"I move because it is FUN! I think the process is fun, I think the people I meet in my group exercise classes are fun AND the improvements I see in myself (physically and emotionally) are fun to watch. I love bringing my preschool children with me to the group exercise classes I teach and having them see that exercise is fun and rewarding and just a part of life. My dream for them is to always view exercise as a fun activity and not a punishment or just a means to an end. We move because WE WANT TO MOVE!
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"Personally, being involved in November Project has challenged me to open up, to take more risks and that payoff has been enormous! It is through the NP community that I met my Blitz community, my Lulu/Run Collective/RCR Runners community. It is through this community that I have made new friends, challenged my physical limits, and been privileged to share in people’s goals and achievements." "Why? The [CARE] trial schedule helped me to get out of the house and not be stuck in bed all day, to share the ups and downs of treatment with the wonderful ladies working out beside me at each visit, and to reap the benefits of a regular exercise routine, helping me to feel better than I would have if I hadn’t worked out during treatment. I’m convinced that moving my body during chemo helped get the chemicals through my system faster. Plus, in the end I left the trial with supportive, motivating friends, a routine that I could do at home and the addition of 5000 grams of muscle mass. We really did kick butt!" Madhu is not just about completing the challenge [swimming the Straits of Magellan starting in January 2015] – it is about building teams that can work together to push the barriers of human achievements, it’s about building friendships, communities and memories that last forever - It's Not About The Swimming. Madhu is currently training to become the 22nd person to successfully swim across the Straits of Magellan in January 2015. More people have been to outer space than to have swum across the Straits of Magellan! This crossing is rarely completed due to unpredictable fierce winds, sea conditions and extreme cold-water temperatures (sub 5°C). The strait is famous for having brought down some monster ships in the history.
"I am a survivor of multiple incidents of abuse. As a small child both home and school were dangerous places for me. Edmonton's river valley became a place of sanctuary, peacefulness and safety for me. I walked the trails as a kid and young adult. Then (insult to injury) I was shot in the back of the head while walking in the river valley one autumn afternoon-a random incident of stranger violence. Back in the "olden days" there was no knowledge of PTSD [post-tramatic stress disorder] and its longterm effects-dissociation from one's own self, severe anxiety, insomnia and social isolation are just a few and so I lived for a long time in a kind of void. About a year after being shot I realized I had not been outside other than walking to my car. I began slowly--by jogging around and around the schoolyard in front of my house. I had never run before--I wasn't an athlete by any means. But, I just had to move. Then, I got a dog and, with a bit of company, I began to run the river valley trails I missed and loved. I just couldn't have them taken away from me. Over the years I ran longer and longer distances gradually reclaiming the entire valley as a place of peace for myself. And, when my son became old enough, he became my willing jogging companion. Moving was a lifesaver, and I mean this most sincerely--those of us who live with PTSD know it's darker side, the compulsion towards isolation, self-harming and suicide. I would run, when I felt those urges. I now realize that this was an instinctual coping strategy that kept me connected to my physical body--present and helped me feel safe in the world, something that is challenging for me. I have also, in my adult years, taken up yoga, and sought the help of a personal trainer (as well a a good therapist). Feeling strong in my body helps me to be present--to not dissociate when my out of whack stress response is triggered. It helps me to feel safe, and it helps me to deal positively with a challenging condition--to make some darn good lemonade. "My advice to anyone interested in sports is to just do it or you'll miss out on making tons of friends and meeting people you idolize." Basic English translation: My name is Christel Robichaud and I have Spina Bifida. "I like to move so I can be active and have fun. I feel happy when I go jump on my friend's trampoline!" "I move alot more than I did a couple years ago. I had the encouragement of co-workers to get started, and then I found out I actually liked it. From being quite sedentary to playing volleyball, squash, daily workouts and starting many walking challenges on the UWALK.ca site and getting others to join in, I have come quite a ways. I feel much better when I am active and have more energy. I stay motivated by connecting with others that are also active." "My inspiration is my dog Dexxter, who gets me out walking each day. It keeps me healthy and fit and good for my well being. I have also meet new people, and Dexxter has also found new playmates." |
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