I always thought that I would be back in my red and white boat vying for a spot on the Canadian National team looking to represent Canada and show the world what this Saskatchewan girl could do. But over the last 12 months my priorities, dreams and desires have changed. I never really thought about this day, but I am retiring from competitive sport and lucky for me it is on my terms.
This province and the Wascana Racing Canoe Club may not have seemed like the optimal place to paddle but for me it was the perfect place to paddle. Since the age of 9 that smelly lake held a piece of my heart and will always be one of my happy places.
I was a little girl with a big dream and with the support of my parents, siblings, family, coaches, friends and the community my dreams became a goal and began to become reality.
I don't know where I would be without my parents. With every step I took they quietly and gently supported me. They allowed me to follow whichever path I thought best and were there to help me learn my lessons. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity they provided me. I know that life was not easy. Early mornings, late nights, lots of $$, and constant hello/goodbyes. But, I am who I am because they gave me the opportunity to follow my dreams and spread my wings.
Having an older sister who spent countless hours down at the local lake meant that my siblings also got to do the same thing. I want to thank my siblings for their support, known and unknown. It was always inspiring to see them smiling and waving at me from the sidelines. It was a wonderful distraction from the stresses of racing to try and find them cool gifts, when away, and they were always there, waiting at the bottom of the airport stairs with smiles and open arms ... No matter my results.
Devon, was there every step of the way. Learning the hard lessons with me, supporting me and helping to chase down what sometimes felt like the impossible. I know long distance relationships aren't high on anyone's list of things to do but he did it and never complained(at least not to me).
Where would an athlete be without coaches and the organizations that support our athletes. WRCC, CKS, SaskSport, CKC all believed in me and my goals. Each in their own way were an integral part of my growth as an athlete. I would like to thank Dave Robertson for all his reading, ingenuity and patience while coaching me. I know that I am moody and I can be stubborn ... The makings of someone very "easy" to work with some days. I appreciate all your efforts and that you believed I could find international success before I believed it.
And last but not least I would like to thank my team mates and competitors, often they were one and the same. I have gained some of the best friends a girl could ask for and without you would have been lost.
I don't know what the future holds. Where the wind will take me next or what adventure is in store but I am excited for the journey because if it is anything like this last one I am in for something special.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Conversation ASK, December 15,2012.
Recently I was given the opportunity to write a blog for a very unique forum that has been created by two very successful Canadian paddlers, Angus Mortimer and Ryan Cuthbert.
Conversation ASK is a facebook page where National team and Former National team athletes have been posting blogs about the important things they have learnt over the course of their careers. It ranges from the single most used excuse, " My alarm clock didn't go off", to" The Value of Balance".
On December 15th some of the World's best paddlers will be on this page answering questions. Please check it out. Please spread the word. The athletes are amazing paddlers who have knowledge to share with athletes :D
I was honored to have the opportunity to share some of the things that I have learnt from sport. Here is what I wrote:
"Dear, 14 Year Old Me"
Since getting injured a year ago I have been coaching with the canoe club in Saskatoon. It has been an amazing experience. I have a completely new understanding and appreciation for coaches, especially the coaches who worked with me and my friends in our youth. I have found myself recalling my childhood training and racing experiences more often than ever before. I even find myself saying, if only I had been smarter, if only I had known, if only ... But that is just it. They are ifs and buts and they do not get me any further ahead. However, there is one BUT that is positive. I can share these revelations and overlooked opportunities with the kids at the club, with the athletes who are about to embark on the path that I went down. I can share some of this and hopefully help them become better athletes and help them to accomplish more than I did.
So what would I tell myself, if I could go back and have a conversation with 14 year old me. What is it that I would tell 14 year old Kia? ... Where do I begin?
I would tell her that having a dream is the best motivation for success. I would tell her that she cannot dream big enough because it is those dreams that fuel desire, a desire that creates a willingness to train at 6 am (when it is -40 outside). It is those dreams that help you work so hard you make yourself sick and it is those dreams that force you out of bed when every muscle in your body is sore and sure that one practice won’t make a difference. I would tell her that those are exactly the things that make the difference. Those moments when you push through for a dream become the moments that give you confidence on race day. When your legs are screaming and your lungs are burning and you feel like you are paddling through cement you keep driving those legs, rotating that torso and moving your arms because that training has created a toughness that won’t break and competition is, among many things, about being tough.
Something I knew even when I was 14 was that I could be stubborn. But, over the years as much as being stubborn helped me it has hindered me. I didn’t even notice how much it hindered me until I took a step back and really, truly, critically, looked at myself. Now that I know how I acted and what I did I want to shake the stubborn out of my 14 year old self (not that my stubbornness started or stopped with my teenage years). But, my coaches were smarter than me because that DEFINITELY would not have worked. I would have done what I have always done, shut down. That was my go to and one major downfall for me. When someone, a coach, a parent, or anyone, did something I didn’t like or I wasn’t sure how to deal with, I would put up this impenetrable wall. This wall was what I thought was protecting me and allowing me to continue to perform. Boy, was I wrong. This wall, although it kept out the distractions or the unwanted information, kept me out of my ideal performance state as well. What could I have done differently though? Distraction control is something that high performance athletes need to learn. It says so in ALL the books for athletes. It is true, it is super important, however, I did not use it correctly. If I could teach my 14 year old self anything it would be how to better communicate what I needed and not be afraid that I would hurt someone’s feelings by doing so.
Something I am learning as I get a little older is that speaking the truth or saying how you feel doesn’t automatically mean you are being rude or insensitive which I must admit I felt to be true until very recently. I have never wanted to hurt someones feelings or make them feel like they had done something wrong, but I took it too far. Instead of telling my coaches explicitly what I needed, or did not need, in competition I would beat around the bush. I would tip toe around the exact things I wanted to say and usually what I really wanted and needed would get lost. This meant that when it came to competition day if something happened that I didn’t like, up went the wall and down went my chances of a performance in that ideal performance state. Sounds a little absurd, I am a little embarrassed even to write it. But that is the beauty of this life. It is never to late to learn something and improve yourself. If I can learn something and become a better version of myself today than I was yesterday then there is no need to look back and feel regret because its hard to regret improvement.
Lastly I would tell myself to be proud of the choices I make/made. I could complain with the best of them but when push came to shove I would put my head down and work hard. Growing up is tough. There are a million excuses to quit a piece, a practice or not show up at all. There is no road map to help make the tough decisions and there is no way of knowing whether we are making the right choices. But making choices that you believe will make you a better person and a better athlete seems like a reasonable way to go about things. As I have matured, that is what I have grown to appreciate. I am so thankful for all the opportunities that sport has provided me. Sport has taught me just about everything I need to be successful in this big, beautiful world. The only thing sport hasn’t taught me is how to be more decisive when I am choosing candy at the movie theatre. But, I am okay with holding the line up for a moment or two ... unless you have a suggestion :)
Remember to like the Conversation ASK page and visit on December 15th for your chance to ask the World's best your questions!!!
