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…

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 1

My nameis Scott McWalter and I am a proud member of the Prince George Family Y.

I firmly believe that health is a virtue people most often taken for granted until it'sgone. So, like many other individuals who are fortunate enough to call the great City of Prince George their home, the Family Y continues to play a vitally imperative role in helping me stay active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Over the years, as a by-product to the fitness component of being a Family Y member, I've developed enduring relationships with the friendly staff, various fitness instructors and, of course, other members who share the same passion for being part of a fitness facility synonymous with enhancing community spirit. Welcome to the world of the PG Family YMCA. It's a fun world to be in.

Growing up in Prince George, I use to think the PG Family Y was, by far, the best fitness facilityin the City. After graduating from the UNBC Commerce Program in 2008 and spending the past few years living in places like Prince Rupert, Whistler and Vancouver, it's became clearly evident to me that the PG Family Y is one of the best fitness facilities in the province!

The compelling proof presented itself while I was living in Kitsilano, one of the most health-orientated communities in Canada. At this time, I experienced a heightened fascination with physical fitness, but there was always something missing: none of the gyms in the lower mainland, although insanely beautiful and well-kept, had the same sense member camaraderie as the PG Family Y!

In late-2011, I received an offer of admission to UNBC's Master of Business Administration program. Immediately, I was excited about the opportunity to return to my homecity, not only to pursue my MBA, but also because this meant I'd once again get to enjoy being Prince George Family Y member. How good is that?

The Family Y has helped me facilitate the achievement of several past fitness goals. Whether it was participating in a Rep Reebok class to lean down for summer, joining a running group to prepare for the annual Iceman competition or rocking a fusion class that incorporated balance into my varsity soccer training schedule, I could always rely on the Y's group fitness programs and instructors for supplementary guidance and inspiration.

Scott A. McWalter, B.Comm.

Email: mail@scottmcwalter.com

Twitter: KitsBeachCanuck

www.goalspank.com

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!”

YMCA Events: Healthy Kids Day, Road Race, & Aurora Leadership Program

Perfect Weather

So if you have been reading my blog you will know that the YMCA Road Race is June 3^rd. Yes, 6 days away!!!!

If you’re interested at all check out this link-> road race info. 

The weather is supposed to be perfect. Not too hot and not too cold.-->

However, not only is there a 10K happening this weekend but you can also choose to run a 5k or a ½ marathon. Woot woot, Go Prince George! Lets get our run on.

But wait, there’s more. After the Road Race there is the Healthy Kids day marathon at Masich Stadium which kicks off Healthy Kids day. This will be the 5th Annual Healthy Kids Day, where families are invited to come join us in a variety of different activities promoting health and well-being. (More info -> Here)

And what’s this Photo Contest I keep hearing about? Oh right, the one where you can win free registration into the new Aurora Leadership Program! So if you know anyone between the ages of 13-15 years old, encourage them to submit a photo of themselves rocking their favourite outdoor activity on our Facebook wall.

Wow, that’s a lot. I'll give you some time to digest it all. J

Cheers

-H

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!

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.

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