Fitness tips for Feb. 19

Participants will make their way through an untimed obstacle course. Since they don't have to make their way through every obstacle — they can choose which ones to tackle — the run promises to be great fun for women of all ages and athletic levels.

Women will face obstacles such as the “Utopian Tubes” tunnel crawl and the “PMS (Pretty Muddy Stuff)” mud pit. It should be silly, fun and above all dirty. Participants are encouraged to form teams and adopt “crazy team uniforms,” according to a news release.

“A Dirty Girl Mud Run comes with excitement, laughter and camaraderie,” the release notes, “as well of lots of music, food and drinks. From start to finish, it's an unforgettable event and an incredible teambuilding experience.”

A portion of the proceeds benefit the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Last year, about $250,000 was given to the cancer foundation. This year, organizers hope to contribute $500,000.

Cancer survivors run for free.

Women and girls over age 14 are invited to participate. Register online today for $75 per person; registration is $85 from tomorrow through March 19 and $100 from March 20 to April 5. Go to www.godirtygirl.com.

The first wave of runners will head out at 8 a.m. The final wave will tackle the course at 4 p.m.

The location has not yet been announced. Continue to check online for more details.

Finding the right trainer

So you've finally decided to hire a personal trainer. Good for you.

You're beginning a relationship that should help you improve your health and fitness.

But choosing a trainer isn't easy.

You want to find the one best suited to your needs, one firm enough to keep you on target and empathic enough to help you overcome your mental and physical obstacles.

Life Fitness, a leading manufacturer of gym-quality exercise equipment, offers these tips for picking the right trainer.

• Do your research. You shouldn't choose a trainer simply because she's the first one you see when you walk into the gym. Seek referrals and make sure your potential trainers are certified by an NCAA-accredited organization. Meet with them. See if you have chemistry. Discuss motivational style, training techniques and price.