Tamar Garcia, LIFEAID National Events Manager

We may be biased, but at LIFEAID, we really do have some of the best people on our team and Tamar is no exception. If you saw us at Wodapalooza in Miami earlier this year, she was the fearless leader behind that activation. While her role has (temporarily) shifted due to events being cancelled in 2020, she’s ready to bring you memorable LIFEAID experiences in 2021 and beyond.
What brought you to LIFEAID and describe your role with the team.

I first heard of LIFEAID through a friend of mine who was a yoga instructor at the time and also worked in the marketing world. She was hooked on a drink called FITAID, that she swore helped her achy muscles, so I gave it a try and was hooked.
I had graduated college with a double major in Political Science and Communications and had worked for an attorney, took my LSATS and realized that that wasn’t the route I wanted to take. Everything happens for a reason because as I made the big decision not to attend law school that same week that very friend that hooked me onto FITAID saw a job posting looking for a part time brand ambassador… and the rest was history.
I graduated from part time brand ambassador to running all the National Events for LIFEAID.

What has been the biggest thing you’ve learned from your time on the team so far?

I may or may not get in trouble for this one.. but how does the saying go “It’s better to beg for forgiveness than to ask for permission.”  Obviously everything within reason, but if I have a good idea I’ve learned to trust my gut and go for it because it ends up being a good one.

If you can only choose one, what would you say your favorite event/memory has been so far?

This one is tough, there are SO many fond memories with the LIFEAID team. The retreats may be some of the best memories I’ll ever have, there’s just something about being in a secluded area with all of your colleagues that will really just stay with you. “The first rule of LIFEAID retreats: you don’t talk about the retreats” lol

Another great memory I had was executing my first national event, which happened to be in Miami. I’d never been to the event, nor Miami so I had no clue what to expect. The event itself was a great memory, but working with the team behind the scenes was by far the best. Everyone offered their advice, the do’s and don’ts, their expertise and if it hadn’t been for everyone who helped me plan, it truly wouldn’t have been as successful as it was.

How has your role shifted in 2020 and what is one skill you learned that you’re grateful for?

2020 was quite a strange year, to say the least. My role shifted drastically, in the sense that all the events that we had planned and were excited for got cancelled but this is the beauty of marketing; things are never set in stone, and you just have to roll with the punches. Because of 2020 I was able to learn a little about almost every position within the company, and with that my ability to adapt very quickly.

What is your favorite LIFEAID product and why?

FOCUSAID is by far my favorite product. I am a huge yerba mate fan and would drink the tea all the time so finding out that I could drink Yerba Mate AND get vitamins at the same time was a huge win.

Outside of work, you play in a Mariachi band. How long have you been doing that and what is your motivation?

My mom enrolled me in my first mariachi class when I was 9 years old, and since then I haven’t looked back. Playing the violin at such a young age, you don’t realize what you really learn (besides the music). I’ve learned patience, camaraderie, discipline, strength, but most of all being passionate about something.

What do you love most about music?

I love that you can express every and any feeling through music, whether im playing some og rap to heavy metal there is something in the music that eases whatever feeling i’m feeling. When it comes to playing mariachi it’s the same. It’s an outlet to express things that can’t be said.

The people want to know about your adorable cats. Tell us about them.

I have the best fur-babies in the world. I have 2 black cats; oldest is named Ledo (pronounced LEE-DO) and the youngest is Nicolas Cage. They have the polar opposite personalities, the older being the chubby, sweet gentle cuddler and the youngest being the biggest trouble maker digging up my plants, chewing on all his toys, and eating anything he can find. I adopted them on accident, but realized no one ever comes into your life by accident.

5 Virtual Fitness Challenges to Tackle This Summer

Written by travel blogger Tiffany Ammerman 

From local 5ks to hikes in far-off, exotic destinations, many of our planned fitness challenges have been added to the list of canceled activities this year. Initially, it might be disheartening to have to remove these events from your calendar, but don’t lose hope. Many competitions and challenges are simply moving to a virtual platform so attendees don’t have to experience fitness FOMO. 

