Meet Gillian Roberts. Gillian was born in London, Ontario and moved to PG in 2014!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My boyfriend of almost nine years, my parents and my cat and dog….they are people too right?
What is your favourite local store in Prince George and why?
That is a toss-up between Stride and Glide and Cycle Logic. As a triathlete, these places are my one stop for everything triathlon, and the service is friendly and personable.
Describe yourself in one word.
Positivity.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
A beautiful beach, I just finished the school year (I teach grade 4), and I am ready for a good break.
What is your favourite activity in Prince George?
Trail running.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I am always embarrassing myself, so not sure I can pick one.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Working with a group of triathletes in Ontario on a team. Training with these dedicated athletes and coached I learnt so much about staying focused, training and working hard toward your goals
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
So many family hikes and endless hours at track meets.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I volunteer with the PG road runners. I am on the executive board. I do a number of things for the PGRR. I manage their social media accounts, which is a consistent and on-going job. I also help to organize and put on and support all of our faces throughout the year, including, the heights fiver, the Hart half marathon, beat the bugs trail race, and labour day classic.
My other big job with the PGRR is organizing weekly group runs. These group runs are designed to help get people out in the community running and to help build and strengthen our running community. I put on a run at the Aquatic Center every Wednesday at 6 p.m. All runners of all levels and paces are welcome to join us for this.
It is fun being involved with PGRR, helping others with their running journeys and inspiring them to keep pushing forward.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
That we all accepted and love each other no matter the differences between us.
Where would you sneak away to in Prince George to spend some time alone?
Otway Nordic Center.
Where would you like to see positive change in Prince George and why?
Better trails and recreation along the river.
What do you think makes Prince George great?
Friendly people, diversity in cultures, no traffic, short commutes, endless outdoor recreation opportunities just out my door step.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Qualify for Ironman 70.3 world championships
2. Surfing and snowboarding in one day
3. Cycling trip in Europe
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I used to be a synchronized swimmer and coach
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Facebook: Gillian Martine, Instagram: @tri_gill, and @pg_roadrunners
What is the name of your business/organization?
Prince George Road Runners.
Why did you get into/start this business?
The PGRR was established in 1981, and I got into it two years ago to be apart of a running club that was doing good things for our running community.
What is the goal of your business?
The grow and strengthen the running community in PG.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Having surgery in February to remove a very large tumour.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I have always believed that things happen for a reason. We can always do things differently and make improvements but then maybe we would not have learnt the valuable lessons that have shaped us.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Don’t let the turkeys get you down.
Tell us your best piece of life advice
Positive attitude makes for a positive result.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
One of my grandparents that I never had the privilege of meeting.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
To support our community and help it thrive.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Almost qualifying for Ironman 70.3 world championship in 2015. Was only off by two min in a six-hour race.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Jason Smith for being the best swim coach I have ever worked with. He is the assistant head coach of the PG barracudas
My choice for the PrinceGeorgeNow In Focus spotlight is:
Clayton Wilkinson.
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Prince George!
