One year ago...

When I think back to a year ago today I realize how lucky Joy, Sadie, and me when compared to our friends and neighbours. that afternoon and evening I was at work in cowboy boots and hat, celebrating the arrival of our new President from Vancouver. As he spoke, you would see our community partners scanning their phones and quickly exiting their seats for the door. Because we were in event mode for the entire day, I had no clue of the State of Emergency or the evacuations to come.

When I leave work late I usually short-cut through Sunnyside and head down Memorial for the Deerfoot drive home. I turned into Sunnyside and was immediately greeted by a traffic jam of cars in the opposite direction. That was truly my first inclination of things to come.

I emailed my friends Dirk and Laura to let them know we could take in their family as the news that night was they would be evacuated. They said they were safe, camping up at the old KOA campground. Luckily enough they didn't accept the invitation as for what was to happen later that night.

We were awoken by a knock at the door shortly after midnight with a couple of guys telling me it was 'time to go'. I had my shirt on backwards and inside out, not really comprehending their comment. I went back upstairs with the evacuation order and asked Joy if she wanted to wait until morning.

Try reading this at 1 am

Looking outside I saw all our neighbours pulling out of their garages and heading out of the little pocket of paradise we call home. We called mom and dad and told them the family were coming for an unexpected visit. At 1 am we were on the road, heading north on the Deerfoot with dog in tow. When you are not really knowing what is happening or really appreciating the threat you don't think straight. We packed Sadie's food and all her 'jewellery', but for us we only had the clothes on our backs.

Usually the Herald is at my front door

The bug spray was a great touch. I love our city.

We did lose our fridge contents but really, who wanted to eat those leftovers? We didn't know how long we would be out but in the end it was only a few days. Our pocket of paradise was unscathed, shy all our pathways and bridges which are scheduled to be back in business sometime this summer!

Leanne, Wylma, and me in High River

When I reflect back on where we were then compared to our neighbours in Calgary and surrounding communities we are truly blessed. the entire event showed the greatness of our community and that we still have a bit of a small town mentality in a city of 1.3 million.

Over the next month and year we have had our group of trotters detoured, delayed, and denied access to our routes for training. Overall the pain for use was minimal. We did get to discover new urban routes in the higher grounds of Calgary but I do think everyone missed our Thursday night treks to Original Joe's.

Thankfully we are not repeating this again this year. We are going to have a great summer of training, starting this Saturday, 8 am from McDonald's in Glenmore Landing. Joy and John will be out there for sure. How about you? Breakfast on the patio at 1600 Bier Haus around 10 am?

Next week on Thursday I will be missing my sixth straight Original Joe's night as I have my last parade meeting before the big event two weeks TODAY! I am really looking forward to meeting William Shatner. Next Saturday I will be at a family reunion so the default will be Eau Claire on the 28th. I will be back for the next two Tuesdays.

Who wouldn't have that on their bucket list?

Have a great longest day of the year tomorrow no matter what you do. But if you do come see us Saturday.

A Nose for Good Memories

Nose Hill is awesome. There, I said it. I first discovered Nose Hill when my family moved to its' base in April of 1978. A new house, new neighbours, new school, and new adventures. I had many travels to the park, visiting Porcupine Valley, Turtle Rock, and that community that seemed to be a day away - Edgemont (in reality about 4 km). I saw deer, coyotes, the aforementioned porcupines, hawks, and many other animals in nature.

I also saw grass fires, gophers becoming prey, and some crazy off-roading by my old friends who owned Atlas Television on Edmonton Trail (and also sold quads?) Memories of those days are great and forming to my love of the outdoors. Last week we travelled with the group to again travel the paths of Nose Hill and for me regain some youthful memories. We did see three deer, two coyotes and their potential den, plus many incredible views of the mountains, city, and airport along with the never ending prairie grass of the largest urban park in Canada. Thanks to Christine, Jodi (with Storm), Adrian and Blaine for sharing a great day on the hills of my youth.

Blaine and Adrian talking shop

Christine hustling the hill

Leading us to the light

the light is burning!

