South Shore’s Labelle Walkers lead the way
On the South Shore of Nova Scotia, in the quiet community of Labelle, a group of six women are motivating others in their region to be more active. Their story is part of the Queens County “Move More” video series, airing on local television and online. We talked with group member Donna Young to learn more about what inspired the group to get moving and how they encourage others to follow in their footsteps.
The Labelle Walkers, as they are affectionately known, have been walking together for over a decade. Group members include Donna Young, Nancy Herman, Yvonne Westhaver, Catherine Ward, Anne Hebb and Jane Banek. One long-time member, Nancy Kenz, recently moved to Newfoundland and started a new walking group there. Despite missing their friend, the Labelle Walkers are thrilled that a new walking group is flourishing in another community.
In the early days, the Labelle Walkers were an informal neighbourhood dog-walking group. Soon, women without dogs joined the group, as did some who borrowed neighbours’ dogs as a way to join in.
Walking on a regular basis isn’t new to Donna. Before retiring, she would often take walks during her lunch hour, and it was baked into her routine. During her summer holidays, she would walk while spending time at her cottage in Labelle. Now Donna is retired and living in Labelle full time. She says, “walking with these ladies just seemed the most natural thing to do.”
The changing seasons don’t slow the Labelle Walkers down either — come rain, sun or snow, the ladies of Labelle love to keep moving. “Walking becomes a habit, and when you really enjoy it and feel good about walking, nothing stands in your way,” says Donna.
In the winter, Donna advises, “A good pair of grippers on your boots makes all the difference.” She says, “There’s nothing better than walking in the winter. The air is crisp and clear, the trees are beautiful with snow. Just dress warmly and off you go.” While walking poles are useful in all seasons, some members of the group find them to be especially helpful in the winter, while walking on slippery terrain.
Creating a life-long habit of daily activity, such as walking, sets us up for better health throughout our lives. Research has shown that walking regularly can dramatically decrease the risk of high blood pressure, the onset of diabetes and the potential for coronary heart disease, while also offering myriad benefits, including improved mental health and increased cognition as we age.
Donna says whenever she and the Labelle Walkers complete a walk, “It feels like an accomplishment and rejuvenates me for the rest of the day. Sometimes you are tired and even a little achy, but it is so worth it. Being with friends, and talking and laughing, is what life is all about. It’s a connection to each other.”
Walking can also be an incredible opportunity to give yourself some “me time.” If you feel anxious or overwhelmed, spending time outside and disconnecting from everyday stresses can be therapeutic.
From time to time, we all need a bit of gentle support to get moving. The Labelle Walkers encourage each other. For example, Donna says, “We discuss the problems and joys of our lives as we walk. When you need someone to talk to, you can always count on a friend, and walking is a special way to do that.”
The Labelle group enjoys pacing the peaceful network of dirt roads in their community, which are perfect for walking. “Since we all live so close together, our own community is our favourite place to walk,” says Donna. “Just down the road is a beach and a bridge with a flow-through between two lakes. That is one of our favourite destinations.”
Walking makes us feel good. As we age, we may lose strength and experience more aches and pains, but walking can build resilience and strength, especially in your legs and lower body. Not only that, but the fresh air is good for our lungs and walking builds endurance. Donna says, “if you are not used to walking, start off with a very short walk and gradually build up the length and speed of your walking.”
The beauty of walking is that very little equipment is required, and there are no membership fees whatsoever.
Donna has some advice for people who would like to start a walking group of their own:
Just do it!
Having a Facebook Messenger or email group is important. It makes it so easy to get in touch with each other and organize your time.
Have fun and enjoy your surroundings as you walk.
You will need comfortable footwear and clothing appropriate for the weather.
Stay flexible in your approach to the distance and speed you walk – not everyone can walk the entire route every day and that is entirely OK. Even 10 or 15 minutes is beneficial!
The most important thing is to keep on keeping on.
The Labelle Walkers plan to keep their group going as long as they’re mobile. The group has changed over the years and not everyone can join every time they walk, but even if just two people want to walk, they will walk together. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Donna says, “Walking has been effective because it is something we have always been able to keep up and everyone can participate.”
What sticks out most to Donna about her walking group is the merriment between friends. “Our husbands ask us almost every time we walk what we talked about or what’s new when we get home. We pretty much always answer the same way: ‘Can’t remember, but we never stopped talking and laughing the whole time.’”
