One more thing

Me last night packing for New York

I'm so excited! 

Have a great summer everyone.

Don't forget to still follow up on the pgymca blog. There will be guest posts, and more about different summer programming. Lets keep in touch.

And again with my theme...

Boot Camp and Sunshine

It was surprisingly beautiful yesterday. I think I may even have a slight sun burn. Has summer truly arrived?...

Hmmm, I'm not going to hold my breath.

 

Boot camp was a lot of fun yesterday.

I kinda tricked Graham to coming this week again. I invited our visiting friend from Vancouver to the class, which left Graham no choice but to come as well. My slightly evil plan worked and both of them joined in on the boot camp fun.

I started the class unmotivated (post from minutes before the class), but once I got into the groove of things I started to see the light. I started to remember why I sprint, lunge, and push. It’s all for me, my health, my body, and my mind. I get what I put in, so if I quit it’s me that’s losing.

I have also decided that it is way easier to be motivated when there’s someone yelling at you. Sort of like a personal cheerleader. Thanks Faydra.

I’m still working on finding my motivation mojo. But I think I’m moving in the right direction.

On a happy note my mini goal is going well. Day 1 of 7 salad challenge completed.

Mondays.

First of all, I like trees. And apparently they give good advice too.-->
..Secondly, today is a sleepy day. A two cups of coffee kinda day. 


This weekend was very busy. We had two of our friends from Vancouver come visit us and stay the weekend. We played squash, hiked, ate (a lot), and had fun catching up. 


On Sunday I helped out at the Y's Fathers Day Event and I got to meet a lot of cool families. I rode a plasma car for the first time and that was pretty awesome. (Kids get the best toys). 


The event went smoothly and was a lot of fun. I think it's awesome that the Y and the Parenting Committee are able to hold events like this for the community. Working for the Y makes me happy. Promoting health, fitness, families, and community makes me happy. I like what we do and why we do it. 


It makes me Happy.


I would love to know what your favourite Y event is or why the Y makes you happy. Feel free to use the comment box :)
 

Brian Ray

My name is Brian Ray and I have called PG home for over 20 years. My story is the same as many of you; we came to town screaming & kicking yet soon loved it enough to stay. My wife, Val, and I have four kids all of whom have left the nest.

I am a 52 year old Bank Manager of the TD Canada Trust in Pine Centre. As you might be able to guess, my job is lacking for any type of exercise. That said I have been known to wrestle for a good pen or valued file folder.

I hate to admit something... All males do. It’s a secret core belief we all have deep within, yet we never talk about it. It’s not something that we want to make public, even though all men believe it. You might be wondering what that secret is. Ok, I will tell you, but don’t let on that you now know. Here it is: “Young men are gods and they will live forever.”

Dose of reality: I turned 51 last year and I took toll of where my body was at. Eek!

I was out of shape, overweight, I felt lethargic and ached all over. I had an epiphany that shocked me to the core. I was NOT a god and certainly would not live forever. On top of that, the torpid and achy feeling was not how I wanted to live. And then my doctor used a word that hit me right between the eyes. He called me obese!

I knew I had to make some changes.

I think I am very typical, in that I took too many things for granted. I had chosen not to learn some basics of life. I enjoyed food, so I ate what I enjoyed whenever I wanted. I never learned how to eat properly. I hadn’t been to the gym and I had no idea what to do if ever I wanted to get fit.

The first thing I did was learn to eat. I discovered the proper amounts to eat, proper types of foods to eat (and the food to stay away from). There I was, 51 years old and had to learn how to eat properly. However, in that, I discovered an entirely different repertoire of food that I now love.

Then I joined the Family Y and spent some time with Heidi. She was excellent. She cared enough to understand where I was at and helped me formulate a plan. I really appreciated her (even though she could out-lift me… by a lot!) I go to the Y three or four times a week and love to go. It makes me feel good.

As for today, I have lost over 60 pounds, look and feel fit, eat well, have tons of energy and I see the value of being healthy. My wife has been inspired and she has now lost over 70 pounds. I love you and am very proud of you Val!

