Today is my birthday. I am thirty.


And you're saying No duh. But I have been repeating this to myself and whoever happens to be near me all day. The policeman at customs. The hotel receptionist. The woman showing her young son the airplanes at the airport.

You'd be minding your own business and suddenly I'd bust you in the ear with the information. Expecting you to comp my snacks from the mini bar or drop the hand of your small child and come see about me. Well Happy Birthday stranger, whoever you are!. 

Nope. For the most part people took this information dryly. Some even looked at me all crazy.

What?...today is P-day.

Crickets.

But it didn't matter. I kept repeating my Dita Day mantra to myself: Today is your birthday. You are thirty!.

And you know what, after ten hours of saying this it actually feels like my birthday. Even if I spent it flying to Croatia and no one around knew how special the day was.

Such is the fate of a trackster born in August. I love my life and feel grateful to God I get to see another anywhere on our beautiful planet.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

In commemoration of my arrival into the 30's, I bought a totally age inappropriate birthday present in honor of years gone by.

The best 30th birthday gift on earth A Cookie Monster Tee

Hello dirty thirty! Where have you been all my life? Let's get this partay started Ok k k!

Thanks for the birthday L♥ve Friends & Fam
Have a blessed day everyone!

Perdita xo

30th Edition of P-Day!

Off to Croatia...lots to talk about today!!
Perdita xo

Putt Putt: Brussels 2010

Well hellooo! 

There is so much to talk about on this beautiful day, a bella hardly knows where to start. Ever have a morning where your happy feelings wake you up?. It's a beautiful and totatlly inconvenient occurance, because I love REM that much (who are we kidding?). Anyhoo, I really hope you have.

Ok the first thing my subconscious was buzzing about was last nights race. Third place in 12.68. Nothing spectacular, we know my standards. But something happened in the race I haven’t felt one single time all year. For the first time it felt like I was going to bite the dust!!. AKA scrape the skin off my chin post hurdle five.

I didn’t. This is a good thing.

But basically it’s a sensation that a hurdler lives for. There is only so much room between each hurdle, so when a hurdler breaks into a faster rhythm it often feels like the hurdle comes up before she is ready for it.

Your eyes see it coming but with the increased speed there is only so much time for your body to react to the impending barrier. You pray your training and tenacity have prepared you to make it in time, even though it feels like you won’t.

All skilled hurdlers live in this realm. And being able to embrace this sensation, expect it, create it; well it's what the good ones do best. But it’s hard to get there, though when you do, you can thrive there for a while.

Side note: If you don’t hurdle I can only explain one way for you to get this sensation. Go to the top of the steepest hill in your neighbourhood and sprint down it as fast as u can. DO NOT stop until it bottoms out. A few things to remember: you are not allowed to coast or slow down for comfort. In fact as fast as you are going, you have to force yourself to accelerate and go even faster.

*Please somebody do this and let me know how it goes. JK please don’t.!*

So anyhoo back to me--I felt this!. Now it didn’t last that long, but I felt this!! Ok I just said that. But can you sense my excitement?!!.

I then went to hit another gear, because you NEVER get comfortable with the one you’re in. (Stick jumping 101-check the credits, yo). Well instead of reacting like the 2011 Porsche 911 we all I know I am inside. I was more akin to my mom’s first car a 1989 ford escort, which the whole family called “Putt-Putt”.

Yeaah. Not my smoothest transition.

I got a bit sloppy but rallied to get my race back on track, without hitting the deck. I haven’t felt my top gear all season and I wasn’t sure it would rear is beautiful ferocious head with two races to go. It has. It was just a quickie resurfacing, but it’s there. And that’s all  this stick jumper needed to know.


Big up to the last woman standing, Priscilla for clinching the overall Diamond League title.

Grateful for the little things,

Perdita

Brussels

What it do!
I'm racing tonight in the Diamond League final in Brussels. But I'm just checking in for a hot second before I get my race face on.

