Daily Inspiration: Meet Zoilabella Calo Amiot

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zoilabella Calo Amiot.

Hi Zoilabella, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My story begins about 11 years ago when I suffered a back injury. The doctors had told me that I needed back surgery.

Having an operation was not a decision I was comfortable with. I loved doing Zumba workouts but I quickly had to change gears. Talking with some friends of mine who were in the Physical Therapy industry suggested that I start rehabilitation by walking. Being from NYC that actually came naturally to me. I just hadn’t done much walking in AZ as that isn’t what you do. You get around in a car. Lucky for me, the timing was everything. The former company I worked for was introducing a wellness program for all employees and with this program, they offered us a pedometer. I started walking every evening. I started with 1 mile, then 2 miles, then 3 miles, and by the time I knew it I was a walking fool up and down my neighborhood…. lol. I love to walk!

I walked so much, I wanted more. Within 2 years of my back injury, I completed my 1st Half Marathon with a walking/running combination. Naturally, hiking was the next thing to conquer. We have some amazing hiking trails here. I met up with a few friends and that started my hiking adventures. Hiking would lead me to trail running. This is where I feel so free!!!!!! Fast fast forward and I have accomplished so many of my adventure goals. I say adventure goals because at the end of the day my goals are met so that I may feel healthy and strong. For me, that is accomplished with adventures not just running goals. I have been able to hike the tallest summit in Arizona, complete a 50-mile trail race for my 50th birthday, and complete several Triathlons and there is still so much more I would like to accomplish in this adventure arena of mine. I met Maria, founder of Latinos Run, back in 2019 via social media. I was scrolling thru IG and saw a post about how she was traveling to all 50 states and doing these Pop Up running events to bring health and wellness awareness to the Latino Community. I was so impressed and happy that there was someone like me out there doing something so positive for our community. I immediately reached out to her and asked if she would be headed to Arizona. She said Yes….. Flagstaff!!!!

Ok, now there is nothing wrong with Flagstaff but I knew that there were many Latinos right here in Phoenix that needed to know about this running group and its mission. I knew I wanted to be the one to help spread the word here, so I told her to come to Phoenix instead. That worked out in our favor. 4 days later I had put together a pop-up run with the help of my local running store and we had runners join us from all over the city. It was beautiful! I have been an ambassador for Latinos Run ever since. It is an honor to be part of Latinos Run and be a voice for our community. If I inspire one person to get off their couch or try a new adventure they never imagined they would do, that is what brings me joy and fulfillment in the work I do.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. Putting yourself out there for your community can be very intimidating. When I 1st started going to races wearing my Latinos Run shirt, I saw people look at me.

I knew they were wondering who I was and why I was wearing a shirt that read Latinos Run. Did I care, No! I knew that if one Latino was out there running and they saw me representing they too would feel proud to be a Latino in the running community.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In simple words… I am a “connector”. My passion lies in helping people find the resources they need to live healthier, happy life. I am an extrovert who loves to talk to people and bring them together.

I have been fortunate to work in the Healthcare industry where wellness is a top priority and helping people achieve wellness is at the forefront. I recently switched careers but am still in the healthcare industry. My responsibility to our community is to provide them with all the necessary information they need to make the right healthcare decisions for them and their families.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I really do not consider myself a risk-taker. However, I think this last career move felt like a risk to me. I grew up having major responsibilities in the family. My mom was a single mom with 3 kids living in NY and I quickly learned what it was to have responsibilities and take care of the family.

Practically every move I have made in my life has been planned for fear of losing control. For me being a risk-taker meant the possibility of losing control. Something I was not willing to do until now. I am glad I took this risk of making a career move and have no regrets.

Contact Info:

• Website: Latinosrun.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/latinosrunarizona
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/latinosrunarizona