You may not have noticed but we’ve had a few drops of rain recently?! Here’s my tips for running and walking safely in the mud and for getting the most out of it!
Embrace It!
Running (or walking) in the mud is part and parcel of being out on the trails in the UK in Winter. You’ve got a choice: think of it of being a right slog or remember the childhood joy of splashing through muddy puddles and embrace it!
Technique
Adjust your expectations, running in the mud is never going to be a time for Personal Bests. However running across difficult terrain works all your stabilising muscles in your back and core. It is a more challenging all round workout and will make you stronger.
When it’s slippery slow down and shorten your stride landing on the forepart of your foot. Land your foot beneath your hips so your weight remains evenly distributed. You’ll probably find that you hold your elbows more out to the side for balance.
Adjust your expectations – a trail run on a wet and windy day is going to be slower and leave you more fatigued than the equivalent distance on a sunny outing on the road. Accept it and enjoy your reward for all your hard work afterwards – hot shower, warm drink, something to eat and perhaps a restorative snooze!
Gear
Get the right trainers (walking boots) for the conditions. Those with a Gore Tex lining will keep your feet dry. Have some spare clothes in the car so you can get warm and dry afterwards (and not get your car in a right old mess)! Don’t wear white socks or leggings!
To clean your trainers: remove the inner and dry separately. Leave your muddy trainers to dry then knock them together / scrape the mud off outside. I would NOT stick trainers in a washing machine. What does it matter if they look a bit dirty, you’ll only get mud on them again.
Don’t let the mud put you off SE Fitness. It’s the times when we are immersed in nature that we feel most alive!