Obstacle training is new fashion in fitness

The kinesiology and dance department is promoting the second annual Athlete's Foot Muddy Mayhem benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project.

This year, the Muddy Mayhem will take place at 10 a.m. April 14 at 5418 Cacias Road, and it's open to students and the public

The Wounded Warrior Project supports former soldiers who served the country in battle and returned injured, wounded or with a disability.

This year, the Muddy Mayhem is stretching its route from 5 to 8 kilometers of road running, cross country, mud climbs, mud crawl, mud pits and larger obstacles.

Kinesiology professors are presenting the Muddy Mayhem and similar obstacle training events to their students as an exhilarating alternative to get them in the fitness groove and to improve endurance as well as physical conditions.

Some of the kinesiology classes make this event a requirement and others offer it as an opportunity for extra credit.

Kinesiology Professor Andreia Breaux also offers extra credit opportunities including the Shape Diva Dash April 21 in Austin, and the Tough Mudder March 3-April 1 in Austin and Oct. 6- 7 in Dallas.

In addition, the Tough Mudder also takes place in Japan, Canada, Africa, Austria and France.

"Obstacle training is so much fun, and it's becoming more popular these days," Breaux said.

Along with her family, Instructor Vincent Rodriguez and Wellness Coordinator Chris Dillon, Breaux participated with their students in the Dash Warrior, a similar event last year.

Early registration for the Muddy Mayhem is encouraged through April 7 to secure a spot for $45.

After April 8, the registration fee will be $55.

Friends and families are welcome with participants at least 14 years old.

Besides enjoying the fitness high that the event offers to participants, the top three women and men of each age group will receive a medal.

All runners will receive a gift certificate to be used at the Athlete's Foot retail store in San Antonio.

At the end of the Muddy Mayhem, the endurance continues as contestants are blasted with a fire hose and treated to an after-party at the finish line accompanied with beverages, food and music.

For more information, contact Dillon at 210-486-1025 or call the Athlete's Foot at 210-403-2413.

Register online by visiting www.theathletesfoot-sa.com or in person at the Athlete's Foot at 923 N. Loop 1604 E.

For more information on the Shape Diva Dash, visit http://divadash.com and for The Tough Mudder, http://toughmudder.com.