Episode 25 with Georgette Reed (Health and Wellness Coordinator for Edmonton Rescue)

 1. Tell me a little about yourself and how long have worked
for EFD for and in what capacity?


I have had a keen interest in Sport, Fitness, Health and
Wellness all of my life. I am a certified track and field and
strength and conditioning, coach with 43 years of competitive
experience under my belt in the sports of athletics, bobsleigh,
swimming and water polo, I now put all of my knowledge and
expertise to good use as the Health and Wellness Coordinator for
Edmonton Fire Rescue Services and Mental Health First Aid,
Psychological First Aid and R2MR (first responder) instructor for
the City of Edmonton. I have worked for the City for 5.5 years,
before that I was at the U of A.


During my athletic career, I represented Canada in the
Olympic Games, the World Athletics Championships, The World
Bobsleigh Championships, The Pan American Games, The Commonwealth
Games and many other international events. As a competitor, I won
17 national titles (15 in the shot put and two discus titles).
Upon retiring from competing, I was the head cross country, track
and field coach for the Univ. of Alberta for 10 years, and helped
develop champions at the provincial, national and international
levels. I was also a  mentor/coach for Special Olympics
Athletics athletes and coaches in Alberta. Currently, I coach
veteran paralympic  athletes and others interested in
improving their throwing skills. I also sit on the board for
Athletics Alberta and am the current President of the Edmonton
Track and Field Council.


2. What was the hardest time of your life? What tools did you use
to get through it?


Two times - dealing with my first major injury as a
swimmer - dealing with not being able to just work through it:
learning about rest and making a change in to a different
direction. Moving in a different direction is what took me from
swimming to track. At the time of the injury, it was
devastating but looking back on it now, it was the best
thing that ever happened to me.


The second "hard time" came in my involuntary shift from
being a coach at the university - to being unemployed (and
overqualified for many jobs) and then my transition to working
with the city,;first as a personal trainer in city rec. centers.
Again, difficult at the time (and sometimes still stings a
little) but definitely one of the best things that ever happened
to meas it brought me to EFRS!


3. What are your greatest successes?


Helping others to shine (inspire and motivate them to
be)...Olympics and coaching at the Olympics pretty cool too!
:)


4. Now that you have experienced life a little, what would you
tell your 20-year- old self?


You don't need a lot of stuff...collect experiences and
be wise with your money and your heart!


5. Who is your greatest role model and why?


Anyone who has the strength and courage to continue to
try when they have been knocked down...Anyone who, regardless of
the circumstance, finds a way to keep moving forward - even in
small steps.


6. Any particular stories that stand out from your days serving
behind the front line? How has fitness played a role in
it?


Too many to write about..lol.


Fitness and overall health  (spiritual, emotional,
physical and mental) have always played integral roles in my
life


7. What is your favourite failure that has led to success?


No real failures...just a wide range of experiences
:)


8. What do you feel most proud of?


My ability to be of service to others


10. What do you want your tombstone to say?


She Shined brightly and was a guiding light to
many