The obstacle run season is open again! You've trained hard, and now it's time to show what you're made of. But then you start to doubt about the sportswear for an obstacle run... Can you just wear your gym clothes? Or is that not such a good idea? During an obstacle run, it's important to wear sportswear that is comfortable, doesn't restrict your movement, protects you from abrasions, and helps you deal with various weather conditions and obstacles. Below, we'll give you tips for clothing and how to best wash your sportswear,so you're ready from head to toe for Strong Viking!

Wat trek je aan tijdens een obstacle run?

Over het algemeen is het aan te raden om strakke sneldrogende kleding te dragen. Daarnaast is het ook verstandig om handschoenen aan te doen voor extra grip en bescherming. En vergeet natuurlijk niet om goede sokken en schoenen te dragen! Het laatste wat je wil is blaren oplopen…
 
Hieronder vind je een lijst met kledingstukken die een must zijn als je mee doet aan obstacle runs:

Now you might be thinking, "But that's all very obvious." Yes, that's true. However, you still need to consider the material, characteristics, and fit of the sportswear. 

Obstacle run shirt

When purchasing a shirt for an obstacle run, make sure it's made of quick-drying material. It's not pleasant to have to keep running with a soaking wet shirt during a mud run.

We also recommend, especially for participants covering longer distances, to opt for a tighter-fitting shirt. This prevents the material from rubbing and irritating your skin. 

Tight sportswear will also create less resistance during swimming or other water obstacles. You can choose between a long-sleeved or short-sleeved shirt, but to reduce the chance of getting scratches or abrasions, opt for a long-sleeve shirt!

A Björn Borg longsleeve shirt is suitable sportswear for a Strong Viking obstacle run.

Leggings or sports pants

A good pair of sport pants is crucial! Again, it's wise to opt for a tight-fitting (to prevent chafing!) and quick-drying pair of pants. Avoid cotton clothing as it retains moisture and can become heavy when wet. Instead, choose quick-drying synthetic materials. A tight-fitting pair of sport pants or polyester sport leggings are excellent choices for an obstacle run. Just make sure your sport pants aren't too tight; you still need to be able to overcome the obstacles!

Compression shorts

If you opt for looser sportswear for an obstacle run, wear compression shorts or leggings underneath to prevent chafing and support your muscles. Compression shorts are made of stretchy material and fit tightly! This improves blood circulation, reduces the risk of injuries, and ensures better recovery. This way, you can continue training for the next one after the obstacle run!

Sports socks

It's important to wear moisture-wicking and quick-drying socks that are high enough to protect your ankles from chafing and abrasions. Also, make sure they fit well! There's nothing as annoying as socks that keep sliding down. You can opt for socks specifically designed for runners trail runnersbut compression socks are also a good choice. As explained earlier, they support your muscles and promote good blood circulation... And they're nice and high!

Shoes

Nowadays, Vikings might have walked in less than ideal shoes... But we don't have to! Shoes are the most important part of the whole preparation. There's nothing as annoying as having to conquer a Strong Viking obstacle run with soaking wet, soggy feet that keep slipping while climbing obstacles. So, make sure you have good obstacle run shoes with a solid grip that can quickly drain moisture!

3x The Best Obstacle Run Shoes

Gloves

Some people swear by them, while others think they're unnecessary: gloves. However, they can really be a good purchase if you participate in obstacle runs regularly. During a mud run or obstacle run, you trudge through a course consisting mostly of water, sand, and mud. These obstacles may contain small stones and twigs, so it's very handy to wear gloves during the obstacle run. Additionally, they can also provide you with better grip at certain obstacles. It's a win-win situation!

How to wash your sportswear

You're completely covered in mud, you've sweated a lot, and you look and smell like a true Viking. Well done! But now it's time to wash your sportswear. It's not the most enjoyable task, and your washing machine may not appreciate it, but if you take good care of your sportswear, you can enjoy it for longer.

 

Five useful tips for washing your muddy sportswear after an obstacle run:

  1. Rinse the clothing immediately after the run to remove excess dirt and mud.
  2. Wash the sportswear as soon as possible after the obstacle run. The longer dirt and sweat remain in the fabric, the harder it can be to get them clean.
  3. Use a detergent specifically designed for washing sportswear. These detergents are often better at removing sweat odor from sportswear. Stubborn stains? Try using soft soap!
  4. Avoid using fabric softener when washing sportswear, as it can reduce the moisture-wicking properties.
  5. Allow the clothing to air dry, preferably outside in the sun. Sunlight can help neutralize any remaining odors and kill bacteria!

Klaar voor de start?

Heb je je sportkleding klaarliggen voor de komende obstacle run? Vergeet dan ook niet om schone en droge kleding in te pakken (én de vaak-vergeten handdoek!) voor na de obstacle run. Niets zo vervelend als met je modderige kloffie in de auto van je schoonmoeder te stappen die al geen zin had je op te halen na de run… En vergeet natuurlijk niet om meteen je sportkleding te wassen als je thuiskomt!

Heb je je sportkleding, droge kleding en handdoek al klaarliggen, maar nog geen Strong Viking ticket for one of our obstacle runs yet? Click quickly on the button below and claim your spot during one (or more, of course) of our editions. OORAH!

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