Check out these five fun, fitness-related challenges for the summer and get your fitness fix! 

  • Paddle Boarding Competition

    For those of you who are heavily involved in the sport of paddle boarding, check out this fundraising event for the World Wildlife Fund! The Panda Paddle helps to support the conservation work of WWF and is typically held in San Diego, California. The organizers of the competition stated, “While we’re sad to not be there in person with our great community of nature loving paddle enthusiasts, we’d like to recreate the friendly competition with our Virtual Paddle Competition which we can now open up to other paddle sports.”  If you’re ready to get out on the water for a good cause, sign up for the Panda Paddle HERE.

 

  •  Limitless Vertical Challenge

    This intense endurance challenge focusing on vertical gain is perfect for those who love to continuously push themselves and their physical boundaries. Starting at Level One and moving through to Level Six, you can register, log your vertical gain and attempt to get yourself to “Double Everest”. Run Steep tells us, “Like other virtual races and challenges, you are in control. You get to design your course, choose your location, mix up locations each day as you like, and keep track of your progress through the week. Keep us updated each day and #ShareYourSummit as you trek toward the next level.” Ready to put some elevation gain under your belt? Click HERE to get more info on the Limitless Vertical Challenge. 

  •  Virtual Marathon

    Offering a 10k, half marathon, 30k and a full marathon option, this virtual race benefitting Blueprints of Love will have you running for a good cause in no time. This virtual race not only facilitates your marathon but it also helps to train and encourage you during the process. If you want to help out a great cause and get in some fitness, check out the virtual race with lots of options HERE

  • Camino de Santiago Virtual Pilgrimage

    The ancient 480 mile pilgrimage located in Spain beckons many people of all walks of life and all fitness levels. Unfortunately, the Camino has closed for the year but that doesn’t mean you can’t create your own hiking challenge in your own hometown. Each time you log your miles, it inches you across the map and lets you see, virtually, what you would be seeing if you were on this legendary trail using Google Street View. You’ll also receive virtual postcards which give more information about each location you reach on the trail. This pilgrimage is meant to be an intensely personal experience for each pilgrim so not only is it a fitness challenge but it also serves as  a mental journey. Start your Camino today by clicking HERE

  • Swim the Distance

    Whether it’s in the local lake or your own backyard pool, this swimming challenge will have you clocking some serious distance. After you register, you choose your distance and you have the month to document and complete your challenge. This virtual competition is perfect for those who are looking for some virtual fitness motivation. Clock your miles HERE

C O N C L U S I O N

Whether you’re supporting a fundraiser or attempting to push your own physical boundaries, these virtual fitness challenges will have you motivated and staying fit during a time of many competition cancellations. These challenges are perfect for both beginners who are just getting started on their fitness journey as well as professional athletes who are looking for another sport to add to their repertoire. Join the league of other virtual athletes and start working towards your goal today! 

Cover photo courtesy of @the_goodish_traveler
Additional images courtesy of @pandapaddle and @aravaiparunning


 

About the Author:
Georgia native Tiffany Ammerman is the thru-hiker and CrossFitter behind the travel blog The Goodish Traveler. She spends the majority of her time traveling, eating sushi and searching for hiking trails. When she’s not blogging, Ammerman can be found training at CrossFit LaGrange and teaching art to kids.

You can follow her adventures on Instagram: @the_goodish_traveler or her website: TheGoodishTraveler.com

 


> > > Stay well.

Official FITAID Calendar of Events for the 2019 Reebok CrossFit Games

Don’t miss any of the exciting FITAID events, giveaways, Meet and Greets, demos, competitions (including the One Ton Challenge) & more—all happening throughout the 2019 CrossFit Games (July 31-Aug. 4).

Check out the FITAID events calendar below for more information, and stop by our FITAID booth on Sponsor Row at the Games.

Plus, don’t forget to snag your FITAID After-Party tickets now, they’re going to sell out FAST.

See you in Madison!

________________________________________
________________________________________

 

Get your After-Party tickets at:
LIFEAIDBevCo.com/AfterParty