On Your Mark, Set...STOP!

What is wrong with the Toronto Track and Field Centre? (aka York). I awoke to a text from one of my friends (also world class, also does this for a living), tipping me that the track is closed today. Huh?

It closed early last Thursday, and was completely closed last Friday, Saturday, Sunday and today Monday.

What kind of service is that for a high performance centre?!. For two days now I have had to roll up to local civilians gyms and do the free trial dance: "Oh sweet 30% off if I sign up today...Oh wow yogalates on Wednesdays?!. I'm totally coming here.". Just so I could use their teetering sub-code treadmills for free.

**Word to York: You're not a bank nor are you a branch of government, I even saw a chicken shawarma place that is serving its patrons--so open the doors and get over yourself.

You're supposed to be a high performance centre who caters to elite athletes (I won't take this argument on here...) so cater to them and be reasonable. I'm all for Christmas day off but making your own mini BOXING WEEK people?.

Damn shame.

York is the only doable option for training in the winter for athletes in the GTA and as a nation we crave world class results from our elite athletes. So how does having the only facility around on lock down for four days straight make any sense? This is my profession not a weekend hobby, no one in it ever takes that many days off. I guarantee none of my competitors around the world are having to deal with this kind of inconvenience.

That reminds me, I totally left my driver's license at Extreme Fitness, which I apparently need today to do my: "...body pump on Thursdays? Yah!" at Premier .

Not impressed,

P

All the Best to You and Yours!

XO

Perdita

So I've gotten a few calls from some friends mentioning that my name has come up in some stories about Dr. Galea's court case and Tiger Woods. And reporters have been calling my management. I swear I must live under a rock that is in Atlanta because I haven't really been wise to what has been going on. But I take it the articles and people linked to them aren't cast in the most positive light.

Let I make some things plain, in case there is any confusion hovering around in print or the Inter web. Yes, I have been treated by Dr. Galea in the past. But I also take a very active role in any treatments suggested to me from any MD or therapist. For instance, I was once told to drink pickle juice for its ability to replenish electrolytes but I refused. Why? Not because it is banned by WADA. It isn't. Believe me, I looked it up. But pickle juice? just plain nasty. Pee Yeew (pinches nose).

There are so many rules to navigate in the sport of stick jumping. For example, is caffeine banned this year... oops that was last year...Timmy here I come baby!. Also, don't tell CCES but my biggest fear is that they'll soon discover the high I get from licking Ketchup chips on race day and ban that too!

Mmmm...Did I mention that I stick them back in the bag?

Anyhoo, I do my research and seek help on any treatment or supplements I don't understand or have doubts about. I make sure to know the rules and gladly play within them. I have a career I love, enjoy and respect.

So no, I have not been a "guinea pig" or experimented upon by anyone. And as far as Dr. Galea's court case is concerned, I can't speak to that. But I can say that in my direct experience with him he has been a good doctor.

And one more thing to NB: No I have not had the displeasure of sleeping with Tiger Woods. So there. **Just being preemptive in case that association or link is suggested anywhere because, well, you never know.**

Peace and hair grease!

P

(hopefully no one has an issue with the usage of hair grease)

"P" For...

So I found out some information from my mom the other night that really shook me. In 29 years she never mentioned it once and it was totally random that she volunteered the information on this night.

Anyhoo, we all know that she named me after a contestant on the famous game show The Price Is Right. Cath was watching while preggo, saw some chick named "Perdita", loved it and tadah here I am!

Works for me.

But she reavealed that things were to be dramatically different. Because according to her, around this same time she was planning to name me after a popular soap opera character from "All My Children".

*Side Bar-Did I mention I grew up on soaps like: AMC, One Life to Live and Young and the Restless...and even though Ryan's Hope was cancelled in 1989 I still heard about it from my mom through the early '90s. My 10 year old brain could tell you every scandolous, love triangle, he-is-absolutely-not-the-father, I think Tad drugged me scenario that went down from Genoa City to Pine Valley.

And yes after 20+ years of nubing him Victor Newman is still the business...but I digress.

(Cute eh.)

Sooo apparently now, my name was to be...wait for it...wait for it... Phoebe!

M'Kay. Me too. Totally wouldn't peg me for a "Phe".

Don't get me wrong Ruth Warrick is a sexy soap sud. But Phoebe, For moi?. Nuh uh. The ring just wouldn't be the same: "In Lane four World Champion Phoeebeee Felicien!".

Yawwwn....

"Who's in lane five?".

