Until next time...

So tomorrow is my last day as a pgymca intern!

On Tuesday I leave for New York and I am spending the summer road tripping down the East coast. I’m very excited! I’m going to be travelling with Graham, his sister, and her husband. We will be spending the money we don’t have, seeing things we never thought we never would see, and hopefully having the times of our lives. I’ll share my experience when I get back.

My internship has been an amazing. I have learned so much, met such wonderful people, and I am leaving with an experience I won’t forget.

I want to say THANK YOU to my mentor Karen for everything: the opportunity, the experience, the flexibility, and everything that I learned. Thank you to Faydra, my weekly boot camp instructor and extended mentor. And to Tara for the things you’ve taught me, sharing the social media bug, and chatting about weddings. I’m going to miss all of you!!

Also thank you to everyone who has been following the blog. I have been sharing my experiences for the last 4 months, and as a result I hold this blog very close to my heart. I hope by sharing my thoughts, miseries, laughs, and experiences I was able connect and relate. If my blog had an underlying theme it would be motivation.

Until next time…

Cycling for Strong Kids

Wow! This story is incredible. Don's Ride Brochure

Don Patterson is embarking on a cross country bike ride on June 25th in support of the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. What makes this even more incredible is that he plans to complete the his journey in 28 days, which means an average daily ride of more than 250km!

To read about Don's full story, training, and journey updates visit his personal blog at  www.ykids.blog.com

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 :)
 

Scott McWalter: Part 2

Now that I am officially a member of the PG Family Y again, this time around I've decided to pass on the undeniably terrific gift of maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle to others in two ways: one, by becoming a volunteer group fitness instructor; and, two, through motivating friends and family to get memberships. Since not everyone's psychologically wired to get up in the morning and go to the gym, it took a bit of work convincing people; however, I'm proud to announce that since establishing this latter goal, I encouraged my parents to acquire Family Y memberships in January, and since then they've lost a collective 27lbs. They've trained exhaustively and now feel better than ever.  

Some people experience a lot of anxiety when starting something new, such as a new exercise program. What they have to realize is that anxiety isn't the enemy; it's just a clear indication to what they need to work on first in their life. It's unrealistic - in fact, probably a little unfair - to sit back and expect the Family Y to do all the hard work for you. You have to earn it for yourself, and the most powerful way to do this is by setting goals. I'll never be able to emphasize how powerful setting meaningful goals can be. It's life-changing! I started setting goals two years ago - daily, weekly, monthly and long-term - and it's absolutely astonishing how quickly it changes your life.

I can honestly say that spanking goals is one of my favourite things in life; in fact, if it weren't for creating and following through with goals, I wouldn't be half way through the YMCA National Certification Course for becoming a certified fitness leader. It's a proven fact that once you write down a goal, you're more than 100% more likely to accomplish (spank) it. I challenge you to test this theory out - you'll be amazed how productivity-enhancing such a simple step  can be, and how quickly you’ll start receiving dividends.

Once I start instructing Cycle Fit this autumn, maybe you'll even make it one of your goals to attend one of my classes. Together, we'll be able to contribute to the Family Y of Prince George's goal of building a healthy community. I look forward to seeing you there :)

Scott A. McWalter, B.Comm.

Email:    mail@scottmcwalter.com

Twitter:  KitsBeachCanuck

www.goalspank.com

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.

Health and Fitness in Prince George

For the month of June I would like to invite members of our community to blog with us. Nothing is more inspiring than a personal story. Being able to relate and seeing courage and determination through the eyes and thoughts of another.

I’m hoping to spread the word throughout our community about health, well-being, fitness, goals, athletics and more.

There will be a series of “guess bloggers” this month sharing their stories. Their stories of fitness and health, and how the Family YMCA has helped them achieve their goals.

Stay tuned Prince George. Our very first guess blogger will be Brian Ray! And as Quoted from his entry, “Get fit, eat well and get to the Family Y!”

