I'm 44 and in the best shape of my life thanks to the opportunities I’ve had, and the community support I have received. It's all about mindset and what you want to achieve. I wasn’t going to let my age stop me from reaching my goals, living my healthiest self, and being the best role model I could be for my daughter.
When we first moved to Kelowna, I was looking for options for my own health and well-being while also searching for swim lessons for my daughter. As a single mom, it was important that these were affordable and convenient. We heard that the YMCA had a lot of programs to offer so we decided to give it a try. After starting a six-week challenge through Triathlon BC and training at the Kelowna Family Y, I set a lofty goal of completing my first triathlon.
I did really well! I won a finishing medal along with a silver medal for second place in my age category. I’m currently training for another triathlon this summer. If the Y didn’t exist, I wouldn't have been able to achieve my goal and wouldn't be as healthy as I am today. The Y offers so much connection and a sense of community. I'm a little bit of an older mum and I'm doing it on my own. I want to inspire other women and say that you can do this. If you’ve got your sights set on something that you want to do and create fitness goals - it's achievable.
The family plan at the Kelowna Family Y is reasonable and I love the staff. Everybody's been so helpful, and my daughter really likes the swim instructors, they're very professional and informative. We see the same people and we've been here for almost three years. We're usually here for an hour and a half. I do my swim, bike, run or do weights.
My daughter is also excelling thanks to the Y. She's an amazing swimmer and loves the childminding program. I’ve had memberships at different gyms in the past, but they only offered equipment and not the childminding or swimming. It's nice to have the availability of childminding when my daughter doesn't have daycare, and I can drop her off knowing that she's safe.
Most triathletes train alone, but if you want group classes or coaching support, it is nice to know the Y has a variety of options. It’s motivating to see all-ages training here and it's nice to have the support, the people, and the resources to help everyone succeed. My triathlon was something I’d always wanted to do, and through the Y, I finally had the means and the resources to achieve my health goals.
Stories like Kethra’s would not be possible without generous donors who keep vital Y programs and services free or subsidized to those who truly need them. Please consider making a donation today.