These Albertans take the challenge

They’re different ages and they have dramatically different lifestyles. But, each one is about to embark on a personal wellness journey.

Meet Andrew Coward (22), Lynn Haley (47) and Grace Lunt (60) – Albertans who want to enhance their health through positive lifestyle changes.

Skate Swap

A second concussion put Coward’s burgeoning hockey career on hold – permanently. A 4th year, B.Com student at the University of Calgary, Coward recently hung up his skates – hockey skates that is. But, he’s about to swap them for roller blades – skates that will get him to work, save money on parking, and put regular fitness back into his life.

“I’m a co-op student which means I work during my school program,“ says Coward. “Once I came to grips that my hockey career was over, I knew I had to find a way to blend skating and work into an activity that I could see myself doing – for the long run. Roller-blading to and from work seemed like an obvious solution.”

Coward is challenging himself to use his roller blades as his commuting vehicle, five days a week, rain or shine, over the spring and summer. He lives in Calgary’s northwest and works downtown, which works out to a 10 km commute each way.

Coward will pack his water, work clothes and nutrition snacks in his backpack. And, as for safety, he’s got that covered too. “I’ll be wearing a helmet, elbow and knee pads,“ he says. “I want this to be a wellness challenge – not an invitation for more injury.”

Midlife Makeover

A busy mother, wife and small business owner, Lynn Haley wishes energy output equalled fitness and wellness. “Like many women who are balancing families, careers and mid-life, I feel I am constantly on the go – unfortunately, busy doesn’t mean fit.”

This spring, Haley decided to take charge and started the Running Room’s 10 week Learn to Run Clinic. “I’ve always wanted to run,” she says. “This Clinic is not only teaching me to do it safely, but providing me with the information, group support and motivation to make it a reality.”

A big part of the commitment for Haley is making time for the 3 – 4 weekly training runs. And, according to Haley, that’s nothing to sneeze at. “I am very proficient at making excuses,” she says. “But this challenge is something I’ve always dreamed about and I am determined to make it a reality.”

Haley has challenged herself to complete a 5 km run and lose 20 lbs. by fall 2002.

Soaring Snowbird

This snowbird is constantly seeking new skies. Grace Lunt is 60 years young and raring to go. A dedicated mall walker, Lunt tours the mall track fives times per week covering 3 km in 40 minutes. In her spare time, she enjoys her five young grandchildren, gardening and choir.

“I see seniors in their 80s and 90s pursuing all kinds of activities. I like that energy and I want it for myself.” She’s challenged herself to lose 20 lbs. by the end of the summer, improve her daily water consumption, improve her protein to carbohydrate consumption ratio and tackle the big one – reduction of sweets and chocolate.

In addition, Lunt wants to increase her consumption of fruits and veggies and push her mall walking to new levels.

Watch growingalberta.com/fftonline> each month for an update on our fearless team’s progress. We’ll celebrate their milestones in our fall issue of Food For Thought.