by Paula Kully –
You know the old saying “New Year – New You.” How do some people really make that happen? Let’s take a look at several locals for some inspiration and insight.
Randy Humble, Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Sidney, began running nine years ago. Last year, he completed his first Iron Man Triathlon.
Not everyone is inclined to run marathons, but Randy has many great habits that are relevant to living better. He suggests that on the days when you wake up and don’t feel like exercising, say to yourself – “okay, I’m just going to slip on my runners and get out the door and if I still don’t feel like going for a run, then I’ll come back in.” Once you’re out it’s relatively easy.
Randy’s main piece of advice is to avoid processed or fast foods. Instead, your diet should be full of natural, whole foods.
Corporal Erin Fraser is a member of the Sidney North Saanich RCMP. Her weekly routine incorporates two cardio workouts per week, the gym once a week and group fitness classes one to two times per week. She rounds this off with walks and hikes with her husband and their Mexican rescue pup.
Erin recommends starting small, with an aim to incorporate healthy living into your world gradually and to eat well!
“You can’t out-exercise a bad diet,” she says. “But give in to your cravings on occasion as you will be less likely to over indulge.”
Most importantly, planning for both food and exercise is essential to staying on track. Pack your workout gear and enough good nutritious food when you go to work.
Ted Daly is well recognized locally from his time on the Sidney and North Saanich Council.
After the loss of his father, mother and wife in three consecutive years, Ted was determined to work on his own health. He began running the TC10k in 2002, took the TC Health Challenge in 2015, and in 2016, he walked the famed Camino Trail, completing 920 kilometres in 33 days.
“The walk was life changing. It was all I expected and more,” he says. Ted had the image of a seashell tattooed on his right shoulder with the phrase “El Camino sanó mi corazón,” which means the “Camino healed my heart.”
Ted maintains his healthy lifestyle by eating well and daily exercise at Panorama which he says he is “addicted to.”
Gerald Kazanowski is a local financial advisor and a two-time basketball Olympian who was drafted by Utah Jazz and played professionally for 10 years in Europe, Mexico and South America.
Gerald maintains a healthy lifestyle by walking, swimming, biking along the Lochside trail, light weights, low impact skiing and basketball a few times a year.
Gerald and his family grow many of their own fruits and vegetables. He recommends eating less sugar, salt and meat; eating more fresh fruit and veggies, drinking lots of water and avoiding coffee and alcohol.
In regards to exercise, he says: “Make it a personal thing. We are all unique and different. Don’t be afraid of hard work and discipline, have a plan, have a reason, and have fun! Be comfortable with some uncomfortableness; with growth you need some risk.”
Lorraine Brewster is the Senior Manager of Panorama Recreation Centre and has worked in the recreation and parks field for over 30 years.
She believes variety is the key to keeping motivated. Some of her activities include walking, hiking, running, gym workouts, biking, fitness classes, tennis, and playing with her granddaughter.
Lorraine grew up in an Italian family where food was a big part of life. She sticks to a Mediterranean diet with lots of vegetables, grains, and healthy rich olive oils.
“I actually schedule exercise time into my calendar as a daily appointment. That way I am committed,” she says.
Lorraine recommends the best time to exercise is when you feel overwhelmed, as it provides the clarity and connection to mind, body and spirit.
Peninsula resident Brenda Houston has been a Pampered Chef representative for 15 years. The business worked perfectly for her as a stay-at-home mother when her kids were small, and now supports her philosophy on healthy eating at a local level.
“I strongly believe in shopping local, eating from farm stands, eating what’s in season, and shopping the outside aisles at the grocery store,” she advises. Brenda lives in Deep Cove and stops at three local farms before even entering a grocery store.
As an avid runner and cyclist, she believes in keeping fitness fun with adventures and friends. This year, she has decided on a “150 Day Work Out” to celebrate Canada’s 150th Anniversary.
No matter what your age or fitness level, take inspiration from these local people, take your health into your own hands and be fit!
Photos by www.nuttycake.com.
