Athletics, Recreation, and Wellness departments launch Running with the Wolves
The world of recreation has definitely changed in today’s world due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many gyms, programs, and services have shifted their fitness opportunities into the virtual world.
Previous programs that were popular at both the Orillia and Thunder Bay campuses, including intramurals and group fitness, are not operating in their traditional capacity. Staff in the Athletics & Recreation Departments have been working to provide new virtual programming, such as e-sports and online fitness classes.
Lakehead Orillia's Athletics & Student Wellness, Lakehead Thunder Bay’s Athletics & Recreation, and the Student Health & Wellness Health Promoter, have teamed up to provide opportunities for the Lakehead community to enhance their physical fitness and wellbeing virtually, while creating connections across our campuses and our Lakehead community.
“The idea of joining a running club can seem really intimidating but starting, or restarting, a new program can actually be easier if you join a community with the same interests. By surrounding yourself with other enthusiastic people with the same goal, you’re more likely to run long-term, instead of depending solely on your own motivation. Members can offer each other advice, share experiences and motivate one another," said Lindsey Wachter, Health and Wellness Promoter for the Student Health and Wellness Department.
With support from Thunderwolves Head Track & Field and Cross Country Coach, Kip Sigsworth, and Dr. Ben Rayfield, a Sports Chiropractor from Back to Function in Orillia, the Running the Wolves program will provide participants with an eight-week training program with a weekly newsletter, along with various tips to aid in achieving their running goals. The program will be tracked through an app that will help build a sense of community and connection while they are in the program.
The Introduction to Running club, which is intended for beginners will guide these runners to build up cardio and pace to running 5k by the end of the eight week program.
“I know from experience that running is a little intimidating. There’s a lot of aches and pains when first starting. I’m excited to be able to work with our coaching staff to provide this community and training guide to our participants, and also follow along with the program myself," said Laura Ferguson, Coordinator for Recreational Programs at Lakehead Thunder Bay.
Alternatively, for members of our Lakehead community that already engage in running at an intermediate level, the general Thunderwolves Running club provides a more advanced guide to help enhance and strengthen and bring some new tips and structure to your current running routine.
There will be leaderboards shared each week to celebrate participants' successes, and using the Strava Run Clubs, participants will be able to motivate each other and cheer each other on as they reach new milestones.
The program starts on July 5th and will run until the end of August. Participants can learn more and sign up at lakeheadu.ca/wolvesrun. All staff, faculty, students, and alumni are welcome to sign up!
Questions about the Running with the Wolves program can be directed to campusrec@lakeheadu.ca.
