What to Expect
Welcome to UBU
My intention of UBU was to combine fitness and mindful practices that boost self-esteem, improve communication tools and build a supportive network for young girls. I am lucky to know some amazing, knowledgeable and experienced people who have helped me make this program journey become a reality. Many are stepping in to help coach UBU participants through weekly sessions in their areas of expertise.
UBU aims to build self confidence in girls so they will strive to achieve goals rather than letting others determine their fate. UBU will empower girls to pick themselves up when they fall and never crumble in self-defeat because they will gain a support network, will believe in themselves, and have mindful tools to work through doubt and frustration on themselves or know when to ask for help.
All blog info and photos represent the 2018 spring session. I'm looking forward to updating the information as the fall session starts in October.
My Yin Passion for Fitness ...
I am a runner, which I came across a bit by accident after growing up playing sports—volleyball and softball—but realizing that scheduled games and practices were really hard to commit to once I had kids. I dabbled with running with a group of friends who ran with a Calgary-based Running Room clinic and tried out a few 5K and 10K races before diving into my first half marathon a few years ago. Since then, I’ve completed six half marathons, one full, many more 5K and 10K races, and I started trail running last year. My next physical challenge will be to complete this year's Canmore Grizzly Ultra Marathon with a friend as a duo team: Mountain Mommas.
... Equals My Yang Passion for Mindfulness
When my father became very ill in 2015, I decided to train for my first marathon. Running became my peaceful place to meditate, take time for me, and stop thinking about everything I couldn't change. I had to be more present--more mindful--to survive. The extreme physical exertion marathon training puts on a person, wore down my inexplicable resistance to traditional meditation, yoga, and trying new things. I reconnected with journal writing after years of pen silence, and taught a few journal writing courses and shared with others how effective writing can be as a stress-reliever. All of these mindful tools got me through one of the toughest times of my life.