Week 7 Recap – Tapering, Team Bonding & Our First 10K Race in Issyk-Kul

This week marked a huge milestone for our Juniper Kyz team — we traveled to Issyk-Kul for our first official 10K race! But before lacing up our shoes, we focused on preparing our bodies and minds with our final week of training, learning the importance of tapering and team support.

Tapering for Race Day: Rest is Part of Training

As we neared race day, our participants learned about a crucial (and often overlooked) part of training: tapering. Tapering means reducing training volume in the days leading up to a race to allow the body to recover, repair, and store energy. This way, you show up on race day with fresh legs, full strength, and mental clarity. It’s not about doing more — it’s about trusting your training and letting your body peak at the right time.

Q&A Circle: Calming Race Day Nerves

Mid-week, we held a social meeting to check in, build excitement, and ease anxieties. Many of the girls had never been to Issyk-Kul or participated in an organized race, and the unknowns felt overwhelming. We answered questions, shared personal experiences, and reminded everyone: you're ready, you're not alone, and it’s okay to be nervous — that means you care.

The Issyk-Kul Adventure Begins

On Friday morning, we loaded into a van with members of the HIFE community and hit the road. Music, dancing, snacks, and karaoke filled the hours as we drove east, soaking in the energy of our (mostly) all-girls crew. When we arrived, we shared a healthy dinner, walked down to the lake, laughed under the sunset, and made some joyful content for our socials.

Race Day: Team Spirit and Personal Victories

We woke early on Saturday, ate breakfast together, and headed to the race. At the start line, we warmed up as a team, building the hype with cheers and stretches. When the race began, our girls ran with fire — pushing themselves, supporting each other, and crossing the finish line with pride. It was a celebration of courage, growth, and everything they’ve worked for.

After the race, we had a celebratory lunch, packed up from the cozy Hostel Nomads Home (thank you for hosting us!), and took a detour to the beautiful Cholpon-Ata beach for one last memory. Even on the road back to Bishkek — tired but glowing — the girls were still singing, dancing, and holding onto the joy of what we’d just accomplished.

Participant Reflections

“Everything was new — the solo trip to Issyk-Kul, the race, the people. I was excited the whole time and didn’t want it to end.”

“It was my first official race — something I’ve had written in my diary for a long time. Running with this community gave me the strength I needed.”

“I was insanely happy. A year ago, I could barely run 2–3 km. Thanks to Juniper Kyz, I ran 10K with joy and confidence.”

“The spirit of competition, unity, and beautiful nature… It was unforgettable. The support we gave each other meant everything.”

This Week’s Highlights

Participant Spotlight – Aikanysh:

“Juniper Kyz - a place where you feel love and support. Over the course of these two months, each participant in the project became like an older sister to me. With every training session, with every meeting we became closer and closer! In two months we were able to accomplish a real feat! We all ran our first 10 km. All thanks to our coaches - Lily, Joy and Salima eje! I am very grateful to them for their support, motivation and belief in us. If it weren't for them, we wouldn't have gotten together and gotten to know each other. Thanks to this project, I became more confident, joyful and more grateful! And I want to add, I like the atmosphere of our training sessions and I really don't want it all to end.”

Participant Spotlight – Medina:

“Through Juniper Kyz, I made new friends and received so much support from our mentors. I ran my first 10K and learned how to be a leader. This program helped me become a better version of myself. Thank you, Juniper Kyz.” ❤️

Looking Ahead

With our race behind us, we now look forward to winding down the program with reflection, celebration, and — of course — our final projects. We’re incredibly proud of how far each girl has come.

Stay tuned for our final weeks — and thank you for running with us!

Follow along on Instagram @juniper_kyz 💙