I mean all I can say is thank Jesus for the showcase showdown. Not to offend, it is a beautiful name and even appears in the Bible. But the world is full of Phoebes. At least a trillion or more I'd estimate. But as far as I (care to) know the world has but three Perditas. (incase you are pondering, the third being the mother dog from 101 Dalmations,).

I concluded our conversation by telling mother how glad and proud I was of her for coming to her fertile senses, lest I was to go through life with people chocking out "Phe-Phe Felis-chee". And noted that the same intercession was clearly not made for at least one of my siblings. "I'm sure Rudolpho is excited for Christmas again this year, huh mom!".

**Hugs**

P...For Perdita...and created by Shakespeare ;-)

Quickie Social Commentary: T. Money

It is so out of control and I'm still not sure I believe it. A billionaire super star that also gets around.

GAASP!.

Why is he so special anyways, this has turned into the second coming of Kobe or Bill. Get over it world: perhaps he is not a Tiger but a "Cheetah", (as my mom first said). So what he isn't what we thought he is... will we let him off the hook?. (you got me, yes I just wanted to attach that link...lol..never gets old).

By no means is this funny, it is very serious. but I admit I find myself laughing hysterically at these text messages. Even calling the BF who is minding his own business at work to mockingly enact a choice line or two (BTW buddy does a killer "I'm Bone Thugs and Harmon"). I have no idea what is going on, but all I got to say is T-money has got to up his T9 Mack skills.

Check pic below to see that this hoopla even crosses socioeconomic borders...SMH.

Hotmess

I got to spike up today and I could hardly contain myself at the track because of it. Only a true track nerd would get my delight. It's a hallmark; a pivot of sorts in the dawning of any season to be. This transition of speed: from October "fast...ish" to December "Move-Beech-get-out-my-way".

Pegs Take A Bow
For 6. 5 weeks I walked along in my trusty yet not as speed inclined Pegasus. I will not lie, we did climb mountains together (some call them hills), leap across sandy shores (some call them multi jumps in the sand), and we even conquered the parallel Squat at 90% max. Boo-yah! Impeccable feats. And for this I am always grateful.

But there is something so incomparable and delicious about lacing up a pair of G5s for the first time. Picking your mark, dipping your backside low, falling forward to a rolling start and letting your arms and legs unleash themselves. The feel of cool displaced air whooshing past as you listen hungrily for a familiar sound...there it is, the sweet rhythm of ceramic teeth gripping into Mondo.

Ahhh, nothing like the first time...if only since September.

The last time: Kawasaki, Japan September 23

P

Too Cute

Perdita Reads!

If you know anything about me you know I am a lover of books. A major treat when I was younger was when my dad and I would go to the Oshawa Centre and we'd stop at Coles The Book People. I would always end up on the floor reading everything and anything, while other patrons gingerly stepped over and around me. I always got to pick one book to take home, but that was never enough.

I do have the same voracious appetite for literature, however because of my job and other obligations I don't seem to have the time to satisfy it (boo). So imagine the huge grin on my face and absolute delight when I was approached to be a panelist for CANADA READS 2010.

"What's that?" you say, find out here!

Now that you're in the know, let me tell you that I love my pick. I read it this summer as I was preparing for the World Championships in Berlin and what a wondrous and welcome escape from my every day grind!

The ninth edition of Canada Reads was launched last week in downtown Toronto, it was a long day of press and promotion. I got to meet my Author for the first time and not only is she brilliant, but wonderful to be around!

The five books for this year are killer, so if you love a good read CR 2010 won't disappoint. So pick up the set for yourself or someone else and start reading.

Personally, I am so excited to be a part of something so impactful and that is outside the realm of sport. Though I do plan to bring my competitive edge and desire to win to this totally different competition.

Peep the video below to discover the faces and names of Canada Reads 2010!

Canada Reads debates will air March 8 - 12 on CBC Radio One & their digital TV channel Bold. Visit www.cbc.ca/canadareads for all things Canada Reads 2010. The site is updated daily with new features and specials. I'll also update you from my vantage point as well.* And since I am assuming you already read the post, I'll let you know I am currently working on "Good to a Fault" by Marina Endicott.

Happy Reading,

P

Pretty sure we're dating...

I know right? Seems like every few months we do the dance. I go MIA, (doing Pope knows what), you move on with your cyber life (most likely upgrading to a bigger sport stars ordinary business). Only to have me show up out the blue proclaiming: "Honey, I'm back".

Selfish?

Indeed. But you take me back...right?!. Because it is me and definitely NOT you. But let's keep it real, there are no guarantees in nub and we both know you could be solo again by Chinese New Year.

