When adults get muddy, it usually includes an exfoliating scrub and mineral water rinse at a posh spa. But the Columbia Muddy Buddy Ride and Run Series at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex this past Saturday provided a whole new excuse to get dirty. Here are 4 reasons why it was worth it.

1. Mud is Great

When was the last time you got muddy? Something happens when we become adults. We’re told that our favorite childhood past times must live on only in our memory. Muddy Buddy provided a great opportunity to relive our childhood and do something silly, fun and dirty without a worry about what others would think. With mortgages, student loans, car payments, aging parents and other adult responsibilities always on our mind, Muddy Buddy provided a great escape, albeit for a brief moment of time. The only thing on your mind was how dirty will I get?

2. Mud is Healthy for You

I wouldn’t suggest adding mud to your daily diet, but running and biking the 6.5 mile course will certainly keep you in-shape. Every mile and half, inflatable obstacles challenged your climbing and endurance abilities. If you’re not a professional runner, no worries. The course is designed for people of all ages. Pace yourself and you’ll be fine. There were plenty of “power-walkers” who finished.

3. Muddy People Spread Happiness

There’s something magical that happens when humanity knows they’re about to jump into a giant mud pit. People become giddy with excitement. Racers donned their finest costumes in anticipation of making a splash. There were plenty of speedo-clad, burly men, spandex-wearing superheroes, frogs, clowns, ladies in evening dresses and celebrity impersonators to make your inner-child squeal in delight. No wonder everyone loves Halloween. Dressing up is fun! And wearing it into mud is even better!

4. Mud Makes You Proud

When you reflect back on what you accomplished, biking and running through a wilderness trail with a crawl through a mud pit to the finish line, you can be proud. Not everyone has the bravery to do what you just did. Not everyone has the stamina to finish. I was truly impressed with an amputee high-tailing past many runners. Doing something different, doing something risky and doing something dirty gives you something to remember for years to come – which is just about how long it takes to clean the mud off!

Have you ever gotten muddy? What did you think? Share your experience by commenting here.

I’ll see you out there…!

About the author
Ben Reed is an Orlando Resident and Travel Blogger at adventureswithben.com where he shares daily stories that “Make Traveling Fun Around the World and Central Florida.” Ben’s traveled over 320,000 miles to 16 countries in 6 continents. When he’s not jet-setting around the globe, Ben can be found out and about Orlando seeking surprise adventures in his backyard. Ben is an award-winning blogger and has been featured in local, national and international media. You can join Ben on Facebook and follow him on Twitter