Race Recap: Dirty Girl Wisconsin!

A couple weeks ago, I hopped in the car with one of my best friends and we escaped mommyhood for a day. Kelli and I drove 3+ hours to Waukesha, Wisconsin... to experience the Dirty Girl! For the record, I don't normally participate in these "mud runs". I worry more about slipping, falling, twisting an ankle... and jeopardizing future months of running. (Have you seen my race calendar?) However, the Dirty Girl markets itself more as a 'women power & friendship' event rather than a race of athletic endurance.

The Dirty Girl is a 5k untimed mud run for women. All the emphasis is on fun, and that is certainly what I saw from the sidelines and while sliding through the mud pits. Everyone seemed to be with groups of friends, which was evident by all the colorful matching shirts.  The atmosphere was rather electric as soon as we walked on the grounds. The Dirty Girl runs in waves every 15 minutes starting early in the morning. By time we arrived after lunch, the event was in full swing. Kelli and I grabbed a sandwich and then watched from the sidelines, prepping for our muddy adventure.

Kelli and I ran the entire course, but we seemed to be in the minority. There were lots of women walking in between the obstacles, so if you're not a runner or want a low impact event, the Dirty Girl is perfect. The obstacles offer plenty of opportunities to get dirty... if you want. It really is up to you as to how muddy you want to get. I tromped and crawled through the mud pits, but didn't necessarily spin and submerge like some of the girls.  I really didn't want mud in all my body crevasses. My favorite obstacle was the cargo net climb, which is surprising because I'm kinda afraid of heights.

Obstacle photos courtesy of Dirty Girl. Unfortunately, we didn't take a camera on the course with us...

The course zig-zagged thru a field, up a big hill and winding thru a wooded area. There were water/aid stations along the way although we didn't stop until the finish line arch. Kelli and I successfully ran 3.1 miles, completed every obstacle with grace, and managed to get fairly muddy in the process. Most of all, we had a blast. It was a casual yet high-spirited event, different than any other race event I've been to. Since it was untimed, I was much more relaxed and was able to slow down the adrenaline and just enjoy the run with my best pal.  It was the perfect MOMS DAY OUT... one that was much needed for these two mommies!

After the finish line, we found the beer. Then the showers... which was a whole new experience in itself. Beyond the "No Dudes" sign, we found hundreds of women stripping down to somehow un-mud themselves while all crammed together. There was a huge shower tent with high pressure water spraying from pipes. I couldn't help but laugh because this scene just might be what some guys dream about! We eventually got semi clean and exited the dressing barn to head home.

This was truly a fantastic experience. Thank you Dirty Girl for inviting me to be a part of it. I can honestly say I stepped out of my comfort zone with this event... and extremely happy for it!!

Check out Dirty Girl's website at www.godirtygirl.com. They have over 15 events nationwide now. And I can't rave enough about the race organization. Everything during the day went so darn smoothly. There must be a woman in charge here... Ha!