Now Where Were We?

Yes off season. Turns out that has long since ended. Anyhoo I am now training in Atlanta. I know, no more ChamBana! Gary has retired, next month would have been 10 years together...bonkers I know. All good times and I wish him well, that's my G. (see I even remembered how much you appreciate a well placed pun).

I'm All For Non-Violence--However....

If I ever see another under his supreme tutelage anywhere prior to London 2012 or Moscow 2013...or just for statute of limitation sake lets throw in Toronto 2015 (just saying). I will go straight Pimbo Slice, or Glen Close bunny stew on any lil protege. And yes I have told Gdub as much, though he didn't seem to believe me.

But I believe me.

"Grits n' ___(anything here)___"

30+ days deep and ATL is great, the people are very friendly. I was told some nonsense about boiled peanuts being "sooo goood". Riiight. And I notice (many) Georgians will eat grits with any meal when possible. Grits n' Shrimp, Grits N' Steak, Grits n' tree bark. No really.

*****

Many more observations but we have atleast a whole nother few months in this courtship. So let's take our time. For now just know your girl is back, doing fab and totally missed you!

Be back later,

P-definite lover of the grit

Mom's Wedding

It has been a pretty eventful off season--not the way I like it, honestly. This week I did the unthinkable, not sure what got into me...I can't even type it since it is a memory I am trying to suppress. But here it goes: I ran a 3K.

Crickets.

I know. I made an appearance at the Nike Runner's lounge, and it was a good turn out. I have gone there many times before but this was my first time racing the loop in downtown Toronto.

And three days later why does everything still hurt so bad? And is there anything else to think about besides "Can we stop!". I have even contemplated eating epsom salt w/ crushed ice, since soaking in both has not dulled the pain. Help me.

Admittedly I wasn't going Tirunesh Dibaba or Meseret Defar pace, more like Oprah's Marathon pace. Yes I know....but it still hurt. Many predicated a time of 15 minutes, "at most 20" for myself. Thanks people, because I crawled home in a record setting (not the celebrated kind) of "27:something" minutes".

Yawn.

In related news I'll be at the Human Race on October 24, but based on my newly set 3k Personal Best, I'll leave the 10k to the rest of the world.

It's a great event with a lot of energy around it and is an opprtunity to race yourself and race the world.

Click here for all the info. As well as here and don't forget to register for your city, Let's go T.O and hope to see you there!

P

And the winner is...

Unfortunately not my choice city Tokyo, which had me disappointed and writhing on my couch as I watched CNN. "You're a LIAR Tony Harris--A LIAR!!". As the BF looked on, no doubt wondering how he hooked up with an enigma. Sigh, Tony was indeed truth telling.

I was surprised to see Chicago out early, and I felt bad for some of my friends who purposefully did not sell their homes expecting Chicago might win and their property values may go up.

When it came down to Madrid and Rio I was convinced that Rio was not supposed to win.

1. Because Madrid lost the 2012 bid to London and how dare the IOC have them shortlisted only to deny them again. It's like playing a cruel game with an ex lover who you know still loves you, but you don't love them back...blah blah blah.

You know you've done it.

2. Because my experience at the 2007 Pan Am games was an okay one, but I was appalled at the way the Brazilian spectators conducted themselves during competition. My observations were spectators that were rude to their guests by heckling and booing. They held no regard or awareness of when to be silent and respectful as events would begin or athletes announced.

3. The officials for Athletics seemed very inexperienced, shooting the gun when not all athletes were settled. Not asking the somewhat obnoxious crowd to be quiet where appropriate. I was given an unnecessary false start, when the set commands were way too long. Before "set" there was a loud clanking sound from the stands that mimicked the gun. Again fans were extremely loud and I raised my hands in my blocks to get the starter's attention. My fingers could no longer support my body's weight in the set position and I had to protest the obvious: "Hello?! these are not the ideal starting conditions of a world class event. Reset please". Instead the retort was a man in my face with a yellow card, the sign that the field was charged the penalty.

"Hell if we care what you're used too, now get your tail in the blocks. This is how we do in Brazil, if you don't like it take it to Germany".

I gasped at the ineptitude and was furious, what a gong show. It even seemed like the crowd got even louder. "Argghh". But I'll tell ya what, I got the yellow memo and dipped my tail into them blocks....two time!.

Hopefully in 7 years Rio can teach its citizens how to respectfully host the world. It's a long way from now so plenty of time for them to learn. All that being said I am happy to see the Olympic games on the South American continent for the first time, Congratulations. I have no clue if I will be in Rio, I suspect I won't. But if I am I dare buddy my friend to flash a yellow card in my face...tree time!