The week went by slowly I have to admit, and that's always good because it means I'm excited to race!. I was happy with my workout sessions this week and plan to compete just as hard as I did in Berlin.


The women's hurdles continue to be one of the most exciting races on the circuit this season, and today's race is late on the schedule tonight. Which is always a sign of respect and great anticipation. Hope you can catch it.

Back before you know it,
Perdita

Diamond League Memorial Van Damme Brussels, Belgium
1) Friday Aug. 27  Live @ cbcsports.ca 1:50pm ET (100mh @3:20pm)
2) Universalsports.com shows live video for a fee
3) Live result updates @diamondleague-brussels.com @12pm ET
4) Saturday Aug. 28 CBC TV broadcast (& web repeat) 1-2pm ET

Berlin Berlin

Hi Again!

I haven't posted in a few days, there wasn't anything really going on. A tinge of homesickness (can you tell from my last post), but that left in a day or so.

I used the time training solo in Kamen to really reflect on what I want out of the rest of my season. It was wonderful to have one of my best friends in the world (who happens to be one of the best chiropracters in the world too!) join me in Kamen and Berlin this past week.

I needed reinforcements after London and as always Dr. Wilbour Kelsick left his busy practice in B.C to help me out. I was happy with my second place finish in Berlin today. It was a huge step up from my seventh place, 12.96 in London. And a whole .25 seconds faster in 12.71.

I am grateful for all my performances, though the competitor in me is really not feeling all this "12.7x" business. But Berlin was progress because in 17 races outdoors this year, today was my second fastest. 

It was all about effort and fueling my competitive juices after London. My bestie was ALL over my tail this week on email about bringing the stank nasty and finishing my season with gusto.

To quote her email this morning: "At this point, its more about the attitude and effort than the result, so let's see some fire and fight..."

Which is much more pleasant than an email I got from her a few days ago saying she really wanted to "shake me...". lol

I was in the same lane as I was in last year for the World Championship Final. Lane three. I used the memory of finishing that race in 15.53 seconds as inspiration to do better today. I was healthy and able and after all it was a new day. I'll take a 'do over', even if it's 12 months later. :)

I've got a few more races to go and I'm working hard and enjoying myself and as always expecting a break through. Your attitude I am learning is a very powerful tool. 

Be well my friends!
Per 

Take a peek at the victory ceremony today in Berlin, good times...

When The Rain Hits My Window

It's pouring rain in Kamen, Germany today not the kind of weather that inspires happiness I must say. I watched the Canadian men's 400 relay leave this morning for Zurich. As well as my homie Nicole Forrester leave for Cologne.

Then it dawned on me as I walked back to my apartment dripping wet, that I was now at this place alone and how lonely is that. Suddenly I wanted my sisters to cackle with. And to hear my mom's voice with her familiar accent; the way it feels like home, no matter where in the world I am when I hear it.

My baby sister "Mini" sent me this song after my race in London and its been on replay ever since. I really love and miss them.

I can't stand the rain.

♥Perdi

Dusseldorking

Just some history on the video you are about to watch. Nicole and I had a 4 am shuttle to London Heathrow, to catch our 7am flight to Dusseldorf, Germany. It didn't make sense to get four hours of sleep so we both did our respective things, which didn't include going to bed.

Meaning we had been up a whole day, which made for a crazy morning of travel. That included Nicole going toe to toe with a women in the customs queue. Since she wouldn't "commit to a line", but instead straddled both. Nicole won!. And I stood at the very end of the line laughing hysterically the whole show down.

We spent 45 minutes after landing in the Dusseldorf Duty Free shop spray jacking and sampling expensive lip sticks, with Jorgen the clerk.

We took so long playing Jezebel that by the time we made it to baggage claim our flight had been cleared from the screen and our luggage was no where in sight. After wandering aimlessly from carousel to carousel we felt completely lost and out of sort...until we saw our German knight in shining armour cart...

Click Play To View Our Rescue

P's Guide: How To Smell Like a Million Euros

Duty+Airport=Free!

