A Happy, Healthy New Year

Meet running guru Danny Dreyer, yoga instructor Kathie Billing, and cycling tour leader Kimberly Masters in our latest issue. Photographs by Jennifer Haynes A Happy, Healthy New Year We resolve to help you feel great in 2012 with tips and inspiration written By Rita Larkin & Melissa C. Smith Here at WNC, we’re pumped to announce the release of our first Health & Wellness issue. The January/February magazine is full of inspiration for nourishing your mind, body, and spirit during the New Year, including an intro to biking, running, and yoga. We’ll continue to bring you news on nutrition, holistic healing, and inspiring athletes and health professionals all year in a dedicated Health & Wellness section. Here are tips and groups to get you pedaling, dashing, and stretching your way to feeling fantastic. Find Strength in Numbers Tired of going solo? Hook up with these cycling and running clubs. Asheville Pedal Punks This casual group meets up for leisurely 10-mile rides in Asheville at 3:30 p.m. the first and third Sunday of each month (4:30 p.m. beginning in spring). Visit www.ashevillepedalpunks.blogspot.com or check the group’s Facebook page to confirm rides. Hickory Velo Club Beginning the week of March 11 and continuing through mid-October, this cycling club gathers for rides at 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Rock n Road Bicycles in Hickory. Year-round rides begin at 1:30 p.m. Sundays. Memberships available. www.hickoryveloclub.com Highlands Roadrunners Club The Roadrunners meet at 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday during the winter and at 9 a.m. Saturdays at Town Hall for longer runs. Members range from beginners to folks who’ve conquered the Boston Marathon. Visitors are welcome. www.main.nc.us/hrc Tryon Running Club Runners and walkers can train for races or for fun with this group that practices in Tryon, Saluda, Columbus, and Landrum, South Carolina. Hook up with them to get ready for the Warrior Drive 5 Mile on March 17. Group strides take place on Saturdays at varying locations. www.tryonrunners.blogspot.com Love the mountains, but hate running up them? Danny Dreyer, founder of ChiLiving, which promotes a pain-free technique for walking and running, offers this hill-conquering method. Tackling a hill without expending all your energy is called e-chi. Shorten your stride, but maintain your cadence. Make sure your arms swing straight ahead, not across your chest. Let your eyes draw your energy forward by concentrating your gaze on an object at the top of the incline. “Pretend it’s the most attractive thing in the world, whether it’s a fire hydrant, streetlight, or Volkswagen,” says Dreyer. Focus is the key. Stretching Your Dollars The going rate for a yoga class is $10 to $15, but many studios offer donation-based or discounted classes. Here are a few that are easy on the wallet. • The Asheville Community Yoga Center offers many classes, all of which are by donation. www.ashevillecommunityyoga.com • Heart Center Yoga in Hickory lets you wind down after a busy week for $6 with the Yoga Oasis class, held Friday from 5:30-6:45 p.m. www.heartcenter-yoga.com • Neighborhood Yoga in Boone offers a donation-based, mixed-level class from noon to 1 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. www.neighborhoodyoga.net • Three for Free: At Asheville Yoga Center, Brightwater Yoga in Hendersonville, and Sylva Yoga, your first class is free. Visit www.wncmagazine.com for more on breaking into cycling, running, and yoga.