Taking a road less travelled

Nose Hill - Single Track heaven

the Hills were alive with the sounds of heavy breathing

For this week the votes are in: Joy was given three options for a trot and chose Max Bell Arena for our start and finish. See you there at 8 am? I do hope so. If you don't think the trot is in the cards perhaps you can join us at Main Dish around 10 am for breakfast. You know we will be there!

I want to pass a shout out to one of our fellow athletes who has taken on the Walk to Fight Arthritis as the volunteer chair of the organizing committee. Jen and her team of volunteers put on another successful event, raising over $100K for Arthritis research and education.

Well done Jen!

For the first time in fifteen years of either the Walk to Fight Arthritis, Jingle Bell Run, or Joints in Motion, I didn't involve myself in the event this year. Joy, Sadie, and me skipped town to Canmore (Joy was already there for a work team-builder) and went for a ride. Tell me this little Westie doesn't love their stroller and the wind within its' whiskers? She doesn't have a helmet but she is secured by a climbing carabiner.

Does this nose know no fear?

I am three weeks late in supporting Lauren on this (Sorry Lauren) but she has a series of tester nights scheduled at the Tech Shop for those of us who like to trot on Thursday's. June 19 she has Saucony and June 26 Peal Izumi. I realize that I have missed the last three Thursday's as I didn't get to try the Mizuno, New Balance, or Brooks options! I am truly a slacker these days.If you need some answers check out www.thetechshop.ca.

Rock and Goals

A week of travel is at an end. Learning, lounging, and lunging filled my days in Edmonton. Now back to a weekend of Joy. Well, Joy is off to Canmore for a girls weekend so I will start the weekend on Sunday.

My conference was all about fundraising. Would it be anything else? The Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education. Funny enough I ran into fellow uncoachable alumnus Jim who also works in education and happened to be doing a presentation on-you guessed it-education. Great to see a member of my very first marathon group in 1996. Time does fly. On that note, it was three years ago this week another uncoachable passed away when Colleen went to find never ending trails and chocolate supplies.

Always full of smiles and giving

So tomorrow will be an early day. I promised to start our summer of trotting off right by moving to 8 am. I guess I better do what I say and let's meet at Nose Hill Park for this early start. I think we will start on the top of the hill along Shaganappi Trail north of John Laurie Boulevard. Just keep heading up that hill until the top and on the right you will see a parking lot. There is a washroom there. Whether it is open is the question!

So it was ten years ago this week that a gaggle of guys and gals went south to San Diego to experience the Rock and Roll Marathon in that city. It was a great trip with many good people: Anne Marie, Sylvia, Carol, Ally, Sharon, Joanne & Mike, Quentin, Scott, Al & Dianne, Willie, Barb, Gela & Doug, and others that have skipped my memory. We were there during games six and seven of the Flames Stanley Cup run of 2004. We gave it our best but our cheering in the sunny south of the US didn't quite get the job done. We did create some strange glances in the pubs when we asked to turn the televisions from the NBA finals to the NHL. I tried to offer some sweat and beers to the hockey gods by wearing a Flames jersey the entire race. I even sped along to finish in 3:12, but like Gelinas the video replay showed no win. I did make the San Diego paper and got some props from the California media, but hockey was quickly lost to running Elvis.

Game Six in Old Towne San Diego

Game seven in the room

We were so young then! We are still young!

Run with Whitlock

Hard to believe it's been ten years since he dropped me like a lead weight at 22 km. It all started on the streets of Toronto. It actually started earlier that morning at breakfast, but let's focus on the event. It was my second foray into Ontario and the big smoke for a marathon. The first was back in 1997 for a 24 hour race, but let's refocus on the event. 

It was the Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Correction, the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. I was in the prime of my marathon career. Fresh off another visit to the Boston Marathon the year prior, I was running consistently in the 3 hour marathon pace group. So I set out that morning to regain the sub three marathon time I had accomplished a few years prior. I was ready.

And then there he was. I felt like a groupie in Forrest Gump. Remember in the movie when he just started to run and run and run? Then all those people wanted the chance to run with him (see Martin Parnell for a local comparison)

We are kin - he undefeatable - me uncoachable!

