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