Active Champions

Robert Haines

What Activities Keep You Fit and Active?
Primarily cycling and running. I also enjoy hiking and skiing seasonally with the Inside Edge Club www.insideedgeclub.bc.ca

I've always been an active type of person but concern over global warming is "An Inconvenient Truth" that we can no longer avoid. This inspired me to take positive action and cycle more.

Cycle routes in Vancouver give no excuse not to cycle as you avoid cars by using safe side streets! No need to compete for road space with cars! One gets to know the terrain and can plan routes accordingly, minimizing inclines. It's a bit of a paradigm shift to drive less to preserve our supernatural environment, but well worth it.

I sure wish we, as a society, would get more serious about rail transit such as SkyTrain. There needs to be lines to UBC, Ladner and Abbotsford, within the next decade! Bring back the interurban routes!

Best Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST) http://www.best.bc.ca/ and the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition (VACC) http://www.vacc.bc.ca/ provide helpful information on transportation alternatives.

What Motivated You to Become Active?
Over the summer I did not renew my car insurance so this further challenged me to self-propulsion. I found by occasionally renewing my insurance for a day or two at a time enabled me to make trips out of the city.

How Do You Motivate Yourself to Stay Fit?
Challenge myself to get there without using a personal vehicle. It's just the right thing to do. Buses with bike carriers and SkyTrain, can help in taking bikes for those longer distances! Driving can make you into a wimp! lol

What Are the Benefits of Being Fit?
Physical fitness, as well as financial savings in car operating costs such as insurance and gasoline are major benefits. Greater self-esteem in getting there under my own power is an added bonus!

What Are Your Future Fitness Goals?
Maintaining an active lifestyle. I have thought of walking or riding across Canada...

Who Are/Were Your Role Models?
My father used to ride his bicycle to work at the airport. I also have several active friends who cycle virtually everywhere too! I would urge others to think positively and give it a try! I have friends with kids from out of town whom I have inculcated the notion of cycling virtually everywhere and they have adopted the mantra that "anywhere in Vancouver is cyclable - why would we drive?".

Hobbies/Interests?
I like active team events like running relays. Hiking the Lions and the Tusk bring me special joy. I'm also interested in preserving heritage in houses.

Thrills?
Beating those people that drive places by taking advantage of cycle routes and close parking!

Favourite Things?
Cycling or running along a seawall or trail on a perfect Vancouver day!

Favourite Quotes
Don't make excuses - Just do it! People often allow themselves to lose their willpower as they feel they are too tired - the reality is they would become invigorated if they just did it! Be resolute! Attitude is everything. No junk excuses. You can do it! We can help!

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