Funny thing about physical activity: as kids we called it “play.” Then we grow up and it’s exercise. And a chore.
So, Christina Wilhelm doesn’t—necessarily—want you to think about ‘Zoom Bachs’ in a quantitative way, the potential to improve your numbers. Rather, focus on the qualitative qualities of fun and joy. And, hey, learning about music from the maestro.
“It’s a community within a community,” said Wilhelm. One that’s been together since August, 2020. Participants may come and go and come back again, a reflection of the area’s winter visitor population. But, other than great music and friends, there are other things Zoom Bachers can count on. Smiles, being in nature, the courtyard of Patagonia’s Benderly-Kendall Opera House, moving at their own pace, no choreographed moves, and listening to the likes of Bach, Chopin and Mozart, to name a few. What’s not to like?
Zoom Bachs is not unlike the community created at Donna Brollier’s yoga classes held weekly in Patagonia and Sonoita. In these sessions, locals come together looking to restore body mind and body in a safe environment: Pioneer Hall in Sonoita and the Senior Center in Patagonia. The classes draw from classical Hatha and occasionally Kundalini yoga. Modifications are offered.
“When one is not focused on ‘nailing’ a pose—which implies an ego driven practice–we open the space for joy and acceptance,” Brollier said. “Therein lies the beauty and fun of a heartfelt yoga practice.”
A different iteration of “joy” might aptly describe what attracts free-spirited runners to the “triathalon of indulgence,” planned for May 3 in Patagonia. This event, combining beer, tacos and running, is being put on by Soleful Training.
“Things don’t have to be a rigid workout plan,” said Adam Boyd, the founder and CEO of Soleful Training. “Our goal at Soleful Training is to make wellness enjoyable and easy.” Throw into that mix “connection” and “community.”
So, start training now and pick your preference. Participants can choose from one of the following events, all beginning and ending at the Patagonia Lumber Co. at 295 McKeown Avenue.
• Taco Trio: run 3 miles, eat 3 tacos, drink 3 beers ($90/per person)
• Nacho Average Beer Run: run 5 miles, eat 5 tacos, drink 5 beers ($100/pp)
• Team Option: 4-member teams will run a total of 12 miles, eat 12 tacos and drink 12 beers ($360)
Race time will be 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pre-race activities are scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. on May 2 and include breathwork, cold exposure and stretching. These activities will be held at Terra Sol, 542 Harshaw Ave., Patagonia.
Post-race frivolity, May 3, will include more beer, more tacos, no running and music. To learn more/sign up visit runsignup.com/Race/AZ/Patagonia/BeerTacosandMiles
Note: For the PRT’s complete, up-to-date directory of local wellness and exercise options, click here