The Southwest Voice

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I first heard about the Volkslauf several years back before my “mommy days.” I thought it would be fun and wanted to enter, but didn’t know how to go about it. Time passed and I forgot about the mud run event entirely. Five or six years later, after two kids and about 35 pounds heavier, I came across an article about the mud run! It explained how this event has inspired people of all ages and fitness levels to get into shape by participating in group training. Reading this article raised my interest in the event, but more importantly I was interested in getting back into shape. I was about to hit 30 and knew I had to make a change in my life.

Over the years I’ve habitually enjoyed the occasional one or 10 beers at barbecues and family events, or while watching football games or boxing matches at home — and of course all the great food that comes along with it. So I was prompted by this story I read to get more information for myself. It was mid-September last year, I didn’t train nor did I register for the event ... there was no way!

Thanks to Leigh Pozas, owner of Total Woman and trainer for the Volkslauf event who kept me on her e-mail list, I was able to get all the information needed to sign up for this year’s 10-week training session. And yes, I’m registered for the Volkslauf mud run. Yikes! It’s pretty intimidating when I think of it today but I’m confident that by week 10 I’ll be ready.

I just completed my first week of training, and what a difference I felt between day one and day four. I really didn’t know what to expect. As I was running down the trail and across the riverbed, huffing and puffing from exhaustion, I was thinking “What did I get myself into?!” Well, I made it through and that was my first accomplishment.

Strength training on day two was a little easier and more my style. There was something new and different at each station as we rotated through the circuit training. On the third day it was the dreadful timed mile. I completed it in 15 minutes and 36 seconds. The last time I did that was in high school! I may have been slow but that was my second accomplishment. I was so sore that night but I worked it out and went back for more. By day four I felt great as I completed another session of strength training. I’m feeling more confident each day and I’m looking forward to the end results. My goal this year is to complete the mile in under 10 minutes, be able to do chin ups, gain muscle strength and melt away those extra inches. But ultimately I want to be in better health and in better shape!

There will be several small accomplishments but surviving the ultimate challenge of Volkslauf Mud Run would be the greatest yet. As I search for the inner athlete, I know people will continue to encourage and inspire me to do my best will surround me. My sister-in-law Valerie has also joined in, so there’s no turning back ... we’re in this together. In just the first week I’ve met many others who have shared their words of encouragement — thanks to everyone supporting me in this challenge! Wish me luck!