A Lac La Biche local, Carrie Lecuyer — an experienced and recognized Career Practitioner and Life Coach — has organized a series of Spring into Action workshops at the Key-Way-Tin during the month of May for locals to get inspired, informed and off the couch.
The series of workshops will start with this week's Running Workshop for people interested in running or have always wanted to run in a race — whether it's 5 km, 10 km or half a marathon. The 90-minute workshop starts at 6:30 pm on Thursday, April 25. The cost of this workshop is $25.
The workshops will continue throughout May with different topics and focus areas including a series of weight loss sessions that start April 30 and run until May 28 for $145, a new blueprint-to-life workshop on May 9 for just $25 and an interview confidence workshop on May 30 for $25.
Lecuyer moved to the region four years ago, and has been working in the education field along with the post-secondary institutes, business and industry in Central Alberta. While speaking with the POST, she said her passion and her experience make the workshops enjoyable.
"I love facilitating workshops. For eight years, I delivered over 80 workshops... then expanded with invitations to conferences and guest speaking events as my knowledge and passion for my work grew. I have taken some down time, as I have two young boys now, and I'm ready to get involved in a new community again," she said.
As the final reminders of winter's hold are steadily melting from local lakes and lowland, to start off with the running workshop is a great motivator to spring into action, says Lecuyer.
"Running a race may be something you want to get into. Maybe it's something to cross off your bucket list, or just something to try because your friend is doing it. It can be for weight loss and mental health... I hear people saying over and over again, 'I would love to do a 5K or a 10K or half a marathon.' So, my question is, 'What's stopping you?' Most commonly, it's the fear of the unknown, where to start, how to find a race, finding the time to train and so on. I will go through all of this in the workshop, and much more."
More like training the mind
With a facilitator who puts her best foot forward for a living — she's also a certified hiking guide and a life coach registered with the International Coaching Federation, residents can expect some good advice from the workshop— but not necessarily about physical training.
"My experience has given me the education and knowledge to motivating others, asking better questions and providing the best tools to reach any goals... I am not a personal trainer, I will not be giving out a training program... Our community has many personal trainers available. If that is the route you feel you want to go," she said, explaining one mental barrier many athletes must overcome by more than physical strength. It's when they think they just can't go on with their activity, whether it's halfway through a marathon or 200 metres into a 500 metre run.
"'Hitting a wall' is a term many athletes use. It's tough and it's real. This is all about digging deep into your mind, putting one foot in front of the other. Everything will tell you to stop, it could be the heat of the day, the pain in your body, the lack of energy you no longer have. This is where the power of your mind sets in, and it the self talk what will push you to the end," Lecuyer said.
To encourage locals even before the actual workshop, Lecuyer shares her motivating quotes and hopes to see community involvement at her upcoming workshop series.
"There is nothing more empowering then to cross the finish line of a race — the Runners High. It does not matter how big or small the race is. Nothing worthwhile is ever easy," she said.
All classes require prepaid registration. For more information visit www.inspiredbycarrie.com, or send an email to [email protected]. Registrations can also be made by e-transfer (email and name required).
