Learning to Run: Wacky weather

Because of some positive feedback, I think I’m going to continue my learning to run experience with short stories. I think it’s fun and I’ll make it into a novel in the end. Ok, maybe not a novel… perhaps a children’s book at best. I can draw pictures and everything. No scratch that, how about a comic book?

But in all seriousness

“The skies are grey but I can see that the clouds are slowly moving away to reveal to sun. The day’s weather has been so strange, ranging from high winds and rain with bursts of blue skies and sunshine. I lace up my purple runners in the parking lot and head to the YMCA doors.

I take a moment before entering to take a picture of the sun as it shines brightly on the horizon.

I enter the foyer and I can see our group gathering. I am not in a very good mood because of some work related complications. Sometimes children can be very difficult.

I am a little upset and keep to myself.

Tony comes up and says hi, he has made a point of remembering the correct pronunciation of my name and welcomes me with a thumbs up and a smile. This cheers me up a bit. I spot Vanessa and say hello.

We begin our run. The evening air is cool but the sun is still shining. Today’s run is 24 minutes with alternating 1 minute walk/run intervals. A slim woman with brown hair is running next to me and we begin a casual conversation. Of course the topic is running, and I discover that she has completed a ½ marathon a few years back and I share my Sun Run experiences. I tell her that I have ran the Sun Run (A 10km run in Vancouver) for the past 9 years but I look forward to the new scenery that the Road Race and PG have to offer. As we continue on our route I introduce myself to Jennifer who is one of the running volunteers. She is very friendly and we chat as we continue to run together.

By now the sun has fallen behind large looming clouds. The sky is a mischievous shade of grey and I hope to myself that it doesn’t rain.

The rain holds off until we arrive back at the Y and begin our routine stretches. I feel rejuvenated and am in a much better mood. The fresh air, exercise, and great people are making learning to run a very enjoyable experience. As we start to say our goodbyes and disperse towards the parking lot I feel icy drips of rain penetrate my shirt and cool my skin. After a few seconds it turns from icy rain into hail and large chucks begin to stick in my hair. I sprint towards my car and quickly jump inside for cover.

Perfect timing!”

As part of the running schedule we all have a homework run. 

24 mins running/walking intervals. I lucked out and today's beautiful.

Enjoy the weather!

I’ll be posting live updates and pics about my YMCA endeavours on my twitter

>htrieu64<

Lazy Day

This is how I feel today. *sigh*

Post to come about learning to run in a crazy hail storm.

Follow me on twitter for live updates and pictures

My twitter account

Boot camp 2

My second boot camp class was pretty eventful. Shaw cable was filming a commercial show casing the boot camp class. So I’m pretty much a celebrity now. Just kidding, I had a 30 second interview and there will probably be a few awkward shots of me lunging. It was awesome.

Besides the excitement of a cameraman in class, boot camp was the same as usual. SO HARD. Add trying to look cool for the camera and you’ve got one heck of an experience.

Between trying to breathe and smiling for the camera, the class went pretty quick. Faydra decided to focus on gluts, so my bum was pretty sore. But I love how the class is a full body work out as well, and I really feel that I worked every muscle in my body. The hardest part of the class for me is still the intense cardio bursts. My poor heart and lungs can’t keep up and I’m left exhausted for the weight training sessions. But I'm optimistic, I think with the cardio from the class and the running clinics, I’ll be able to get a handle on it in a few weeks.

It’s hard work getting into shape.

But hey! I think it was a little easier than last week. 

(PS there's no boot camp next week because of some reno's happening in the gym)

Perhaps I'll venture and do Lunch Crunch @ 12:10. I've heard some pretty intense things about Nancy the instructor.

Learning to Run: Week 1

What a great evening to start my first running clinic. The sun was shining and the air was brisk. It was a perfect night for a run.

I thought I would switch it up a bit and share experience via story mode. (My inspiration comes from being entranced by the first person narrative of Katniss. The Hunger games book is tres addicting.)

“I rush in a little late, and dart through the YMCA halls to the change room to get into my appropriate running attire. Already I can see the crowd of people in the YMCA foyer getting ready for their first ‘learn to run’ session of the year. I return from the change room in my black running tights, and neon blue sports tank. I enter with no shoes or jacket but quickly pull them on as I join the large group of runners.

I stand silently as the running clinic coordinator introduces herself. Her name is Carol Reimer. She is dressed in all black and explains the logistics of the running clinic. Although the runners are split into four different groups, Carol explains that for the first four weeks we train together and as we gain more stamina we will break into different groups for longer distances. Carol says that today’s run will be twenty-two minutes, with one minute of running and one minute of walking.

We all step outside into the evening sun and begin our run. For the first couple minutes I run alone. I don’t know anyone else in the clinic and am a little timid at first. As we approach an intersection I introduce myself to the women running beside me. Her name is Vanessa and she greets me warmly. We run together for the rest of the run and exchange little bits about our lives and running experiences.

