Alex Harvey was only three years old when he first put on a pair of cross-country skis. His father – Pierre Harvey, the first Canadian ever to win a Cross-Country World Cup – passed on his love for the sport to son Alex in Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges’ magical trails, located at the base of Mont-Sainte-Anne’s slopes.
Like father, like son, as over the years Alex made quite the name for himself: With five FIS World Championship medals and 25 World Cup medals, he is the most decorated Canadian cross-country skier in history outside the Olympic Games. Since retiring from the ranks four years ago, the professional-athlete-now-turned-lawyer-and-father has continued his passion for the great outdoors, but now just a little bit differently. Rather than training to break records, he now runs, cycles and skis for pleasure and with complete peace of mind, maintaining a healthy work / life balance despite his busy schedule.
Learn about this lover of the great outdoors and member of the Parmi family.
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Your life has changed a lot in recent years, Alex. Can you tell us about what your day-to-day life is like and the challenges you face now that you’re a father, a lawyer and remaining an athlete at heart?
“I’d say that things are still hustling and bustling as much as ever, just in different ways! It used to be that my schedule was focused on my workouts; today, my biggest challenge is finding time to move every day of the week. Working from home as well as living in Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges helps me a lot: For instance, I’m able to go out at lunchtime and do 45 minutes of trail running, cycling or cross-country skiing. And when I do go to the office, I like to plan outings with my colleagues. I’m so much more productive in the afternoon after burning off some energy midday! On weekends I’ll go on longer outings with my wife and our daughter – Simone – using a ski sled or a baby carrier for hiking.”
What’s the secret to maintaining a good balance, without entirely letting go of your willingness to perform?
“Get out and about a little bit every day by doing an activity that makes you happy. Planning was always a strength of mine having been a professional athlete and even today, I am constantly thinking as to how to plan my days to be more efficient, to get the most done. Having said that, physical activity should not be a burden. My goal is no longer to train every day to achieve a specific objective, rather it’s to clear my mind when outdoors in the fresh air, rain or shine! That’s a form of performance, too!”
You’re a recent addition to the Parmi family. What were the company’s values that especially resonated with you?
“Throughout my athletic career, I would wear black, blue or red clothing that was very tight and not at all versatile. Today I want to wear clothes that are suitable for my sporting activities as well as my everyday life. What I find extraordinary with Parmi is the combination of versatility, durability and style. They’re made of high-performance fabrics, but the cuts and colours are super-versatile. And they’re durable, high-quality essentials that I will be able to wear for years to come. That is very important for someone who loves nature as much as I do.”
Would you say that Parmi’s clothing line simplifies your day-to-day life? And if so, how?
“Absolutely! If I’m out skiing on a weekday, then straight afterwards I can log into my video conference wearing the same Merino high-neck sweater. How’s that for being easy? I don’t even need to change clothes!” See Alex's Selection.
What are the main criteria a former professional athlete such as yourself uses when it comes to choosing outdoor clothing?
“The most important criteria for me is comfort. My clothes should neither restrict my movements nor irritate my skin. Since I still enjoy an occasional high-intensity workout, it's essential that my clothes breathe so they aren’t damp after I exercise. I’ve also come to realize that along with effectively wicking away moisture, Parmi’s clothing line does not retain odors: They smell good even after a workout! And finally, now that I’m able to choose, I confess I’m giving greater importance to style. Once again, it all comes down to balance.”
In addition to being very active yourself, you also encourage others to get active in various ways. Can you tell us more about that?
“I love being involved in the outdoor community; in fact, I wish I had time to do it more often! I’m presently channeling my networks and lending my name to initiatives whose primary objective is to finance the National Cross-Country Ski Training Center that’s located at Mont-Sainte-Anne, as well as the Alex Harvey Classic which offers scholarships to local athletes. I’m trying to simplify the path for the next generation of elite cross-country skiers, as well as offering people the opportunity to try new outdoor activities in an ideal setting. In fact, that’s why I’m the spokesperson for Quebec’s Pentathlon des neiges, a multidisciplinary event that brings together thousands of people on the Plains of Abraham in mid-February. Although winter sports have their share of challenges, all it takes is one positive experience and you’re going to be hooked.”
What projects do you have lined up for the New Year?
“I’ll be a dad for the second time at the beginning of May! I’m planning to continue balancing family, sports, work and a social life. In the spring you’ll see me on the slopes at the Alex Harvey Classic; I’ll also be participating in running, skating and cross-country events at the Pentathlon des neiges as well as trail running events in the summer.”
Alex's picks
1. For busy weekdays:
2. For cross-country skiing:
3. For a weekend with the family:
1 Comments
Quelle belle équilibre pour sa famille, qui devient une priorité pour Alex. Il est un mentor pour la future génération