So it was him, me, and about fifty groupies (me too?) setting off to run a three hour marathon. We started well, my watch was telling me we were clipping off the kilometres in great time. We hit the half under ninety minutes and were doing well. Then it happened...

He pulled away. He accelerated. He showed this young buck what an Octogenarian could do. He found dust on the street and flung it in my face. He kicked my a...spirations. The guy was, is, and always will be Ed Whitlock. He is the guy who ran a sub three marathon in his seventies. He who is still breaking world records in the eighties. He is the guy that you can't believe is doing it so well.

He is...

He already spoke today but you can see him Sunday

While I did get beat by Ed that day, he did 'only' trot a 3:02 marathon that day at age 74. I was decent at 3:10, but was proved that I need to find some better cemetery training to regain my mojo.

I did beat another world record holder that day. He of the sandals, turban, and pushing 100 (which he just ran a marathon at that age). 

Fauja "the fleet footed flyer" Singh

So I am so far behind I will miss most of you for the trot tomorrow. Marge and Abby are joining Joy, Lorianne and me at 9 am over at Eau Claire. I am so far behind I hadn't changed the time in time so in time I will change to 8 am. That time will be next weekend. If I don't get an email out in time, let's meet next weekend in...how about Nose Hill? Let's discuss.

This weekend many of our group will be out trying to cross both the start and finish line of their races. Will you be out there to cheer them on? I am confident I will see Rose and the Tri-It staff along the marathon route. The ultra-marathoners will see her not once, twice, thrice, but four times! Out and back and out and back. thankfully I am just driving. Good luck Tamara, Peter, and all the rest trying their best to left-right-repeat. We are already proud of you.

I am behind for what I think might be a good reason. As you readers all know I have been deep in my month of race volunteering. Sunday is the last for the foreseeable future. But I also have a very worthwhile volunteer role. Last fall I was asked and accepted to be on the jury. Not THAT jury, rather the Generosity of Spirit Jury. What is this? The Generosity of Spirit Awards are handed out annually to various groups, organizations, and individuals. I have been reading biographies of our most generous philanthropists who donate their time, money, and expertise to keep our city as spectacular as it can be. 

I read one of the nominee biographies out loud to Joy on Thursday. Essentially it was about a boy and his brother. They were temporarily living in the Ronald MacDonald House (grab Kleenex here) as the brother was sick with Cancer. While there in support of his brother he started to help with small acts of kindness, collecting pull tabs off cans, and doing what he could to make life bearable for HIS house guests. When the brother passed (grab second Kleenex) he was so engaged with the House he continued to support HIS second home and fund raise, offer support to his new brothers and sisters, and generally make life bearable in the most unbearable of situations. Did I mention this boy is a mature NINE years old. Did I let you know he has been doing this for three years. Did I empty the box of Kleenex?

The jury has read their thirty-odd biographies, submitted their results to the judge, and are awaiting 'sentencing'. Next week we jury members meet for a final discussion and hopefully the winners enjoy the phone call. Look for our winners to be published in the fall. Hopefully I have helped select some wonderful people that you too can be proud. 

I think that's all for now. See you on the other side of today.

An Espresso-n of love

Go Habs! Sorry Robbie and Carroll. Iggy will figure it out.

What a glorious situation when you walk around your garden and see small green shoots of life pushing up through the dirt that has been compressed by a winters blanket of snow. Sometimes I forget the bulbs that took hours to plan and plant. Now those days of kneeling over the ground and putting shovel to the earth are showing their gift of growth. Spring might just finally be here!

With good weather comes good opportunity to explore. So we shall do just that and smell the forest of Fish Creek from the Glennfield Meadows parking lot next to Macleod Trail. Shall we see you there at 9 am? We shall. If you can't make the trot because you are off to camp, travel, or otherwise please enjoy a fabulous first weekend of summer-ish. 

Once in a while you find some useful information on FaceBook. It is more rare that common but I saw something that really made me smile and want to regain an age category victory. Tell me you don't want to join Rose and Richelle for the first annual Espresso Run and win one of these:

the best trophy ever!

Speaking of Rose, her son Jake won first place in his age category at the Mother's Day Road Race last weekend. While not quite Jeremy Deere fast, he is shaping into a great little runner. And he still loves his dad.

