Summertime is the right time

Summer is a wonderful word. When you say it warmth immediately surrounds your soul and gives good vibes. I have enjoyed sharing the word summer this, well summer as we have enjoyed many glorious sunshine, heat, and relative mosquito-less days.

Everyone looks forward to summer

I don't know why but I have been spending most of the summer doing the left-right-repeat on the paths of downtown Calgary. I suppose the lack of enthusiasm for typing a blog post and thus using the default most Saturdays is my primary reason. But I really wanted to check out the trails of Kananaskis and because of that I need to type.

So type I will and produce an instruction to the group of trotting the trails of Prairie View and Barrier Lake for a short-ish 14 km loop up and down a mountain. Now doesn't that sound reasonable? Let's meet at the Edworthy Park parking lot at Parkdale Blvd. and Shaganappi Trail for 8 am so we can car-pool and depart forthwith. If you miss the meet, see you at the Barrier Lake parking lot for a 9 am trot around and up the hill.

I was reading one of my favourite reads, a blog by a fellow ultra runner about what makes us so crazy. I read one of the proofs which was "We think beer is a post run recovery drink". I tend to agree. When you combine a summer like this current one and beer things can get a 'little' dehydrating.

Death Race finish line photo. 125km and one Canadian = satisfaction
Burn by Elbow River tubing

I thought I would give a shout out to an emerging artist who I hope to one day own a piece of her work. I saw her pieces at the ACAD Art Show and Sale in the spring. She is having a show this Sunday and I do hope to see and support her work. Will you join me?

Hello!

Hope you have been having a great summer! For me it has been one of the busiest and best summers ever. In addition to the many exciting exhibitions I was involved with in May, June and July, I just got back from a special assignment in Québec City where 14 of my paintings are exhibited at Le Graffiti. What an amazing experience!

For those interested, I have one more exhibit sale before I move to Laguna Beach, California for school this September: my 4th annual show at the Valley Ridge Golf Club (http://www.valleyridgegolf.com/) on Sunday, August 17th. Show time is 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with a special artist reception from noon to 4:00 PM, when free wine and appetizers will be served.

A big thank-you to all of you for your continued support and encouragement. I hope to see you all at the Valley Ridge Golf Club next Sunday!

Wishing you a great week!

Alexandra Tremblay (Sala)
www.artbysala.ca

An un-bear-able coincidence

Happy Friday my friends! It is a wonderful day here in Calgary. The air is cool and fresh which lets the day start with a scent of summer. When you are so close to the mountains the days do start with a mountain breeze, hopefully cooked by the high hanging sun. 

Last weekend I had the pleasure of heading into the mountains for a short retreat in Golden. Two days of golf, cards, and eating were great ways to break up the days. We did however find a hazard while golfing which seems to be a theme when I stay in BC for pleasure. We had a two year old black bear wander in front of us while I was about to tee off. 

I called the clubhouse to give them a heads up that there was a bear on course and received the reply "That's okay, we just let him play through." So that is exactly what we did and continued a wonderful day. 

The picture would have been closer but I had to run to my cart to get the camera

This one is from our balcony in Sooke. Black bears seem to like us.

So I am finally signed up for my first trot of the year. Hopefully I am trained appropriately. Next Wednesday evening the Calgary Zoo is hosting a 5 km run INSIDE the zoo to support their conservation causes. The zoo will be closed to regular visitors but the animals will be around to encourage us to go faster. Would you care to join us? It's only $20! Click on the zoo logo for info.

On a side note, I notice the Gorilla Run is off for 2014. I had the fortune of winning the race last year so I do hope I can trot it again in 2015. I will keep you in the loop.

As for this Saturday, the weather looks wonderful so why don't we find a nice route on Nose Hill? We did this a month or so ago and saw many deer and coyote. Perhaps we will spot a bear too? See you at the Shaganappi Trail entrance three km north of John Laurie Boulevard for an 8ish am start. It is walker and hiker friendly so lets see you all out there!

As I work for a non-profit I think this might be a good fundraiser. Anyone wish to enter?

Stampeding around the trails

Happy Stampede friends. Our annual pilgrimage to the land of excess is once again upon us. Rodeo and Chuckwagon events, over-priced beer, fake cowboys (I resemble that remark), and all things deep fried tease us once a year to head down to the Stampede grounds and experience the fun life of the urban cowboy. 

Stampede prep via 2013

I am sure it would taste good

Born in Vegreville, I don't.

Trouble 2.0

Always a hit at 8 pm each night 

Some of you may know that I have been volunteering for 25 years with this annual event, specifically with the Stampede Parade. I started in 1989 as a street marshal alongside my father who started fifteen years before me. Now as coordinator of Corporate and Non-Profit floats the Stampede is now year-round in this household. 

My fave float Beakerhead.org with hippolove.ca

As it is part of my volunteer role to support and promote the Stampede and its' parade I have taken this responsibility seriously. Yesterday was day six of the Stampede and I have been on park six days! Four days to go...

volunteer 'responsibilities'

Last night was a bit of retro for me on a couple of fronts. It was almost 30 years since I first saw Bryan Adams (that time with Luba, this time the Doobie Brothers). What a fantastic show. It was also retro for a Stampede Marathon memory as two of my training mates were in the crowd. It was great to see Kelly who was their with Deirdre, two-thirds of a three amigo (Helen included) training group who I had the pleasure of completing the 2002 race. We shared a photo of the four of us at 40 km which we kindly called the four stages of the marathon. The three amigos now are in the fifth stage, or non-runner!

Typical of Bryan Adams show? Count the cowboy hats!

Last weekend we had our usual default trot with Christine and me enjoying an out-and-back on the Douglas Fir Trails for a total 15 km trail trot. I can't believe for me this was my longest trot of the year. Somewhere in these last six months of the year I will have to find room to add 42.2 km to my annual marathon count. Any suggestions?

This weekend we will again meet at the default Eau Claire as we need to search the core for the perfect pancake breakfast. If you have opportunity to join us we will see you at 8 am. 

If you can't join us Saturday perhaps you might want to trot tomorrow at 7 am (beat the heat!) for Angus Cowan's annual Angus Cattle Run. He is always our inspiration.

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.