Did you know that fitness trainers are just like everyone else? We have days where we don't eat the best food, we miss workouts once in a while and face struggles just like everyone else. The other day was one of those days for me. It was my Knox run day and to be honest, I did not want to go at all. The only reason I did go was because I had possible people coming to join me on the run. On the way there, in my head, I was already planning to leave if I didn't see anyone in the parking lot waiting to join me. However, when I got to Knox Mountain I figured I was there so I may as well run and I’m so glad I did because I felt awesome after the run!
It was a perfect day for it. Slightly cloudy, so the sun wasn't hot and beaming down on me. On my way up the hill I passed many walkers and other joggers, one of which was super friendly and asked if I was going to run all the way to the top, which I told him I was. On the way back I passed him again and he asked me my time. Such a small communication but it added joy to my run which helped me keep going. On the way down I had some smiles and thumbs up from passing cars which again were subtle joy boosters.
I've been working on my running form and have a pretty strong posture as I run. I am also self motivated most of the time so I don't need much encouragement to put out a great workout. Then halfway down the hill I realized something HUGE. As I came down I realized that both times that I had a couple words with that particular gentleman and each time I had an encouraging smile or thumbs up from passers by my posture improved, my speed increased and the run became much easier because I felt so much more joy!!
The lesson that I received was that community is sooo important for us. Not only did I go to the hill because I heard I had someone to join me but those small interactions and encouragements are what made the run as good as it was. None of that would have happened without the community being involved. If I had planned my own run in some secluded area it would have been ok but not nearly as enjoyable as it was for me last week.
I encourage each of you today to find family or friends that you can do activities with because it'll make exercise more joyful and keep you accountable and encouraged. Another thing you can do is join the Cafe Docs MOVEment by emailing thecafedocs@gmail.com for more information or by joining the Cafe Docs facebook page. It's available to everyone in Kelowna and provides workouts as well as a community board so that you can join activities around town with other people or if you want to start your own group activity somewhere we can post it on the calendar.
You're CreatedToMove so get out there and have some fun!!
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