I may not live forever, but I will certainly feel great for the rest of my life.

Get fit, eat well and get to the Family Y!

Brian Ray

Learn to Run: Road Race!

Well this is what I have been waiting for. Ten weeks of hard work have been leading up to this day: the 26^th annual YMCA Road Race.

Morning of the Road Race

It was an amazing experience.

Here’s my story…

“The alarm sounds at 4:00 am. I begrudgingly shuffle out of bed and get ready to help with the set-up for the race. I grab my pre-organized running bag, equipped with my racing shirt (bib already attached), shoes, water, and breakfast.

I step out my door and I am surprised at how light out it is. Is it really 445 am?

Set-up is smooth. Tara (Road race event organizer) is so organized that we end up finished and ready to go by 7am.  

I drive back home to pick-up Graham for the race. We get back to Masich Stadium just as the half marathoners set off on their race. I am filled with excitement as I see the racers pass, one by one. It’s almost my turn!

Before I know it I’m lined up at the start line. I have found Lindsay and Allison in the crowds and I can feel their excitement. We have all worked so hard in the running clinic together and it feels nice to have them there as we begin our race.

Graham and I getting ready to go!

GO!

The crowd starts to move and we go through the timing towers, fully aware that our timing chips have been activated. I feel a little nervous.

The excitement from the crowds starts to fade as the groups separate and individuals find their pace.

Lindsay, Graham and I run together for the first couple kilometers, but Lindsay’s pace quickens and she’s off.

We are probably only 3 or 4 km’s into the race and I’m tired, really tired. The adrenaline has worn off and I’m faced with the reality that 4 hours of sleep isn’t conducive to racing. It’s hard but I keep going. Convincing my legs that they aren’t tired is difficult, but I have to remember it’s all in my mind. I've done this before and I can do it again.

Graham motivates me along the way, shouting encouraging words that quicken my pace. I’m so grateful he’s running with me.

I try to thank all the volunteers along the way, because without them this race wouldn’t be able to happen. They are all so friendly and they reply with inspiring words.

I pass the sign that reads, "1km to go". AHHHHHH. My pace really starts to pick up and I pass runners who have been in my sight the entire race.

The last stretch is downhill and my legs just start to carry themselves. I reach the fence and am greeted by Faydra and Mark. I’m almost there!

I am so tired. Unconsciously, I start to slow down. Graham notices and screams for me to keep going!

I see the finish line and I am sprinting. I don’t know where the energy comes from but I’m giving it my all.

It’s done. My first Road Race!!!

I am greeted by fellow clinic runners. It is so joyful!”

High-fives all around. Congratulations to everyone who completed the Road Race.

To everyone in the running clinic--> you are awesome!

Extended thank you to my running partners Lindsay, Kerry, Vanessa, and Brad. Thank you for running with me, pushing me, and all the wonderful conversations.

And the biggest thank you to Carol! Thank you for organizing the clinic, for all the great advice, and always being there.

My time: 57m 57s.

Okay, it wasn’t my goal time of 55m. But it was pretty good. I’m happy and just thankful for the experience. Also I might just run the route in the near future and try for 55 again. I’m so close… I’m going to do it.

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.

Are you a Y Champion?

We think that our community is pretty great. Despite a fairly small population, Prince George is home to hundreds of the kindest people we've ever met. Of course, the ones that are involved with the YMCA have a special place in our hearts. Whether it's a volunteer, an employee, a member, a donor, or just someone who believes in what we do, almost everyone has a special story worth mentioning. Over the last couple of years, we've done our best to showcase some of these incredible people through various means.

Because we want others to be inspired like we are by our Y Champions, we've set up a special page on our website for anyone to see.

Click here to go to our Y Champions page!

Better yet, if you visit our YouTube Channel, you'll get to hear firsthand from some of our most recent Champions. In their own words, they sat down and told us why they love the YMCA. You'll see for yourselves why we love them back!

