My first “mud run” was a great! The Camp Pendleton Mud Run course was a little longer than the advertised 10K but I could have cared less. Scrambling up muddy hills and sloshing through the mud pits was a blast!

The first 1/4 mile had me dodging Marines with fire hoses before making my way onto a loose, sandy trail. The next mile was flat and easy. The herd stopped when we crossed our first stream – apparently people were afraid of getting a little dirty. I exited the stream wet to my knees and shoes filled with sand.

At mile 2 the course became a fire road and started a gradual climb, gaining almost 400 feet. Marines with Super Soakers awaited us at the top. After cresting the hill you give back all 400 feet with a steep downhill section in the next 1/2 mile.

At the bottom of the hill, 4.5 miles in, we crossed the stream again and turned towards the first first real obstacles. First a 40′ mud pit with a 5′ fence in the middle. A short way from the pit was a reservoir, with neck-deep water. I alternated swimming and jogging until we emerged on the other side. Two more mud pits and and 2.5′ tunnel greeted us after the swim.

At mile 6 was a steep, mud-slicked hill. A happy Marine was at the top, hose in hand, soaking the whole hill down. A few people ate it on the way up but luckily I managed to keep my footing.

Just before the finish line was another mud pit, this time with flags draped over the top. The only way through was on hands and knees. I emerged dripping mud but totally happy with the finish line just ahead of me.

Can’t wait for the next one!