Active Champions

Rebecca Ford

What Activities Keep You Fit and Active?
Swimming, running, cycling, walking, tennis, soccer, hiking.

What Motivated You to Become Active?
After some persuading from friends I signed up for the Vancouver Half Marathon last year and after vowing never to run 21km again - I signed up for this year's Scotiabank Half Marathon and also took part in a relay triathlon (I was the swimmer). I also wanted to play soccer so I joined a women's soccer training group which has turned into a 7 on 7 soccer league.

How Do You Motivate Yourself to Stay Fit?
I joined a half marathon training group, ran with friends and started biking to work. Also, in the summer I join the morning swim club at Kitsilano Pool, go hiking with friends and play tennis. In the winter I try to go skiing or go to the gym.

I really like to challenge my self by signing up for runs such as the Sun Run or a half marathon or join friends in relay races/charity races or triathlons.

Also spending money on races/sports programs motivates me. I don't like wasting money thus I am a stickler for not missing a day of a program or activity that I have registered for. Friends are a great motivator for me too- sometimes it helps to have that extra voice nagging you to get off your butt.

What Are the Benefits of Being Fit?
I have a lot more energy and enjoy participating in team sports more. Obviously I like having my clothes fit better and I don't get as bored as I used to because I enjoy heading out for quick run or swim or even do a kind of seat 'o' the pants aerobic/bootcamp style activity in my backyard using stairs, a skipping rope and a soccer ball. It is amazing what I can come up with when I really, really don't want to go for a run, bike ride or a swim and no one else is around to do anything with.

Hobbies/Interests?
Travel, reading, sports (playing and watching), graphic design, architecture, fashion, coffee, friends/family, and I have to admit that I am addicted to mindless celebrity gossip (love it).

Thrills?
Trying new adventures (within reason) like Zip trekking or parasailing.

Favourite Quotes
"Dance like nobody's watching; love like you've never been hurt. Sing like nobody's listening; live like it's heaven on earth." - Mark Twain

"Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were. But without it, we go nowhere." - Carl Sagan

"Blessed are we who can laugh at ourselves for we shall never cease to be amused." - unknown

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