Throughout the pandemic, there’s been a variety of trending hobbies (tie-dye everything, baking, bread making…) and a whole lot of long walks or runs. The latter, of course, is a great way to improve mood and overall health. With the weather now in full summer mode, it’s a great time to get outside and incorporate daily movement into your schedule. Coming up on June 2nd is Global Run Day, a worldwide celebration of running that encourages everyone to get moving. This global effort brings people together (digitally this year) in order to encourage physical wellness and strengthen one’s sense of community.
Health and wellness is a huge part of the Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood, as we’re home to a number of fitness studios and health clinics. Located in the middle of all of them is our lululemon Cumberland Boutique. This year, to celebrate Global Run Day, they’re partnering with the Strava app to encourage the community to join in on the event. You can learn more about this community event and sign-up here. Even if you’re not an avid runner, this initiative is more about connecting with those around you and committing to at least 10 minutes of movement.
We were lucky enough to chat with the lululemon Cumberland team and three of their Bloor-Yorkville ambassadors: Sweat Shoppe owner Daryl Devonish, F45 trainer Vanessa Treasure, and Myodetox physiotherapist Tyler Nightingale. Each of them shares their tips for safe ways to start running (or power walking!), the connection between mental and physical health, and, of course, what makes them proud to be a part of the Bloor-Yorkville community. Whether you’re celebrating Global Run Day or not, their guidance will remain helpful long past June 2nd.
Tyler Nightingale, Myodetox:
Tell us about yourself! What Bloor-Yorkville-based business are you affiliated with and how can our community find you?
I’m a physiotherapist, avid runner, and cyclist working at Myodetox Yorkville. I treat aspiring runners, weekend warriors, and people who work hard from home and are in pain or want to prevent it. I’ve been at this for the better part of a decade from Boston to Singapore to New York City. One thing I love about working in the Yorkville area is the people, who have a nice balance of being laid-back but driven to reach their goals.
What is your favourite part about being a lululemon Yorkville (Cumberland) Ambassador? What do you love about our Bloor-Yorkville Community the most?
This might sound repetitive, but the people. I’m always inspired by how dedicated the lululemon team and fellow ambassadors are to bettering their community. When I first came on board as an ambassador, I was new to the neighbourhood and had just moved back to Toronto after many years away. The team at lululemon really made me feel welcome and helped me integrate into the community.
Without a doubt, the best thing about the Yorkville community is the density of the neighbourhood. I love walking through the narrow streets seeing coffee shops and boutique clothing stores – it adds to the tight-knit community feel.
What tips can you share with our readers who want to start running?
The best advice I can give to someone who is starting to run is to take it slow. There’s a saying in the running rehab industry that 80% of runners get injured each year from doing 80% of their runs at 80% intensity. It comes from an innocent place: most people run because they want to feel like they are getting a good workout. But, it’s important to pace yourself for the first few months while you build your fitness. I always recommend to people that for their first 3 months of running they do it with a friend either in person or on the phone. Talking while running will slow you down to the right pace for beginners.
What is your relationship with running (how does it support your mental & physical health)? How will you be celebrating Global Run Day?
I’ve been running and racing for as long as I can remember. For me, it started with racing my brothers in my backyard as a child. Now, running for me is more of an escape. It’s where I got to get away from my day and reflect. I have some of my best ideas when I’m out on a run! One of the reasons I became a physiotherapist is because I recognize how important running is to people’s mental health, and if you can’t because of injury, it can be incredibly frustrating. To me, every day is global run day. But, to celebrate the official day, I may have to run a few extra KMs.
Daryl Devonish, Sweat Shoppe:
Tell us about yourself! What Yorkville-based business are you affiliated with and how can our community find you?
My name is Daryl Devonish, I go by Coach D and can be found at the Sweat Shoppe at 70 Yorkville Avenue (when it’s open of course) where I work one-on-one with all ages, from kids to adults. My passion is working with young athletes and helping them be the best version of themselves. I can also be found at www.daryldevonish.com
What is your favourite part about being a lululemon Yorkville (Cumberland) Ambassador ? What do you love about our Bloor-Yorkville community the most?
What I love about lululemon is the culture they’ve built and the direction they are going in in terms of mindfulness, health, and wellness. It’s very supportive and helps its ambassadors grow within their community.
There is never a dull moment in the Bloor-Yorkville community. The vibe is contagious as you’re surrounded by high-level people and creative business owners.
What tips can you share with our readers who want to start running?
My tips would be to start slow, really focus on your form and running mechanics and make sure you set attainable goals that don’t risk injury. Learn to enjoy it, not see it as a chore. You won’t make it part of your lifestyle if you have no desire to do it.
What is your relationship with running (how does it support your mental & physical health)? How will you be celebrating Global Run Day?
I wouldn’t call myself a runner as my old football injuries don’t allow for a lot of impact, such as running. I love sprint intervals in the grass as well as power walking and cycling. Power walking is my time to reflect on mindfulness and where I want my focus to be for the day. I will celebrate Global Run Day by power walking May 28 – June 2, reflecting on what I am grateful for during this pandemic, and how I can help others become active. I know a lot of people have fallen off their fitness journeys and my goal is to help as many people as possible get back on track.
Vanessa Treasure, Fitness and Performance Coach:
Tell us about yourself! What Bloor-Yorkville-based business are you affiliated with and how can our community find you?
I first really got acquainted with the Yorkville community in 2016 when I joined the incredible owners of F45 Training Yorkville, John & Liz. We were on a mission to create a training facility for members to, literally, change their lives. The F45 Yorkville Team is welcoming, motivating and results driven! If you are looking for somewhere to make your fitness goals a reality, that’s your place! I met so many fabulous people (including the Lululemon crew) and was honoured to be a part of all their unique fitness journeys. Now, you can find me not far up the street at U of T on a similar mission, just in a new place.
What is your favourite part about being a lululemon Yorkville (Cumberland) Ambassador ? What do you love about our Bloor-Yorkville community the most?
I love the hustle of the city life and it keeps me energized in everything I do. The Yorkville community is where I really hit my stride as a fitness professional but also, as a former U of T student, it strikes that nostalgia factor for me. Although I’ve never lived in Yorkville, anytime I set foot in lululemon Cumberland, the team has it feeling like home for me.
I think my favourite part about being a lululemon Cumberland Ambassador is the opportunity to show representation for BIPOC folks. I feel that having my photo up in the store is such a powerful statement and I am so proud that I get to be a role model with this company!
What tips can you share with our readers who want to start running?
Just start! It’s okay to walk first. You don’t have to be fast, and you don’t have to go far, just start.
What is your relationship with running (how does it support your mental & physical health)? How will you be celebrating Global Run Day?
I ran track in high school, loved it. I’ve run a couple 10K & 15K races since then but definitely wouldn’t call myself an avid runner. These days, short intervals are my go-to. You won’t see me running 10Ks around the city, but catch me at a set of stairs or a hill and I’ll race you to the top. I think I’ll try my luck at a 1 KM personal best to celebrate Global Run Day!
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lululemon
153 Cumerland Street
(416) 964-9544
cumberland-store@lululemon.com