Susan Cairns
Sue is a resident of the Argyll Community where she and her family enjoy the great access to the wonderful Mill Creek Ravine, the Argyll Community Hall and play spaces nearby! It was through this experience and conversations with other parents that the idea for Strollers in the Park first came along. Expanding on this, the idea of community based fitness and yoga programs really resonated. Sue felt that if people could just walk a few blocks to their fitness programs, and more importantly know that they could truly come as they are, with kids in tow, or simply just feel comfortable in a welcoming and supportive environment, that would be a fantastic way to build and share in community.
Sue is a certified group fitness leader, with degrees in Education and Physical Education. Keeping active has always been a joy of hers, whether through sport or other recreation pursuits like cycle commuting or rock climbing. Through practicing yoga for over 14 years, she has learned a lot about balance and listening to her body, and feels strongly that there is no finish line, only the journey. She has completed a 200 hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) certification as recognized by the Yoga Alliance and hopes to continue to share the wonderful teachings of yoga that she continues to learn about for a very long time. Sue is fundamentally motivated to develop community-based programs that help reduce barriers for people to begin, and continue fitness programs that keep working for them.
Maybe not by coincidence, Lori and I share a longer history of being teammates than the short time we have partnered together to create Fittogether Edmonton, based out of the communities of Argyll and Hazeldean. We played competitive soccer together as teens and simply discovered that we lived across the ravine from one another a few years ago. Serendipitously, in common life stages with young families, and sharing a passion for motivating others to feel good through exercise.
Lori Anaka lives with her husband and her two young boys in the community of Hazeldean. Their house is located steps from the Mill Creek Ravine, where they spend hours running, cycling, and exploring. Enjoying a sense of community is important to her, and she believes that if everyone works together, we can build a wonderful, active, and safe neighbourhood. Recently, Lori was lucky enough to reconnect with her childhood friend Sue Cairns, who felt the same way, and lived nearby. She offered Lori an opportunity to be a part of the community-based programs she puts her heart and energy into organizing.
Fitness has always been an important part of Lori's life. It has provided her with balance and a positive self-image. Lori began playing soccer on community-league and school teams, and later took up golf and hockey. Lori has also completed several half and full marathons. She now plays with the Edmonton Pylons women's hockey team - it is her 13th season! While team sports are a great way to have fun, stay motivated, and keep in shape, running is a great outlet on a stressful day, and she still loves to run when she gets the chance. It gives Lori a sense of accomplishment and allows her to get fresh air and admire the outdoors.
Lori recently attended an Initiation Coaching Clinic so she could help with her son's hockey team. In the summer, she completed her Alberta Fitness Leadership Certification training course. She hopes to inspire and motivate others to enthusiastically adopt a fit, healthy lifestyle.
Lori is happy to be a part of FitTogether Edmonton, which is a great place to get fit, challenge yourself, and have fun with others from your community!
