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Sharing the goal to be active

Get Out There

What does the word community mean to you?

Webster’s on-line dictionary defines it as a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals. 

In my world it is the group of mountain bikers who come together once a week with a shared common goal — to shred. It’s the band of runners training for a race who go for coffee after each well earned run. It is also the herd of families who venture on an annual kayaking trip.

These events keep us happy and grateful to be part of something bigger than ourselves. They also keep us engaged in the activity. Research shows that you are more likely to stick with your exercise routine if you are doing it with a friend instead of alone.

Here on the Sunshine Coast, there are many ways to get involved with community when pursuing your outdoor sport. If you like to run, there is Sunshine Coast Athletics (http://sunshinecoastathletics.org/), the tireless folks who put on events and have coaching clinics.

If paddling is your thing, check out the Gibson’s Paddle Club (http://www.gibsonspaddleclub.ca/) for outrigger canoeing clinics and events.

If you like to ride a bike, go to the Sunshine Coast United Mountain Bikers (SCUMB) www.scumb.ca or the Sunshine Coast Cycling Club www.sunshinecoastcycling.ca who do a variety of group rides for all ages and abilities.

Finally if you like to hike, try the Tetrahedron Outdoor Club http://tetoutdoor.weebly.com/

There is nothing like being part of a community especially when the people there share your passion for the outdoors. 

So what are you waiting for? This month, join a group or a club…it costs very little and the benefits extend well beyond the activity itself. 

Until next time, see you out there!

Editor’s note: Lydia Watson’s column appears monthly in Coast Reporter. She handles marketing and outreach programs for Off the Edge Bike shop in Sechelt and is the conveyor of the highly successful mountain bike operations program at Capilano University.