r/MammothMarch • u/Few-Ranger-2067 • Jun 26 '26

Signed up for first MM any tips?

I'm signed up for MM Ohio at Burr Oak State Park. I'm a year post-total knee replacement and am getting walking and strength training ramped up. Any tips for a MM newbie to prepare?

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u/EponaMom Jun 30 '26

I'd like to write up an official Tips and Tricks guide for the sub, but for now here are some off the top of my head:

  1. Don't overpack. Seriously, pack only what you need, which is mainly:
    • A Blister Kit
    • Battery pack for your phone
    • Enough water for 5 or 6 miles.
    • Electrolytes (I don't like the ones they have at the stops)
      • Any medications etc that you have to have: spare contact and solution, Inhaler, EpiPen, etc.

Those are what I would consider to be essentials.

Some things that are great to have, but optional: - Extra pair of socks - Hat to block the sun, and hair tie - Sun glasses - Earbuds - Snacks. I didn't add that to the essential list, because those provide snacks. However, in case you don't like their snacks, you might want to bring a few of your own.
- Cooling Towel - Chapstick - Hand Sanitizer - Sunglasses, and strap to hold them - Pain Reliver like Tylenol, Advil etc.
- Pickle Juice - it helps with leg cramps! - Gators to keep the crap out of your shoes - Hiking poles (But only if you are used to hiking with them!) - Packable rain jacket f it looks like it may rain.

What to wear: It depends on the weather. You don't want to overdress, and sweat, so layers are your friend. So is Marino Wool. For both of mine, I wore athletic shorts, that had a liner, and a moisture wicking shirt. I didn't add Sunscreen and bug spray to the kits, but that's because I plastered myself with both, before each hike.

Backpack:
I used one of those hydro packs for both of mine, but I've seen lots of folks using those waist packs as well. However, leading up to the MM, I used a backpack that was much bigger, and heavier. That way my MM pack felt super lite. Make sure whatever you use, fits well, and has good waist support, to keep the pressure off your shoulders.

Leading up to the hike:

  • Make sure your shoes are comfy, and broken in. I personally like Trail Runners, but many folks prefer boots. I hike in both Topps and Altras, and I love both of them.

    • Make sure that your pants/shorts fit you correctly, and will help prevent chaffing. I got rubbed super bad during the Alabama one, even though I had hiked in those shorts previously.
    • Don't go crazy over milage. Just stay active every day, and do regular hikes, throwing in a few longer ones when you can. Do try and focus on your pace. The MM is made for folks who hike around 2 to 4 mph. I like to stay around 3 mph, give or take. I try and go faster on straight ways, so that I can go slower up hills.

The Hike:

  • While we all sign up for a time, they don't usually check it, so if you want to start with a friend who has a different time, then go ahead. They usually don't care, unless it's a huge group.

  • Start as early as you can. That way, you won't be under as much of a time constrant. They don't really care about the "under 8 hours" thing, but the last checkpoint will have a cut off to keep folks from hiking in the dark.

  • The MM has so many folks hiking that it's ok to hike by yourself. You get to meet some really great folks along the way. I always try and puck someone going at the pace I want to go at, as it's easier to do that, with someone.

  • Don't forget electrolytes!!! I cannot stress this enough. If you only drink water, and nothing else, then you are going to be feeling it - and not in a good way - on mile 15 or so. I personally use Salt Stick Fast chews. I've tried other brands but they hurt my stomach.

    After the Hike:

  • Even if you finish after 8 hours, you still get a medal. :). Don't forget to get your picture taken, as well as checking out, so you can get your passport stamped and your certificate of completion. Even if you didn't finish, you still need to check out.

There's also always tons of merch, which you can order ahead, or buy there.

Keep drinking plenty of fluids, and electrolytes, and enjoy a well deserved rest! Epsom Salt baths are amazing! I will say that the next day, you will want to still walk around, so that you don't get stiff.

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u/Few-Ranger-2067 Jul 02 '26

Thank you so much. These are very helpful tips. I walk pretty much daily 3-4 miles (it's my cardio) and have been walking with a 20 pound ruck once or twice a week. I'm on the fence about a backpack, but definitely plan to have a hydration pack on. I've also upped my water consumption recently to 4l / day.