Keepin' it Clean

Is everyone doing those obstacle races lately? I can't seem to use any kind of social media without seeing a thousand posts about the Spartan run, or a mud run, etc. You got dirty running a race, what's the big deal? It's the newest fad, and it's kind of making me never want to participate in one.

I know this is a really ridiculous thing to complain about, but humor me. Most of these people are not runners. They just see this race where you climb things and fall into things, and they think, everyone else is doing it, why don't I? Well, maybe they think one of a million things, but essentially it breaks down into that thought. After they do it, we are all subjected to muddy pictures of them with their arms triumphantly raised in the air. Brag much? Wow, you ran one race. I'm so proud of you.

What's the big draw to these "races" anyway? Why have they become such a trend? Do people want to roll around in the mud, and think that they need an excuse to do so? Don't bother with the race honey, just get a hose and some dirt then jump in. Mud wrestling is a real term. If you're a woman, you'll probably draw a crowd. What is getting "down and dirty" looking to prove about yourself? Maybe it's about how tough you are. Maybe it's woman trying to show they aren't afraid to play with the boys. Maybe that sounds a little sexist. Why are people flocking to these races?  Are these runs just about showing off?

I resorted to the internet to try to find out other people's opinions on mud runs. I saw the word "fun" a lot, and "challenging" a bit too. There isn't a concrete reason for the spike in popularity. Which leads me back to the general braggy-ness of people. I'm seriously thinking that everyone just likes to be able to say they've done a mud run. They've survived! And they have a picture of themselves covered from head to toe in mud to prove it. I'm not a big fan of the current "big thing". I tend to go in the complete opposite direction. I guess I'm a traditionalist. I'm quiet about my successes. Don't get me wrong, I love races and the environment that comes with racing. I like meeting other runners. I like talking about miles and courses and water bottles. I like novelty races. I want to run an electric run. I'm a hypocrite.

I am anti-mud run. There, I said it. It's too gimmicky and I don't like it! That's my opinion. You don't have to like it. I'll get dirty on my runs and not feel like anyone needs to know.