Hello friends, let me introduce myself.
My name is Dina, 49 years old this spring, a mom, a wife, a sister, a solid friend, a loyal employee and animal lover. I consider myself a fitness enthusiast and wellness advocate merely based on the journey I started at 18 years old with many blunders and occasional successes.
Four arthroscopic knee surgeries left me with weight gain. A tricky pregnancy taxed my heart health, all the while trying to stay healthy and employed. I was a kid of the 70s, watching my parents exercise the Jack Lalanne-Arnold Schwarzenegger way — the go hard or go home kind of philosophy.
We lived on farms and just worked hard every day. I do still live by that ‘go-hard rule’, but it’s very subjective. Friday nights at 7 p.m. I’m not going hard, unless it’s with a glass of wine in hand and a new Netflix show to dive into.
In my teens, the 80s grabbed hold of me and rung me out like a dirty dish rag! I could have fit into any glam rock band with my black eyeliner and Eddie Van Halen hair. But the one thing I didn’t count on was hearing about this kid, some kid I’d never met. His name was Terry Fox.
It was the first tug at my inner fit self being inspired by someone I didn’t know or understand. Cancer was taking my Grandfather at the time and I just needed to DO something, anything. So, I started running.
I had crappy shoes, high tops in fact. They were super cool, to be honest, but not run worthy. There were no run clubs then and google searching was a mere pipe dream. My heart and lungs had no idea what was happening. Letting go of the party habits I was clinging to was the first step, including cigarettes — they cost a mere $1.75 back then.
I lost friends along the way, but we know they aren’t true friends if they don’t support you finding your authentic self. It was the 80s, after all, and to be expected. Trust the process, they say. Sometimes it’s easier said than done.
Life can throw some pretty gooey stuff at you and not letting it stick is the key. We have to find ways to get unstuck and out of poor habits we know we should give up but, damn, we’re just so comfy there. Is it fear that keeps us from trying? I can say for me it was. Failing wasn’t an option, but I failed at things so much I think I should have been awarded some sort of accolade for being so good at it. Ugh!
Then, when I was living in Vancouver, the opportunity came for me to participate in a Terry Fox run. I went and I was captivated by the honesty of the participants. They shared their stories of survival, their lost loved ones and those still fighting. What could we do? We could run! Men, women, children, some amputees and others struggling for air from the raging cancers in their bodies.
Why? Because we could. It really was as simple as that. With each step, each week, each month, each year that I just kept moving, the stress of life and all its mess lost it’s stickiness like a well used Band-Aid and just fell away, leaving me feeling healed in some way.
Scars remain, for sure. Self doubt, her nagging little voice in my head — man, she’s a jerk. Persistence is key to being your most honest, true-to-you self and that’s the most important part: YOU.
I am inspired by the struggle. The elites have always impressed me and, if you read their bios, they have some incredible stories as to why they ever started and continue. But, it’s the couch-to-5k people that really inspire my heart, proof that anyone can move no matter your limitations.
Walk, run, dance, shuffle, hop, skip — just move! I’ve been plugging away for years and doing darn good at it. I’ve never won anything, but all those participation medals I have are oh so pretty! I’m celebrating my mediocrity every step of the way.
My 16-year-old daughter said to me once, with a hint of annoyance in her tone, “I’m not like you, I’m not athletic.” I am not actually athletic, I’m fit. There’s a huge difference. I love sports, but I have never really played any. So, I’m going to jump out of my comfortable little box and give it a go this year, perhaps just to learn some basketball drills, soccer kicks, rugby rules or how to skate and shoot a puck without smashing my face.
So, join me on my new adventures. There should be some laughs, bruises and great information on fun fitness routines you can do anywhere. I’m looking forward to sharing with you. Remember now is now so Live it NOW! It’s your life! Be your own champion. I’ll be cheering you on loud ‘n proud, whether you’re an elite or beginner, woman or man. I’m kind of annoying like that!
At 49 years old, Dina McLeod has found full body wellness/awareness the key to embracing life. Born on Vancouver Island, her love of the fresh outdoors and genuine desire to stay grounded only grew when she relocated to Kamloops in 1998. She is proof that living a healthy, balanced life can be achieved at any age or fitness level. Her motto: Life is waiting, live it now!
