Every December I set core fitness goals for the upcoming year to give me something to focus on and to plan my training. I also try to calculate expected financial costs because as fellow racers know, a year’s worth of race expenses adds up quickly. In addition to my main goals, I sprinkle in smaller events throughout the year as people tell me about them.
This year there’s an additional component to my plans. Yoga. In 2018, I completed a year of dedicated training to become a certified yoga teacher in both sculpt and power styles, and in December I proudly started teaching sculpt and flow at a yoga studio called Fierce Om. Jenny, the owner/manager, has been amazingly supportive as I strive to build up my client base and become the best teacher I can be.
Bev, my life coach, told me that she foresaw 2019 as being a transitive year for me. Typically, change makes me uneasy, but for some reason, I am very excited by this prospect of life transformation, and I’m going to carry it with me and trust in the journey ahead!
The reason why I started Gal on the Go was to inspire girls and other women through my life examples, to take reasonable risks trying things outside of their comfort zones that would help them to lead healthy lives and discover what they are capable of in areas they never imagined!
Since 2014, when I entered my first race, the Virginia Spartan Super, I have learned a lot through trial and error and advice given to me by other racers. One thing you should never underestimate is the power of your mindset. Sure, physical training is essential, but your mindset can have a significant influence on your outcomes in life situations. Keeping your mindset in check when moments of uncertainty start to creep in is crucial. IF you find your head leading you down a path of doubt or negativity, I offer you these two things to help you push through …
- A mantra … Mirror, mirror on the wall, I’ll always get up after I fall. And whether I run, walk, or have to crawl, I’ll set my goals and achieve them all!
- A song (music is a great mind booster) … download and crank up DREAMER by Black Violin.
I promise that you can truly achieve anything you set your mind to combined with honest prep work. Every time during a race, defeating thoughts enter my mind at a grueling point and I have to focus hard to push them aside. I refuse to let those negative thoughts get the best of me. During those moments I tell myself STOP WITH THE SELF-SABOTAGE! I CANNOT FAIL, I WILL NOT FAIL! I may not finish exactly how I hope, BUT make no mistake, I will finish. I am naming 2019 the #yearofyou; get out there and do things that fulfill both your mind and your body!
So what’s coming up in 2019? Some cool stuff!!! Here’s a sneak peek.
YOGA EVENTS I’M LEADING
(NOTE: If you are seeking an enthusiastic yoga instructor for your event, email me at galotgo@gmail.com.)
| DATE | EVENT | LOCATION |
| January 27 (Sun.)
|
Doggy Noses + Puppy Poses: Yoga Flow Class @10:30 a.m. NOTE: Tickets SOLD OUT in two days!!! Thank you! |
Mustang Sally Brewery, Chantilly, VA
|
| February 9 (Sat.)
|
Athleta In-Store Sculpt Class @9:00 a.m. Free and open to the public.*bring your own weights |
ATHLETA, Reston, VA
|
| February 17 (Sun.)
|
New Year Transformative OmWorkshop: Nutrition + Restorative Yoga; Time: TBD | Fierce Om, Chantilly, VA
|
| ??? | ??? | ??? |
RACES I’M PARTICIPATING IN
(NOTE: If you there is a race you think I should do or you are looking for a team member email me at galotgo@gmail.com with the details.)
| DATE | EVENT | LOCATION |
| May 5 | TD Five Boro Bike Tour (40 miles) | NYC |
| August 17 | SeaWheeze Half Marathon + Yoga Festival | Vancouver, BC |
| ??? | ??? | ??? |
I don’t have any financial sponsors yet for 2019, but I hope to have some soon. I was fortunate last year to have the support of Westfields Dental, Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute, Essence of Om, and Downs and Associates Insurance. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of Gal on the Go, please email me at galotgo@gmail.com.