Paul Plakas Reports on the Saint John Event
Jan 14, 2010
Paul Plakas drops the puck and the Sea Dogs game
Paul Plakas drops the puck and the Sea Dogs gameThe event in Saint John, that the YMCA and Canadian Mental Health Association organized, was one of the best events that I have participated in, ever in my life. The organizers were great and everything ran so smoothly.
I was surprised to learn how I was really well liked in St. John; I was signing people’s shirts and DVDs and books. It was like I got swarmed there: I got a small taste of what it felt like to be a rock star!
Dropping the puck at the hockey game was really cool, that was something I had never done before. I got a great reception everywhere, people coming up to me at the hockey game, asking for autographs and telling me how much they love the show. I had a really good time.
The turnout for the Atlantic provinces was just great (there were 450 participants at the Saint John event, and 400 in Halifax). I didn't have any expectations whatsoever as to how we people would turn up, but I was so happy to hear that the ticketed event in Saint John had sold out completely and there was a waiting list for people that wanted tickets. The organizers say that next year they are going to try and organize a bigger event, so that everybody who wants to come can get there.
There was a real range of people that turned up, of all shapes and sizes. Everybody that turned up went hard, and gave the fitness test 100%. It was just great. I met some super nice people, everybody there was just so friendly.
Everybody seemed excited and totally jacked up. Now the key is for them to keep up that excitement for the next six months when life starts to kick them in the butt again.
I'm really looking forward to going back to Saint John in six months and seeing how everybody did. It just felt like the whole community was supporting each other to do this Challenge. Everybody was joining together to make it happen.
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Saint John Event with Paul Plakas
It was a great time in Saint John. Paul is so real and friendly. Thanks for being there Paul and helping us get motivated. I know I'm going to reach my goal this time!
Saint John
I used to live in Saint John and ya, the people are awesome there. Way to go!
Think Paul should visit
Think Paul should visit Kamloops. We are only 1.5 hrs away from Kelowna, have great hockey, weather and his #1 fan (me ) Come to Kamloops Paul.
Come to Newfoundland, Please.
I'd love to have the opportunity to go to an event in Newfoundland. I'm helping to organize a 6 month fitness/weight loss challenge in my church but we are in a very small community with no real facilities for indoor exercise. Love the show.
Saskatchewan
I was hoping to make it to one of the events, unfortunately there was nothing near me without driving 8 hours. Are you planning to incorporate Saskatchewan into the events eventually?
We wanted to go everywhere....
.... unfortunately it was hard to find centres to host us. Hopefully next year they will all be chomping at the bit to get involved - as it was such a great success.
Re: Saskatchewan
I would be willing to help you find gyms in Saskatoon. I already mentioned this challenge to two people who either own a gym or are the manager of a gym. They were very interested in the challenge and I am sure that they would be interested in hosting events.
Happy Participant!!
I'm living in Vancouver; however, I am from New-Brunswick and when I found out that you were in Saint-John I was thrilled. Many people in the country usually have access to extensive facilities and/or training; however, the maritimes usually don't have much and when they get something they are very appreciative. They need the help and you, I'm certain, were a great help in motivating them to getting them going. NB itself has one of the largest population in Canada. Koodos to you for going there.
I'm definitely not surprised that they treated you the way they did. Every little bit is like gold and you are definitely up there in the "famous" canadian health fitness category.
on the Saint John event
Your coming to Saint John was a turning point for me. As you were doing some fitness test I was starting to tear up as I felt this was my last chance. This going to be hard for me as I've struggled with weight all my life even as a child I have no idea how to be any other way! I still don't but I feel that this is it for me! My new saying to resist bad decisions is "Do I want this food or do I want to live?" I look forward to seeing you again and getting my after picture with you as my before one is the one that was taken after your lecture on Sunday.
Hi Gabby
Saw you comments about the Saint John event. Join the " Saint John losers" group we are hopefully going to meet for coffee/tea etc. Would love to have you join us. Regards, Janet
on the Saint John event
Saint John was excited to have Paul come to our community and get us started on our quest NOT TO BE the second fattest city in Canada!!!! The event was a great one - all reports have been fantastic!!!!! I think I speak for everyone when I say we can hardly "weight" for the return visit :)
We are in the process of developing an activity and events schedule for the next three months for our participants including walks along harbour passage and some reminders about controlling mindless eating. Stay tuned!
remember - pain is only temporary... quitting is forever!