Carol had said at the beginning of the run that your ability to talk comfortable should dictate your pace. So conversation was a perfect way to ensure a proper pace.

Vanessa and I talk about our goals for the 10km Road Race in June and have agreed upon under an hour. I think it will be nice to know someone that has similar goals and I hope we can keep each other motivated over the weeks.

By the end of the run I was able to meet a few more of the runners in the group. A cheery man named Tony who has made running his passion and another fellow runner who recommends a few classes at the Y for my blog. (I think interval sculpt will be my next Thursday endeavour).

The session ends with some quick stretches and off we all went as we exchanged casual goodbyes. Our next meeting will be on Thursday and I look forward it.”

Thank you for tolerating my artistic efforts. I thought a story might be fun.

My next blog will be about my second boot camp adventure… And about my TV experience!

>Come get fit with me<

Looking Cute

...

Wait until you see me after boot camp.

Pre- Learn to Run

Tomorrow I start my first ever running clinic. I`m registered in Group 2. (Can run 10km with frequent walking breaks)

However, when I was filling out the pre-running clinic survey I debated with myself about going into group 1 (can run 10km without stopping).  I think I could run 10 km without stopping… but I would run it very slowly. (Very very slowly…like turtle slow) Also I convinced myself that group 1 is the where all the best runners would be because it`s the top option for groups, and I'm not one of the best runners.

So I psyched myself out a little bit and opted for group 2. But now I`m not sure anymore. I want the running clinic to be a challenge and I want to improve my fitness, but I don`t want it to be so hard that I hate it. I`m a little conflicted about my decision. Anyways…

I guess we will just have to see how it goes tomorrow. The Running clinic runs Tuesdays and Thursday at 530pm at the YMCA. I would love to see you there!

>Learn to Run info<

Wish me luck on my running adventures.

PS. One of my life goals is to run a ½ marathon before I`m 25. I have a 1 month and a year to accomplish this. I better start lacing up my running shoes.

Fat days

A little giggle... For those inevitable fat days.

Boot Camp

I don’t even know what to say. This class was one the hardest things I’ve done in a long time.

If you want to get into great shape, spend your lunch hour with Faydra the boot camp instructor. The class is intense intervals of cardio and endurance weights instructed at three levels (level dependent on fitness. It’s kind of like choose your own adventure: boot camp style).

And when I say intense I mean sprints, burpees, push-ups, squats, lunges, plank, foot fire, and probably more… but I’m trying to forget…

It would be a challenge for anyone!

But there was a variety of different people at this class: every shape and size, young, old, male, female. It didn’t matter. It was just a great group of people looking for a great noon hour workout.

I’m so glad I did it, because it really opened my eyes to how out of shape I am… and to how in shape I want to be. So I’m going to be making it one of my goals to consistently get my butt kicked by Faydra, and I’ll let you guys keep me accountable. (I’ll be checking into the Y via Facebook every Tuesday. Make sure I go!)

I won’t lie, it was dreadfully hard and sometimes I wanted to die.

But I felt so good and proud afterwards... I guess…No pain, No gain.

For anyone who wants a challenge, join me Tuesday at 12:10pm at the YMCA fitness center.

Because the first class is always the hardest, right? (Pray for me that this is true)

Good Morning

Beacause aren't adorable kitty photos, really what the internet is all about

Pickleball & All

So I tried Pickleball last night for the first time, and oh boy, was I pleasantly surprised…

Before I attended the drop in session I thought it would be a good idea to google up ‘Pickleball’ and see what it was all about.  What I got from the search was that it was a mix of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, except more accessible to a wider range of audiences (mainly seniors and children).

So from my two minute online research of Pickleball, I kinda expected it to be a pretty easy going sport. But it actually got pretty intense and competitive. Now don’t get me wrong, it can defiantly be a more relaxing sport because it requires less running and the courts are quite small. But Pickleball requires mad skills and agility.

My fiancé and I were defiantly sweating by the end of it.

I will mention that the Pickleball crowd is a little more mature, but that won’t stop me from going again. Everyone was great and very welcoming (also very skilled at Pickleball). Next time I think I’ll invite some more friends out and get a doubles tournament going. Anyone in?

A Thought

Alright, so I’m sitting here thinking about the classes I should try at the pg ymca. I even drafted up a schedule and have myself trying a new class each week for the next 13 weeks. But then a gotta thinking, and a much better idea would be for you guys to suggest classes for me.

Because I want to be writing this blog for you guys, not me.

So if there’s ever been a class or program you’ve wanted to try but weren’t quite sure about, let me be your guinea pig. I’ll try them and share what I think, and hopefully it’ll help you make a better decision about whether it’s the fitness class for you or not.
Or another idea would be for you try the class with me, because fitness is always funner with a friend. Just a thought.

Let me know any ideas and I’ll try my best to make it to the class.