Conversation ASK is a facebook page where National team and Former National team athletes have been posting blogs about the important things they have learnt over the course of their careers. It ranges from the single most used excuse, " My alarm clock didn't go off", to" The Value of Balance".
On December 15th some of the World's best paddlers will be on this page answering questions. Please check it out. Please spread the word. The athletes are amazing paddlers who have knowledge to share with athletes :D
I was honored to have the opportunity to share some of the things that I have learnt from sport. Here is what I wrote:
"Dear, 14 Year Old Me"
Since getting injured a year ago I have been coaching with the canoe club in Saskatoon. It has been an amazing experience. I have a completely new understanding and appreciation for coaches, especially the coaches who worked with me and my friends in our youth. I have found myself recalling my childhood training and racing experiences more often than ever before. I even find myself saying, if only I had been smarter, if only I had known, if only ... But that is just it. They are ifs and buts and they do not get me any further ahead. However, there is one BUT that is positive. I can share these revelations and overlooked opportunities with the kids at the club, with the athletes who are about to embark on the path that I went down. I can share some of this and hopefully help them become better athletes and help them to accomplish more than I did.
So what would I tell myself, if I could go back and have a conversation with 14 year old me. What is it that I would tell 14 year old Kia? ... Where do I begin?
I would tell her that having a dream is the best motivation for success. I would tell her that she cannot dream big enough because it is those dreams that fuel desire, a desire that creates a willingness to train at 6 am (when it is -40 outside). It is those dreams that help you work so hard you make yourself sick and it is those dreams that force you out of bed when every muscle in your body is sore and sure that one practice won’t make a difference. I would tell her that those are exactly the things that make the difference. Those moments when you push through for a dream become the moments that give you confidence on race day. When your legs are screaming and your lungs are burning and you feel like you are paddling through cement you keep driving those legs, rotating that torso and moving your arms because that training has created a toughness that won’t break and competition is, among many things, about being tough.
Something I knew even when I was 14 was that I could be stubborn. But, over the years as much as being stubborn helped me it has hindered me. I didn’t even notice how much it hindered me until I took a step back and really, truly, critically, looked at myself. Now that I know how I acted and what I did I want to shake the stubborn out of my 14 year old self (not that my stubbornness started or stopped with my teenage years). But, my coaches were smarter than me because that DEFINITELY would not have worked. I would have done what I have always done, shut down. That was my go to and one major downfall for me. When someone, a coach, a parent, or anyone, did something I didn’t like or I wasn’t sure how to deal with, I would put up this impenetrable wall. This wall was what I thought was protecting me and allowing me to continue to perform. Boy, was I wrong. This wall, although it kept out the distractions or the unwanted information, kept me out of my ideal performance state as well. What could I have done differently though? Distraction control is something that high performance athletes need to learn. It says so in ALL the books for athletes. It is true, it is super important, however, I did not use it correctly. If I could teach my 14 year old self anything it would be how to better communicate what I needed and not be afraid that I would hurt someone’s feelings by doing so.
Something I am learning as I get a little older is that speaking the truth or saying how you feel doesn’t automatically mean you are being rude or insensitive which I must admit I felt to be true until very recently. I have never wanted to hurt someones feelings or make them feel like they had done something wrong, but I took it too far. Instead of telling my coaches explicitly what I needed, or did not need, in competition I would beat around the bush. I would tip toe around the exact things I wanted to say and usually what I really wanted and needed would get lost. This meant that when it came to competition day if something happened that I didn’t like, up went the wall and down went my chances of a performance in that ideal performance state. Sounds a little absurd, I am a little embarrassed even to write it. But that is the beauty of this life. It is never to late to learn something and improve yourself. If I can learn something and become a better version of myself today than I was yesterday then there is no need to look back and feel regret because its hard to regret improvement.
Lastly I would tell myself to be proud of the choices I make/made. I could complain with the best of them but when push came to shove I would put my head down and work hard. Growing up is tough. There are a million excuses to quit a piece, a practice or not show up at all. There is no road map to help make the tough decisions and there is no way of knowing whether we are making the right choices. But making choices that you believe will make you a better person and a better athlete seems like a reasonable way to go about things. As I have matured, that is what I have grown to appreciate. I am so thankful for all the opportunities that sport has provided me. Sport has taught me just about everything I need to be successful in this big, beautiful world. The only thing sport hasn’t taught me is how to be more decisive when I am choosing candy at the movie theatre. But, I am okay with holding the line up for a moment or two ... unless you have a suggestion :)
Remember to like the Conversation ASK page and visit on December 15th for your chance to ask the World's best your questions!!!
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Go Team !!! Go Canada !!!
Few things can capture my attention like the Olympic Games can.So many dreams and moments fueled by desire, passion and determination. One of my favorite quotes of all time is " Winners are ordinary people with extraordinary determination". I have seen and been inspired by people embodying this quote 13 days in a row now. It isn't the norm, it isn't easy and it certainly isn't for everyone.But that is what the Olympics can offer. A venue for special people to showcase there extraordinary talents, there extraordinary abilities and there extraordinary heart.
Three races that were full of exrtaordinary determination and heart were those of Adam VanKoeverdan, Emillie Fournel and Mark Oldershaw.
Four events that promise to hold just as many extraordinary moments are going to get started this "evening" or morning depending on where you live. I can't wait to see Hughes Fournel, Ryan Cochrane, Jason McCombs, Mark De Jonge and Emillie Fournel race for Canada. Sending all my speed vibes and positivity across the pond.
GO TEAM !!!!!!!!
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Then I saw this tweet from Rachael McIntosh(a member of the Canadian track and field team)" Take care of your body. Its the only place you have to live." And at that moment I knew the decision I had to make. I think I had already made it. This quote helped me to admit it to myself. I will not be racing at the Olympic trials in May, barring some unforeseen miracle.
This wasn't an easy decision. Saying good bye to a dream that was so close was devastating. When I clicked the purchase button for my flight home the water works started and I was busy feeling bad for myself. But as life goes something came along that made me deliriously happy. My family brought home our newest member. Willow is almost 8 weeks old. Her golden blonde "hair" fits in perfectly with my siblings and I. She won everyone over the moment we saw her.
Speaking of huge decisions. Devon and I bought a house :) But I don't have a picture to post. Stay tuned though ... we get the house May 15 !!!
Have a great Wednesday :)
Monday, March 12, 2012
Back on the horse
I plan on doing a little paddling tomorrow so hopefully it goes well ... fingers crossed.
Friday, January 27, 2012
What are you waiting for??
TGIF :)
I am happy its Friday because it means that I am one day closer to getting off the couch and back at life. Being laid up the last week and a half I have watched more tv, read more and searched more websites than I normally do in possibly 3 months. It has certainly been a change but one that I don't think I will continue with once I am back to 100%.
My sister, Kyra, shared this really neat "photo" on facebook ... and it has really got me thinking.
