and great job everyone!!
When I signed up to run the Single Marine Program’s first-ever mud run on Camp Hansen last year, I went into it somewhat reluctantly and came out loving it. This year, the 2nd Annual Bushido Mud Run did not disappoint. The course was muddier, slicker, steeper, and longer than before, and a true challenge for even the super fit.
I (blessedly) wore my dingiest running clothes and my oldest pair of running shoes, which I knew I would have to trash after the run. I left my Garmin at home, because I wasn’t sure it would survive the constant mud-dousing. Competitor that I am, I kind of hated that I did not know the exact length of the course (and please feel free to jump in here in the comments if you do know the distance), but I was happy to finish near the front of the pack.
The run was designed to be tougher than last year, and it was in every aspect. Just a few minutes into the run, I was already faced with a near-90-degree wall of mud so slippery it was impossible to climb up without help from someone at the top. I struggled to speed up my turnover, all the while sliding backwards. The mud was merciless. Fortunately a hand from above reached down in my direction, and a man I did not know helped pull me to the top. Thank you, kind stranger!
These deep trenches continued for a decent stretch, and when the course flattened out I found another obstacle—ropes to crawl under. The easiest way to do this was to dive down into the knee-high mud pit and swim/crawl through. By this point, as you can imagine, every inch of me was covered in a thick layer of mud. Oh, and my muscles were screaming.
I hit pavement again—oh, solid ground, how I’ve taken you for granted—just long enough for the mud to dry, leaving me caked in beautiful brown patches. My favorite section of the course was weaving through the trails, winding around branches and leaves in every direction, hopping over ruts and ditches—true trail running. Parts of the trail were so steep you had to use a rope to lower yourself down the slope, or climb back up. In these sections there was a lot of bottlenecking, but I found the other runners to be courteous and patient.
Marie, when not at her desk job
Just before the home stretch of the race, I was sprayed rather violently with water from a fire hose. I have to say, it gave me a bit of whiplash, but it felt like a final push to give it my all. I took this fire hose blast as a signal to begin my race-ending “kick,” and I crossed the finish line breathlessly.
I loved the adrenaline rush this run gave me. I have a desk job. I don’t get dirty on a regular basis. My runs are almost always on pavement. Diving into a mud run is deliciously filthy. It feels like an act of defiance against my clean, orderly routine, and I revel in it.