Let Nothingness Reign

I have already jumped head first into off season, 4 weeks of reckless eating & carrying on is already 4 days deep. I wrote down all the things I had to be sure to eat when I was in Japan and things are being crossed off the list with the quickness...

My main goal however is to consume my 25 litre tub of Garrett popcorn, everyone knows its my favorite thing, as well as Oprah & Halle Berry's.

During my 2007 off season it took me 5 days to consume the entire tub. I am sure to set a record in 2009.

I know this because my fingertips are stained orange and my burps taste of cheese corn. TMI...I know. For a day now I have had it for breakfast, brunch, lunch, pre-dinner snack, dinner, dessert, & as a midnight snack.

*****

"Way!"

What are the chances that I'll be in Tokyo standing in a line and in front of me is a woman with a bag I am admiring. My exact thoughts were: "Cute bag, I'd rock it". Then I look closer and see what looks to be myself on it...

"No way?"

Way! She bought the bag in Japan a year ago, she told me through her niece who spoke English. They were pretty excited and asked to take my picture, I had my camera so I took these and have since emailed them to Kyoko and her aunt.


How totally random and equally cool, I wonder how many are out there? I guess this makes me a bag lady...hahaha....corny joke to go with you know what.

Off to eat lunch!

P

I didn't plan to be gone for so long, it just happened. I won't bore you with where I've been and what I've done in the last 22 or so days.

Actually I will. Let's see...

After my race in Gateshead on August 31 I flew to Illinois, packed my car up and drove the 10 hours to Toronto. Bat outta hell sorta like.

Thessaloniki, Shanghai, Kawasaki!

It was the hardest thing to train when I got home, but I got it in. I had to get back to renew my passport and get my Chinese visa. And most importantly gorge myself on glucose before I hit the road for another two weeks. All new cities and all new opportunites for retail exploration!

World Athletics Final Thessaloniki September 12

Close race and had me feeling glum as this would be the last time in 7 editions that the GP final would be contested. It's a selective series as only the best 8 hurdlers in the world qualify based on a point system earned at specific races during the season. Excuse my boastiness (is that a word?) but I just realized I have qualified for every GP final since my first season as a pro in 2004, except 2008 when I didn't compete all year. Umm...not too shabby a stat to have under ones name.

Fucci Done Got In The Way

Shanghai Golden Grandprix September 20

Ya...I don't wanna talk about it. But in the name of being consistent, suffice it to say that retail exploration and the acquisition of stuff, disallowed certain individual(s) to execute their purpose with fresh legs. All together now: "Frada is not your friend"!.

....Sounds like a good enough excuse a coach would buy? I think so too!

Chozen

That brings me to today where I am in wonderful Kawasaki, Japan, I race the super meet on Wednesday and can't wait. But for now there is nothing else to do but wait and watch videos of my new favorite on repeat: Click here to see. I discovered this phenomenon on Japanese TV in the wee hours of the morning as I came to the realization that the joyride of the 2009 season is one race from over. I do...but I don't.

Such is the life of a track bella, for another season to start one has to end.

P

One Down One to Go...Home!

Zurich was fun times, it was nice to compete without the heaviness of a major championship. I think all the athletes felt more relaxed, we were no longer holding our breathes and were free to exhale.

 

Zurich turned out to be a two woman race between Brigitte and Dawn. I managed to snag third place from lane 2 after a slow first three hurdles. I liked that I kept fighting and competing for a spot despite feeling out of it, though it's never good to be that far off the leaders. Still 12.61 is my third best time this season (I've had over 17 races this year) and I felt there was more left to give.



*Click it to View Zurich Results

I race Monday afternoon in Gateshead for the Aviva British Grandprix and then head home after 6 weeks in Europe. It's a short turnaround because I still have 3 more meets in Greece, China and Japan in mid September. But I'm so looking forward to seeing my peoples for the first time since June!

Thanks for the Birthday wishes,

Pdiddi

Happy Per-Day to Me

Yeee haw its my Champagne Birthday!!  

(Technically its 1:21am in Zurich on August 29 and still the 28th in Oshawa, ON where I was born. But Im gonna make my day 30 hours and not the customary 24, just to be clear).

I waited all my life to have this day and alas it's here, I'm praising God for that! And how lucky am I that I get to spend most of it traveling by charter to New Castle, England. How did I get so lucky?!

