RALLY-ing to Moving More

I’ve always had a passion for sport and fitness. I grew up playing volleyball, then started coaching fitness classes, and now spend nearly all my spare time running (and convincing other people to join me!). 

From logging miles here in Winnipeg, trails around Canadian provinces, and around the continent, I have met some of the most amazing and inspiring people along the way. But here’s the cool part: you don’t have to run marathons (or even run at all) to feel the magic. Moving more, whether that’s walking, jogging, or a lopsided combo of both, does wonders for your body and brain.

WHY getting outside is basically a superpower

Sometimes less is more. It might sound too simple, but putting one foot in front of the other is truly some of the best medicine out there. Moving more:

✅Boosts your mood. Movement releases feel-good chemicals that fight stress and anxiety (free therapy).

✅ Protects your heart. Lowers blood pressure, cholesterol, all that important stuff docs talk about.

✅ Keeps chronic diseases at bay. Cuts your risk of diabetes, stroke, some cancers — you get the idea.

✅ Builds community. Walking or running with a friend makes it way more fun (and you’re less likely to bail).

HOW to get moving (without making it a big deal)

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel or make any crazy changes. Here are some of my favourite tips from our RALLY crew:

👉 Start tiny. Even 10 minutes counts. Do a quick walk with a podcast in the early morning, after dinner or the next time you make plans with a friend.

👉 Make it brainless. Lay out your clothes & shoes the night before so you’re ready to roll (excuse to buy a new pair of sneakers fully warranted).

👉 Attend a run club! OK I might be biased, but running (or walking) with a group is a total game changer. Zero regrets, pinky promise.

👉 Know your why. Write it down, set it as your screensaver, tell your accountability buddy, do whatever you gotta do. Whether it’s clearing your head, getting stronger, or just feeling good in your own skin, keep that reason close.

Why I started RALLY

I didn’t start RALLY just because I love fitness (though that’s definitely part of it). I started it because I genuinely wanted to share it with others and help people see and feel the benefits for themselves. You don’t have to be running marathons or waking up at 4 a.m. to make a real difference in your health.

Although I am still early in my medical education, I see that being in medicine, a field that asks so much of us, has only reinforced how important it is to also show up for ourselves. Moving our bodies is such a powerful way to do that.

It’s been a busy and wild ride. But honestly, I just feel lucky to get to sweat alongside so many amazing people. Seeing everyone come together, encourage each other, step outside their comfort zones, and keep showing up. That’s what makes this all so special.

JOIN the RALLY and let’s get GETTING HEALTHY

When: July 30^th, 2025 (Or every Wednesday and Friday for our regular run club!)

Time: 7 p.m.

Where: Cargo Bar, Assiniboine Park

What: 3K and 5K distances (all paces, all abilities: walk, jog, run, or roll!)