If you come across one of these smiling faces around town, don't be afraid to give them a pat on the back. And if you're a Y Champion too, you probably know it. We want you to thank each and every one of you, and let you know that you really are making a difference!

Why the Y?

Because many of my friends and family have been asking me about my experiences with work since I started at the YMCA as an Outreach Coordinator, I decided I would share with you what I've learned and felt so far.

People are often surprised to find out that the local YMCA is not just the fitness facility on Massey Drive. I was. In fact, many residents of Prince George don't even realize that we are a charity - not just non-profit - but an actual registered charity that is dedicated to giving back to our community every day. So yes, we ARE a gym, but we are also so much more.

When you become a member at the YMCA, you pay membership fees. Paying these fees not only grants you access to our wide range of fitness equipment, classes, steam room, lockers, discounted programs and REC Room, but also contributes to a variety of initiatives created to enhance the community in which we live. We rely on income from our programs as well as donations to provide for the hundreds of locals who can't do it on their own. Other gyms might engage in occasional acts of philanthropy, but we make social responsibility a daily priority.

Operating out of TEN facilities in Prince George, the YMCA meets the needs of a very wide demographic. I can't tell you everything that goes on at every facility each day - there is just too much - but I can say that I have witnessed firsthand the impact our organization has on the individuals who benefit from our services.

I've talked to a Camp Kannanaq counsellor who has never been so touched as she was at the end of the session when one child, whose parents weren't able to attend, couldn't believe she was actually there just to watch him in their final performance.

I met a mother who battled cancer while taking classes at the Y and is now an inspirational fitness instructor.

I listened to one young man say, after being left immobile from an automobile accident, that doctors told him he would never walk again. Well, with the help of some of our amazing YMCA staff, he is DEFINITELY walking now!

I'll be blogging more about our Y Champions soon - these are only three of the dozens of stories I've heard in just the last couple of months since starting here. I can only imagine how many more there are left to discover. Each service that we provide really deserves its own post, but here I'd like to summarize some of the main duties our departments perform at the YMCA:

Membership/Health & Fitness (Massey): Provides support, guidance and education about keeping healthy in a fun, safe and engaging way. They offer everything from treadmills to child minding to climbing walls and try to make everyone feel welcome. Assisted memberships allow those who want to join but can't afford it to work out payments that they can manage.
http://www.pgymca.com/membership/index.php

Child Care (various locations): From Early Childhood Education to School Age Care, all of our licensed child care programs, including Preschool, are built to help your child learn in a supportive, secure environment that fosters growth in all areas of physical, mental, emotional and social wellness.
http://www.pgymca.com/child_care/index.php

Seniors' Recreation (Simon Fraser Lodge): The staff and volunteers involved with SFL recreation programming take pride in improving the quality of life of the seniors that reside in the long-term care facility. They create individualized fitness regimes, organize social outings and take care of the residents' pets!
http://www.pgymca.com/seniors/simon_fraser_lodge.php

At-Risk Youth Services (Youth Around Prince): For years, the YMCA has maintained a safe place for at-risk youth to visit and receive assistance by way of advice, clothing, food, work programs, counselling services and more. Working with these teens allows them access to opportunities they would not have otherwise and gives them the chance to make self-improvements.
http://www.pgymca.com/teens/youth_around_prince.php

That's not all, but I hope I've been able to get you interested in learning more about the YMCA. I encourage you to really get to know us. There are several different ways... find the method that works best for you and don't ever hesitate to ask questions! We can only continue to grow and improve by listening to our community and working to address its ever-changing needs.

When you choose to become a member, employee, volunteer or donor of the YMCA, you choose to become part of a caring, dedicated family that you can count on through good times and bad.

Oh, and don't forget, you get that 'gym' pass too!

-Tia

Find us here:
Website: http://www.pgymca.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pgymca
Twitter: www.twitter.com/pgymca
E-mail: communications@pgymca.com
or comment below!

Photo by Birgit Allgaier of Your Mind's Eye Photography