If there’s one thing I’ve learned through my fitness journey, it’s this: our bodies—and our lives—move through seasons.
Each one brings its own challenges, opportunities, and needs. Fitness, like life, isn’t linear—it evolves, adapts, and flows with where we’re at.
My journey has been shaped by incredible experiences and communities right here in Nanaimo and across Vancouver Island. Some highlights that turned me into the fitness lover I am today didn’t even happen inside a gym. I’ve certainly spent my share of time in gyms and group classes, but pounding the pavement always helped clear my head. Before having kids, running was my go‑to. Local running groups kept me accountable and race‑ready. I jumped into everything—from the (now‑retired) Nanaimo Half Marathon to the beautiful Victoria Times Colonist Half Marathon, where scenic spots let friends and family cheer you on.
Another favorite was the Vancouver Island Running Series—a fun collection of races that carried you across the Island on all kinds of terrain. It offered an entirely different side of racing: more personal, with unforgettable community vibes. After ticking off a major bucket‑list goal—the New York Marathon—I hung up my runners for a season.
As a new mom, I looked for ways to stay active while staying connected. Anything I could do with a stroller—and invite other moms along—was gold. Fresh air always boosted everyone’s mood, and I was grateful for groups and gyms that offered child‑minding.
Then came something a little different: Femsport, a women’s‑only fitness competition in Vancouver that led me to try CrossFit Nanaimo for the first time. The training was intense, but it showed me what I was capable of. CrossFit helped me bust through mental barriers, and Femsport became a confidence‑building experience I’ll never forget.
Later, I trained at Prime Performance to prepare for the Mind Over Mountain Adventure Race (MOMAR) in Cumberland—Vancouver Island’s mountain‑biking capital. MOMAR isn’t your average race: kayaking, mountain biking, and orienteering push your mental and physical limits while you navigate unfamiliar terrain. It was one of the most demanding—and rewarding—events I’ve ever done. Prime helped me build strength I didn’t know I had; every time I hit a perfect squat, I still send a silent thank‑you their way.
As my race calendar slowed down, I embraced the flexibility of online training. With an incredible coach from TFA Gym, that virtual support kept me consistent no matter where I was or how busy life became. I trained in their original space and can’t wait to visit their stunning new location. (If you know, you know: the assault bike… enough said.)
Now that my kids are older, my routine has shifted yet again. Family favorites include overnight hiking and mountain biking—movement, nature, and connection all in one. When I’m solo (because not everyone loves a 5 a.m. sunrise), I’ll lace up for a walk in a weighted vest, and if the West‑Coast weather turns wild (or it’s pitch‑black out), I hop on the bike indoors, soaking up rays from my happy light.
Do I have a favorite fitness style? Honestly, no.
Each one served a purpose in its season—and that’s the beauty of fitness. What worked five years ago might not serve us today, and that’s perfectly okay.
Let’s not forget the simplest (and most powerful) option of all: Mother Nature. Whether it’s hiking, strolling the waterfront, or squeezing in a park workout, being outside offers a mental reset no indoor space can match. The best part? It’s free and always waiting for you.
And if the outdoors doesn’t feel like your thing, I still encourage you to give it a try. Nature grounds and restores us—even in small ways. It doesn’t have to be a long hike, a sunny day, or a group event. It can be just you and the fresh air: a quiet walk, a moment by the ocean, a few deep breaths in the woods. Those moments matter, too.
I encourage you to explore what resonates with you right now.
Fitness isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all—and it’s definitely not static. It’s a lifelong journey that moves with you. So embrace it, explore it, and most of all, find what makes you feel alive.
Kristin