Dita
Tuesday, September 23
Kool Kat
I want him!
This cat and myself would get along well, he knows how to act.
Cat Just Chills
He looks like he knows how to cook too. Heathcliff's just waiting on an apron and a grill.
P
This cat and myself would get along well, he knows how to act.
Cat Just Chills
He looks like he knows how to cook too. Heathcliff's just waiting on an apron and a grill.
P
Pickering News Interview
Sidebar Interview coupled with the story on my COC Election (posted separately below)
Source: newsdurhamregion.com
Posted Online: September 18, 2008
By Line: Al Rivett
Fast Facts
When asked how she's feeling right now, you could almost see Perdita Felicien's face light up through the phone line.
"I'm so happy right now; things are awesome," she said.
"In the summer, I made the decision I made (to bypass the Beijing Olympics due to a foot injury) and I have to live with it. In the back of my mind, I thought, 'Did I make the right decision?' A couple of months removed from that, I can say, 'Absolutely, I made the right decision'."
Her comments are based on her continued success in her rehabilitation from her stress fracture to her left foot, which has responded well to continued treatment. And, now, with her ankle fully recovered, she's putting a six-days-a-week foundation of conditioning together in advance of actual hurdles training, which she hopes to start in Champagne, Ill., possibly in late October.
"My main focus has always been my health and, finally, I'm at a place where (my ankle) can handle the demands on it. I'm having to get fit and conditioned. I know how hard it will be; I know how much effort it's going to take. It will probably take me a couple months to get that conditioning back...The main thing is re-educating my muscles. I'm not thinking about hurdling until I can sprint like crazy."
In the name of ramping up her fitness level, she's training at various venues throughout the GTA, all of which have held historical significance in her track and field career, including her alma mater, Pine Ridge Secondary School, along with Centennial Stadium in Etobicoke, where she won provincial high school medals in track and field.
Will she compete in the international indoor season? Felicien says it's possible, as her training is definitely ahead of schedule.
"I will make that call when I know where my fitness level is. It's looking like I will do indoors."
Her long-range plan, however, is to be race-ready next summer to compete in the 2009 IAAF World Track and Field Championships in Berlin.
While she didn't compete in Beijing, she was there nonetheless as a track and field commentator for Canadian Olympic broadcaster CBC. She noted being there as a commentator gave her a new perspective on journalists.
"They were a great bunch to work with and I didn't realize how gruelling it is. I have a new appreciation for members of the media. It was a great experience. I had the best seat in the house."
---
Asked about fellow Canadian hurdler and Whitby native Priscilla Lopes-Schliep's bronze-medal performance at Beijing, Felicien couldn't have been more pleased for her Durham Region colleague.
"I think she did a great job. The field was wide open for her. Kudos to her; this was her moment. I wish her nothing but the best. It will be exciting for the nation to watch and follow the both of us."
---
Felicien is chronicling her journey back to international competition through her new blog. It can be accessed at perditafelicien.blogspot.com/.
Source: newsdurhamregion.com
Posted Online: September 18, 2008
By Line: Al Rivett
Fast Facts
When asked how she's feeling right now, you could almost see Perdita Felicien's face light up through the phone line.
"I'm so happy right now; things are awesome," she said.
"In the summer, I made the decision I made (to bypass the Beijing Olympics due to a foot injury) and I have to live with it. In the back of my mind, I thought, 'Did I make the right decision?' A couple of months removed from that, I can say, 'Absolutely, I made the right decision'."
Her comments are based on her continued success in her rehabilitation from her stress fracture to her left foot, which has responded well to continued treatment. And, now, with her ankle fully recovered, she's putting a six-days-a-week foundation of conditioning together in advance of actual hurdles training, which she hopes to start in Champagne, Ill., possibly in late October.
"My main focus has always been my health and, finally, I'm at a place where (my ankle) can handle the demands on it. I'm having to get fit and conditioned. I know how hard it will be; I know how much effort it's going to take. It will probably take me a couple months to get that conditioning back...The main thing is re-educating my muscles. I'm not thinking about hurdling until I can sprint like crazy."
In the name of ramping up her fitness level, she's training at various venues throughout the GTA, all of which have held historical significance in her track and field career, including her alma mater, Pine Ridge Secondary School, along with Centennial Stadium in Etobicoke, where she won provincial high school medals in track and field.
Will she compete in the international indoor season? Felicien says it's possible, as her training is definitely ahead of schedule.
"I will make that call when I know where my fitness level is. It's looking like I will do indoors."
Her long-range plan, however, is to be race-ready next summer to compete in the 2009 IAAF World Track and Field Championships in Berlin.
While she didn't compete in Beijing, she was there nonetheless as a track and field commentator for Canadian Olympic broadcaster CBC. She noted being there as a commentator gave her a new perspective on journalists.
"They were a great bunch to work with and I didn't realize how gruelling it is. I have a new appreciation for members of the media. It was a great experience. I had the best seat in the house."
---
Asked about fellow Canadian hurdler and Whitby native Priscilla Lopes-Schliep's bronze-medal performance at Beijing, Felicien couldn't have been more pleased for her Durham Region colleague.
"I think she did a great job. The field was wide open for her. Kudos to her; this was her moment. I wish her nothing but the best. It will be exciting for the nation to watch and follow the both of us."
---
Felicien is chronicling her journey back to international competition through her new blog. It can be accessed at perditafelicien.blogspot.com/.
