Information is changing daily with the current pandemic around COVID-19. We have gone from groups of 250, to groups of 50, to social distancing, to physical distancing, to stay home and only recreate with family members... all within a week.

We want to strongly encourage everyone to consider the following when planning their workouts, whether they are PACE recommended or individual, moving forward:

1. Run solo or with those members of your immediate family only. Recommendations have changed as of Saturday and contact with anyone outside of your house is only if necessary, at which time you're to stay 6 feet away. This no longer means running with a buddy and "social distancing".
2. The trails are seeing an influx of traffic, which is awesome as it shows families are choosing fresh air and nature as a way to cope and support mental health. If possible, try to train outside of peak times.
3. As you train more on your own be sure to familiarize yourself with KNOW BEFORE YOU GO trip planning
4. If you are on the trail and see others, 

• practice social distancing of at least 6 feet and know what it looks like.
• warn other trail users of your presence and as you pass to allow proper distance and step off trails to allow others to pass, keeping minimum recommended distances at all times.
• signal your presence with your voice or a bell if you have one on your bike, for example.
• be sure to pack out what you pack in and let's be even more environmentally conscientious not to leave a trace.

5. Please don't use the trails if you have symptoms, cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing and hold back on the farms blow. Wash your hands before you go, take hand sanitizer with you and wash your hands when you're home.

Our local parks, trails and open spaces have always served as places where people can find respite and seek peace and restoration. During this time of uncertainty, these places are needed now more than ever. While there are lots of things we can't control right now, how we choose to move outdoors is something we can.

​Thank you for your cooperation and leading by example so we can all contribute to setting a new standard within our community. Together, we are helping keep one another and our community healthy and safe.

We are doing our best to stay up-to-date with the latest information, announcements, and recommendations from Health Canada in regards to all things COVID-19. Right now, things seem to be changing daily and there is a lot of information out there. The World Health Organization is recommending everyone to prioritize social distancing in an effort to help slow the viral spread.

Further to that, our doctors here in BC are asking that the public self-isolate and maintain social distancing as it will save lives. We all know how important community and staying active is for our mental health and that social distancing may be one of the most challenging things we have to do, however there is no higher priority for us than the health and safety of the PACE family and our community as a whole.

It has been wonderful to see photos of the PACE family getting outside on their own this last week. We have been excited about the ways in which we can still inspire, motivate, and hold our athletes accountable. In a time where races and events are being cancelled, there are bans on large gatherings, and there is uncertainty for some with work, our mental health matters more than ever.

When I feel overwhelmed or anxious I try writing, reaching out to my friends or family by phone, distancing myself a bit from media use, and getting some fresh air - even if it’s just a walk around the block. At PACE we not only believe that Positive Attitude Changes Everything, we also know the power of community and are here for you if you need any encouragement, or even just someone to talk to. Please know you can always reach out to us. 

We hope you can continue to cultivate kindness for yourself and for others during this time. May we continue to be brave and vulnerable together.

With much love,

Hannah & Coach R ​♥

Today on the blog I'd like to share a delicious recipe from Lucy Tuplin. Sweet Lucy brings delicious treats to share with everyone in the clinic every.single. Wednesday night. We are lucky to have her!

Lucy's Rules of Baking:
Rule #1 of baking, there are no mistakes, even burnt cookies teach us something. 
Rule #2 of baking: you will always wish you had started with a bigger bowl.
Rule #3 of baking: you will always end up with more dirty dishes than anticipated, even if you anticipate it. 
Rule #4 of baking: flour (of any kind) will end up on you, the floor, and in one or more spots to be discovered at a later date. 

Nut Butter Crispy Squares - Vegan, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free 

These treats are best kept cool and can be stored in the freezer. When they crumble, as they are destined to do especially bouncing around in a pack on the trails, they can be reshaped into ball form or simply scooped up and munched as is. 

Line a 9"x13" pan with parchment/wax paper

5 Cups Crisp Rice Cereal (use gluten free if needed) 
1 1/2 Cups Nut or Seed Butter, natural unsweetened varieties work best
2/3 Cup Maple Syrup
1/4 tsp fine sea salt
4 Tbsp. Coconut Oil (or Butter if that's your jam)
2 Tbsp. Toasted Sesame Seeds (Optional) plus more for topping
3/4 Cup Chocolate Chips (use dairy free if needed)
Coarse Salt for sprinkling

In a large bowl (see rule #2) combine rice cereal and toasted sesame seeds together.
Gently heat nut/seed butter, maple syrup, fine salt, and coconut oil until well combined and smooth. 
Pour heated mixture over cereal and gently mix until well coated. 
Spread cereal mixture into prepared pan and press firmly so that mixture gets packed down. Wet hands or spatula when pressing mixture down to prevent it from sticking to you, the spatula, your clothes, cupboard handles, and faucet.

Gently melt chocolate and pour over set cereal mixture. Spread and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and coarse sea salt if desired. Allow bars to chill before cutting and nom nomming. 

Thanks for keeping up well fuelled Lucy! We love you!!