Meet the Team

My run journey started over 10 years ago when I was first introduced to running by a group of workmates back in Barbados.  I never considered myself a runner, I was always too intimated to sign-up for races because I would envision myself at the back struggling or the last one to cross the finish line; and that fear held me back.  

After  my first official 5K run I realized that there were persons of various fitness levels that entered road races and it was not just about what place you crossed the finish line, but more about the mental and physical journey as you challenge yourself to do something that you never thought you could do.   This changed my outlook on running forever.

I still consider myself a student to running, I am always learning and trying to improve myself but the most important lesson of all is to have fun and to share the journey with other likeminded people.

This is what inspired me to start the group Pegcity Steppers. I wanted to create a community, where people who like how I used to feel. Feel intimidated because they are  a slower runner, or intimated because they didn't feel like they could do it; have a a community and a safe space to challenge and push themselves to keep it moving.

My favorite distance to run is the 5km because it is short and sweet and just that right distance to give you a quick challenge. However, I also love to challenge myself to longer distances such as 10 km. The longest distance I have ever done is the half marathon. In 2019 I ran the Manitoba  Marathon for the first time, this was an amazing experience and goal that I never thought I could do; but my strong belief is that whatever the mind believes the body can achieve.

So I want to challenge each and everyone of you, who may feel intimated to come out and join a run/walk group; to give it a try. Believe it and your Body will achieve it. Come join us and let us help you to "keep it moving".

I genuinely believe wellness and exercise have always been a  part of my DNA. 

I come from a family where we always keep it moving. My Dad has always been a runner; I started running with my Dad as a child and doing a lot of jumping jacks and other exercises. On the other hand, my two sisters are bloggers on health, wellness and nutrition and exercise a lot. 

My favorite distance to run is 5km because it is a healthy balance of movement. My body needs at least 3 to 4 times a week to make me feel fit, in shape and healthy. I love to keep it moving because I know that health is wealth, and I have a super fun way to get rid of some unhealthy foods that may make their way to our bodies sometimes and also keep the physical body active.

 It is not always easy to keep it moving, but If your mind can conceive it, your body can do it. Please don't waste time overthinking it; just do it. 

My fitness journey started over twenty years ago and cardiovascular activity has always been integral in achieving my goals. Approximately, ten years ago I began participating in road races after being introduced by my personal trainer at that time. Suffice to say, I hated running yet I always enjoyed the feeling at the end, I absolutely loved the comrade and the spirit of community that it brought and most importantly the personal competition which motivated me to be the best version of myself. I evolved to appreciate and embrace the benefits I gained from running – the main ones being relaxing my mind and allowing my body to transform. 

Prior to moving to Canada, I joined a run group in Jamaica which is where I am originally from. Through this group I was able to run once per week with a group of like-minded individuals. For the first time I developed the consistency required to take my running to the next level. It is during this time that I completed my first 5KM race and then moved on to improving my time on a weekly basis. Taking of the challenge of longer distances was another goal I had set and crushed. The adrenaline was pumping, the results were showing and Natalya was on cloud nine. There were the odd days when I felt like I didn’t want to run but nevertheless always end up showing up and completing that earl morning run which – always feels good at the end.

In more recent years, I met another group of amazing people in Winnipeg - We call ourselves Pegcity Steppers! Being involved with Pegcity Steppers has created that sense of community that fosters the long-terms benefits which contributes positively to the development of our community. The value I place on belief in self and community involvement will help me to support our group to promote diversity as an essential pillar in it’s existence.  

In the words of Dean Karnazes: “Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must, just never give up.” And like the Pegcity Steppers Mantra states, “Keep it Moving.” Both these quotes have been truly inspirational in getting through my runs one step at a time!