Where: Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop

When: Every Saturday  9am-12pm

Details: Meet up at 9am for a pre-ride coffee and snack from Juan Pelota Cafe!  Wheels down at 9:30am. 

Jump on your bike and join the Mellow Johnny’s Cross-Training Coach Julie on the Scout-A-Route Ride!
This ride is a no-drop, co-ed group ride and is perfect for the cyclist new to riding or returning to the bike but just looking for a more casual ride.  There are two groups for this ride.  The first group is designed for those who can average 14-16mph for 20-30 miles with one or two regrouping points. 
The second group averages 12mph for distances between 15-25 miles with regrouping points.

RSVP to julie@mellowjohnnys.com

Don’t have a bike?  Rent one from Mellow Johnny’s here http://www.webreserv.com/mellowjohnnystx

Press Contact:

Maria Hennessey

SMAK Strategies        

maria@smakstrategies.com

303.859.3317

Trek Women Collaborates with ZOOMA Women’s Race Series

Trek Women Expands Reach to Running

(February 20^th) –The Muscle Milk Light ZOOMA Women’s Race Series is a celebration of fitness, sisterhood and health. ZOOMA’s boutique half-marathon and 10K/5K races take place in upscale venues all over the country and allow goal-oriented women to come together for a challenging race followed by a well-deserved party that includes pampering, wine, food, live music, and shopping.

The 2012 series includes stops in Austin, TX, Annapolis, MD, Atlanta, GA, Lake Geneva, WI, and Cape Cod, MA.

Consistent with its mission of encouraging a healthy lifestyle, ZOOMA is pleased to announce a new national sponsor, Trek Women.  Trek Women, a strong supporter of a variety of women’s events, is pleased to expand its reach to running in 2012 with its partnership with ZOOMA. The Trek Women-ZOOMA partnership will educate women runners about the benefits of incorporating cycling into a run training program.  As part of the sponsorship, Trek Women will host parties at local bike retailers and will offer bike demos at the race venues.

“We’ve sponsored triathlons for years and decided to add some new events for 2012, including the Muscle Milk Light ZOOMA Women’s Race Series,” said Leslie Prevish, Director of Global Consumer Outreach.  “The continued growth of women and running prompted us to expand our reach to inspire more women to find fitness and fun in a variety of activities.”

 About ZOOMA:

The Muscle Milk Light ZOOMA Women’s Race Series is a national series of women’s half marathon and 5K/10K races designed to inspire women to live healthy and active lives. ZOOMA is dedicated to promoting health and fitness by providing an encouraging, inspirational, and fun environment in which to run. Organizers welcome both men and women to participate in all ZOOMA events.

Press Contact:

Maria Hennessey

SMAK Strategies        

maria@smakstrategies.com

303.859.3317

ZOOMA Annapolis Unites with Charity Partner “Team In Training”

Team In Training Named Best Charity Sports Program in Competitor’s Best of 2011 Awards

(January 4th, ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND)–ZOOMA Annapolis Half Marathon & 10K is slated for Saturday, June 2, 2012
at the patriotic Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Making the event even more notable is ZOOMA’s new charity partner–The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training (TNT).

Runners may join TNT and receive a comprehensive program that helps achieve a specific goal. With more personalized help than other local training options at clubs and gyms, runners can be a part of a powerful force of almost 500,000 participants who have raised more than $1 billion to support blood cancer research and patient services.

Those who wish to become involved can:

• Register to run as part of TNT for ZOOMA Annapolis, a fantastic Spring event.
• Speak to a live staff member by calling the National Capital Area Chapter at (703) 399-2942.
• Join TNT for one of their free team workouts. Runners can simply call to find out where the next training will be.
• Follow TNT on Facebook to learn more about specific events and to connect with participants and alumni.

About the ZOOMA Annapolis Course

ZOOMA Annapolis takes runners on a tour of one of America’s great seaside towns. Typically, runners feel a great sense of patriotism as the National Anthem is played before starting at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Out on the course, runners loop around the Maryland State House before running past the Naval Academy. Once across the challenging but beautiful Naval Academy Bridge, racers enjoy an out-and-back section that allows plenty of racer-to-racer cheers and support, as well as views of Round Bay, an inlet off the Chesapeake Bay.

In true ZOOMA style, there will be post-race live music, refreshments from Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, delicious edibles and a festive environment in which to celebrate a huge accomplishment.