I find that I have so many desires and plans. I have a bucket list with almost a hundred things on it. I want to do so many things, see so many places and experience as much of this amazing planet as I possibly can.
I want to see the wonders of the world, I want to experience the high fashion of Paris and New York, I also want to see some of the most amazing works of art that spread the globe. Not to mention I want to surf in Indonesia and trek through the rain forest. I would love to bike across Africa ... plus all the obvious desires that come from being involved in high performance sport. Cue Morgan Freeman's voice and the narration about dreams and the Olympics( thank you visa)
So today, instead of feeling bad for myself that I am on the couch, knowing that I am going to be on the couch for a little while longer, I am deciding to do something ... I am not going to just pass the time. I know its sort of silly that this "picture" is what is changing my attitude but inspiration comes in all shapes and sizes, right?
One of the items on my bucket list is to become involved with and help a charity. So, that is what I am going to use my days for. I have decided that the money from the kiabyers.com glasses I am selling I will donate to a charity. * If you haven't gotten a pair yet and want a pair let me know, I might even start sending them out in the mail :)*
If you have ideas or a charity in need of some extra help feel free to send me a message ...
Also if you want to share some of the items on your own bucket list, please do. As I check items off mine I will be sure to post about it!!
I am happy its Friday because it means that I am one day closer to getting off the couch and back at life. Being laid up the last week and a half I have watched more tv, read more and searched more websites than I normally do in possibly 3 months. It has certainly been a change but one that I don't think I will continue with once I am back to 100%.
My sister, Kyra, shared this really neat "photo" on facebook ... and it has really got me thinking.
I want to see the wonders of the world, I want to experience the high fashion of Paris and New York, I also want to see some of the most amazing works of art that spread the globe. Not to mention I want to surf in Indonesia and trek through the rain forest. I would love to bike across Africa ... plus all the obvious desires that come from being involved in high performance sport. Cue Morgan Freeman's voice and the narration about dreams and the Olympics( thank you visa)
So today, instead of feeling bad for myself that I am on the couch, knowing that I am going to be on the couch for a little while longer, I am deciding to do something ... I am not going to just pass the time. I know its sort of silly that this "picture" is what is changing my attitude but inspiration comes in all shapes and sizes, right?
One of the items on my bucket list is to become involved with and help a charity. So, that is what I am going to use my days for. I have decided that the money from the kiabyers.com glasses I am selling I will donate to a charity. * If you haven't gotten a pair yet and want a pair let me know, I might even start sending them out in the mail :)*
If you have ideas or a charity in need of some extra help feel free to send me a message ...
Also if you want to share some of the items on your own bucket list, please do. As I check items off mine I will be sure to post about it!!
Monday, January 23, 2012
1 week on the couch down ...
Hey Everyone ... Welcome to a brand new week! Who knows what it will hold. So, lets start the week off by looking at the positives.
Here in Saskatoon the sun is shining, it is no longer -45 with the wind and I am allowed to go outside for short walks :D
Back in October I wrote a post about an injury to my back that I had just suffered. "... I was warming up to paddle and my back, that has caused me some trouble over the last couple of years, was back to its old tricks. Everytime I would take a stroke there was a sharp pain that made me feel like I was injuring myself. Over the years I have dealt with pain. Pain in my shoulders, pain in my hips, cuts from boats and who knows what else, but this pain was different. It was like a part of my spine was tearing away from the rest. It sounded silly when it came out of my mouth but it was the best way I could describe it ... The pain did not subside. If anything it got worse. I went from just having pain to also having my leg give out at random. Sunday came and went and the pain did not get any better. Sitting on a couch was painful and it started to occur to me that if I could not sit on something comfortable and soft how on earth could I sit on the seat in my boat?"
And, that was the one question I had to truthfully answer. I still believe I chose right correctly. My team mates stepped in, they raced, they put everything on the line and we as a team did all that we could.
After the games I came home to recover. I was in physiotherapy everyday trying to rehab my herniated disc. I posted some updates through November. There were some VERY exciting days. The day I was allowed to do physical activity, the day that I was allowed to bike HARD and then there were the days that I got to sit back down on a paddling machine. Now those days I was excited ... but the excitement quickly left me disappointed and wanting more. Every time I would try to paddle I would find myself in pain. I started to question myself, was I really in more pain than I had been in before or had I suddenly become acutely aware of it? Maybe along the way I started to shy away from the pain instead of barreling through it ??
So some tests were in order.When the tests were done and the options were on the table I had some decisions to make. I was nervous and not 100% convinced I was doing the right thing by choosing surgery. But, last Tuesday I reported to the hospital to have a discectomy
I was admittedly nervous and scared. That night after surgery I was sore and exhausted but something was different. All the back pain I had been experiencing, for longer than I truly would admit, was gone. Don't get me wrong the incision was painful but the pain along my spine and the pain that would go through my glutes and down my leg ... it was just gone.
I want to thank my family and friends for being so supportive. I also want to thank Craven Sport Services, Dr. Beavis, Dr. Kelly and Dr. Woo as well as all of the nurses who helped me while I was under their care. I felt truly taken care of ...especially when I woke up and they offered me a popsicle!!! It was like they knew me ;)
Apparently today is one of the gloomiest days of the year. I hope that today you find reasons to smile and that the winter blues don't creep up on you.
Here in Saskatoon the sun is shining, it is no longer -45 with the wind and I am allowed to go outside for short walks :D
Back in October I wrote a post about an injury to my back that I had just suffered. "... I was warming up to paddle and my back, that has caused me some trouble over the last couple of years, was back to its old tricks. Everytime I would take a stroke there was a sharp pain that made me feel like I was injuring myself. Over the years I have dealt with pain. Pain in my shoulders, pain in my hips, cuts from boats and who knows what else, but this pain was different. It was like a part of my spine was tearing away from the rest. It sounded silly when it came out of my mouth but it was the best way I could describe it ... The pain did not subside. If anything it got worse. I went from just having pain to also having my leg give out at random. Sunday came and went and the pain did not get any better. Sitting on a couch was painful and it started to occur to me that if I could not sit on something comfortable and soft how on earth could I sit on the seat in my boat?"
And, that was the one question I had to truthfully answer. I still believe I chose right correctly. My team mates stepped in, they raced, they put everything on the line and we as a team did all that we could.
After the games I came home to recover. I was in physiotherapy everyday trying to rehab my herniated disc. I posted some updates through November. There were some VERY exciting days. The day I was allowed to do physical activity, the day that I was allowed to bike HARD and then there were the days that I got to sit back down on a paddling machine. Now those days I was excited ... but the excitement quickly left me disappointed and wanting more. Every time I would try to paddle I would find myself in pain. I started to question myself, was I really in more pain than I had been in before or had I suddenly become acutely aware of it? Maybe along the way I started to shy away from the pain instead of barreling through it ??