Being an August baby and having my job means I very rarely spend P-day in my home country or even with a loved one. Last year was rare in that I was injured and not racing for the first time in 12 years. So to take advantage I threw myself an all out "Perdita's Favorite Things" 28th party and partied like a track star (on pause)!

But somehow flying to the wet and rain of Northern England on my 29 birthday to race for mere seconds just feels like the way I was born to spend it. Here's to another 12 summers without one off!

Leaving you with my favorite and a most powerful quote. Have a blessed and wonderful 29th edition of P-day!

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. 

It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God.

Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. 

We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.

It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. 
-A brilliant mind...right?!

Weltklasse Zurich 2009

The biggest track meet on the annual circuit is upon us this Friday. Above is a shot from 2 years ago and the last time I was at this meet. I am glad to be back and looking forward to the stiff competition. Pop this hatch to visit the meet website. See below for the CBC schedule on TV and online. The hurdles will be run at 9:30pm local time, which is 3:30 in the afternoon in the T.dot.

Cheusse!

P

Zurich Golden League on CBC

Friday August 28 on cbcsports.ca

01:50 PM ET

CHAMPIONSHIP TRACK AND FIELD ON CBC: (Streaming) - Golden League Zurich Location: Zurich, Switzerland Live on CBCSports.ca 1

2 hours

Saturday August 29 on cbcsports.ca

01:50 PM ET

CHAMPIONSHIP TRACK AND FIELD ON CBC: (Streaming) - Golden League Zurich Location: Zurich, Switzerland Live on CBCSports.ca 1

1.5 hours

*Saturday August 29 on Television

02:00 PM ET

CHAMPIONSHIP TRACK AND FIELD ON CBC: Golden League Zurich Location: Zurich, Switzerland CBC Television

1.5 hours

*Repeated Monday August 31 @ 12:30am

Berlin First Round Shots

Un merci très spécial à Yannick pour m`avoir envoyé ces photos!

-P

And then there was one...

My crew is gone and I'm left to fend for myself. I was really sad to see them go after being together for so long. But there is lots of season left and some 5 to 7 more races that are still valuable parts of my journey back. With my personality I want instant results. Everything now, never tomorrow.  But the gospel according to the BF is I need to stop demanding it all in one day. It's a process and it takes time. It's good to be disappointed, this shows how well I expected to do. However to allow my experience in Berlin to tether my goals for this season or ambitions for my overall career is not gonna happen, at least not on his watch.

You go, my St. Luke the second!

So i've had the blues and will feel disappointed because I know how hard we've worked. And how many had put their faith in me. Yet no one can deny me the truth that I was ready to compete, and face that moment head on. Nervous? yes, to not be meant I was dead. But fearfu?l no. So most of what I feel is my own personal blues that things were already over before they began, as I walked to the blocks like a lamb to the slaughter. 

When I started training in the winter I was told to keep my expectations in check. Dream some--but not big.  Many people never come back from Lisfranc fractures, so rare is this one that has its own name. I was told not to google it, but I did. And what I read made me cry and cry and cry.  There hadn't been a known case in a hurdler and this made things the more curious. I would land on that foot with great force every single run. I wore tiny shoes that offered little protection. I trained on a hard surface day after day, there was no turf to save me. My training was so finite that I couldn't compete at a lower capacity like some sports, I had to be near 100% even in training. And at any moment that crucial arch ligament that ruptured itself from the metatarsal in my foot and caused them to shift permanently, could do it again.

Pop.

If I had run 12.90 seconds this entire season, that would have been a huge victory. No one would have blamed me if I hadn't made the world championship team. And after 19 months couldn't produce a time that was in the top 10 in the world. This was ok. 

That was life after Lisfranc. Not your simple run of the mill overuse stress fracture, I gladly would have traded this for one of those. But instead one so obscure, unpredictable and straight up "nasty" that doctors prepared me to never to be amongst the worlds elite again.

So instead of dwelling on the curious case of cramping calves and making myself sick. I decide to focus on the great life God has blessed me with and how rich and indelible this season has already been. Medal or not. Some people only get to watch other people live their dreams, never passionate enough to have ones of their own. Or if they do, they can't find the nerve to pursue it. So glad I don't have that problem.

 

Berlin is over and unchangeable, no more looking back, next up is Zurich. The richest and most selective Golden League track meet on the tour and guess who has a lane?!

Thanks to all my wonderful mom, friends, family and supporters who have held me down as I build. And even though I never give up on myself, I know they don't either. As my BFF reminded me after the final, this time last year we were watching how other people's seasons unfolded, this time we get to watch mine!

You know who you are and how much I love you!!

P