Race Entry Fees

Half-Marathon 10K

Now through March 1, 2012: $85 $45

March 2 through April 19, 2012: $95 $55

April 20 through May 30, 2012 $105 $65

About ZOOMA:

The ZOOMA Women’s Race Series is dedicated to promoting health and fitness by providing an encouraging, inspirational, healthful venue in which to run. Organizers welcome both men and women to participate in all ZOOMA events. For more information, please visit http://www.zoomarun.com. 

Press Contact:

Maria Hennessey

SMAK Strategies        

maria@smakstrategies.com

303.859.3317

ZOOMA Women’s Race Series Announces Muscle Milk® Light Title Sponsorship 

(December 2^nd) –ZOOMA Women’s Race Series is a celebration of fitness, sisterhood and health. The half-marathon and 10K/5K races take place all over the country and allow goal-oriented women to come together for a challenging race followed by a well-deserved party that includes food, wine, live music and shopping amidst a well-appointed resort.

The ZOOMA Race Series is geared mainly toward women who are eager to take on a challenging goal and then luxuriate with friends or family in upscale accommodations. Many ZOOMA friendships are formed during the training process and an aura of sisterhood typically develops from participating.  Another unique amenity of the ZOOMA race series is the commemorative jewelry that each finisher receives upon completion of the race.

The 2012 races will be held in Austin, TX, Annapolis, MD, Atlanta, GA, Lake Geneva, WI (outside Chicago and Milwaukee) and Cape Cod (Falmouth), MA. ZOOMA Women’s Race Series partners with a charity in each city. ZOOMA is partnered with The American Cancer Society’s DetermiNation endurance program for three races in 2012.

 ZOOMA’s mission is to encourage women to live rewarding, healthy lives and is pleased to announce their new, three-year national title sponsor, Muscle Milk Light.  Muscle Milk Light Ready-to-Drink (RTD) is a protein-enhanced functional beverage that promotes recovery from exercise, lean muscle growth, and sustained energy.

Appealing to women especially, Muscle Milk Light is a delicious snacking option that is lower in calories than Genuine Muscle Milk and is sugar free, lactose free, and gluten free. Each 14-ounce RTD bottle has 20 grams of high-quality protein, complex carbohydrates, good fats, and vitamins and minerals to help power runners and assist them in recovering.

Muscle Milk co-founder Greg Pickett enthuses, “We are thrilled to be the national title sponsor of the ZOOMA Women’s Race Series and feel our affiliation is a perfect collaboration. Both organizations support health and wellness and address what athletes need. ZOOMA provides the challenging, fun venue and events; we provide the highest quality nutritional supplement that allows runners to energize and recover.”

All ZOOMA runners will receive the bottled beverage upon running through the finish line.  After that, they can celebrate at the Finish Line Expo with live music and wine.

About ZOOMA:

The ZOOMA Women’s Race Series is dedicated to promoting health and fitness by providing an encouraging, inspirational, healthful venue in which to run. Organizers welcome both men and women to participate in all ZOOMA events.

Press Contact:

Maria Hennessey

SMAK Strategies       

maria@smakstrategies.com

303.859.3317

ZOOMA Atlanta Half-Marathon and 5K Registration Open

NEW Race Day Scheduled for Sunday April 22, 2012 

(December 1st, ATLANTA, GEORGIA) – Registration is now open for the ZOOMA Atlanta Women’s Half-Marathon and 5K races, slated for April 22, 2012.  Formerly held in November, the new spring race date bodes well for those eager to stay motivated throughout the holiday season and tackle an early season goal.

The scenic event will take place at Lake Lanier Islands Resort in Buford, Georgia.  The course runs along the shoreline of the lake and finishes at the beautiful resort.  The women’s race makes for a healthful, fun and fit girl’s weekend where families, friends and spouses are welcome to cheer and celebrate at the finish line.

ZOOMA’s mission is to encourage women to live full, healthy lives and is pleased to announce their new national title sponsor, Muscle Milk Light.  Muscle Milk Ready-to-Drink (RTD) is a protein-enhanced functional beverage that promotes recovery from exercise, lean muscle growth, and sustained energy.  All runners will receive the bottled refreshment after zooming through the finish line.

ZOOMA Atlanta runners can expect complimentary training programs, water and Ultima electrolyte drink along the course, GU Energy Gels and plenty of refreshments at the spirited finish line.  Wine from Barefoot Wine & Bubbly will be served at the After Party Expo where live music will add to the festive environment.  All runners will be rewarded with a commemorative gift from race organizers.

