In running, much like life, we struggle. The moments when that voice is muttering the “just give up”, the “I’m tired”, and the “maybe I should just quit”. Fortunately, it is through the act of coming out on the other side that these struggles become tools to help us grow stronger. Think of them like little personal tests you provide yourself – and by now you know how to get the A+!

Remember what you stand for; remember why you do what you do!
Do not compromise when making that extra effort – because it could be that extra 1% that is going make the world of difference.

Whether you are entirely motivated, or finding every excuse in the book: in running, much like life, when you are willing to match your actions to your true feelings – anything is possible; you will achieve personal greatness!

Maybe this all sounds like just another grouping of random words that couldn’t possibly apply to your current situation.

Or maybe, it’s exactly what you’ve been needing to hear.

“There is nothing wrong with change, if it’s in the right direction.”
-Winston Churchill

Around 9:45 last night, there was a knock at my hotel-room patio door.
Yawning, I pulled the curtain open to see my coach, standing there patiently with tired eyes and a smile.
I knew she was supposed to leave in the morning, so this visit was a surprise.

“Would you be okay reading something out to the group tomorrow after the final workout,” she asked, “it’s about Les (Gramantik).”
Knowing the high regard she holds for Les as a coach and mentor, I didn’t hesitate for a second, “It would be my pleasure.”

She only told me that it would be under my door in the morning; nothing more.
We said our g’byes and went to bed.

Waking up this morning, the letter was the first thing I thought of.  Which was strange, because our final workout in Tucson is always a ‘dreaded’ Brazilian – and a weight on many of the athletes’ minds.  I flipped on a light in the bathroom and opened the hand-written note. I read through it silently and knew I was right in predicting the significance of being asked to read it aloud.
I folded it back up, put it in my bag and headed to the track.

Gramantik structured the Brazilian in a way that I have grown accustomed: tough, but fair.
And while it was strange not having Carla there to cheer us on, she was definitely there in spirit … grinning as we panted and pushed through another set. (Sorry though coach, no one got sick) *boo*

When the sweat finally cleared from my eyes and I realized I had once again made it out alive, Les said a few final words, and I stood up. 

Holding Carla’s letter in my hand, I began. My voice felt a little shaky but I tried to read with a consistent pace. I heard Les chuckle a few times and was relived to know nothing was being lost in translation.  He smiled, and behind his reflective sunglasses, I thought I caught a glimmer in his eye – but I bet he would tell you it was just the sun.

Five years ago, when Carla brought me to this camp, everything changed. By sharing the relationship she and Les are constantly developing as coaches and friends I realized my potential.  It was never one particular phrase, or a moment I could recap in a story – but it was this camp that helped me find my path. And in a way, it helps me steady my compass every single year.  

It remains a privilege and an honour to be invited to this Athletics Canada training camp.
I truly couldn’t say where I’d be without it … or for that matter, where I’d be if I hadn’t met two of the best coaches in Canada …

“One of the most incredible human beings you or I will ever meet.”
                                                                 – Carla Nicholls about Les Gramantik

The roaring engine shakes the giant sardine can I find myself inside, as the rest of the fish and I sit quietly, watching yet another in-flight safety demonstration. I find myself wondering, “Are there still a lot of people who don’t know how to fasten and secure their seatbelt?” The moment passes and I do some quick math in my head.
This year marks a half a decade at the Tucson, Arizona 10-day training camp. Wow.

I find myself struggling to remember all the nervous nuisances that filled my mind the first year. As I reflect, I suppose terrified would be somewhat of a more accurate term.
The poolside was filled with unfamiliar faces, attached to athletics bodies that explained why they were here. I started to wonder if my invite had been a misprint. 
But as the week wore on, and my body & mind endured, I realized I belonged.

Each year is no different in most cases. I continue to prove my dedication and I look forward to aching rubbery legs and burning lactic lungs. Like badges of honor; if they come with some “great work” then I know I’ve done my job right.

The people have changed slightly though, as some trackletes retire and new ones step onto the scene … and almost suddenly, I’m a veteran now.
But there are the constants. The room and bed remind me of home, like no other hotel I frequent. and the U of Arizona track which has become as predictable as the one on the prairies, processes a somewhat daunting attitude. *insert evil laugh*

Since arriving the weather has been fairly consistent, and our workouts as hard as expected. Luckily, today is our first complete day off.  It’s a much needed and coveted time.  Time for recovery and maybe some desert adventures.

But no matter where we go, or what we do, the planned workouts sit looming … ready to attack or be attacked.

Five down eight to go.

Welcome, to what some lovingly refer to as “Death Camp”.

No one quite knows what possesses the morning runner to brave the day much before any rooster has even considered peeking out to see the sun.  So while our loved ones scoff at the idea of even leaving their warm, cozy sheets, we put on whatever running clothes we can find in the dark and somehow, miraculously, force ourselves out the door. 

 

I admit, waking up at the butt-crack of dawn isn’t on every runner’s to-do list, but when it comes down to it – for one reason or another – many of us tie up our shoes, pick the sleep out of our eyes and hope that we remembered our house keys …

Cheers to the morning runners – the unsung heroes of the dawn!

“It takes a village to raise an athlete.”

Why did I often consider that phrase to be a cliché?
Likely because, in my experience, someone saying that to me seemed like a fairytale dream   . . .
I’m not trying to seem like a “for the greater good” cynic – but it sure can get lonely out there.

Pumpkins, Fairy Godmothers and mice aside though - I have to admit I was wrong.