So some tests were in order.When the tests were done and the options were on the table I had some decisions to make. I was nervous and not 100% convinced I was doing the right thing by choosing surgery. But, last Tuesday I reported to the hospital to have a discectomy
I was admittedly nervous and scared. That night after surgery I was sore and exhausted but something was different. All the back pain I had been experiencing, for longer than I truly would admit, was gone. Don't get me wrong the incision was painful but the pain along my spine and the pain that would go through my glutes and down my leg ... it was just gone.
I want to thank my family and friends for being so supportive. I also want to thank Craven Sport Services, Dr. Beavis, Dr. Kelly and Dr. Woo as well as all of the nurses who helped me while I was under their care. I felt truly taken care of ...especially when I woke up and they offered me a popsicle!!! It was like they knew me ;)
Apparently today is one of the gloomiest days of the year. I hope that today you find reasons to smile and that the winter blues don't creep up on you.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Happy New Yer... 9 days late
Happy New Year :D I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!!
Lets start with the amazing cause I heard about today. It is called beads of courage. It was created by a woman in Arizona and its aim is to help children express all that they go through when battling cancer.
I was moved to tears by the bravery that the kids show ... I think this is a cause that brings positivity, in a situation that might not have a lot otherwise, and provides children with a coping mechanism that they might not have found.
You can check out the website. It is bright, informative and worth at least a perusal, I think this would be a wonderful cause to support here in Canada; www.beadsofcourage.org
CBS aired this, about beads of courage, just the other day: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7143083n
When we were in Colorado at our training camp I came across a neat website. It is a lot like Etsy, or Uncrate. I have been known to frequent both of these websites but the one I look at most regularly is fancy . It has everything and anything you could dream of, I think. I was perusing the sight the other day when I came across this ...
I hope you are having a good Monday :)
Lets start with the amazing cause I heard about today. It is called beads of courage. It was created by a woman in Arizona and its aim is to help children express all that they go through when battling cancer.
I was moved to tears by the bravery that the kids show ... I think this is a cause that brings positivity, in a situation that might not have a lot otherwise, and provides children with a coping mechanism that they might not have found.
You can check out the website. It is bright, informative and worth at least a perusal, I think this would be a wonderful cause to support here in Canada; www.beadsofcourage.org
CBS aired this, about beads of courage, just the other day: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7143083n
When we were in Colorado at our training camp I came across a neat website. It is a lot like Etsy, or Uncrate. I have been known to frequent both of these websites but the one I look at most regularly is fancy . It has everything and anything you could dream of, I think. I was perusing the sight the other day when I came across this ...
I know this is simple. But I think there is beauty in that. Sometimes when life is moving quickly, or things are hard it is the simple things that fall by the waste side. I love the holiday season but I am acutely aware that not everyone has a wonderful time during this season. It is easy to feel lost and down, the ideals of Christmas have certainly changed over the years. I find more people are stressed and worried rather than enjoying the company of those they care about. What if a bit of cheer could simply be found in a poster hanging innocently on a board?? This made me smile and I have to say this is probably the 10th time I have looked at this since I found it. Every time I see it, I smile. So, why not keep looking at it? Why not take what we need, especially if its free ;)
I hope you are having a good Monday :)
Monday, November 28, 2011
Ten Tree ... Check them out
I was reading the local paper, the leaderpost, which I do almost everyday. But, today I found something more awesome than normal.
There is a wicked company that plants 10 trees for every item of clothing purchased. The clothes are a means to helping our environment, which I personally think is wicked.
So if you have not heard of ten tree before check there website out at www.tentree.org.
This is one of my personal fave tanks that they sell...
But if you aren't into tank tops they have t-shirts and hoodies. They also have all kinds of choices for men.
So, being that this is the holiday season and all. Why not give a gift that keeps on giving :)
If you live in Regina or are visiting you can also check out there clothes at Coda Clothing and Shoes on Albert Street and Under the Sun on Quance Street.
There is a wicked company that plants 10 trees for every item of clothing purchased. The clothes are a means to helping our environment, which I personally think is wicked.
So if you have not heard of ten tree before check there website out at www.tentree.org.
This is one of my personal fave tanks that they sell...
So, being that this is the holiday season and all. Why not give a gift that keeps on giving :)
If you live in Regina or are visiting you can also check out there clothes at Coda Clothing and Shoes on Albert Street and Under the Sun on Quance Street.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Happy Girl ... Right here
Gooooood Morning!
One of my favorite quotes of all time is from Its not about the Bike by Lance Armstrong. He says "Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever.” This quote has been rolling through my head a lot lately. I have been dealing with a back injury for almost a month now and it has been slow. Painfully slow. I think snails move faster than I was making progress, or at least that was how it felt. But, yesterday was a BIG day. For the first time since our training camp in Colorado I was allowed to do some physical activity, stress on the some. I biked 5x1' *hard* and I was allowed to do real weights(real meaning; I was allowed to pick up actual weight instead of doing air squats and bowing exercises).
It was so awesome to feel the lactic burn in my legs and my lungs again(not quite as bad as this picture buuut), you couldn't wipe the smile off my face. My physio was making jokes saying how most people grimace and complain ... yesterday I was happier than I have been in weeks. Its kind of crazy. I didn't realize how much my body enjoys exercise and felt deprived of its normal stress relieving activity. I mean I know that there is an endorphin release but I didn't realize how used to working out I am. That might sound weird but because I have always been exercising I never stopped to think about it. But when I had the chance I realized this, being active and participating in sport, has been my life for over a decade and my body seems to get as much out of it as my mind. So I am going to keep the happy train going ...I am off to do my exercises :D
One of my favorite quotes of all time is from Its not about the Bike by Lance Armstrong. He says "Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever.” This quote has been rolling through my head a lot lately. I have been dealing with a back injury for almost a month now and it has been slow. Painfully slow. I think snails move faster than I was making progress, or at least that was how it felt. But, yesterday was a BIG day. For the first time since our training camp in Colorado I was allowed to do some physical activity, stress on the some. I biked 5x1' *hard* and I was allowed to do real weights(real meaning; I was allowed to pick up actual weight instead of doing air squats and bowing exercises).
It was so awesome to feel the lactic burn in my legs and my lungs again(not quite as bad as this picture buuut), you couldn't wipe the smile off my face. My physio was making jokes saying how most people grimace and complain ... yesterday I was happier than I have been in weeks. Its kind of crazy. I didn't realize how much my body enjoys exercise and felt deprived of its normal stress relieving activity. I mean I know that there is an endorphin release but I didn't realize how used to working out I am. That might sound weird but because I have always been exercising I never stopped to think about it. But when I had the chance I realized this, being active and participating in sport, has been my life for over a decade and my body seems to get as much out of it as my mind. So I am going to keep the happy train going ...I am off to do my exercises :D
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Bullying Prevention Week
November 13 thru the 19th is Bullying prevention week. Half the time when someone steps in, bullying stops in 10 seconds or less. It’s that simple. When you see bullying, don’t just stand by. Instead make a difference in someone's life, step in.