ZOOMA Registration

Save dollars for holiday shopping and sign up prior to January 29^th.

Now through January 29^th:

$75 (half) $35 (5K)

January 30-March 18^th:

$85 (half) $45 (5K)

March 19-April 21:

$95 (half) $55 (5K)

About ZOOMA:

The ZOOMA Women’s Race Series is dedicated to promoting health and fitness by providing an encouraging, inspirational, healthful venue in which to run. Organizers welcome both men and women to participate in all ZOOMA events. For more information, please visit http://www.zoomarun.com. 

NOVEMBER 16, 2011

Contact: Michelle Graham 512.657.0090

michelle@bounceaustin.com

ZOOMA Women’s Race Series Announces Return to Bastrop for 2012 Event

AUSTIN, Texas (NOVEMBER 16, 2011) –The  ZOOMA Women’s Race Series will return to central Texas Saturday, March 31, 2012 for the 4^th Annual ZOOMA Texas Half Marathon and 5K. Like years past, the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa in Bastrop will host the ultimate girl’s weekend for health, fitness and fun.

“The Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa has been such a beautiful venue and wonderful host for ZOOMA,” said Brae Blackley, executive director for ZOOMA Women’s Race Series. “We were saddened to hear about the wildfires in this area, but knew immediately that we wanted to return to the Hyatt. We are thrilled to be a small part of Bastrop’s rebuilding efforts and are excited to welcome everyone back to this beautiful community.”

 Earlier this year, more than 2,000 central Texans gathered to enjoy ZOOMA’s scenic course and unique post-run/walk expo featuring champagne, shopping, live music and spa treatments. A sell-out field of 2,500 participants is expected this year at Hyatt Lost Pines for pampering amenities and exciting entertainment.

 “While the Bastrop county wildfires were certainly devastating to this community, the spirit of the citizens of Bastrop remains resilient. Bastrop is open for business, including its many charming restaurants, shops and art galleries. The most effective way to support this community is to come and visit. ZOOMA’s continued support of the Bastrop community is greatly impactful and deeply appreciated. We anxiously look forward to another great event this year at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa,” said Kim Britton, director of sales and marketing of Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa.

ZOOMA will also partner with The American Cancer Society’s DetermiNation program to help empower and inspire participants in the fight against cancer. DetermiNation is the 2012 ZOOMA Texas Half Marathon’s official non-profit partner. As such, many participants will fundraise for the American Cancer Society and DertimiNation will provide access to professional training, an unparalleled community of support, and inspiration every step of the way.

Online registration for the ZOOMA Texas Half Marathon and 5K is now available at www.zoomarun.com. Registration prices are $75 for the half marathon and $35 for the 5K and include access to the after-party expo, bib and runner packet with a technical, women’s fit race tee and gifts from ZOOMA Texas sponsors. Half marathon finishers will also receive a commemorative finishers’ gift.

The ZOOMA Texas Half Marathon and 5K courses will start and finish at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa, and special room rates are available on a first-come first-serve basis. For more information and to register for the race, please visit www.zoomarun.com 

About ZOOMA Race Series

ZOOMA Women’s Race Series is a national series of women’s half marathon series designed to inspire women to lead healthy and active lives. ZOOMA events have a unique “girls weekend” atmosphere and are located at upscale resorts and destinations around the U.S. ZOOMAparticipants enjoy a host of free luxuries, including online training programs, an unprecedented race day experience and a unique ZOOMA After-Party Expo complete with shopping, massages, wine tastings, lunch, live music and much more. For more information about ZOOMA Women’s Race Series, visit www.zoomarun.com.

About Hyatt Regency Lost Pines

Situated along the banks of the Lower Colorado River just outside Austin, Texas, Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa features 491 guest rooms, more than 60,000 square feet of indoor meeting space and over 230,000 square feet of outdoor function space including a pavilion and amphitheater.  The resort offers guests a true, luxurious wilderness escape located on over 400 acres of diverse Texas terrain adjoining the 1,100-acre McKinney Roughs Nature Park.  Amenities include Wolfdancer (an Arthur Hills-designed 18-hole golf course), Spa Django, Wild Hare Youth Spa and Renegade Trailhead equestrian facility.  In addition to golf and horseback riding, guests can enjoy floating down the Crooked River, hiking along 18 miles of trails, kayaking and rafting on the Colorado River, archery, trap shooting, visits with the resort’s animal mascots and nightly s’mores roasts at one of the outdoor fire pits.  The resort features weekly live music and boasts seven on-site dining options offering everything from a light snack to a fine dining experience. For reservations or information contact Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa at 512-308-1234 or visit us at www.lostpines.hyatt.com.

