what to wear to an obstacle course

by Ms. Susana Hudson 7 min read

What To Wear For Your Obstacle Course Race

  • Leave The Cotton Apparel At Home. Before we get into the nitty gritty, lets take some time to discuss downsides of...
  • Trail Shoes. When you’re browsing the market for obstacle run shoes, you want to go for lightweight trail shoes that...
  • Compression Shirts. Yeah, going shirtless is an option, but you’re better off wearing a...

Wicking fabrics are the key to a good top; the water should wick away and not be held in the top. Also, a formfitting or compression top is preferable as it has less of a chance to get snagged on a wire, rope, or another obstacle. Many women also opt for a form fitting tank as another option.May 24, 2017

Full Answer

What should I wear to run a mud race?

What To Wear For An Obstacle Course Race. OCR Equipment Dos and Don'ts. Armour. Clothing covers your skin to provide protection against minor abrasions. There’s some contention here as some runners will argue that skin ... When it’s hot. When it’s cold. Head wear. Gloves.

What should I wear to a swimming trip in the summer?

Jul 24, 2018 · What To Wear For Your Obstacle Course Race Leave The Cotton Apparel At Home. Before we get into the nitty gritty, lets take some time to discuss downsides of... Trail Shoes. When you’re browsing the market for obstacle run shoes, you want to go for lightweight trail shoes that... Compression Shirts. ...

How do I prepare my shoes for a mud race?

Dec 03, 2019 · What to Wear for Obstacle Course Training There are few things more exciting and fun than taking part in obstacle course race training (OCR training). However, if you ignore the advice of the experts and wear the wrong gear, "you're gonna have a bad time", as they say.

What should I bring to an obstacle course?

You could also use cotton swabs to help get some mud cleared from smaller areas of your body. Bring a gym bag filled with a change of clean clothes and shoes, as well as some band aids and athletic wraps, in case you need them. A garbage bag is great to transport your race apparel, too.

How should I dress for a mud run?

What to Wear for Your First Mud RunHead. Avoid wearing anything extra on your head like a hat or sunglasses. ... Tops. Wear a shirt or tank that is form-fitting and has wicking fabric. ... Bottoms. ... Shoes and Socks. ... Shoes: Most mud runs will have extremely muddy sections where your regular running shoes won't cut it.May 20, 2019

What do you wear to a terrain race?

We suggest wearing:Light, quick drying running shorts and running shirt.Older pair of running shoes. They'll be all muddy at the finish, and you can donate them if you wish :)Socks you don't mind throwing away (or being brown from now on)!

What should I wear to Tough Mudder?

For most participants though comfort is their top priority. We suggest leggings, shorts and t-shirts made from tight, moisture-wicking fabrics which won't hold water or get snagged on barbed wire. It's important to check the weather before you decide on your event OOTD (that's outfit of the day).Jun 15, 2021

What should I wear for Total Warrior?

Dress for the Occasion. Total Warrior is tough, there's no getting away from that. But it's also a hell of a lot of fun. So wear a vest if you want to show off your muscles, but most importantly, wear a smile.

What diseases can you get from mud?

Such infections include E. coli infection (VTEC is the most serious type), campylobacteriosis, leptospirosis or listeriosis. Alternatively, a participant may have an infection such as norovirus ('winter-vomiting') which could spread from person-to-person if mud or water became contaminated with the germ.Sep 6, 2016

Can you wear gloves during a Spartan race?

If you are running a Spartan Race Stadium Sprint, by all means, wear some gloves. They will protect your hands at several obstacles and if you need to take them off, no problem.Apr 2, 2015

What's 5K in miles?

A 5K run is 3.1 miles. Don't be daunted by the distance. A 5K run is a great distance for a beginner. You can prepare for a 5K run in just two months.

What is a good time to run a 5K for a beginner?

For a beginner, completing a 5K run in 30mins is very good going." The average time is between 30 to 40 minutes for a relative newbie.May 6, 2020

Should I wear socks in Tough Mudder?

You are guaranteed to get your feet submerged in water during a mud run such as Tough Mudder. Therefore, you need a sock that won't hold water, and that can dry fast. Your typical cotton socks will absorb the water, and your feet will feel heavier.

Do they have showers at Tough Mudder?

Have no fear— showering off that mud is almost as easy as getting it on, thanks to conveniently-located Rinse Stations loaded with Every Man Jack grooming products.Aug 18, 2021

Do I need gloves for Tough Mudder?

Gloves are all about personal preference. Unless it's cold, I don't wear gloves. Looking to watch World's Toughest Mudder this November?Oct 29, 2018

What are beastly shoes?

Theses beastly shoes are all about providing you with the ultimate grip, as it has 8mm studs to claw into the muddy terrain and a multidirectional stud pattern that allows mud to get released from the outsole quickly. They also have a ‘Dual-C’ mix of medium sticky and hard stick rubbers, keeping the studs strong to help you stomp through several mud runs. For protection against stones and debris, there’s a rand that wraps around the shoe’s upper and toe bumper.

What is mud gear?