Check out www.redcross.ca/standup .
As long as I have been alive bullying has been a problem and unfortunately we are ALL a part of it. We are either the bullied, the bully or the bystanders. We all have a roll to play and every single one of us can make a difference!
Check out http://www.bullyingawarenessweek.org/ and make a difference in your life or someone around you's life.
Bullying is defined [by wikipedia ... this isn't for school I am using it as a source ;)] as an act of repeated aggressive behavior in order to intentionally hurt another person, physically or mentally. Bullying is characterized by an individual behaving in a certain way to gain power over another person.
Honesty is the policy so ... when I was a kid I stood by and watched people be bullied because I was not brave enough to step in and say something. I also was bullied and unfortunately bullied people. At the time I don't think I knew that it actually was bullying, necessarily. But, as I have gotten older I have become aware of how the words we choose to use, when talking to people, affects them. I have experienced how our actions affect others and how after you step in and stand up for someone it isn't as hard to do, if you are in a situation like that again.
Its amazing how much more I respected myself after making the decision to stand up and step in to a bullying situation. I realized that when you step in the bully loses their "power". I like being able to stand behind my actions and not worry that someone might be hurt by what I have done. I like positivity more than negativity. I enjoy living in a world that looks for acceptance and understanding of diversity and I want my actions to represent that. I am not perfect. I slip up sometimes but I think trying is better than not.
Check out some of the stats on bullying in Canada and around the world.
http://prevnet.ca/BullyingFacts/BullyingStatistics/tabid/122/Default.aspx
I think there is an opportunity for each individual to make a difference. There are good programs that we can encourage schools to offer, we can educate our siblings, children, nieces, nephews and friends. And, you have the power to choose whether you will be a bully or not. What if we all stepped in, instead of standing by when we saw or heard bullying was going on? Is it that hard to believe that we can make a difference?
Please do not be naive enough to think that bullying is only a problem that occurs in school, with kids. Workplace bullying is just as large a problem and has less people stepping in and more people putting there head's in the sand. I am an adult now, well sort of, and I have to say it astounds me that adults continue to bully. How in the age of technology we live in, with the wealth of knowledge we have the opportunity to tap into and with the problems our world is facing can people have the time to make other people feel bad about themselves. Don't we have enough to worry about. Aren't our plates full?
Now imagine if every person who reads this blog stands up and stops bullying once, we actually use the golden rule(do onto others as you would have them do unto you). All of a sudden people are standing up to bully's and now we are passing on a solution. With any luck people will pay it forward and all of a sudden peoples sense of self worth(check out my previous blog) is improving. So with ONE action we are helping make a happier society, and lets be honest Canadians are trendsetters. Lets set the tone for the whole world. Why not dream big? Why not push the boundaries? Why should we be satisfied with less than our best?
Check out www.redcross.ca/standup .
As long as I have been alive bullying has been a problem and unfortunately we are ALL a part of it. We are either the bullied, the bully or the bystanders. We all have a roll to play and every single one of us can make a difference!
Check out http://www.bullyingawarenessweek.org/ and make a difference in your life or someone around you's life.
Bullying is defined [by wikipedia ... this isn't for school I am using it as a source ;)] as an act of repeated aggressive behavior in order to intentionally hurt another person, physically or mentally. Bullying is characterized by an individual behaving in a certain way to gain power over another person.
Honesty is the policy so ... when I was a kid I stood by and watched people be bullied because I was not brave enough to step in and say something. I also was bullied and unfortunately bullied people. At the time I don't think I knew that it actually was bullying, necessarily. But, as I have gotten older I have become aware of how the words we choose to use, when talking to people, affects them. I have experienced how our actions affect others and how after you step in and stand up for someone it isn't as hard to do, if you are in a situation like that again.
Its amazing how much more I respected myself after making the decision to stand up and step in to a bullying situation. I realized that when you step in the bully loses their "power". I like being able to stand behind my actions and not worry that someone might be hurt by what I have done. I like positivity more than negativity. I enjoy living in a world that looks for acceptance and understanding of diversity and I want my actions to represent that. I am not perfect. I slip up sometimes but I think trying is better than not.
Check out some of the stats on bullying in Canada and around the world.
http://prevnet.ca/BullyingFacts/BullyingStatistics/tabid/122/Default.aspx
I think there is an opportunity for each individual to make a difference. There are good programs that we can encourage schools to offer, we can educate our siblings, children, nieces, nephews and friends. And, you have the power to choose whether you will be a bully or not. What if we all stepped in, instead of standing by when we saw or heard bullying was going on? Is it that hard to believe that we can make a difference?
Please do not be naive enough to think that bullying is only a problem that occurs in school, with kids. Workplace bullying is just as large a problem and has less people stepping in and more people putting there head's in the sand. I am an adult now, well sort of, and I have to say it astounds me that adults continue to bully. How in the age of technology we live in, with the wealth of knowledge we have the opportunity to tap into and with the problems our world is facing can people have the time to make other people feel bad about themselves. Don't we have enough to worry about. Aren't our plates full?
Now imagine if every person who reads this blog stands up and stops bullying once, we actually use the golden rule(do onto others as you would have them do unto you). All of a sudden people are standing up to bully's and now we are passing on a solution. With any luck people will pay it forward and all of a sudden peoples sense of self worth(check out my previous blog) is improving. So with ONE action we are helping make a happier society, and lets be honest Canadians are trendsetters. Lets set the tone for the whole world. Why not dream big? Why not push the boundaries? Why should we be satisfied with less than our best?
 |
| If you are being bullied, have questions or need someone to talk to about anything you can call kids help phone toll free 1-800-668-6868 or visit www.kidshelpphone.ca . |
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
"Believe that what makes you vulnerable makes you beautiful"
I just watched Brene Brown speak on a TED talk. She shares that vulnerablity is necessary for us as human beings to find connection. And, if we are honest with ourselves connection is what it is all about, it is why we are here. To connect with others, to connect with our surroundings and to connect with who we really are. If you have 20 minutes, check it out. Brene Brown is funny, a little quirky and honest!
Here are a few of my favorite points.
*Her definition of courage; She states that the word itself comes from the Latin word for heart. So, to be courageous is to tell your story with your whole heart.
*Brown makes a distinction between being courageous and being brave which I think is neat.
*She mentions that we need to lean into discomfort rather than avoiding it, or pretending it does not exist, because when we avoid the tough stuff we also end up hindering our ability to experience the good emotions like joy.
I haven't done the talk justice and I don't want to write an essay ... so have a listen. Its totally worth it!!
Brene Brown: The power of vulnerability | Video on TED.com
Here are a few of my favorite points.
*Her definition of courage; She states that the word itself comes from the Latin word for heart. So, to be courageous is to tell your story with your whole heart.
*Brown makes a distinction between being courageous and being brave which I think is neat.
*She mentions that we need to lean into discomfort rather than avoiding it, or pretending it does not exist, because when we avoid the tough stuff we also end up hindering our ability to experience the good emotions like joy.
