From the Editor: The Next Level

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I’ve been doing Corepower yoga regularly for the past three years and have just started to attend a level three class at my local studio whenever possible. The classes are offered during non-primetime hours, so I’m not able to attend as frequently as I would like. But when I do make it, I’ve really been enjoying taking my practice to another level. 

Sometimes we work on harder poses and inversions. Other times we focus on getting a certain pose down just right. One of the best things about the level three classes is that they’re small, so the instructor has a greater ability to spend quality time with each student.

When I first started doing yoga, I was totally intimidated and always set up my mat at the back of the room. No way was I going to stand by the mirror, smack dab in front of everyone else. Slowly but surely, though, I started moving my mat to the front. The reason is that I like being closer to the instructor and having a better view of myself in the mirror. Yes, that might sound vain, but often times it’s important to get a good look at yourself to see if you’re doing a pose correctly.

Trying more challenging poses, particularly inversions like headstands and funky arm balances, doesn’t scare me anymore. Every class, I welcome the opportunity to give them a try. If I fall over, so be it. If my legs won’t extend fully, whatever. It’s the newness and challenge that make yoga so much fun.

Seeking out these challenges and not being afraid to step it up on my yoga mat got me thinking about some of the articles we’re running in this month’s issue. One story is on Colorado’s own Chipotle-Slipstream professional cycling team and how they achieved their goal of qualifying for the Tour de France. Team director Jonathan Vaughters started the team in 2003 with a group of junior riders “as a hobby” to share his knowledge of cycling and inspire kids to ride. Five years later, the team has matured into an American cycling powerhouse and is headed to the biggest bike race in the world.

I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing a number of the team members and have been so impressed by their dedication and commitment to riding and racing at the highest level. They haven’t been afraid to take their riding up as many notches as needed to compete. Read my interviews with team riders at Rockymountainsports.com/talking-about-the-tour-and-more.html.

What the Tour de France is for road cycling, the Olympics is for every other sport. Home to so many amazing athletes, Colorado is once again sending an impressive number of competitors to the Summer Olympics. At press time, 24 Coloradans had qualified in their respective sports and I’m sure there are more to follow. Read about them starting on page 28. Once again, here is a group of athletes committed to training and competing at the highest level possible. It truly inspires me.

So with that, I’m off to yoga class. Wish me luck as I attempt my next goal: a one-handed handstand. JUST  KIDDING. Well, you never know ....

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