Running through mud is just part of trail running, especially at this time of year. We have put together the best ways to tackle the sticky stuff without ending up with mud on your face!
We’ve all been there, crashing along a trail and then rounding a bend, find a massive muddy puddle in front of you. What do you do? Do you like most people try to get on the edge of the footpath to avoid the muddy foot bath?! Or do you plough on through into the unknown depths? Here are a few tips for dealing with a bit of mud.
1. Get a grip
Having not just sufficient tread on your trail shoe (if you can keep it from getting clogged up) but also the right grip type for the terrain is going to make a big difference. From massive lugs, to old school spikes and everything in between, not all trail shoes are made equal. A summer trail shoe is just not going to cut it. Ideally for deep mud you want deep lugs with good spacing between them to allow for the mud to shed. Know which ones have the best grip for your terrain.
2. Be brave
Most of the time its best to just plough straight on through, keeping your stride and gait unchanged. That way you won’t risk a slip on the edge of the path which could see you not only land you completely in the puddle (funny for everyone else) or worse with a twisted ankle.
3. Hidden depths
Some puddles are worse than others, watch out for those ones at the side of roads which could see you knee deep. Be aware of narrow tracks which mountain bikers and horses use.
4. Choose your path
If it’s been raining a lot generally the middle of the puddle is just gravel with most of the soil washed away. On a downhill slope look for where the run-off has washed away the mud, assess the least slippy route and adjust accordingly.
5. Bog off
Just avoid bogs, the deep ones, particularly in the Peak District. You can spend days getting out of those. If you do get stuck in them, spread your weight out as much as possible.
6. Tread lightly
Be like Jesus and try to walk on water. Well what I mean is don’t put too much faith in each footing, moving quickly to the next foot will reduce the time you’re sinking into the mud. You can also reduce the weight on one foot by doing a mini step, hopping quickly to the next foot, just remember you’ll land more heavily on the next step.
7. Keep warm
Leggings or better still a good coating of fresh mud will keep your legs warm so you can tackle all the mud and puddles on route. Warm feet are more comfortable, flexible, and have shorter reaction times, so consider wearing Goretex shoes or waterproof socks.
8. Use poles
4 legs are better than 2. Use the poles to dance along the path, jump the puddles with added security. Possibly even stop and use them as a depth gauge. Keep your hands out of the straps if you are at risk of falling, broken wrists are worse than muddy legs.
9. Either change speed OR direction
I remember hurtling along a particularly muddy, puddly stretch using the “Be brave” motto as above, when as I came to a corner in the trail I spotted a family. Clearly out for a nice morning stroll in their wellies. Kindly they all stepped back off the path allowing me to pass, I didn’t even need to slow down. Feeling in my element with mud splashed up the sides of my legs, the true symbol of a gnarly wild trail runner I approached the corner with speed. In reply to their kind gesture I managed to just about get out the “good” part of “good morning” as my legs went from under me and I hit the deck. Turning in mud, and at speed is unwise, it’s also embarrassing when people watch!