I haven't done the talk justice and I don't want to write an essay ... so have a listen. Its totally worth it!!
Brene Brown: The power of vulnerability | Video on TED.com
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Some musings on a Saturday Morning
" Winners are ordinary people, with EXTRAordinary determination". Unknown
I read this quote every morning when I walked into my history class, in high school. Its a quote that has stuck with me, inspired me, and is currently reminding me that no matter the circumstance we have a choice. We have a choice to be great, to try and to never give up ... if its what WE want.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Well it appears I should have said I would blog one day later than I did. I am two for two on day after delivery.
Oh well ... on with the show.
I just want to thank everyone who wrote me a message, sent me there thoughts or gave me hugs. All of your support is very much appreciated and helped me through last week.
I am home now. I had my first doctor's appointments today and it looks like it is a herniated disc. But, the physiotherapists are very positive and with some serious attention to details and all the little stabilizer muscles that I often ignore ... I will be back on the water, in fine shape, come January!!
So, seeing that this was supposed to be the "Training Tuesday" blog I thought,"why not write about how important it is to strengthen our bodies ... both the big muscles and the little ones that we don't really see".
I know its nice to have a six pack, killer pipes and a ripped back. But, it is also important, for the sake of our joints and over worked ligaments, that we strengthen the groups of muscles that we do not see. The abs that are 4 layers deep or the rotator cuff muscles that keep our shoulders in their sockets.
Another area that I often "forget" about, is stretching. It is key and fundamental to the health of our muscles. Part of my problem is a very tight and immobile thoracic spine. It is pretty much the source of all my troubles. So, that is where I begin. Where do you begin?
I am sure a lot of you are thinking ... duh. But, I felt like I needed to say it. So, if you have no pain then CONGRATULATIONS. I am envious. Keep up the good work. If you have some pain, why not look into things before they become worse? There is no harm in getting exercises and a plan in place to keep healthy.
Take it from me 4 or 5 days of bed rest can make a girl go insane ;)
Oh well ... on with the show.
I just want to thank everyone who wrote me a message, sent me there thoughts or gave me hugs. All of your support is very much appreciated and helped me through last week.
I am home now. I had my first doctor's appointments today and it looks like it is a herniated disc. But, the physiotherapists are very positive and with some serious attention to details and all the little stabilizer muscles that I often ignore ... I will be back on the water, in fine shape, come January!!
So, seeing that this was supposed to be the "Training Tuesday" blog I thought,"why not write about how important it is to strengthen our bodies ... both the big muscles and the little ones that we don't really see".
I know its nice to have a six pack, killer pipes and a ripped back. But, it is also important, for the sake of our joints and over worked ligaments, that we strengthen the groups of muscles that we do not see. The abs that are 4 layers deep or the rotator cuff muscles that keep our shoulders in their sockets.
Another area that I often "forget" about, is stretching. It is key and fundamental to the health of our muscles. Part of my problem is a very tight and immobile thoracic spine. It is pretty much the source of all my troubles. So, that is where I begin. Where do you begin?
I am sure a lot of you are thinking ... duh. But, I felt like I needed to say it. So, if you have no pain then CONGRATULATIONS. I am envious. Keep up the good work. If you have some pain, why not look into things before they become worse? There is no harm in getting exercises and a plan in place to keep healthy.
Take it from me 4 or 5 days of bed rest can make a girl go insane ;)
Friday, October 28, 2011
Thoughtful Thursday ... one day late.
First I want to Congratulate all my team mates who have raced so far at the Games. Everyone has put there best on the line and kept things interesting. Results and pictures are constantly being updated on the Canoe Kayak Canada facebook page and at the Canadian Olympic Committe website, www.olympic.ca .
Now I know, it hasn't even been two weeks and I am already a day late. But in my defence I wrote a post yesterday and when I went to upload it the internet cut out and I lost it to the world wide web. I am taking it as a sign. Originally I was not going to post anything about a recent injury I suffered. I racked my brain to think of a good post for yesterdays blog and if I am being honest, it really was not that good. So, the blog you are reading is not the blog I thought of on Thursday. It is a more honest blog about real thoughts that I have had this week.
On Saturday I was warming up to paddle and my back, that has caused me some trouble over the last couple of years, was back to its old tricks. Everytime I would take a stroke there was a sharp pain that made me feel like I was injuring myself. Over the years I have dealt with pain. Pain in my shoulders, pain in my hips, cuts from boats and who knows what else, but this pain was different. It was like a part of my spine was tearing away from the rest. It sounded silly when it came out of my mouth but it was the best way I could describe it.
So, I did not do the workout. I told my coach, the team massage therapist and the team physio what I was feeling and we got to work. We tried to treat the pain and hoped that it would improve. The pain did not subside. If anything it got worse. I went from just having pain to also having my leg give out at random. Sunday came and went and the pain did not get any better. Sitting on a couch was painful and it started to occur to me that if I could not sit on something comfortable and soft how on earth could I sit on the seat in my boat?
I told myself,"Stop thinking like that." I didn't want to get worked up over nothing ...
Tuesday came and as I bent down and tried to get in my boat I knew that I was not at 100%. Heck if I was being honest with myself I don't think I was even at 75%. But, I wanted to be okay more than anything. So I went for a loop. I tried to take good strokes and after 4 or 5 strokes I was in so much pain that I felt like I was going to vomit.
So here was the predicament( or my thoughts): The Pan American Games are an Olympic qualifying event. I was selected to represent Canada and compete to qualify the K-1 200m spot. But, I am hurt. If I race down am I doing myself more harm? If I race down am I really helping my team? There was an internal debate between what I wanted and what I knew was right ...
When I was really honest with myself I knew my friend and team mate, Emilie, could and SHOULD do it. As hard as it was that was the decision that was right. I know deep down that passing up an opportunity now will allow for more opportunities in the future. Not that, that made the decision any easier.
Tuesday was a tough day. What do I do now? was all I kept thinking. My team mates were all very thoughtful. Everyone had kind, positive words of encouragement. They were all willing to help me or give me a hug and not a single person made me question my decision.
I felt like I was letting my team, myself and even my friends and family down. But, those exact people were quick to tell me, that was not the case.
Sport is a wonderful thing. I have been reminded of it quite a few times this season. It brings people together. Sport is obviously a competition where people look to succeed but along the way a lot more happens. I am not competing this week but I was definitely a recipient of the "more" part of sport.
Now I know, it hasn't even been two weeks and I am already a day late. But in my defence I wrote a post yesterday and when I went to upload it the internet cut out and I lost it to the world wide web. I am taking it as a sign. Originally I was not going to post anything about a recent injury I suffered. I racked my brain to think of a good post for yesterdays blog and if I am being honest, it really was not that good. So, the blog you are reading is not the blog I thought of on Thursday. It is a more honest blog about real thoughts that I have had this week.