# # #

Germain (L) with her mentor Tricia

Germain, age 37

Why did you apply to the H-E-B ZOOMA Texas Girlfriends Program? I have always admired people that could run. I was inspired by my friend and co-worker, Melissa, who also began to encourage me to try running and sent me the link to apply. I have never done anything like this and I wanted to do this for me.

 Which race distance are you training for? 5k

What’s your proudest accomplishment so far? The first time I ever ran 2 minutes straight. I have never been an athletic person and in the past when I have tried to run I didn’t even last a minute. The first time I made it to 2 minutes was huge for me.

 How has the program helped you? I have developed an exercise routine. Even though I fight myself sometimes not wanting to go, I do it. I think knowing that I have a support system of great motivators helps a lot too!

 What’s your favorite thing found in H-E-B’s Healthy Living Section? I love peanut butter…finding the freshly ground natural peanut butter was awesome! A very yummy snack.

What are your biggest challenges during training and how do you overcome them? I am having a hard time pacing myself. I start off hard and become exhausted too fast. I want so badly to be able to run the entire time. I basically have to remind myself that regardless if I can run the entire 5k, I can run. Be it 2 minutes straight or 30 minutes straight. I was a couch potato. I no longer have that title.

What are you most looking forward to on race day? Being able to complete the race and prove to myself that I can do something that I put my mind too. I am worth it. Also, to experience the ZOOMA buzz…I remember the kick off. All those ladies with a common goal. All of the motivation and excitement. It was great!

 What are your goals after ZOOMA? I want to continue to try and further my running. I know that I can do it. I don’t want to go back to being that couch potato.

Thank you H-E-B for making this program possible.

The dynamic duo before they tackle six miles.

Sixteen weeks ago, 25 women gathered at BettySport in Austin with one thing on their mind: running. Ten of the women were experienced runners and were there to help guide and inspire the 15 women who were either beginning or getting-back-to-it runners. They were all part of the first H-E-B ZOOMA Texas Girlfriends Program, which pairs mentors and mentees–a few of the mentors are lucky enough to oversee two mentees–and gives both groups the tools for a happy, healthy training experience. Not only do they run together every Saturday, but they’ve had a group tour, led by a dietician, to a local H-E-B store; they’ve downward dogged to learn how yoga can unkink running muscles; they were pampered with massages on the kickoff night; and they’ll tour the ZOOMA course so they’ll be intimately familiar with what they’ll encounter on race day. (10 pairs will run the half-marathon, and five are taking on the 5K.)

Tricia Minnick, the program’s organizer, paired up the ladies. “I paired mothers up with mothers because I really wanted our mentees to see that it is possible to juggle kids and running,” she says, “There were a few ladies that wanted to lose weight, so I paired them up with some of our mentors that have been successful at that.” Here’s a look at one of the pairs: Mentor Kathie Gabriel, 63 years old, a realtor, mother of three and grandmother of two, and Mentee Laura Kelly, 59 years old, a pharmacist and mother of two.

Roots of Running
Kathie: I’ve been  running officially since early 2004, when my daughter and I decided to do a triathlon together. While the swimming and cycling came comfortably to me, I always disliked running. Now it is my favorite of the three disciplines. Since then, I’ve done many half marathons, two marathons, several 5Ks and a handful of 10Ks.

Getting ready to rumble--or at least run--at BettySport.

Laura: I originally started running as a way to lose weight, but I have one of those personalities that just keeps pushing forward, long after my body has told me to stop. My last injury was a femur stress fracture, the second one in two years. I spent a lot of time depressed and inactive, and the weight was beginning to creep up again. I even thought about not running again, using my age and injuries as an excuse. However, I do love following blogs and reading about others who run. The stories I read got me curious and excited about my possibilities. When I read about having built-in support and a plan of action that the ZOOMA HEB Girlfriends program has, I knew I would love it.

