Making an Impact

Options, we have options. Tomorrow we have three options for those in the group. option one, join Joy and others at Eau Claire for a rendezvous around the downtown starting at 8 am. Too early for you? At 9 am come to Tim Horton's in West Hills shopping area (Sarcee and 33rd ave.) and Carroll is doing a hike in Bragg Creek. I will be heading to Barrier Lake and a loop of a higher elevation. I think we have you covered. See you somewhere tomorrow.

This was an interesting week of highs and lows. A new role at work is a high while an old work friend past away. I have had loads of time to reflect on a life cut short in his 30's. Adam Wood was one of my fine staff at the Tech Shop for a number of years while he worked toward his degree in Kinesiology at U of C and competed for our National Bobsled team around the world. He was a bright young man who had the world at his feet. Success at school, on the track, in marriage, and with his Travel Roller business. He had done so many things with great thought and persistence. Unfortunately his drive on the track may have caused his ultimate demise.

Years of bouncing off the walls of the world's best tracks caused many a head trauma. I think I heard today over 100 crashes in his career. His life was so high and then the multiple impacts of his chosen career took the life from his body. Too fast, too young, too tragic.

This got me thinking to my career at the Tech Shop and another former employee Poul. He had worked at the store since before I arrived and was a well seasoned man who enjoyed his retirement by helping at the store.

One day he just didn't get it. He stood blank at our till not knowing how to do anything. I was perplexed at how he could be unknowing of the simple parts of our store. The next day he past me on his bike and I waved. He spun by with ghostly eyes not saying a word. It wasn't till after he took his life that I found out Poul was bi-polar and I was witnessing the end of his enthusiasm for all he enjoyed. For many years his photo stayed on display at the Purple Perk in honour of one of our friends of Mission.

I bring up both stories as they relate to my work. We have a great program that as an employee is offered free for us to take. It is called "Mental health first aid". Knowing what I know in hindsight has reinforced the need for me (and hopefully you) to understand the need to understand those who are part of our everyday life.

It is easy to say that certain things are just 'crazy talk', but are we able to identify when someone needs us to help them with sanity in times of need? If you have the opportunity to take a program like this I think it may be worth it to perhaps be in front of someone to support them if they are falling.

Thanks for leading Adam. We will miss you.
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Okay, time for a little lighter fare. I think some of you might know I don't listen to music while running. I talk far too much and need the clear air to hear salacious gossip. I dug up an old story about trotting and music that I thought you would like.



This is how I listen to music while on the trot

The Herald is pulling in some stories from their freelancers that tend to agree with my thoughts of running shoes these days. There is so much control and cushion put into most shoes our body has forgotten how to deal with impact the way it was originally design to protect. Enjoy the story and hopefully it gives you some thought.



what shoe is right for you?