On Saturday I was warming up to paddle and my back, that has caused me some trouble over the last couple of years, was back to its old tricks. Everytime I would take a stroke there was a sharp pain that made me feel like I was injuring myself. Over the years I have dealt with pain. Pain in my shoulders, pain in my hips, cuts from boats and who knows what else, but this pain was different. It was like a part of my spine was tearing away from the rest. It sounded silly when it came out of my mouth but it was the best way I could describe it.
So, I did not do the workout. I told my coach, the team massage therapist and the team physio what I was feeling and we got to work. We tried to treat the pain and hoped that it would improve. The pain did not subside. If anything it got worse. I went from just having pain to also having my leg give out at random. Sunday came and went and the pain did not get any better. Sitting on a couch was painful and it started to occur to me that if I could not sit on something comfortable and soft how on earth could I sit on the seat in my boat?
I told myself,"Stop thinking like that." I didn't want to get worked up over nothing ...
Tuesday came and as I bent down and tried to get in my boat I knew that I was not at 100%. Heck if I was being honest with myself I don't think I was even at 75%. But, I wanted to be okay more than anything. So I went for a loop. I tried to take good strokes and after 4 or 5 strokes I was in so much pain that I felt like I was going to vomit.
So here was the predicament( or my thoughts): The Pan American Games are an Olympic qualifying event. I was selected to represent Canada and compete to qualify the K-1 200m spot. But, I am hurt. If I race down am I doing myself more harm? If I race down am I really helping my team? There was an internal debate between what I wanted and what I knew was right ...
When I was really honest with myself I knew my friend and team mate, Emilie, could and SHOULD do it. As hard as it was that was the decision that was right. I know deep down that passing up an opportunity now will allow for more opportunities in the future. Not that, that made the decision any easier.
Tuesday was a tough day. What do I do now? was all I kept thinking. My team mates were all very thoughtful. Everyone had kind, positive words of encouragement. They were all willing to help me or give me a hug and not a single person made me question my decision.
I felt like I was letting my team, myself and even my friends and family down. But, those exact people were quick to tell me, that was not the case.
Sport is a wonderful thing. I have been reminded of it quite a few times this season. It brings people together. Sport is obviously a competition where people look to succeed but along the way a lot more happens. I am not competing this week but I was definitely a recipient of the "more" part of sport.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Training Tuesday
Lets face it we are all busy and often it seems like there isn't time to go to the gym. On the rare days where you do find an hour of free time do you feel like going to the gym? I get it, life is busy and it can be exhausting.
Often my family and friends will ask me to write them a program for the gym, or for running, so that they have an organized plan when they get there (I, personally, find that having a program keeps me on track and more accountable).
This, and many other factors, got me thinking. There has to be an easier way to help people get more exercise ... without having to go to the gym every time.
So, here is my idea. It is inspired by my, always on the go, momma. And before you laugh it off give it a try.
" The Bathroom Circuit"
The idea is that you can do all of the below exercises on your bathroom floor before you jump in the shower or the bath tub.
The reasoning is that most of us shower or bathe pretty close to every single day ... so why not give ourselves an extra 20 or 30 minutes and get a bit more benefit out of it??
Here is a list of exercises that you can do 3 times a week ... mixed in with your other activities.
*The internet in Mexico is too slow to get pictures and upload them so if you do not know an exercise you can google image the name and hopefully find an explanation(Sorry :s)
Push Ups
Glute Bridge
Leg Lowering
Lunges
Bicycles
One Arm/One Leg Raises(On all fours)
Deep Squats
Crunches(2 seconds up, 3 seconds down)
The number of sets you do as well as the number of repetitions you do depends on the amount of activity you have done. 3 sets of 10 reps is probably a good place to start.
*If it is too easy; do more reps or sets. If it is too hard; take rest or lower the number of sets.
If you do this consistently from week to week it is good to challenge yourself, increase the reps or the number f sets. You can also switch up the exercises for ones you know :)
Now, I know I said that this is the bathroom circuit buuuuttt its just meant to show you that you can exercise anywhere. Pick somewhere you are comfortable and make it YOUR time.
Often my family and friends will ask me to write them a program for the gym, or for running, so that they have an organized plan when they get there (I, personally, find that having a program keeps me on track and more accountable).
This, and many other factors, got me thinking. There has to be an easier way to help people get more exercise ... without having to go to the gym every time.
So, here is my idea. It is inspired by my, always on the go, momma. And before you laugh it off give it a try.
" The Bathroom Circuit"
The idea is that you can do all of the below exercises on your bathroom floor before you jump in the shower or the bath tub.
The reasoning is that most of us shower or bathe pretty close to every single day ... so why not give ourselves an extra 20 or 30 minutes and get a bit more benefit out of it??
Here is a list of exercises that you can do 3 times a week ... mixed in with your other activities.
*The internet in Mexico is too slow to get pictures and upload them so if you do not know an exercise you can google image the name and hopefully find an explanation(Sorry :s)
Push Ups
Glute Bridge
Leg Lowering
Lunges
Bicycles
One Arm/One Leg Raises(On all fours)
Deep Squats
Crunches(2 seconds up, 3 seconds down)
The number of sets you do as well as the number of repetitions you do depends on the amount of activity you have done. 3 sets of 10 reps is probably a good place to start.
*If it is too easy; do more reps or sets. If it is too hard; take rest or lower the number of sets.
If you do this consistently from week to week it is good to challenge yourself, increase the reps or the number f sets. You can also switch up the exercises for ones you know :)
Now, I know I said that this is the bathroom circuit buuuuttt its just meant to show you that you can exercise anywhere. Pick somewhere you are comfortable and make it YOUR time.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
"Thought"ful Thursday
But back to the things I have been thinking about ...
I have been very thankful for all the people who help and support me. This past weekend the Prairie Summit shop held a run with proceeds going towards helping me buy a new boat.
I have also been thinking a lot about the Pan American Games. I mean we are here, in Fort Collins, Colorado, training at altitude so that we can be at our best next week when we race in Guzman City. But, I have been trying to think less about my own racing and it has been really easy because the Canadian team, that is competing now, has been doing very well. Team Canada has won over 30 medals and you can check them out by following this link ... Just click on the Gaudalajara 2011 section www.olympic.ca
GO CANADA GO !!
Now don't be too concerned, I have been thinking about more than just these two items but if I shared everything at once why would you come back?
So check back for training Tuesday ...
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
As some of you may already know ... these lovely glasses are on sale. Any one of YOU can get your hands on a pair for $5. When you consider getting a pair please consider all that you are doing; 1. Supporting Me, a girl following her dream 2. Your eye sight, they have UV protection(no one likes getting wrinkles or hurting your retinas) and 3. They are stylish, all of the cool kids will be wearing them.
Hopefully these glasses will also help bring more people to the website and it would be great for people to have a reason to keep checking back. But, what do I write??
My friend Una has a blog, www.thelittleredpaperclip.blogspot.com, she recently inspired me to structure my blog a little bit more.
