The Grind for Kids: A Family, Fitness and Fun-draising Opportunity

It's Grind-time again!

Time to join the Grouse Grind for Kids team!

 

And along with the opening of the 2013 Grouse Grind season, marks the start of another year of fundraising for the Grind for Kids.  My family is excited to be a part of this amazing program and we challenge other Vancouver Lower-Mainland families to join us in making every Grind count this summer for BC Children's Hospital.

[caption id="attachment_9993" align="alignright" width="331"] You know what they say... a family that hikes together...[/caption]

[tweet_box float="left" width="40%" design="box_12"]Cher once said, " Fitness - if it came in a bottle, we'd all be fit ".  She's right. [/tweet_box]

There's a tight correlation between one's fitness level and motivation.  The latter isn't easy to find but in my personal experience as a coach and trainer, holding oneself accountable to others has more impact than simply holding yourself accountable to 'you'.  Group fitness when coupled with family commitments are powerful motivators to get ( and keep ) yourself moving.

My wife and I engage our 2 daughters with pretty much every activity we do.  It all starts with a conversation.  To be honest, sometimes we have to remind ourselves they're just little people and as such are more than capable of handling any physical challenge at their own 'little person' pace.  Our girls are our biggest cheerleaders and motivators - and always our reason WHY we choose to stay active and never why we CAN'T stay active.  There's a big difference.

So why join the Grind for Kids and hike up the Grouse Grind?

Question:  IF you had a family activity that could not only help you and your loved ones stay fit and connected, but also allow you to help sick BC kids, why wouldn't you want to be a part of it?

Grind for Kids is one possible answer.   This summer join me and my family along with the Fitness Town Summit Seekers for our group hikes up the Grind.  We have 2 organized meet ups (but welcome everyone to climb the Grind anytime your schedule permits).  We meet every Wednesday at 6:30am and/or Saturday mornings at 7:30am, connect with us at the base of the infamous Grouse Grind.  Hike at your own pace and we'll see you at the top!

To join the Summit Seekers and sign-up for the Grind for Kids, click here. Will you take on the challenge? More info and group climbing events can be found on our Facebook Group Page

The Summit Seekers goal is to raise $10,000 dollars for the BC Children’s Hospital by completing the  Grouse Grind  throughout the 2013 season (May through to the end of October).  The  Summit Seeker team is consisting of Lower Mainland families, career-minded professionals, local businesses, and health conscious people of all ages, shapes and sizes, with a desire to help a great cause while improving their health at the same time.  We’re open to anyone joining our team and helping us reach our fundraising goal this season.

Whether it is your first time, or you are a seasoned Grinder, we’re excited to experience the Grind with you this season.  Let’s get fit together, one climb at a time and help the kids of BC Children’s Hospital.

 

[toggle title="Interesting Grouse Grind Stats"]

The Grouse Grind

The Grouse Grind® is a 2.9-kilometre trail up the face of Grouse Mountain, commonly referred to as "Mother Nature’s Stairmaster."

This trail is very challenging. Keep in mind that there is a wide range of mountaintop trails that might better suit the average hiker.

Trail Facts

• Length: 2.9 kilometres (1.8 miles)


• Elevation Gain: 853 metres (2,800 feet)


• Base: 274 metres above sea level (900 feet)


• Summit: 1,127 metres (3,700 feet)


• Total Stairs: 2,830


• Statistics: Annually, over 100,000 people hike the trail.


• Average Time: On average it takes up to an hour and a half to complete the hike. For novice hikers, two hours is recommended.


• Participants: Hikers range in age from 7 to 90, with an equal male/female split.

For trail hours, check Current Conditions.

Columbia Grind Timer

A Grind Timer Card (previously, the Summit Seeker Card), containing a radio frequency chip, from Grouse Mountain is a great way to track your training. Swipe your card at the Grind Timer at the base of the Grouse Grind, and again at the top of the trail, and your name and time will appear on the monitor at Alpine Guest Services in the Peak Chalet. Your results may also be printed for you at Alpine Guest Services, or you can check them online. [/toggle]

 

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