Week 4 Recap – First Long Runs, Yoga in the Park & Race Excitement
- joy stalteri
- Apr 16, 2025
- 5 min read
Four weeks into our pilot program — already halfway through! — Juniper Kyz is blossoming into a space of support, challenge, and joy. From early morning runs to serene yoga sessions, Week 4 marked a turning point in confidence and endurance for many of our participants.
Pushing New Limits
We held four in-person trainings this week:
Two morning runs where we warmed up, ran for about 40 minutes using intervals, then cooled down and shared snacks like dates and nuts.
One evening run with the same structure for those with early classes.
A special Saturday session that started earlier than usual so we could fit in a longer run for our intermediate level runners: 15 minutes straight, 3-minute walk, followed by a 12-minute run.
For many participants, this was their first time running more than 5 minutes without stopping. It was a huge achievement!
After the run, we laid out our yoga mats on the grass in a local park, where we enjoyed a peaceful outdoor session led by Arina Raeva, @arina_yogaom, a yoga teacher from Sattva Yoga Bishkek. The weather was perfect—25 degrees and sunny. We ended with water and snacks, relaxing in the sun and soaking up the moment.
Big News: Run the Silk Road!
We're thrilled to announce that three of our participants—Ariana Attokurova, Ainura Nusubalieva, and Aliya Abdymitalipova—have been awarded free entries to the 10K at the Run the Silk Road race in Issyk-Kul on May 3, thanks to our partners at Run the Silk Road!
Juniper Kyz will cover all other costs (meals, water, accommodation) thanks to generous donations from our GoFundMe community.
In addition, 5 other participants will travel with us to run the 10K as well. It will be all of their first time attending an international race. Our coaches and team members will also participate in different distances ranging from 10K to the full marathon.
Nutrition & Education
This week’s online nutrition session was led by co-founder Nargiza and focused on building healthy, sustainable habits through practical tools and thoughtful reflection. Topics included the importance of sleep and how it works hand-in-hand with nutrition, what to eat before and after workouts to best support the body, and how hydration plays a key role in performance and recovery.
Nargiza also addressed common seasonal vitamin deficiencies and shared tips to make eating healthy easier, like preparing snacks in advance or letting your family know about your goals. To top it off, she shared a recipe book filled with simple, nourishing, and delicious meals to keep everyone inspired.
Looking Ahead: Trail Adventures & Leadership in Action
In Week 5, we’ll continue our regular group training sessions. Instead of our usual Saturday practice, we’ll head out early Sunday morning for our first trail run behind the hills in Bishkek—a new and exciting experience for many girls.
We also have three educational sessions planned, which we’ll recap in next week’s blog.
Participant Spotlight: Aijarkyn, Alina, Aidana & Ariana
“We started running together with Juniper Kyz just four weeks ago. I’ve already started to feel more confident. I’m no longer ashamed—I can hear myself, and I’m proud of who I am. It’s not just about training anymore. Now it’s about support, friendship, and shared growth. Sometimes it's not just about movement—it’s about listening to your own body and your own heart. Thank you to the Juniper Kyz team, the trainers, and the girls for your support, strength, and friendship. This is more than just sport.”
— Aijarkyn Taalaibekova, Juniper Kyz participant
“When I first joined Juniper Kyz, I just wanted to run. I thought, ‘Running is about health, about staying in shape.’ But after just a couple of weeks, I realized that this program is about so much more. It changed the way I see myself—and the way I see running. I learned how to set goals and move toward them in small but confident steps. I started running longer and longer, and faster too. That brought me so much joy. At every session, we didn’t just talk about training—we learned how to understand ourselves. I truly felt support and that I was part of a team, part of a circle of my own. I still remember the first time I ran 7 kilometers. For someone else, it might not seem like a big deal—but for me, it was proof: I can do this. Now, I’m not just running. I’m gaining strength and calm. And I’m endlessly grateful to the Juniper Kyz team and everyone who makes this program feel so supportive and strong.”
— Alina Razykova, Juniper Kyz participant
“Before I discovered the running program, I was in a state of apathy and confusion. After quitting my job, everything felt uncertain—I had no clear direction or purpose. But once I joined the program, things started to shift—and most importantly, for the better. First, my mind cleared up. I started thinking more actively, more clearly. My productivity returned. I felt a renewed sense of purpose and focus. Instead of procrastination, I was moving. Instead of anxiety, I had clarity. And with that came joy—real joy—back into my daily life. Second, my body started to transform. I could feel how it was filling up with energy day by day, getting stronger and more resilient. My muscles toned up, and I began to see the shape I had always wanted. I genuinely enjoy looking at my reflection now—and that boosts my confidence in a whole new way. I also want to say how deeply supportive and caring our coaches are. They guide us on how to breathe properly, how to run efficiently, and how to truly feel our bodies in motion. That support makes the process so much easier and so much more enjoyable. And of course, the community of girls in our group—that’s something truly special. They inspire me, uplift me, and make me want to grow. With them, starting didn’t feel scary, and continuing feels natural.”
— Aidana Arzymatova, Juniper Kyz participant
"I feel great. I’ve developed such a strong desire to run that even on rest days, I go out and run on my own. And every time, I feel proud of the kilometers I’ve covered."
— Ariana Attokurova, Juniper Kyz participant
Thank you for following our journey—your support means the world to us. We can’t wait to share what’s next!
Stay updated on our progress at @juniper_kyz 💙🚀
Comments