As the popularity of endurance mud runs is hitting an all-time high, Lozilu definitely stands out from the crowd. This fabulously fun, women's only mud run is 3.1 miles of flowing trails and obstacles all ending in a diva worthy dance party celebration, starting with a red carpet style photoshoot. This isn't your typical mud run! We got the chance to speak with two of Lozilu's founders, Lauren Birkel and Luisa Bryce about what makes Lozilu so special.
Can you tell us more about how you and Luisa met?
Lauren: Luisa and I met about ten years ago in college at the University of Wisconsin (where we also met our significant others Francis (Luisa’s soon to be husband – wedding in August 2012!!) and Brodie (Lauren’s husband, married since 2006). We were all members of the Triathlon Club; training and racing together spurred a great life-long friendship. Luisa and I both still compete in triathlons with numerous world championship competitions (Ironman (Luisa and Lauren), Xterra (Luisa), ITU Long-course (Lauren) under our belts. While we both thrive on competition, I think we’d both agree that some of the main reasons we race are to stay active, to stay healthy, to go after a goal and to have fun!
How did you come up with the idea to start LoziLu and why is Lozilu just for women?
We recognized the growing popularity of the mud run and obstacle course events, and we especially like how these events emphasize teamwork and having fun. We also recognized a need for a more welcoming event to those just entering the world of fitness and/or mud runs. For each of us at LoziLu, we know how motivating it is to be working toward a goal of completing an event, so we wanted to create an event that would be challenging but not intimidating or out of reach. We chose to create a women’s only event because we felt we would truly be able to cater to females with attention to detail specific to this audience, providing service and opportunities specifically for women- which are aspects often hard to deliver when men are also included.
What is the overall message and mission of LoziLu? 
Our mission at LoziLu is to spread happiness, health, and fitness throughout the world by leveraging the familial influence of women. How do we do that?? By hosting fabulously fun trail 5k’s filled with exhilarating obstacles and a party to continue the celebration. Giving back is also important to us so as a business we have decided to donate 5% of our profits to support leukemia and lymphoma research to find a cure for blood cancers while also helping cancer patients live happier lives. We donate directly to L.I.F.E. (www.givetolife.org).
How long has LoziLu been around and how many people participate at each event?
LoziLu was officially founded in October 2011 but that’s not to say it hadn’t been in the planning and discussion phase a lot longer. We saw 1300 participants at our first event (Phoenix) and 700 at our second event (Jacksonville) and it is our goal to grow that number to see over 3000 ladies having fun, being fit, and getting muddy with us at each event by the end of the 2012 season… and we are well on our way!
How is LoziLu different from other runs?
What makes us different; of course being a women’s only event allows us to really cater to women (I mean how many men’s events or even co-ed events stock a “powder room” table next to Port-O-Potties with tampons, mints, hand sanitizer and extra toilet paper??) and we strive to deliver a very high level of customer service throughout our participants entire experience.
The other big item that sets us apart is that we provide training programs prepared by our in-house team of trainers and coaches to help all of our participants, whether she’s just getting off the couch or already extremely active, make strides in her fitness and helping her to feel well prepared for the event. And – the training plans are FREE!
What is your favorite part about LoziLu events?
We work incredibly hard preparing for each event but we laugh a lot. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing each woman cross the finish line smiling and sparkling with mud from head to toe, incredible energy and confidence radiating outwards – that makes all the work worthwhile. Additionally, having the opportunity to work with and meet new people through a love of fitness is truly inspiring.
What are some of your all time most memorable moments at LoziLu?
So many memories… there are the behind the scenes stuff which no one sees that are crazy, silly, stressful, funny… but the ones that will stay with us the longest are the moments that let us know we are doing something good and making a difference. One example was at packet pickup in Jacksonville a woman shared with me how signing up for LoziLu and following the training plans was the motivation and inspiration she needed to get back on track after having a child over a year ago… now she is feeling healthy and confident again, back to being the woman she knows she is. That’s awesome. That’s why we are doing this.
Lastly, what does “healthy” mean to you?
Lauren: Healthy to me is having the energy you need to thrive. It is about aligning your mind and body to carry out a long-term relationship with a lifestyle of activity and movement, sustainability, and wellness.
Luisa: Healthy to me is waking up every morning feeling physically well and eager to get out of bed and start the day. Healthy means feeling energized and balanced in both mind and body, and having an affinity and innate desire to share this feeling with others.
For more information about Lozilu and to sign up for a race in your area, please visit Lozilu.com.
In addition to Lozilu, Lauren and Luisa are both active fitness professionals. Lauren is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA), a USA Triathlon Certified Coach, and owns two boutique fitness studios, Orange Shoe Personal Fitness in Madison, WI. Luisa is a a clinical psychologist based in Denver, Colorado and currently races as a professional off-road athlete. As a clinical psychologist, Luisa brings a unique understanding of the mental and emotional side effects of exercise and nutrition, and has a proven track record in helping people manage these aspects to achieve success in their health and fitness goals.
