Page 44 - SS Magazine - Digital

ADOPT THE P A CE OF NATURE

HEATHER WIELER // BANFF SOUL SKI AND BIKE

We found out you recently retired and started living your You and your husband lead incredibly active lifestyles. What
best version of life. What gave you the motivation to make advice would you give to others who want to do the same?
such a bold move? Find your passion. It seems far easier to be active when you
We like to call it a restructuring! We decided a few years ago are doing something you love. Find someone to be active with.
that we had put a good amount of blood, sweat, and tears Nick and I have been active together for over 20 years. We
into living the dream in downtown Calgary. It was time for a have a lot of the same interests in biking (both mountain and
change: we needed to get both of us healthy, less stressed, road), hiking, skiing (both cross-country and downhill), so we
and enjoying each day. We travelled in our trailer for eight always have a buddy to go with, which helps.
weeks to figure out what we want from the next chapter and
ended up moving to Canmore, Alberta, full-time. We have It is also important to be able to do activity on your own. I get
never looked back. As we got comfortable in our new life, we an awesome feeling of zen when I run or swim on my own.
wanted to get involved in the Bow Valley community. A year
ago an opportunity arose to buy into Banff Soul Ski and Bike. Find likeminded people to be active with. Whether at the gym
It’s been a wild ride, and we are learning every day! or on the trail, others not only push you to do more/better/
new activities, but they end up enriching your life. Some of
You also turned 50 this year, reaching a large milestone. my best friends I’ve met through bike courses, running groups,
If you could describe your journey up until now in three fitness classes. I have a standing Monday night girls’ night
sentences, what would you say? where six to ten of us meet for a cross-country ski in the winter
The 49 years leading to 50 were fun and challenging, full and a mountain bike in the summer, followed by social time.
of both laughter and sorrow, but those life experiences
and lifelong friends—whether I’ve known them all my life or Lift weights. This is so important as we age. I find I am a
feel that I should have—have helped to nurture the strong, stronger person all around when I incorporate weights into my
confident, slightly competitive woman I am today. I have been workout schedule.
very fortunate to be able to share the last 20 years with my
best friend, husband, and love of my life, Nick. I feel energized Just start. A peaceful walk along the river does wonders.
and excited for the next chapter.

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