According to MudGear, this is the ideal obstacle course race jersey. It has a fitted custom poly blend, highly breathable wicking material with convenient drainage and highly durable flat-lock stitching that makes it a strong option. This mud run gear also has a honeycomb 4-way stretch technology that hugs your skin, but naturally moves with it, breathing with you. MudGear’s performance shirt is Spartan Race tested.

What is the purpose of the D30 palm padding?

Although they are bulky with a ‘Thermoplastic Rubber’ knuckle guard and full-length fingertip protection, they do decrease the risk of impact and pinching injuries out there in the mud. The dual-layer internal fingertip reinforces the index finger and thumb for further support, making them very functional for obstacle course runs. The D30 palm padding does its job well in absorbing and dissolving impact energy, in case you slip and fall or have to grab hold of a bar at the last second.

Do you wear a compression shirt for a mud run?

Yeah, going shirtless is an option, but you’re better off wearing a compression shirt or Dri-Fit top. Most races will start early in the morning, so you want a compression shirt that will keep your body heat in and your muscles loose while you’re immersed in muddy waters. It also provides some protection from scratches or burns that you could potentially get throughout the mud run course. Dri-fit, moisture-wicking compression tops will also enhance your range of motion so you can dominate each obstacle in your path.

Do you need gloves for mud run?

There will be some activities in your run that will be easier to handle with a convenient pair of gloves, such as climbing ropes or carrying cinder blocks. It’s really better to have them and not need them than to need them and come up with empty pockets. Some racers will wear them throughout the whole course and some only use them for specific mud run activities, so you’ll just have to feel it out. Make sure the gloves you choose fit well and have plenty of grip.

Is a knit glove waterproof?

Combining a knit glove, made from cotton, nylon and spandex, with a 100% ‘Thermoplastic Rubber’ palm makes for a gorilla grip. They aren’t waterproof, but they do have seamless cushioning that helps to prevent blisters and even hand fatigue, making them perfect for those upper-strength obstacles. Compared to nitrite or rubber dipped gloves, these Mad Grip palm gloves take the cake.

What are the Reeboks' midfoot teeth?

Constructed for muddy trails and off-road terrain, these heavy-duty Reeboks have ‘ROPEPRO’ mid-foot teeth that bite into the Earth and give you a nice grip on rope climbs. It also has a compression molded EVA midsole for support, along with H20 drain technology to get rid of water quickly. Although they are tough, their seamless ripstop and mesh upper are lightweight and very breathable. They also have rock guard and toe bumpers for protection from annoying debris.

What shoes are good for OCR?

Instead, opt for a pair of shoes with good tread, drainage, and support. Traditionally, most trail shoes have been good for OCR. A key is to find a shoe with good drainage, and not GORE-TEX.

Who is Margaret from Mud Run Guide?

Margaret is Editor-in-Chief of Mud Run Guide. She has been part of the OCR Community since 2010. When not working on the next article she can be found running from race-to-race as a competitor. She founded DirtinYourSkirt.com, an OCR community for women as well as former contributing editor for Mud and Obstacle Magazine and industry expert for About.com. She authored the book Obstacle Race Training.

Do men wear compression shorts?

Many men prefer to wear a pair of shorts over compression shorts. However, it is more and more common to see those racing in just compression shorts and forgoing the baggy stuff. Other men opt for shorter running shorts that do not like compression. Women do not fear the compression short!

Do you need gloves for a race?

Gloves are another item many races like to have to help with climbing obstacles, they are not mandatory and depending on personal preference are used by competitors. Overall, when headed out to race, leave your keys at home (or at least in bag check), make sure to wear waterproof sports sunscreen, and have fun.

Is cotton good for a shirt?

Cotton is an excellent product. However, it is also great at holding water once it is wet. OCRs you get wet and muddy! Cotton quickly loses its shape, and that form fitting shirt is now hanging at your knees. Cotton is great but to be left at home.

OCR Specific Shoes

Without a doubt, the first thing on anyone’s shopping list should be OCR shoes. Even on a dry course. Great grip helps up and down hills, on loose soil, or compacted long grass. A deep tread helps you with that all important rope climb, slip wall, or traverses like Spartans Olympus.

Shorts

Some people can’t stand shorts, but if you find a pair that works for you they are your savior for summer racing. You want something long enough to protect your skin when going over walls, or up the rope, but short enough to make wearing shorts in the heat worthwhile.

Calf Guards

There’s mixed opinion on whether these help with performance. Personally, I swear by them, I’ve found the occurrence of cramp definitely decreases with wear. Aside from this, they offer something else: Protection.

Tech Vest

Vest or tee, it’s up to you, just make sure it’s not cotton.

Socks

There are few things more unpleasant than a slimy cotton sock sliding down into your shoe. It sounds obvious, but I know because I’ve been there! I’ve said it a million times but I’ll say it again. Avoid cotton at all costs! Tee shirts, socks, underwear.

Clothing & Shoes For Obstacle Course Racing

You’ve trained. You ate right. Now it’s time for race day. So what do you wear?

Gear For Obstacle Course Racing

Hydration pack – If it’s less than five miles, you probably won’t need one. If the race director is doing his job, there will be enough water to keep you hydrated. If it’s a longer race, a hydration pack is a good investment. Not that we’re talking a huge investment. Small ones start at around $25.

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