Ready to get a little dirty? April 12th, 2014, the Dirty Girl Mud Run returns to Lake Lanier Islands Resort in Atlanta GA, bringing good “clean” fun with it. The Dirty Girl Run is the original women-only 5k, complete with mud and extra fun obstacles. The 2014 run will be my third Dirty Girl, and for those that are new to the event, I have some tips for a successful, awesome run! You can also use the code BLOGFRIEND for $10 off the run!
1. Bring an ENTIRE change of clothes. I’m talking underwear, socks, bra and even hair ties… the mud goes EVERYWHERE. If you have a swim suit, you can use that as your base. You can hose yourself down really good and wash into your suit without getting too nakie. The shower station is well covered from public view, but it’s still like a locker room. You’ll want a grocery bag to stash all your muddy clothes for the ride home, too. Keep them contained until you can trash/wash/store them.
2. Hit up your local stores and goodwills for water shoes. You will be wading, sloughing, treading and slopping through muddy waters. I bought a pair of water sneakers at a big box store for $10, and have used them for all three years. They wash clean, and although they are not meant for racing, the fastest I’m going is a slow jog since the event is un-timed and all about the fun. I’d rather be a little cleaner than faster! Also, water shoes really help when showering off. Lots of water, and it’s still dirty walking!
3. Get to registration EARLY. I’m talking 90+ minutes. This gives you time to trek from parking, stand in the registration line (easily 30 minutes), head to gear check and enjoy the Dirty Girl event village. There’s a lot to see, and you don’t want to be late for your wave!
4. Take your time. I’ve seen some girls really push themselves on the course, and not take their time on an obstacle. Remember that each one is optional, and safety is key! Those tire treads can wreak havoc on an ankle. Not looking to dip yourself into the muddy water pit? That’s ok – walk around. Just be sure to get into view of the great photographers. Pose, splash and have fun – it’s not a race, it’s an experience!
5. Take lots of photos. Try to bring someone that can take photos of you! There is no way any kind of phone will survive on the course, and I’m not sure you can get your hands on a water/disposable camera anymore. (I’m sure you can…). It’s more fun when your clean entourage can snap a before and after photo of you and your team! Enjoy your post race beer, dip into the lake to rinse off, and enjoy the beach landing as you cross the finish line.
Dirty Girl proudly supports Bright Pink, the only national non-profit organization focusing on risk reduction and early detection of breast and ovarian cancers in young women. Since it’s inception, Dirty Girl has donated more than $475,000 to breast cancer charities and will donate at least $125,000 in 2014 alone to Bright Pink. At each 2014 event, 300 free registrations are reserved for cancer survivors.
Not looking to muddy your look, but still want to be involved? The Dirty Girl Mud Run is also searching for volunteers to help put on the inspiring event. Volunteers will receive service hours, a free t-shirt and complimentary entry to a future Dirty Girl Mud Run. Any interested volunteers should sign up online. Ages 14 and up can crawl, hop, swing and climb into a muddy event, full of fun, friends and fierce femininity! Make sure to sign up for the Atlanta run HERE and use the code BLOGFRIEND for a $10 discount! For more information, visit godirtygirl.com.
I have a few friends that have done this in Boston, but I am not one for getting dirty (running in the first place is bad enough), so I will be sitting it out 🙂
Great tips. Have fun at this years event!
Super cool! wish I could attend!
I know a lot of people that have done this. Everyone always says how much fun it is.
I have seen many of my local friends take part in mud runs, I cannot run for the life of me so it wouldn’t be for me, but loved that you shared your experiences and tips as a veteran!
Looks like a lot of fun! They have similar runs here in Orlando. My husband so wants to do these things, but I am getting old and don’t have the energy it takes. LOL Good luck this year!
I’d love to do a run like that, but first, I need to get in shape! Haha good luck on your next race!
Another reason to come to Atlanta!! Or go, I mean. I’ve always wanted to do a Dirty Girl mud run. Or any mud run.
This looks like such a fun race to participate it! What a great cause, I’d love to do something like this!
Oh that looks fun! Definitely would take tons of pictures!!!
This looks like so much fun. Great tips, I would have not thought of half that stuff!
Wow! The Dirty Girl Mud Run looks like an absolute BLAST! And it’s for a great cause! Thanks for sharing the info! Have FUN!
I’ve never done this race. It looks like so much fun, though!
These runs look like so much fun and these are great tips to keep in mind! On my bucket list is the Color Run 🙂
My cousin is an avid runner and plans to do this run this year. I’ll pass along your blog!
Great tips!Passing this on to my cousin who is running this soon! Very cool!
Looks like a fun event! Thanks for sharing your tips, always helpful to get some knowledge from someone who’s been there.
This looks like so much fun, especially because it’s a “girly” thing. You made mudd look good girl! I’m considering an upcoming Zombie Run they have here in my area. I hope I can make it because I am definitely not a runner!
I’m more of a road runner but this mud run looks really tempting. I love that it’s women only too!
So AWESOME. I love that it has “girl” in the title. It’s about time. I want to do one of these so badly. Congrats on doing it.
I am really hoping to do a Dirty Girl run! I need to see when they are coming near me.
I would love to do one of those. A fun event for a great cause!
I think these always look like so much fun! Maybe I’ll do one soon.
i spend too much money on sneakers to ruin them inthe mud. Is it sad that that’s my first thought LOL
What a great saying! “dirty girls aren’t born they’re made right here”!
Great tips! I’ve heard a lot about these, and most people say they’re really fun.
I think these kinds of races are fun to watch. I imagine they would be even more fun to participate in, for sure!
This looks like the coolest run! I love the mud. What great tips!
I haven’t did the Dirty Girl Run, but I think I’d like to after seeing your TV segment and reading about it here. I’m just getting back into races, so this is a goal for next year!
I don’t think we have that hear. We have tough mudder I think? I’ll pass though. lol
Hands up in the air to you. You are a stronger woman than I. 🙂 Looks fun but I do not think I could ever. 🙂
These look like so much fun! I don’t think I would look as good as you afterwards though!
I’ve done the Pretty Muddy race here in the Chicago area, and friends keep telling me to do this one too. Mud runs are so fun – just be prepared to ditch your shoes when it’s over!
That looks like such a fun race! Of course, I’d be the girl that stops every now and then to try to draw/write in the mud. I bet it’s good for the skin, too 🙂
Wow – this looks like an adventure as much as it is a race! I’ve never done one these before, but the beaming smile on your face says it all in terms of what to expect!
YES to the photos. That’s totally an essential part of the whole day. What a blast!