I travel a lot and I'm in a different country every few days, obviously this means a lot of time in airpots. In the last few seasons on the tour I have developed a certain compulsion that was breed from 'gate wait' boredom and my frugalistic disposition.

It very much revolves around the word "Duty" but only when specifically followed by the word "Free". I mean who doesn't like free stuff?!. I go Gaga over it. All kinds of Alejandro.

Hungry Or Not Here I Come...

I was that kid who would abandon moms shopping cart whenever we hit up Knob Hill Farms, our local grocery store. As soon as we hit those doors I was on the "free" sample prowl. It just wasn't safe for a bite sized morsel.

Imagine me all of six years old telling my mama: "You got this?, ok good. Ima do me, see you at check out...and do not forget my fruit roll ups.". I would then line up at every sample stand thrice, only to meet up with her later at the cash register with a gut full of bran flakes, oscar meyer weiners and a coupon for watching the streak free Windex demo. (That stuff was the truth).

*Spray Jacking For The Novice

Now not everything in the duty free shop is "free" and that is ok. We only want the free stuff. Which lucky for us is usually the sample bottles of expensive designer perfume. Dior, Chanel, Chloe, CK. The list is endless. So I suggest knowing what you want in advance and not deviating from this plan!.

I find it best to pseudo browse and act like you want to buy something. But all the while you use this time to scope out the exact coordinates of Eternity or Angel by Thierry Mugler.

Once you have locked in the coordinates proceed directly to the bottle. Slowly. We don't want anyone to sense the giddy inside us or draw attention to our spray jacking skills.

Look around too see who is watching (if there are too many eyes bend down behind something or someone...as I do). When the coast is clear bathe your person in choice fragrance, pump that spray till your index finger cramps. Pumps must be quick and ninja like.

Remember to layer, as this will make the freeness go further. If the situation allows go for broke and spray the mass of things in your carry on baggage. Computer bag optional.

Calmly return the bottle to its place and walk away. Quickly. Make eye contact with no one. If you hear: "Excuse me Madame/Sir..." spewed in your direction, sprint immediately towards your gate.

Congrats you now smell like a million euros and you didn't even spend a dime!. It's genius. No need to thank me.

**Repeat at airports world wide**

P. Felicien

Spray Jacking Since 2007

London·Paris·Toronto·Berlin·Nice...many more coming soon!

Human

Ok you got me. I'm human, incase you haven't noticed--but you probably have. * Tee hee.

I damn near closed the gates in London with my 7th place showing in my slowest time of the year, 12.96.

I won't agonize over it, but rather focus on the next competition in a week in Berlin. I've called in reinforcements so my chiro extraordinaire will be down to help me out. I'm so happy to have company from home, especially since Dr. Kelsick is one of my best friends and also acts as a sports shrink at times. Clearly he will be doing double duty on this trip.

So here's to regrouping and staying committed in the face of piss poor results. I'm back to my German base and the drawing board. August is really testing my mettle, but you know me....

***

I always go back to this song when I need a pick me up, the radio stations at home played it repeatedly for me after I fell at the Athens Olympics. It reminds me to never give up, shows me how far I've come, and that someones got my back.

So play a song for me! :)

Perdita xo

Sleeping Around

I'm in Europe for the long haul, five weeks of race magic. I've learned to only pack the essentials: Kerry lotion. Snacks. Soap. That. Lathers.

But if I had one wish and there was no weight limitations or restrictions on items a jock could bring, for me it would be so obvious. My mattress!. The same way pole vaulters have to negotiate their poles all around the world, if given the chance I'd go through the same lengths for my Sealy Posturepedic.

I'd check out the model of plane beforehand to make sure my queen could fit. I'd go to the "over sized" items check-in line to gladly be ripped off. So that everywhere I'd go Pretoria (name of the tiny settlement where I slumber) was always with me. Instead every few days it's a different mattress, a different pillow. This wreaks havoc on my spine and REM cycles.

