Faye Desjardins is often asked why she exercises so much and her answer is, "Because I can!" Prince Albert's Desjardins has always been passionate about physical activity, but wasn't always active herself.
She grew up in Marcelin, SK, a village of about 300 people, which she says gave her the opportunity to participate in every sport available in the school system. "There were so few students, that every warm body was expected to participate to ensure a complete team," explains Desjardins. The skating rink and the curling rink were a place to socialize and participate in sports she loved. "We didn't participate to keep in shape, rather it was a way of life."
Later in life, Desjardins and her husband moved to Whitehorse, Yukon Territory. She found that being so far away from home caused her to feel very isolated and lonesome for friends and family back home. She say, "I was desperate to make friends. I joined a ball team and instantly became friends with many wonderful people." Joining the ball team completely changed her outlook, "Once again, I was physically active and socially active at the same time."
The Desjardins couple unconsciously put their personal physical activity aside as they focused their energy on raising children and keeping them involved in sports and community events. Desjardins admits that it wasn't until their last child was almost done high school and her mother was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) that she realized, "we were so busy that we didn't take time for ourselves."
Desjardins watched her mother slowly lose the ability to speak and the ability to continue living independently. "It was a tragedy that truly changed my life," she says. "I lost 30 lbs, began playing the violin and walking to and from school (3.5 km) each way." Desjardins continues to play violin and has since run many long distance races and participated in several triathlons. She credits the city of Prince Albert as a great place to train. "There are so many great trails and people willing to train with you if you're interested."
Desjardins says she feels truly blessed to have the physical activity opportunities available to her in her community. "When walking to work in the morning I look down 15th Avenue toward the river and think to myself, God, I am so lucky to be able to walk to work each day."