Learn to Run: Week 8 Thursday

Morning

“I’m really excited about my run tonight. Tonight we are attempting a route that is very similar to the Road Race route. However, my legs are just not agreeing with my excitement. I could feel their weakness when I got out of bed this morning and I was hoping the fatigue would pass as the day went on but it hasn’t. I wasn’t expecting Tuesday night Yoga to emphasize leg work, and too many warrior poses may be the culprit of my tired legs. At least the weather is nice today…not.

I sit in my office chair hearing spouts of hail clatter off the windows and roof top. Karen, my boss, blames Tara (co-worker) and me for winter’s return. We must have angered the weather gods when we decided to wear sandals and shorts before the May long weekend.”

Afternoon

“My legs are still tired. I’ve lost my excitement for my evening run. The kids at After-school-care are being so mean to each other today and I am mentally exhausted from trying to mediate their arguments.

The sun makes an appearance when the kids go play outside, but it is quickly covered by a dark cloud. A few minutes later tiny white chocolate chip size pieces of ice start to fall from the sky. I hope it doesn’t hail during the run tonight.”

Run time

“I arrive at the Y at 5:30 as usual. I walk up to the doors and see that Carol is talking to a camera man. She seems to be in the middle of an interview and is talking about the Running Clinic (shaw cable exclusive). I wait for the filming to complete before I walk through. Carol enters soon after me and explains the routes. Tonight’s plan is to run most of the Road Race 10k at a ‘slower than race day' pace. I think I can handle it.

We head up Massey and begin our run. My legs are so tired. I hope the fatigue passes. ...

(It doesn’t)…

We are on kilometer 6 and the inside of my ankles are killing me. There is a strange tight, cramping feeling up the inside of my leg. I ask Carol about the pain at a traffic light stop and she advises that I keep going, so I keep going.

The pace is comfortable and we share good conversations during the run, and if it weren’t for the pain in my legs the run would be enjoyable."

Kilometer 8

"We are so close, I am so tired, but I know I can finish this. I slow down my pace because of the pain and everyone is now running ahead of me.

Lindsay and Bella on our easy jog back to the Y.
Too bad you can't see the freezing rain.

Somehow the pain starts to fade… I pick up my pace and catch up with the group. We make it to the Y, but Carol turns right and we keep going… “700 more meters and it’s 9.0k” she says. We all start to sprint… only 600m..500m… It starts to hail and chucks of ice are flying towards my face… 300m…200m…100m. I forget about my legs and just focus on running as fast as I can... 30m.20m.10m. DONE.

We take an easy jog back to the Y. I am freezing and I have lost the dexterity in my hands as I try to zip up my coat. We stretch and we are off to our busy lives.”

Tuesday’s run was a hard one for me, but I’m so glad I finished it. I would have never done it alone and I am so very grateful for the wonderful people in the running group that motivate me. Thanks guys!

Jog Log 

Strong Kids

Watch our Y Champion Stephanie Mikalishen recite a quote that has personally inspired her to get involved in our community. You can also watch her story here.

Every year the YMCA provides local children with the chance to go to Camp Kanannaq and experience the wonders of the great outdoors. Run daily at Nukko Lake, Camp K is a place where kids can learn about nature and be physically active, acquire new skills, build self-confidence and establish lasting friendships.

This past week, we launched the Strong Kids Campaign in Prince George. Our goal is to help send at least 50 kids to camp - the equivalent of $8750.00! There are many ways you can be a part of this with us:

- Go to our Strong Kids page

- Click on the Giving tab on our Facebook page

- Make a bid on the birdhouses in the silent auction (in the lobby at Massey)

- Visit one of our Storytellers' pages:

     Karen Cameron

     Mark Miller

All of the proceeds stay in Prince George and will contribute directly to dozens of smiling faces and happy hearts.

“Your support of the Strong Kids campaign will allow the Family YMCA of Prince George to send underprivileged children to Camp Kanannaq this summer.  Help them reach their goal of raising enough funds that will give fifty local children the traditional Canadian summer camp experience of canoeing, archery and more - regardless of ability to pay.”

~ Trevor Linden

If you want to see more, please view our photos from the launch in the slideshow at right, or visit our Facebook photo albums! We also have photos of previous Camp K sessions.

As always, thank you for your support.