The Heart of the Long distance stuff

On Sunday, there were times I wanted to fly. I was stronger than I thought capable. I ran on adrenaline, not sleep, not rest, not at my physical best, but strong, for some strange reason.



My endurance was my gift. A fellow runner, was not as lucky. She developed what looked like "I T" band trouble, with shin pain. Not good, she walked the rest of the way.

When it came to my running on Sunday, I felt lucky.
When it came to the rest of my life, I was NOT lucky.


Later, when I saw her, she expressed disappointment. Her body hurt. It told her she had to listen, do less and re-adjust. She would be fine on Race Day, this was just life's way of showing her that sometimes, you don`t get what you want. You start off with a run, you end up with what you did not expect.

Lately, I have certainly not expected what I have had to deal with. I have had to adjust my sails, in order to keep sailing thru this unbelievable set of circumstances. My ability to run, has given me perspective. It has been my therapy, my balance, my calm in the storm. It has been a troubling couple of weeks. I knew I was in trouble a few weeks ago, when running 29K one Sunday, was the easiest part of my day. Yikes, time to do less, take a break, let it go, give it up, and pray the nightmare is replaced by normal.

My soon to be marathoner friend and I will both make it. Less is more, for both of us.

Less than a month

May 26th,the party is over. In one month, over 30,000 participants, will have participated in Ottawa's Race Weekend, much money will have been raised, for the regional charity, Ottawa Hospital Foundation, and for the national charity, The Canadian Athletes Now a non profit, dedicated to raising funds for our underfunded Canadian Amateur Athletes.

We are all so much more capable of great things, or of doing something new, like the young child who will do the Kid's marathon, and the 80 yr old who will cross the finish of a marathon, the memories created on Race Weekend will last forever.

Consider this, we all have it in us.

I don`t wear Nike's, nothing personal, just never have, maybe one day I will, however I am a big believer in this. Simply, naturally, purely, add much fear and enthusiasm in the following: "Just DO IT!"

The test of LIFE

"Whenever you become empowered, you will be tested" Carolyne Myss

I received this quote this morning from a woman who offers up "Gina's QUOTE of the Day"

The Runners in Boston on Monday, did just that, they were tested. Last night, I attended a slide show, put on by photographer Phil Marsh, also the Area Manager of the Running Rooms in Ottawa. Several local marathoners were featured. It was inspiring, simply being in that room, sometimes my back to the screen.

I have always been scared by the marathon, which is why I sometimes run one. Scared to death. I know, however, that I can run one, and if I can, anyone can. I have empowered myself to do this, and so, "Just DO IT" rings in my head.

It's not all about the running, it's about all aspects of one's life, when we are empowered, we are certainly tested. Make sure you are properly trained, and surround yourself with your support systems, and just do it. Know also, when to step back. Less is more. Later, the finish will simply show up. Never soon enough, never soon enough.

Counting DOWN Ottawa Race Weekend Fever

With all of the amazing Boston Marathon Energy flowing it is time to write and share the ENERGY!!!

I am a living, breathing example that we all have it in us to make change. Some of us believe this to the core, some of us have trouble with the concept, others, simply give up. Most of us are a little bit of all of these. One thing is sure, as Oprah would say, "This I know is true"


It is when you surround yourself with people who believe in you, especially when you doubt yourself & want to give up, it is then, and only then that DREAMS come true.

Pick your cheering section wisely, embrace setbacks, they will only make you stronger. There is a reason for everything that is on your path, respect it, and it will reward you in ways you never thougth possible.