It has been a busy past couple of weeks in the homes! Nonetheless, the girls have been making the most of vacation by being active outdoors. Several of the girls have really begun to take ownership of their fitness. On the days that we do not meet to run and do exercises in the park or play basketball, Sofia, Jhoselin, Johana, Evelyn, and Adriana often take the initiative to go on their own.

 

The other weekend our small but enthusiastic group met up with F.A. Hutchison (a.k.a. Hache), a charismatic 73-year old biking fanatic to go on a bike ride to Laguna Lalay. Hache has now settled (for the time-being) in Cochabamba after seven years of biking around the globe spreading the love for getting outdoors, being active, and connecting with people. He’s as fit as a fiddle, his face tanned and weathered from years of exploring, and a twinkle in his eyes that tells you he believes in you.

Hache with Johana and Evelyn overlooking Laguna Lalay

Hache with Johana and Evelyn overlooking Laguna Lalay

Adriana, Sofia, Tía Georgia, Evelyn, and Johana

Adriana, Sofia, Tía Georgia, Evelyn, and Johana

 

Our post-bike lunch at the popular restaurant Globos (gracias to Hache) made the excursion particularly special.

Our post-bike lunch at the popular restaurant Globos (gracias to Hache) made the excursion particularly special.

In spite of biking (and me running) for several hours over the course of the morning, our cheeks were by far the sorest muscles, exhausted from all the laughing. We were short on bikes so I ran alongside and Johana and Evelyn enjoyed the “seat of honor” on the pannier rack of Hache’s bike. The girls’ excitement for biking—and our lack of bikes—sparked the idea for a campaign to raise funds to support this fitness program.

 

We have been talking a lot about setting and achieving goals during our jaunts through the park. On March 16th, I plan to run in the La Paz marathon, and the girls have set goals for the same date. Together we plan to train for the next six weeks. Through our effort we hope to raise enough money to buy five bikes for the Corazón del Pastor and proper running shoes for the runners of the group.

 

If you are passionate about this cause or have friends who love to support healthy lifestyles or empowerment of girls, please stay tuned and cheer us on!!