Since I have spent the last 12 years learning about the importance of goal setting and follow through. I have decided to approach this in the same way, my coaches will be so proud ;)
My goal is to write 2 blogs a week. You can check in for "Training Tuesdays" and "Thoughtful Thursdays". They leave us a multitude of topics to tackle but they will also keep me on task. So here is to the letter T and to some more frequent blogging.
My friend Una has a blog, www.thelittleredpaperclip.blogspot.com, she recently inspired me to structure my blog a little bit more.
Since I have spent the last 12 years learning about the importance of goal setting and follow through. I have decided to approach this in the same way, my coaches will be so proud ;)
My goal is to write 2 blogs a week. You can check in for "Training Tuesdays" and "Thoughtful Thursdays". They leave us a multitude of topics to tackle but they will also keep me on task. So here is to the letter T and to some more frequent blogging.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
3 things you might not know about but I think are worth knowing about.
I love October, it is a great month for many reasons. But here are 3 reasons and things to check out that I think can make October even better, especially for those of you in Saskatchewan.
#1 For $5 you can get your hands on a limited edition pair of Kia Byers sunglasses. There are 350 pairs ... will you be one of the few owners? Thanks to Devon Schollar the master mind of this "project"!!
#2 The Prairie Summit Shop is holding it's 1st Annual 'Prairie Summit Run-it!' event at Buffalo Pound. 25 dollars from each entry fee is going to help me purchase a new kayak. The total money raised from this event will be matched by the prairie summit shop :)
There will be 3 event options:
-5km Trail Run
-15km Trail Run
-15km Trail Run Relay - 3 participants required
Registration is through www.active.com and the entry fee is $40 per person, $40 per relay member.
There is also PRIZES FOR ALL!!!!! All participants will receive a North Face technical T-shirt and water bottle in their race package. There will also be lots of awesome door prizes and place prizes! So join the fun and enjoy a great day of racing ... whether you are a professional or a beginner runner, everyone is welcome!
Last but certainly not least ...
#3 The Pan American Games !!!
This multi-sport event has 46 sports competing from 42 countries across North and South America. It is held every four years and happens the year before the Olympic Games. Canadian athletes will put on there red and white uniforms and play, or race, for the top of the podium. Numerous sports will also be looking to qualify there country a spot at the Olympic Games.
Something else really exciting; the CBC has committed to show over "50 hours of coverage through CBC-TV, Radio Canada and CBCsports.ca." So get ready to see more than 300 of Canada's best working and pushing as hard as they can!
You can read more about the coverage CBC will providing at:
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/story/2011/09/29/spf-panam-coverage.html#ixzz1ZeXXvfKh.
#1 For $5 you can get your hands on a limited edition pair of Kia Byers sunglasses. There are 350 pairs ... will you be one of the few owners? Thanks to Devon Schollar the master mind of this "project"!!
There will be 3 event options:
-5km Trail Run
-15km Trail Run
-15km Trail Run Relay - 3 participants required
Registration is through www.active.com and the entry fee is $40 per person, $40 per relay member.
There is also PRIZES FOR ALL!!!!! All participants will receive a North Face technical T-shirt and water bottle in their race package. There will also be lots of awesome door prizes and place prizes! So join the fun and enjoy a great day of racing ... whether you are a professional or a beginner runner, everyone is welcome!
Last but certainly not least ...
#3 The Pan American Games !!!
 |
| Marie_Christine Schmidt and I at the 2007 Pan Am Games in Rio after winning the K-2 500 meter event! |
This multi-sport event has 46 sports competing from 42 countries across North and South America. It is held every four years and happens the year before the Olympic Games. Canadian athletes will put on there red and white uniforms and play, or race, for the top of the podium. Numerous sports will also be looking to qualify there country a spot at the Olympic Games.
Something else really exciting; the CBC has committed to show over "50 hours of coverage through CBC-TV, Radio Canada and CBCsports.ca." So get ready to see more than 300 of Canada's best working and pushing as hard as they can!
You can read more about the coverage CBC will providing at:
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/story/2011/09/29/spf-panam-coverage.html#ixzz1ZeXXvfKh.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Sweat, Tears, Dreams and Support ... I have it all!
When I was 12 years old I was racing for a spot in our club K-4(four person kayak) that had a chance of winning a medal at the national championships. When all the seat races were done three of my best friends were going to be in the boat and I was not. I was elated for them, what an opportunity, but I was also devastated. After congratulating them I had to walk away. Tears were building in my eyes and just as I reached the corner of the change rooms the tears were streaming down my cheeks and the sobs were just moments away. But, I was not alone. My coach, Sarah, had followed me into the change room. She didn't give me the regular, everything will be alright, you are great speech, that we have all received at some point in our lives. Without hesitation she told me that this was not going to be the biggest thing in my life, that even within the sport of canoeing I would accomplish more. She then reminded me that I am a very loved and loving daughter, sister and friend and that those things were all very important too. They didn't seem important at the time but after my races at the World Championships this year they were once again in my ears...
I failed to make the A final, which meant that my goal was not being reached, and when the B final was done I was 18th overall. I was disappointed in myself. I felt like I had failed and once again I had tears streaming down my face. Without fail though my family, my friends and my teammates were there. They reminded me that success isn't always measured by a number or a placing. They pointed out that I have come a long way in 11 years. I was the girl who couldn't make the Wascana K-4 and as long as I keep looking forwards and learning from my past who knows what the future holds.
It was my support system that reminded me of "polly positive" and it is my support system that has helped me rebound and look forward to the Pan American Games in Gaudalajara, Mexico. Although I did not accomplish my goal of qualifying Canada to race at the Olympics at the World Championships, I can still help Canada qualify in Mexico. So, this loved, daughter, sister and friend is back at it. I am at a training camp in Ottawa and my team mates and I are training hard. We are going to be prepared and in peak form when races start on October 26.
So, thank you to everyone who believes in someones dream, who supports someone when they stumble and to those that help keep dreams alive because without people like you, I would be lost :)
I failed to make the A final, which meant that my goal was not being reached, and when the B final was done I was 18th overall. I was disappointed in myself. I felt like I had failed and once again I had tears streaming down my face. Without fail though my family, my friends and my teammates were there. They reminded me that success isn't always measured by a number or a placing. They pointed out that I have come a long way in 11 years. I was the girl who couldn't make the Wascana K-4 and as long as I keep looking forwards and learning from my past who knows what the future holds.
It was my support system that reminded me of "polly positive" and it is my support system that has helped me rebound and look forward to the Pan American Games in Gaudalajara, Mexico. Although I did not accomplish my goal of qualifying Canada to race at the Olympics at the World Championships, I can still help Canada qualify in Mexico. So, this loved, daughter, sister and friend is back at it. I am at a training camp in Ottawa and my team mates and I are training hard. We are going to be prepared and in peak form when races start on October 26.
So, thank you to everyone who believes in someones dream, who supports someone when they stumble and to those that help keep dreams alive because without people like you, I would be lost :)
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