Most Rewarding Run
Laura: Each run is more rewarding than the last one, because I learn something each time. That said, our six-mile run yesterday was great. It was a gorgeous Austin afternoon, and Kathie and I met down by the Town Lake Trail. Even though it was a difficult run, I can tell I’m getting stronger. We experimented with a run/walk, and as a result, our time was faster than normal. I’m discovering my body is currently more capable of a run/walk, not just straight running. Kathie has been very supportive of that.

The Girlfriends group, after getting their ohm on.

It Takes Two
Laura: Kathie has been awesome. We email almost daily and do most of the runs together. I have lots of friends who run, but this is different. She supports me, yet pushes me. Just having her to run with is a great motivator, but she takes it a step beyond. She’s shared books, articles, and even clothing! I have bombarded her with a million questions, and she patiently has answered every one of them. We’ve discussed almost everything while running. You all know how close you get to a running buddy.

Kathie: Laura motivates me as much as I hope I motivate her. She is dedicated to the training, a strong runner, and I have enjoyed getting to know her!

Half-Marathon Goals
Kathie: Our goal is to run a comfortable, fun race. We may shoot for a time goal, but that would be a bonus to simply having a strong run, no matter the pace.

A Bit of Advice
Kathie: I suppose the obvious thing to offer up is you are never too old to start running. Don’t worry about the pace—or perceived fitness—of others; run for yourself. Be consistent, take it slow and easy, one mile at a time, and enjoy the journey. Be proud of your accomplishments.

Down the Road
Laura: I hope to keep running, without injuries, on a regular basis. My next goal will be to do some speed work to get faster. Honestly, I would love to do a marathon some day. Maybe next year, when I’m 60. I’m nervous about putting that down on paper because it makes it real. Nevertheless, it’s a goal.

Darlene Baltimore, age 38.

Running the: half-marathon; her second ZOOMA half.

Running gives me: my “me time.”  it’s just me and God out on the pavement, getting it in. I’m able to clear my mind and meditate.

Consider yourself warned: running is totally addictive. Once you’ve caught the runner’s bug, you will find yourself obsessed with anything about running.

Loving the long run: I consider myself an endurance runner. The marathon is my favorite because it tests me physically, mentally, and spiritually. It builds character and confidence both on and off the pavement.

Three words that describe my running: running to BQ [Boston Qualifier].

Goal for ZOOMA: not to set a new PR, but to encourage and motivate all the runners along the route. I want to make it a memorable experience so that they sign up for a ZOOMA race in another city and/or come back to run ZOOMA Atlanta next year.

Rhonda Cagle, age 40.

Running the: half-marathon, her fifth this year.

Coach Rhonda: since I’ve been a volunteer cross country coach at my kids’ elementary school, I’ve taken my dedication to running to the next level. When I’m feeling tired or considering cutting my run short, I think of the 55 kids on my team and how I want to be the best example I can be for them. I need to be a strong runner for them—and I want to be able to keep up with them! 

Run happy: the word happiness seems like a good way to summarize what I’m left with when all the negatives (stress, worry, flab) have disappeared after a good run.

Off the beaten path: I’m a trail runner at heart. I love being on a natural path, appreciating the beauty of the woods, jumping over logs, getting dirty. Trail running is infinitely more difficult than road running, and I like that challenge.

Three words that describe my running: dedication, motivation, endurance.  

Goal for ZOOMA: a new Personal Record (PR), and finish as close to 2:00 to 2:15 as possible, but mostly I’m looking forward to the camaraderie of running with friends and family. 

Leslie Cash (+ piglet), age 31.

Running the: 5K. I’m due on March 15^th with my first child so I’m hoping to be ready to at least get out there for the 5K. 

A natural: My middle school PE teacher thought I would be good at running after seeing me run the mile.  I decided to join the track team that year and have been running ever since.

Fave run: I really love any workout that pushes me out of my comfort zone. That may be a tempo run, a track workout, or hills. The feeling of accomplishment afterwards is so sweet!

I can’t run without my: technical running socks.

Three words that describe my running: two decades long.

Goal for ZOOMA: complete the 5K. It may be slow but I’m looking forward to finishing!

Katie Coakley, age 24.

 Running the: half-marathon, her first.

No ball required: After my last high school soccer game, I needed a way to stay in shape so I started running. As an outside midfielder, I already had a lot of experience running, so it was an easy transition. 

It’s all good: I love everything about running—though I do dread the amount of extra laundry that seems to plague runners. 