-Great advice
-Treatment at no charge
-An extra moment to listen
-Unsolicited support

People do still care.
It never has to be much.
The smallest gestures have the ability to change an athlete’s outlook for the not-so-distant future.

THANK YOU!

This is my formal note of appreciation to anyone – past, present and future – who continue to renew my hope when I’m nearing some proverbial edge along this amazing journey.

“First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.” – Epictetus 

It’s cold, it’s windy, and there is snow everywhere!  Your motivation is completely lacking … and yet somewhere in your mind that little voice is still saying (in the smallest whisper) you really should go for a run.  *nodding*
I knew that the ever-looming “lazy-monster” would likely attempt to sway my motivation at some point during my vacation, so (in conjunction with my holiday present to Janz) I took anticipatory measures.

For hundreds of years their pure strength has been used for hunting and travel. As far back as the tenth century they have contributed to world culture.  And today, from coast to coast, they are barking and running their way into our hearts. Huskies! 

"tour guide"

I had been planning this winter adventure for months! All I knew, was this dog sledding trip had to be in Quebec; the rest depended on what there was out there. 

I dare you to Internet search the words “dog sledding” and see what you come up with.  Yea, ‘overwhelmed’ is a term that may come to mind. But, after a few hours of clicking and reading, and reading and map checking I finally found: Les Chiens et Gîte du Grand Nord.

 From a handful of email confirmations, to our arrival in Saint-David-de-Falardeau after three hours of driving  anticipation was definitely the theme.  Greeted with what would be the first in a string of fantastic meals (merci encore Fabienne et Co.)

Over the hills & through the woods

base camp

 We tucked ourselves in and went to sleep. 

The night was short and full of canines howling at the ½ moon, as well as an over-heated bunk house due to a couple of rookie, wood-burning stove operators … but we woke up on time. (07h00)

home sweet home

Our guide: Nicholas, prepared our group (us and two others from Holland) on safety and basic sled driving techniques. It was a lot all at once, but we helped as the employees secured our dogs (4 each) to our sleds and kept both feet on the break as they detached tie lines one at a time.

Our dogs – who were fanatically barking and seemed almost more excited than us – took off like 200-pound bullets! The first five minutes were the trickiest, but it was easily where I learned the most. Every dog was unique and yet every sled team showed pure team-talent.

into the great wide open

On the trail

At the beginning of the day, I believed in myself, or maybe I just convinced myself to be brave, but either way after falling a few more than a couple times, making some incredible recoveries and getting to glide effortlessly through some of the most beautiful scenery I’ve ever had the pleasure to see – I returned with even more confidence!!

The trek lasted about 30km and we were out in the frozen wilderness for 5 hours. We yelled, we laughed; we shivered and sweat, but after everything –  we wanted to do it all over again!

Me and my pups

I sincerely believe that no writing can do real justice to the experience that is dog sledding.  But just know, meeting the people, petting the 100 beautiful dogs and falling asleep reminiscing about it all is more than just part of the package, it’s a great bonus to experiencing an absolutely wonderful sport.

*Daily athletic training is often a real test and can leave the best of us battered and bruised, but after this I must admit – my arms, legs and shoulders are still absolutely killing me … but WOW! What a RUSH! 

Real winter running

Merci beaucoup pour tout Chiens et Gîte du Grand Nord!!  
A la prochaine!
xoxo

Welcome to 2009 and La Malbaie, Quebec, my “home” for the holidays!

With la fleuve Saint. Laurent flowing to the east, salted with mini icebergs travelling towards la ville de Quebec and the cold winter air biting my face I thanked my parents (aloud) for putting me in French immersion at the age of 4. I quietly thanked myself for sticking with it through my graduation.

In a small Quebecois city where the English-speaking citizens turn out to be tourists I definitely proved my dedication as an athlete by asking as many people as possible until I could finally figure out where I could get my workouts done properly.

La Complexe Sportif!
This good-sized building has a full pool, hot tub, gymnasium, as well as a cardio and weight lifting area. 
After a lengthy explanation from ‘le gars’ at the front desk I bought a month pass for 28,00$ and have full access to everything.

The first day, I took advantage of the space in the gym and did a full warm up, some hurdle mobility and the circuit I’d been sent by Coach Carla from her new Blackberry® wireless device (kudos to her!)

*big smile* I had tons of space and worked up a great sweat.  Cause after those few days of break- it’s always nice to get back into a groove.

My second day as a gym membership holder I (in true holiday fashion) came down with some fantabulous 24h stomach problem  - OH! and the power was out for the entire area = candles and flashlights anyone?!
Needless to say, it was a great day to stay in bed!

I slept a lot and tried to drink as much as possible. The next morning my insides were feeling like new (as they should – after being completely emptied) we headed back to the gym.

I did the entire lifting session and managed to attract a bit of an audience. I guess not many athletes visit La Malbaie?) ha!  After I explained who I was and why I was power-cleaning and squatting more than my own weight in this small French town, I jumped into the deep-end of the pool with a floatation belt and did 8 sets of 2minutes hard water running. <With a 2.5 min break>.

<TRY IT with a time to suit your skill level. Hooray for low impact cardio!!>

Hopefully everyone enjoyed an extra second in 2008 and had a very happy New Year’s Eve. I wish you all the best of luck with the resolutions; KEEP RUNNING!

Wednesday proved interesting, as we had to change venues due to the blackout of the night before. Running a speed practice during public track time at the Field house here in Regina is anything but safe. There were people everywhere! EVERYWHERE!
2 x 30m
2 x 50m <4>
200m <4>
3 x 150m <4>