Post your ideas on our facebook (http://www.facebook.com/#!/PGYMCA) or twitter (https://twitter.com/#!/PGYMCA) and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Restorative Yoga

Yesterday I attended my first class at the Y. It was a programmed Restorative Yoga class which runs for 9 weeks at the YMCA located at 2020 Massey Drive.

Because the Yoga was a programmed class, it requires registration and an additional fee, however if you are a YMCA member the prices are considerably discounted. The Restorative Yoga cost $64 for non-members and $20 for members. Coming from Vancouver, this is a very reasonable price for Yoga, even if you are a not a member of the Y.

I have never done Restorative Yoga before, but I have a background taking many Pilates and Power Pilates classes.

Before the class started I chatted with the instructor Kimberly for a little bit. She let me know that the class was very gentle, and had a focus on breath and meditation. She asked if I had done Yoga before and I let her know my experience with Pilates. Kimberly then informed that this class may be difficult for me because it gives attention to stillness, where more conventional Yoga or Pilates classes are all about movement.

So I came in with an open mind…

Restorative Yoga on the YMCA website is described as:

“A very gentle yoga class for those new to yoga and/or those with physical limitations due to weight, illness, stress, etc. Celebrate movement through alignment in postures, flexibility training, and achieve relaxation through breathing exercises and meditation.”

I would say this description hits it right on the spot, with a key emphasis on ‘very gentle’ and ‘relaxation’. I would defiantly recommend this class to those who are recovering from a minor injury or who feel they have some other limitation, and are hoping to build up there flexibility in a relaxed and gentle way.

There was a variety of equipment needed which aided in making the Yoga postures as relaxed as possible. All the postures and poses were very relaxed and soft. The class consisted of meditation and focused on the fundamentals of Yoga.

My favourite part of the class was the last 20 minutes. I’m not sure what the technical Yoga term for it would be but I’m going to call it 'marvellous relaxation time'. You lie down on your mat and wrap a blanket around yourself and just listen to the instructor calmly voice a body part to relax. I believe Kimberly called it guided relaxation.

I wouldn’t recommend this class if you’re looking for an extreme fitness challenge, but if you’re into some gentle stretching, relaxation, and meditation, this may be the class for you.

Yoga Tuesday

Today I will be attending the Restorative Yoga class that runs on Tuesday’s from 10:00-1130am at the Family YMCA at 2020 Massey Drive.

Wish me Luck. http://www.pgymca.com/health_and_fitness/programs.php

P.S.

I will be wearing my YMCA name tag to all the classes I attend so if you see me, don’t be shy and say hi!

My First Blog

Hi, my name is Hong Trieu and I am the new Community Outreach Coordinator for the Family YMCA of Prince George. I am starting this blog in the hopes of promoting interest in health and fitness (and of course the YMCA) in Prince George. My plan over the next several weeks is to attend various programs and classes available at the YMCA and share my experiences in an informative and hopefully helpful way.

But before I explain the logistics of my blogging I would like to tell you a little about myself first…

My name is Hong, but don’t be misled by the spelling. It is actually pronounced ‘Hown’ (rhymes with town), and my Vietnamese heritage is responsible for the crazy pronunciation of my name. I grew up in Chilliwack, BC, but have lived in Vancouver for the past 6 years. I am 23 years old and I love trees.

I graduated from the University of British Columbia and am now residing in Prince George because of a lovely man. My fiancé, Graham, is a first year medical student in the Northern Medical Program or NMP for short. We moved here in January and are all settled in, but the city is still pretty new.

So how did I get here, blogging to you?

Back in January, after all of the unpacking, I started the job hunt. I have some experience in childcare and before I knew it I was working for the Family YMCA of Prince George in the After School Care program at Harwin Elementary. I love the kids and the feeling of community at the school and at the Y, and still continue to work in the After School Program.

Fast forward a month and a half later and my awesome neighbour (and now awesome boss) had some information about an internship opening up at the Y. Long story short, I got the job! I work in the office in the morning, the school in the afternoon, and my home desk in the evening. The days are long but it’s been working out great so far.

Okay, Enough about me. What exactly is this blog going to be about? Well as you may or may not know the YMCA has one of the best fitness facilities in Northern British Columbia and offers tonnes of different fitness classes and programs. My goal over the next several weeks is to attend a different class or program each week and share my first hand experiences with you. I am also going to be doing the ‘Learning to Run’ program, where I will be preparing for the 10km YMCA Annual Road Race on Sunday, June 3, 2012.

This should be fun.

I would be lying if I told you that I wasn’t a little scared. I wouldn’t describe myself as out-of-shape but I wouldn’t say I am the model of fitness either. Being motivated to work out is hard, but I am hoping through this experience I will be inspired to get back into a fitness regime. Because if you were paying attention earlier I have a fiancé, which means there is an impending wedding in the future. Who doesn’t want to look great and be healthy for their perfect day?