Fave place to run: The trail around Freeman Lake in my hometown, Elizabethtown, Kentucky.  It was my first route and will always be near and dear to my heart.

I can’t run without my: iPod!  If there’s anything I love as much as running, it’s music.  

Three words that describe my running: gratifying, exciting, and consistent.

Goal for ZOOMA: 1:28.

Maddie Lavin, 21 years old.

Running the: half-marathon, her second ZOOMA half.

Ball required (kind of): I wanted to play basketball in high school and there was a cut-off time for the mile run. I started running to be sure I could run that pace, and ran my first 5K that same year. I have been running ever since.

Flexing mental muscle: Running makes me tougher. Each day that I can push myself further or harder than the last makes me stronger and more confident.

Keeping it fresh: I love running on any new route. A 5 mile run can feel like a 2.5 mile run when the terrain and scenery is new.

Three words that describe my running: getting better everyday. 

Goal for ZOOMA: To break 2 hours and 10 minutes and have fun while doing it.

Stephanie Levin, 30 years old.

Running the: half-marathon, her fourth ZOOMA Atlanta and sixth half.  

A three-fer: Running has motivated me to work towards personal goals. It has also reconnected me to friends from my past and allowed me to make some really great new friends.

No snoozing allowed: I hate getting out of bed early to run when it freezing outside. But I’m so glad I did it when the run is over!

Fave route: In neighborhoods with beautiful houses to look at along the way. My running group tries to create routes all over the city, which has allowed me to find places I never would have known existed.

Fave workout: Any run with my girlfriends! We always have a great time and motivate each other! As long as they are there, I feel like I can keep going. 

Three words that describe my running: evolving, improving, and empowering.

Goal for ZOOMA: 2 hours 15 minutes. I’d really like to maintain a 10min/mile pace.

Allie Schellhammer, 30 years old.

Running the: half-marathon, her favorite distance to race.

Father knows best: when I started middle school, my dad told me I had to choose a sport. Naturally, I chose the sport he participated in: running. Ever since 6^th grade, I’ve been passionate about the sport. I’ve had ups and downs in my running career but the awesome thing is that running can never leave you; it is one of the easiest sports to participate in and that’s what I love about it!

Keeping it real: I have a lot of expectations for my running career so I dread not living up to them when I race. Thankfully, my girls are teaching me that things like that don’t really matter!

Fave workout: I love hill repeats because you can feel the benefits of the workout pretty quickly—and you only need to do 10 or less of them to get in a quality but quick workout. Thankfully, there is an abundance of hills in Atlanta!

Three words that describe my running: dependent on children. (Ha! But it’s so true. My runs are centered around them: will I get a run in today? If so, will it be with the stroller or by myself? I can’t complain though; I know this stage of my running career will seem too short once it’s over!)

Goal for ZOOMA: to encounter a lot of inspiring women and do my best to encourage them along the way!

Heather Shoemaker, 26 years old.

Running the: half-marathon.

Running is: my sanity. It gives me peace of mind.  

The thing I dread most about running is: the end.  

Fave workout:  A nice, easy 9-14 mile run. To me, that’s long enough to get into the mode of running and relax, but not so long that I start to get mentally tired. When I have my druthers, it’s the cornerstone of my day.

Three words that describe my running: time for transition.

Goal for ZOOMA: have fun! And make sure everyone else remembers that is the whole point, too.

We ended Friday night’s group yoga session, led by Jenn at Mind Body Yoga, by reflecting inward and offering up gratitude to our bodies during the final relaxation pose. We have a lot to be grateful for, we are half way through our H-E-B ZOOMA Texas Girlfriends Program training cycle and our group is still intact. The ladies are knocking the miles out and learning how to listen to their bodies and respect them when they need extra rest or attention.

Our session reminded us how important it is to take care of ourselves. As women, we often put others needs before our own, but like Jenn so eloquently stated: “if you take care of yourself you are so much more able to take care of others.” Yoga was a great way for us to give our body a little TLC. Jenn led our group in a beginners class where we worked mainly on flexibility and relaxation. We went into the session feeling tight and tired from 8 weeks of training, and left feeling refreshed and re-energized. The ladies are looking forward to incorporating yoga into their training more often.

Thank you Mind Body Yoga!

You can find out more about the benefits of yoga by visiting MindBodyYogaAustin.com or following Jenn on Twitter @JennYogaTherapy.

 Thank you H-E-B for the making this program possible.