Thank you to all that helped make the Mother's Day race a great day. Special thanks to the Rudiak's for all coming out to volunteer once again. Super special thanks to my lovely bride Joy for getting up at 4 am to help get the event ready for the 15,000 peeps!

Photograph by: Lorraine Hjalte, Calgary Herald

The last couple of weeks I have done my annual plea for donations to the Neonatal Intensive Care Units. with the support of many of you our Mother's Day Committee was able to raise over $12,000 for the cause which raised at least $200,000. I promised that those that supported my fundraising would be entered into a draw. I will be receiving my pledge incentive prizes on May 31 and will share at least a $250 gift card (we've up it for you!) to Chinook Centre with the lucky winner of my random draw. Entered in the draw are:

Christine, Charlene, Barb, Tamara, Peter, Big John, Susan, Anonymous (if they get drawn who gets it?), Joy, Marian, Ken, Carroll, Willie, and Donna. 

Should we have a barbeque to ensure a proper draw. I will email you all soon.

See you Saturday, and if things work out, tomorrow at the Espresso run!

thank you all for all you do.

The only Chinook in my future

It's been a good week. Not an 'I won the lottery week', but a good week none the less. What makes a week good? the people you meet, the opportunities you get to experience and learn, and a wonderful family.

Every day my work involves talking with people who have a passion for students and of SAIT. Meeting people who are passionate about similar things creates spirit that is hard to match. It would be tough to match in any other job where the customers all want to give you money unconditionally.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of hosting a group of my peers while learning about our industry. It is interesting to hear other perspectives that help teach all of us the finer parts of our trade. What more could you expect while working at a trade school supported by industry? All that AND our training partner Kristin was part of the group. Always a fashionable woman who loves colour just like me!

Of course what always makes things greatest is coming home to little Sadie and Joy. No matter what the day delivers our little ball of whiteness never allows you to forget what is important, treats! And thanks Joy for being who you are and letting me be me - for better or worse!

Can you spot the Westie?

I want to pass some thanks and a last call for support of our Mother's Day Committee. We as a group are trying to raise $10,000 for the Calgary Health Trust and the NICU. Last week I promised to raffle off the incentive prizes that are offered as part of the fundraising. My personal page is at $470 with gifts from Christine & Dave, Dan & Char, Barb, Tamara, and Peter. Thank you all! I don't count of course. so far we have earned a $25 Sport Chek gift card. If we can add another $30 we will raffle off a $75 card to Oasis Spa. Who couldn't use a pedi after the trot? If we get to $1000 we will have a $100 gift card for Chinook Centre. Odd's are currently 1 in 5 that you could win. Way better than the lottery option above! Pledge my by clicking on the logo! I will let the winner know next week in the blog. Lunch might be included!

Thanks for supporting the NICU 

Because of my volunteering this weekend I will be at Max Bell all day and night today so no trot for me. If you like I can run around Max Bell with you as you pick up your package! Saturday I will be involved with tear down of Max Bell and set-up of Chinook so no Saturday morning trot for me. Why not run from Max Bell Saturday morning so you can check out the sale following the trot? We will be there! Sunday Joy and me will be at Chinook for 530 am so if anyone can bring us coffee we would be thrilled!

Time to trot off and volunteer. See you at Max Bell all day today if you are coming by.

We give thanks to Mom

Well isn't sunshine a wonderful thing? April snows bring May glows? I think that is the way it rolls.A wonderful trip to Ontario has caused my girth to grow. It shows when you haven't trotted the trails for so long. 

Another reason why I haven't been out is my month of volunteering. Last week was the annual Police Half Marathon and 5 km. I first connected with this event in 1989 when I was a big-shot runner at SAIT and was trying my first half. When all but five others passed me that day it proved I had lots to learn about left-right-repeat. Twenty-five years later and much wiser (but perhaps back to that original speed) I do enjoy volunteering for the 2000 trotters and high-five's to the majority of the gang as they smile and pass by our marshal station. 

