The Southwest Voice

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Life is hard and full of challenges, most of which we conquer because we have to, not because we want to. But the one we call the “Ultimate Challenge” is one that is tackled by choice, and by people of all walks of life, athletic or not. It is an event that truly inspires life changing decisions. I speak from personal experience!

If you are not familiar with the Volkslauf, let me fill you in. It is an event with no equivalent, a run like no other. The second weekend of October each year, the Marine Corps does an incredible job of planning and executing this event to benefit Toys for Tots, CASA, and Children’s Miracle Network. The 5K or 10K run consists of various obstacles, including mud pits, water canals, walls, ropes, balance beams, tubes, monkey bars, and a host of other interesting obstacles to get over, under, through or across. There are firefighters spraying water from fire trucks and marines yelling at you to keep going. The participants look like “swamp things” from a movie, covered from head to toe in mud and water. Although it is challenging, it is also like being a kid again. It brings out something in you that you may have forgotten, FUN! Vanity is nowhere to be found and personal goals rise to a new level.

I participated in Volkslauf for the first time about eight years ago. I enjoyed it so much that I wanted to share the experience with others. What started out as a four-week training program with about 15 women has evolved into a year round program with hundreds participating. We use the pool, the river bed, the running trails, and the obstacle course as our training grounds. No night is ever the same and there is never a chance to get bored or lack motivation.

Each year I see the most diverse group of people come out for this unforgettable training and event. The one thing they have in common is a desire to do something different, shake up their routines, and conquer a new challenge. Lifelong friendships and fitness habits are made and a good time is had by all.

If you would like to join us for training, e-mail me at: TWFitness@yahoo.com for details. Everyone is welcome, men, women, children, athletic or not. The Volkslauf will be held on Oct. 11.

For details on the event, go the their Web site at: www.volkslauf.com. This year, why don’t you make a life changing choice, a choice to live fit and love it.

 — Leigh Pozas is the owner of Total Woman Fitness located on  Truxtun Extension and in Northwest Bakersfield. She holds a co-ed Volkslauf training at the Truxtun location every year.