Mind Body Run

This group offers students the opportunity to take a break, get outside, and run/walk using the basic principles of mindfulness (being present in a non-judgmental mindset). Runners of all levels are welcome. This is a drop in format: come to every session, or just one! Folks are encouraged to dress according to weather, wear running shoes and bring water. We will have a quick 15 minute chat on the topic of mindfulness and then go out for a run together.

Facilitators

Melissa Zettel (she/her) is a Registered Social Worker (MSW) with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. She currently works as a Counsellor with the University of Waterloo within Campus Wellness. Melissa’s love for running started later in life. As someone who never considered herself to be athletic but saw the value in movement and exercise, she became curious about finding ways to build confidence in this area. Running became that avenue and has been a place where she has gained significant confidence in herself while also having the opportunity to connect with her body, thoughts and emotions in a new way. Running has also been a place Melissa has found peace and steadiness especially during periods of her life where those things have felt less evident. Melissa brings running into her life regularly and enjoys training for races. She has run 2 half marathons and one day hopes to train for a marathon. 

Ella Grammatikos (she/her) is a Personal Trainer through the University of Waterloo and has recently developed a love for running. She played hockey and softball growing up and could not let go of her love for moving her body, so she transitioned into weight lifting. She is now completing mostly functional training to help her body feel good, but is always motivated to try new forms of activity like running! She is building up her cardiovascular strength to help her become the most athletic she has ever been! Now that she has completed her Honours Kinesiology degree at the university this past April, Ella has been motivated to find ways of now helping others find their love for physical activity that best suits their personality and interests. Her goal in coaching is to help others feel the amazing effects of physical activity and show them how it can benefit their day-to-day life, both physically and mentally!

Kathy Young (she/her): Kathy is a personal trainer and currently works with the University of Waterloo. Her passion for health and wellness stems from interests in rehabilitative medicine, and she is excited to further explore the industry as she finishes her degree in Kinesiology. Currently, her fitness goals revolve around finding ways to incorporate structured physical activity into her daily life and exploring new avenues of movement. Kathy’s goals for this program is to provide students with a safe space to explore their own individual fitness, in combination with techniques that explore the concept of mindfulness.

Who can join?

All students are welcome! No experience in mindfulness or running is necessary. 

When and how do we meet?

This group meets in-person, Wednesdays, 6:00p.m. - 7:00p.m. at Front Entrance of Columbia Ice Fields (CIF) (Entrance by roundabout) .