That's Y

When gyms and yoga centres closed during the pandemic, Kendra decided to try outdoor running. She started slowly and worked her way up to a 5K run, then a 10K race, and then a full marathon. And not just any marathon, Kendra was randomly selected through a lottery process to run the New York Marathon in 2022 and went on to run the Berlin, Chicago, and Paris Marathons.

Kendra recalls that this journey was not easy. “I remember when my running program got up to 8 minutes of continuous running. That was terrifying to me. I learned to accept that I would feel different after each workout, and that some days were better than others. It’s a process and I would remind myself that no one ever regrets doing a workout”.

Running outdoors is challenging in the winter as the ice and the dark can sometimes present safety risks.  With this in mind, Kendra joined the Y. Now at age 46, she says that she gives more attention to her wellness than when she was a Y member in her youth.

Kendra comes to the Y for speed work on the treadmill, cycling and strength training on EGYM.  As a yogi and marathon runner, she had little experience in strength training. “I didn’t know how much to do, how long to spend, or what weight to use. I love EGYM because it figures all that out for me, and it gets heavier as I grow stronger, so I know I’m always challenging myself.” 

As a practicing lawyer, Kendra says regular physical activity makes her a better lawyer to her clients.  “Sometimes I wake up and see all my emails and think about all the things I have to do and feel stressed.  But when I go to the Y or go for a run, I can find clarity and better answers to problems than I did before my workout. I realized that when I do something for myself, I can be more gracious for other people.” 

Kendra feels comfortable, safe, and supported at the Y and the four branches make it convenient and close to home and work. “I chose the Y because I love seeing children and families being active together, and even though I don’t play basketball, I like seeing it happen. And I like that I’m supporting an organization that makes health and fitness accessible.”

When asked what advice she would give to someone who is just getting started with an exercise program, she says to prioritize exercise and schedule it in your calendar, choose activities you enjoy, and be patient. “Anyone can do it. I’m not extra special or super athletic, but I found something that I enjoy doing, and make time for myself to enjoy it”.