In Stockholm I went from a very fluffy bed to a German bed that feels like a slab at a morg. Not even kidding. My waist hurts, my neck is crooked and my lower back is tied in a knot. And who knows what kind of "give" the bed in London will have.

All this sleeping around on the circuit can't be good for the body.

Next up Aviva Diamond League London!

Dites ;0)

I'm Too Sexy For These Flip Flops

So normally I would post my post race update here. But bump that. I'm in no mood.

But I found a topic I love to talk about even more than sport: my feet!. Let I explain. Anyone who knows me knows I adore my feet--a lot. Not because they work hard for me, which they do. Or they afford me the luxury of seeing the world. These are just bonuses.

But my self obsession with them dates back a few years when I was at the track and minding my own business. I had finished for the day and was taking off my spikes. There a fellow athlete sitting near me says: "Yo, you have pretty feet.". Then he went back to minding his business.

I looked around. It was just me and him. Oh. Okay. Suddenly a light bulb went off. It had never dawned on me that I had good looking feet. To be certain of this I engaged dude some more. I decided the best route was to feign ignorance. "Oh these ole things?". I tossed my head back, manufactured a giggle and wiggled my toes in his direction.

"Ya for a sprinter your feet are pretty nice", he said nonchalantly. There was that word again: "pretty". It resonated in my brain and thus was all the confirmation I needed. Dammit my feet were handsome. Ugly footed people better watch out!. Let me loose.

I've never walked the same again.

This discovery did get out of hand in the past. I mean who wears flip flops deep into the winter. Gladly, I'm no longer as vainglorious these days where my feet are concerned. But if there is an opportunity to put my toesies on blast or stick'em in your eye in search of a compliment, best believe it: BAM!. All up in your iris!.

So imagine my delight when for the second time at the Stockholm DN Galan meet on Thurdsay there was a chance to immortalize my finest part. Minus its one tiny flaw. Take a peek...

Per ♥

August-September Race Schedule

For those who have been asking my race schedule for the rest of the season is listed below.

I'll be in Europe for five weeks on this leg. I've been over at this time of the year for a bit longer in the past. But it does get hard towards the end, I have to say.

I guess I am not loving the idea of traveling solo the entire time and spending my 30th unceremoniously in Croatia. Oh well, what ya gonna do?.

This is my dream job so I might as well embrace all the parts. The: "This is bananas--Europe is awesome!" to the "Can I go home--like today?".

Next up one of my favs Stockholm!.

Be cool,

Dites

August

6 @DN Galan Stockholm, Sweden

13 @Aviva London Grand Prix London, UK

22 @ISTAF Berlin, Germany

27 @Memorial Van Damme Brussels, Belgium

September
1 IAAF Zagreb Meeting Zagreb, Croatia
5 IAAF Continental Cup Split, Croatia

On The Road Again

I have to admit I wasn't completely ready to leave the nest and venture back out onto the circuit. A few leisurely days at home would have been nice.

Not so much. Therefore I took my tail to Pearson airport yesterday and rode a plane to Stockholm city. With or without me the season continues. And with me is much better since I can pay my rent this way.

I worked out Tuesday for the first time since Nationals and managed a quick set of snatches and hurdle skill.

My body was ready to get back in to it more than my mind, so I had to check my lethargy at the car park. I reminded myself that there is lots of season left and I'm still in the hunt for the faster times I'm craving.

The DN Galan Diamond League is two rounds of hurdles this Friday August 6. cbcsports.ca is covering the stream live @2-430pm ET. The television broadcast is Saturday August 7 @2-330p ET.

I will be spending the entire month of August in Europe, which means I'll be spending my birthday alone...again. I don't really mind, except it's the big "Three-oh". And who wants to commemorate such a milestone alone?--in Croatia?!--again?!!.. (smells like August 2006).

But it's whatever, such is a life of a stick jumper extraordinoire in her prime and in demand. Gotta soak this up while it lasts. Don't think they request 50yo stick jumpers very much these days.

Ciao,

Dites

**DN Galan Diamond League Website**

Winning on Caribana Saturday

I tracked down some footage especially for the folks who can't view the CBC footage, because they are outside the country.

