Has anyone here ever done a Tough Mudder? (Edit: OK I searched and found some very opinionated threads on this topic, so dumb question on my part. But my other question about cold weather gear is still valid). If so, what did you wear?
I’m doing one in Kentucky in 2 weeks and trying to figure out what to wear. I’m expecting race-time temps in the mid-40’s so some sort of base layer will be required. However, since we’ll be completely submerged in water in a few of the obstacles I don’t want a base layer that’s going to get heavy and stay wet. I’ll probably just wear a set of tri shorts (pad and all) since I know they’ll dry quick so it’s the top that I’m mainly still undecided on.
I would go with underarmor cold gear compression top. Should protect you from anything you are crawling through/over and keep you warm. It’s also dry wicking so should dry fairly quick.
I did one in June in Vermont so the weather was way different. I wore some Nike compression shorts and a pair of normal shorts for the shirt it was a team one that was pretty much just a normal cotton shirt.
A bunch of the stuff will have your crawling on your belly and having a little extra clothing was nice to help cushion the rocks. But yea the ice bath things you do could be a real problem with 40 degree temps, I was looking forward to it with my weather.
I did this years Georgia Tough Mudder in February. which fell on the coldest weekend of the year. Highs were in the mid 30’s, and it was very windy.
The smart folks, wore the least amount of clothing. Sounds counter intuitive, but it was true that weekend. Don’t layer at all, as you’ll be running around soaking wet for a long time. Every time you start to dry, you get wet again, so think in those terms.
Also, wear throw away stuff. You are going to want to ditch the clothes at the end… and that includes the shoes you wear.
I did one of the Camp Pendleton Mud Runs this year in just tri shorts. But it was pretty warm out that day so no top was needed. being wet was a benefit.
But I think you’re focusing on the wrong thing. Shoes my man, shoes. What kind of shoes do you plan on wearing and how well do they drain water? That’s where I’d be concerned about carrying extra weight. I wore my flats (Brooks T7) and they did suprisingly well in the mud.
But I think you’re focusing on the wrong thing. Shoes my man, shoes. What kind of shoes do you plan on wearing and how well do they drain water? That’s where I’d be concerned about carrying extra weight. I wore my flats (Brooks T7) and they did suprisingly well in the mud.
I was gonna wear my Salomon Speedcross 2’s which I absolutely LOVE for snow / mud traction. Kinda bummed about the previous post that they’d need to be ditched after the race, but the Speedcross 3’s are out so I guess an upgrade after the event wouldn’t be a big deal.
I think I still have an old pair of Netwon Distance’s laying around and those drain great considering practically the whole thing is made out of mesh. But the traction on those things are absolute garbage on anything but dry pavement, I’d be concerned about that.
I wore my Vibram 5 fingers for the race and just brought them home and washed them. I was thinking they wouldn’t hold a lot of mud. I was wrong. I contend if I every do a TM again I will just wear an old jammer on the bottom and a dri-fit something up top. I am thinking the UA full length sleeve may still be a good call. You may want a XC skiing hat.
Rugby shorts, trail running shoes with duct tape around the laces. No shirt. Never even considered a “base layer.” Me thinks you are missing the point…