Meet Our Staff
Lorne Morrow
Lorne completed his Diploma in Health & Fitness Studies at SFU and is A.C.E. certified as a Personal Trainer as well as being a NCCP Level 3 Certified Coach in Road & Track Cycling. Although he came into the industry from a sports background, Lorne discovered that many of his early clients were trying to recover from injury or overcome medical conditions. The design of Avid Fitness is a reflection of that — a fitness centre that is adjacent to and associated with a massage therapy clinic and a physiotherapy clinic. As well, much of Lorne's continuing education has focused on that aspect — medical exercise specialist, weight management and lifestyle coaching to name a few.
Favourite Place: our living room couch with Lisa, Mattie & I sitting and gabbing about nothing in particular
Favourite Running Shoe: Nike Contrail — discontinued more than a decade ago
Favourite Cycling Locales: New South Wales in Australia, the Laurentians in Quebec and The Anarchist leading up out of Ossoyoos.
Favourite Gym Exercise: monkey-bar because it keeps me young!
Lisa Morrow
Lisa has been at Avid Fitness ever since she fell in love with Lorne in 1998. Before that she ran, did cross-country skiing, mountain-climbed, worked on a fishing boat, knitted, sang in the choir, built a few houses, and had a wonderful little girl. Now that she manages Avid, highlights of her life include watching her daughter Mattie grow up, going for runs with friends, keeping the running store stocked in the latest gear and eating anything chocolate.
Lisa's Rules: (1) Never run by a lucky penny — always put it in your shoe. (2) Be nice.
Lisa's Favourite Runs: Loon Lake on a hot summer's day, Mattie's Loop, anything downhill.
Lisa's Favourite Pre-Race Meal: hot Gluten-free rice cereal (yes, it is good!) and half a banana.
Una McLeod
I moved to Powell River Aug 2009 from Edmonton Alberta. I love to run and to teach other people to love running. Presently I am teaching several running classes from the gym ranging from new runners to the marathon distance. I am also working on getting myself certified as a personal trainer. Coming to Powell River has enabled me to really focus on what I want to do and make my dreams of doing what I love for work come true.
My favourite running attire is any shorts — I have run all winter long wearing shorts — it feels great.
My favourite shoes are Mizuno Wave Creations! I love the cushioning, the snug heel and how its design is for women as opposed to a men's shoe pattern altered. I will wear other runners for work, or short runs, but only Mizunos for all my long runs and races!
In my spare time I love to explore the many paths and trails around PR, bike ride, work in the garden and of course spend time with my family doing all of the above.
Tyler Bartfai
I was born and raised in Powell River, and have been living here for my whole life. I love running track and cross country, and when I'm not running I spend a large portion of my time fly fishing in our back country. In track I have run distances from 400m through to the 3000m, but I am currently training for the 800m and 1500m.
My favourite training shoes were by far Brooks Ghosts (1s). They fit me like a glove, had just the right arch profile, and didn't have too much cushion.
As much of shocker as it may be, I'd have to say my favourite exercise is running. There is no greater feeling for me than covering large amounts of ground on my own two feet.
My favourite foods are basically anything edible, with steak being the topper of that list.
Pre-race meals for me can be a no go, depending on how my nerves are, but usually my choice is Vector cereal.
Kaarina Johanson
Kaarina is passionate about health and fitness, and has been since she was young, when she would read nutrition books and exercise to her mom's Jane Fonda videos.
Starting in ballet, she became a synchronized swimmer & competed in the BC Summer Games. She also started running in her early teens. She loves running on difficult terrain and long distances. Kaarina also does yoga, which helped her after having a baby—not just to lose the pregnancy pounds, but to feel more centred and balanced as a new mother. Fitness is important to her—not only in keeping her healthy, but in feeling well. She wants to share her enthusiasm for exercise, and be a positive role model to others!
At UBC, Kaarina studied human kinetics, specializing in exercise science, and completed her BA in Psychology. She recently renewed her Certified Personal Trainer designation through the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology.
Dez Hooff
Except for four years in Alberta, Dez has lived most of her life in Powell River.
She and her husband, Dan, are raising their family here doing the activities she enjoyed in her own childhood—something she always aspired to. Dez calls Powell River 'nature's backyard'. Any spare time is spent exploring, camping, kayaking, swimming, biking, rollerblading, and sharing all that she discovers with family and friends.
Besides the outdoors, she loves to cook for others. Her homemade cookies never last in the cookie jar! She enjoys a healthy lifestyle and attributes part of that to a healthy eating regimen.
Working at Avid Fitness Center is a natural extension of her active lifestyle. Great people and a healthy, motivating environment makes it a rewarding place to be. She also works in real estate to fulfill her passion for helping people. She looks forward to helping Avid Fitness members and welcoming new people!
Sawyer Gowans
I have been active all my life in many different sports and recreational activities. Working at Avid Fitness is an obvious choice. I enjoy running cross-country and riding unicycles around Powell River, but I will not hesitate to take a trip and explore someplace new. I have been a member of almost every school sports team there is and would consider learning any new ones. In my off time I enjoy kicking back and relaxing with friends.
Favourite quotes: (A) People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt the people doing it. (B) Shoot for the moon — even if you miss you'll land among the stars.
Exercise challenge that appeals to me: Clap Chin Ups
Favourite running distance: 2K trail races like we did in Grade 8
Lisa as race organizer
Lisa racing
Lorne racing
Tyler preparing to race
Sawyer racing High School XC Island Champs in Victoria