IVINS – With New Year’s resolutions in full swing, one of the most popular goals for 2012 is to get in better physical shape through diet and exercise. The Run Like a Girl Retreat, scheduled for the greater St. George area, Feb. 2-4, is an opportunity for women looking to exercise and enjoy a warm, girls-only getaway. “Along with putting in a few good runs and extra w
orkouts, they will get to hear from top speakers, athletes, and coaches on how to improve their game,” said Kellie Englehardt.
It’s not too late to participate in this event. Registration and expo shopping opens today from4-6 p.m., and resumes Friday from 7-9 a.m.
The Run Like a Girl Retreat, held at the Red Mountain Resort, will feature foot races, yoga and Pilates classes, and many guest speakers who specialize in running and nutrition.
“St. George is the perfect place for the Run Like a Girl Retreat because of the beautiful, iconic red-rock scenery,”
said Amy Vellinga, president of Run Like a Girl. “It’s an excellent opportunity for women to take a vacation from the cold weather, and visit some of Utah’s most beloved landmarks.”
Vellinga encourages runners of all abilities to sign up.
“The event is for those of all fitness levels,” she said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a professional or if you have just started running.”
The retreat caters to women, giving them a break from the stress of their daily lives.
“We wanted to do this because women lose themselves to their family and their spouse, often forgetting who they are,” said Vellinga.
In addition, “some women feel more comfortable attending events designed exclusively for them when it comes to fitness and weight loss,” said Vellinga, who has taught fitness classes for more than 13 years.
The Red Mountain Resort in St. George, the site of the event, is a fitness and nutrition resort located at 1275 E. Red Mountain Circle. Vellinga noted that it “is perfect for the Run Like a Girl Retreat because it meshes with [the event’s] mantra of empowering women to become better from the inside out.”
The Run Like a Girl Retreat also helps empower women by donating a portion of the proceeds to shelters for women and children. It is estimated that one in four women today are victims of domestic violence, and 50 percent of homeless women and children are fleeing abuse.
“Our goal is to empower women all around the country,” said Vellinga. “We do this through both the retreat and by contributing to shelters.”
Please visit the Run Like a Girl Retreat website for more information, registration, schedule, features of the event and video overview of what may be expected.