Next weekend is the 37th Annual Mother's Day Road Race. I have been involved with this event since 1994 as an employee, trainer, and now volunteer. I am now a mucky-muck on the committee, Race Course Set-up Coordinator. What does that mean? I drive around in a truck and make sure the course is ready. Then I get to radio the start and tell them to run! 

As part of this committee we have been challenged to raise funds for the event. I have a perk for all of you. If you sponsor me (click on the logo to find my page) I will raffle off the incentive prizes here to any of you that pledge support. If you have enjoyed any of my free mentoring I would appreciate your support to the Foundation and thus the Neonatal Intensive Care Units of the Calgary Health Trust. Click away!

April Showers bring May Flowers!
Guaranteed good weather

As for a trot this weekend, I offer two options. First option is selfish. Our friends at Strides are hosting their first trail trot of the year on Saturday. I will be there enjoying some Cochrane trails. Their info is below as well Salomon will be on site with practice shoes if you want to try them out. They do have beginner options if you have never tried the trails.See below info if you wish to join us.

For those that don't wish to dance with dirt, please meet at McDonald's Glenmore Landing for a trot on the reservoir paths. Both events are at 9 am.

Thank you for your interest in joining us on Saturday mornings for Strides' monthly trail running group! 

  

For the first run of 2014, we have decided to head back to where we hosted our first trail run last year (see photo above). This coming Saturday, May 3rd, we will meet at the Cochrane Ranche Historic Site Visitor Information Centre at 9:00am. There will be something for everyone - from 45 minutes to 2 hours. The elevation gain/loss in this park isn't extreme, so for those who are new to trail running, it should be a good introduction. See below for driving directions to the trail head.

  

As in past years, we will have demo trail shoes at each of our trail runs in 2014. This weekend, the Salomon test fleet will be available for you to try out. Take the SpeedCross3, Sense Ultra and XT-Wings out for a run. The best news is... you can get them muddy and return them without washing!

  

Driving Directions: We will meet at the Cochrane Ranche Historic Site Visitor Information Centre parking lot. The entrance is off Highway 1A/Bow Valley Trail on the North West end of Cochrane, 700m East of the Hwy1A/Hwy 22 intersection. For most people, the fastest route will be to take Crowchild Trail North West out of Calgary, which then turns into Hwy 1A, about a 35 minute drive from City Centre.

  

Trails: The Big Hill Springs Valley runs North out of Cochrane  and is full of a wide range of single track trails. Staying on the West side of the creek you can tackle various short loops towards the Ranche House that take you past Cochrane's famous horse statue through wide open grasslands along the ridge. Following the creek on the East side takes you through lush forest on a meandering single track with options for rolling hills or steep climbs. Since the trail is shaded on this side of the creek there will still be spots of mud and snow but are avoidable (all the other fun trail obstacles like roots, rocks, and logs are guaranteed). The creek side trail serves as a great out-and-back run with the option to run all the way to Big Hill Springs Provincial Park (10km one way) and lots of options for add on trails including a loop in the Provincial Park or a run to the towers on top of Big Hill (700' elevation gain from the creek to the top). The park also connects with Cochrane's red rock trails to the south which takes you to the Bow River for many more miles of sans concrete running. Trails are marked blue in the attached map. Click Here

  

Post Run Reload: Those looking for breakfast can head to Guy's Bakery and Cafe (200 Grand Blvd.), a popular runner hang out. Or head straight for the good stuff at MacKay's Ice Cream. The best beer can be found at the new pub at the Cochrane Golf Club (240 Riverview Drive).

An interesting story was shared with me from Dan. He is full of good info this week. Are you interested in the science of running?

A very scientific stride

Oh, and another one from Dan. Currently in Calgary we are trying to add bike lanes and cut down on drivelanes. Not sure the right way is the right-of-way but check out this neat website on bike and pedestrian traffic.

Which way is the right way?

Feel the need to fly like a SAIT made Red Bull Flugtag plane? The Calgary Airport Authority is hosting a run the runway event. Check it out.

Arthur was a Kamikaze Pilot...
Quiz time, where is the above lyric from?

This is why I do trail ultra-marathons. So I can wear outfits like this!

Tell me you don't want that singlet or hat???