Joan, 68

Coached by Kym since 2012

ZED Athletic Life Coaching – Partner level since 2018

What I train for:

•    Hiking mountains in Ireland, Scotland, Italy, California, and Spain.

•    Active grandparent-ing

Benefits I’ve experienced:

•    I learned I can be more fit and stronger in my 60s than I was in all the earlier decades of my life.

•    I have felt empowered to sign up for hiking trips that would have intimidated me before.

•    I have challenged myself to swim a mile having never come close to that before.

•    I have felt increase in overall health, mood and self esteem.

In the summer of 2012 I had just returned from a hiking trip in Spain where I felt tired, weak, and disappointed in my strength and endurance.  Yet I dreamed of hiking the 500 mile Camino pilgrimage rout in Spain, so I sought Kym out to help me prepare. 

I have had many different types of routines over the years, and I can say I have only felt better since I began to work with Kym.  She guided me to build my strength, endurance, and coordination in ways that felt safe and appropriate for my body and age.  Yet she also taught me not to see my personal limitations. We have done agility drills, stationary spin bikes, and water running in the pool.  I have used weight machines, free weights, TRX, and kettle bells.  I have I bounced on a little mini trampoline, balanced on the big inflatable ball, and tossed weighted medicine balls. 

Challenges:

•    I have a vision disability that prevents me from seeing and doing many things. Kym has been incredibly sensitive and supportive in working around any exercise that has visual demands for me. 

•    In 2016 I had several severe health challenges.  Kym cheered me on, adapting our workouts to be doable and invigorating.  It prevented me from staying home and feeling sorry for myself.

•    Over the years I’ve had various minor injuries.  Kym has always figured out ways to work around them or do exercises to rebuild sore or injured areas.

Now I am on my way to age 69, happy to workout in some fashion every day of the week. I go on frequent hiking trips and hold my own, never dropping out or moving to the end of the line of hikers. In fact, when we approach the steep hills or inclines I feel I can power up the mountains with joy and confidence. I am grateful for all she has done for me over these past six years and am thrilled to be working with her now in Zest Ed.  Finally after many life and family changes, next April I will actually hike part of the Camino!

Fun trivia:

I’m proud of:  I was a professor at the U of M for 36 years

Favorite sedentary activities:  cooking, eating, quilting, listening to books (although usually while walking or running)

Top three pieces of gear or clothing:  my lightweight collapsible hiking poles, my Osprey backpack, my Scarpa hiking boots

Favorite indulgent food or drink:  peanut butter

Favorite comfort food:  popcorn or potato chips

Favorite tree or plant:  my shamrock plant

Favorite body of water:  Lake Harriet or the Pacific Ocean (tie)

Favorite travel destinations:   Mexico, Ireland, Scotland, France

Favorite workout or exercise: running and yoga

Dreaded workout or exercise:  cardio intervals

Secret talent/skill:  Irish fiddle playing