Its not the best vantage point, but in typical me fashion I had to put my own flare to it. So voila my 9th Canadian crown!

Thanks to my niece Yanique for staying composed as long as she could (lol) and capturing the mayheim in the stands!. xo

Nine: A Victory Report !!! !!! !!!

Can we say "The best weekend ever"! Oh. My. Gosh. I am so ecstatic! If you haven't heard, I won my ninth National Championship!!

Note: beware of the potential overuse of exclamation points in this post.

If you read my blog you know I've been candid about struggling with my racing form as of late. But after Monaco I decided to stay stone faced in the midst of my less than ideal form.

The week leading up to Toronto was challenging for me on a few fronts. I came to town to prepare without my personal coach. A first for me at a championship. But not so bad, I've been doing this a long time.

Except....

After three races in Europe that were total blow outs and having to prepare for my biggest competition of the summer alone, near my hometown, with the race being the marquee event and did I mention the unusual national media interest?!...yeah.

Gulp.

I was so blessed to have my good friend and MSU coach Randy Gillon who happens to be married to my BFF Nicole decide to drive up to Toronto for the week to help me with my practices and on race day. They just had a baby girl a few weeks ago but when they heard I'd be going at it alone, they weren't having it. I couldn't have put on the finishing touches without them.

To get me through the week I kept focusing on times when I was not the favorite and managed to get it together when it counted most: Paris '03. Budapest '04. Osaka '07. Doha '10 all came to mind.

So could there be a Toronto'10 scenario?. According to BFF, that was up to me to decide. I just had to "get my mind right".

Home Support

Team P was in full attendance, and I think their loud antics must have scared some people in the stands. I heard them my entire warm up on the other side of the stadium. My friend Alison yelled a "LET'S GO P!!!" and I heard someone say: "Gosh that was piercing". LOL.

I wanted to win so much, racing at home is special. The opportunity is a rare treat and I really wanted us to have something to smile about on this night.

All I can do...

The actual race is a blur. I know I was calm before the gun. My work with sports psych Terry Orlick in the past has taught me in pressure situations to clear my mind about thoughts of outcome or my fellow competitors. I do what I am trained to do and let everything else in that moment go.

It was my perfect cocktail: a dash of adrenaline, a pinch of faith and a lot of tunnel vision.

As a result of this focus I had no idea where I was in the race. If I was behind or ahead. I felt Angela pushing me through the early barriers but stayed secure in my own rhythm.

As soon as I felt the tempo get comfortable around hurdle five I knew it was a signal to try to dig deeper, to find a gear...Don't you dare relax.

Hurdles is about a constant acceleration, making each pass faster than the one behind. It is easy to get into a comfort zone, and take the hurdles as they come. It is the best hurdlers that can recognize this and force the issue. Even though your brain is telling you this isn't safe, you need to stop--now!.

You override this God given common sense and charge the barrier with extra nerve and verve, you attack the more. To relax and to surrender to this sense is to never be a contender.

Sweetest Thing I've Known...

The best feeling in any hurdle race is to clear the tenth and final barrier. This is the sweetest moment to me. The risk is over, I've made it through the mine field. Now I am free to lunge my body at the line in desperate photo finish splendor.

And that's what I did. I stayed in the hunt the entire way and didn't back down until I crossed the line. And after that it was out of my hand, all I could do, I had just done. And gratefully it was enough to earn a ninth national crown!.

This One's For You!

It was great to come out on top, my muted celebration was just the calm before the storm. I destroyed a huge chocolate chip and cookie dough ice cream scoop in lieu of the crunk and disorderly celebration I had last year. Best believe I savoured the moment and yet another title. Thanks to EVERYONE who wished me well!.

Lots of love to my mom, family and friends who love me regardless of what I do on the track. You are the ones who buoy my hopes, you're the keepers of my dream.

The ninth is for you!! XOXOX

Perdites

**CBC Race Broadcast**