Perdita chosen by peers to Athletes' Council
Local feature on my election to the COC Athlete's Council
Source: newsdurhamregion.com
Posted Online: September 18, 2008
By Line: Al Rivett
Pickering hurdler, Olympian to begin four-year term this fall
PICKERING -- Pickering hurdler and two-time world champion Perdita Felicien will be doing more than just competing within the Canadian Olympic movement.
Felicien was one of six accomplished athletes - including four medallists from the Beijing Games - elected by their peers to the Canadian Olympic Committee's Athletes' Council, an internal advisory body designed to give athletes a voice on the COC executive committee and board of directors. The elections were held following the Games last month.
The two-time Olympian considers it an absolute honour to represent her peers on the committee.
"The committee's not just there to be there; you really can have changes and that's why I submitted my name," said Felicien, 28. "It's an awesome responsibility...an opportunity to give back. We're going to try and make it better for generations to come."
Also elected to the committee were rower Iain Brambell (2008 bronze medallist), rower David Calder (silver), rower Adam Kreek (gold), kayaker Adam van Koeverden (silver), and swimmer Rick Say.
The six summer athletes elected this year came from a pool of 11 candidates. Summer athletes from Canada were encouraged to run as candidates for the Athletes' Council. To be eligible, candidates must have competed at either the 2008 or 2004 Olympic Games, or have competed at the 2007 Pan American Games.
For her four-year term on the committee, Felicien says she and other committee members will serve as liaisons between athletes and the Canadian Olympic Committee.
Among the issues she suspects the committee will address over its four-year tenure is increasing the level of funding for athletes. She also mentioned the criteria for selection of athletes by the various sports bodies in Canada to the Olympics as another issue.
In terms of funding, Felicien says the recent spike in funding for Olympic sports, as well as the new process of awarding of money for medals, will be good for Canadian Olympic athletes, and should produce medal-winning results in the near and long term.
"We're going to see the benefits of these things in London (in 2012)," she said.
Felicien said she decided to let her name stand for nomination after recalling her first Olympics in Sydney in 2000 where there was some discontent among the Canadian athletes there.
"I remember at the 2000 Games there was some murmuring and grumbling. I didn't want to be an athlete who complains and grumbles. I want to do something about it."
The six members officially begin their four-year term this fall. Felicien says she expects to find out details about future meetings. She suspects many meetings will be conducted through tele-conferencing throughout the year, although she expects the committee will meet in person a few times each year.
"This is the first time I've been nominated, so I don't know much right now. I know that it won't conflict with my training."
The Athletes' Council is expected to meet for the first time this fall. There, the six summer Olympic athletes will join current winter athlete members Cassie Campbell (hockey), Deidra Dionne (freestyle ski), Alexa Loo (snowboard) and Jeff Pain (skeleton), ex-officio members Beckie Scott and Charmaine Crooks as well as Pan American sports representative Jaret Llewellyn (water ski) and Victoria Winter (equestrian).
Source: newsdurhamregion.com
Posted Online: September 18, 2008
By Line: Al Rivett
Pickering hurdler, Olympian to begin four-year term this fall
PICKERING -- Pickering hurdler and two-time world champion Perdita Felicien will be doing more than just competing within the Canadian Olympic movement.
Felicien was one of six accomplished athletes - including four medallists from the Beijing Games - elected by their peers to the Canadian Olympic Committee's Athletes' Council, an internal advisory body designed to give athletes a voice on the COC executive committee and board of directors. The elections were held following the Games last month.
The two-time Olympian considers it an absolute honour to represent her peers on the committee.
"The committee's not just there to be there; you really can have changes and that's why I submitted my name," said Felicien, 28. "It's an awesome responsibility...an opportunity to give back. We're going to try and make it better for generations to come."
Also elected to the committee were rower Iain Brambell (2008 bronze medallist), rower David Calder (silver), rower Adam Kreek (gold), kayaker Adam van Koeverden (silver), and swimmer Rick Say.
The six summer athletes elected this year came from a pool of 11 candidates. Summer athletes from Canada were encouraged to run as candidates for the Athletes' Council. To be eligible, candidates must have competed at either the 2008 or 2004 Olympic Games, or have competed at the 2007 Pan American Games.
For her four-year term on the committee, Felicien says she and other committee members will serve as liaisons between athletes and the Canadian Olympic Committee.
Among the issues she suspects the committee will address over its four-year tenure is increasing the level of funding for athletes. She also mentioned the criteria for selection of athletes by the various sports bodies in Canada to the Olympics as another issue.
In terms of funding, Felicien says the recent spike in funding for Olympic sports, as well as the new process of awarding of money for medals, will be good for Canadian Olympic athletes, and should produce medal-winning results in the near and long term.
"We're going to see the benefits of these things in London (in 2012)," she said.
Felicien said she decided to let her name stand for nomination after recalling her first Olympics in Sydney in 2000 where there was some discontent among the Canadian athletes there.
"I remember at the 2000 Games there was some murmuring and grumbling. I didn't want to be an athlete who complains and grumbles. I want to do something about it."
The six members officially begin their four-year term this fall. Felicien says she expects to find out details about future meetings. She suspects many meetings will be conducted through tele-conferencing throughout the year, although she expects the committee will meet in person a few times each year.
"This is the first time I've been nominated, so I don't know much right now. I know that it won't conflict with my training."
The Athletes' Council is expected to meet for the first time this fall. There, the six summer Olympic athletes will join current winter athlete members Cassie Campbell (hockey), Deidra Dionne (freestyle ski), Alexa Loo (snowboard) and Jeff Pain (skeleton), ex-officio members Beckie Scott and Charmaine Crooks as well as Pan American sports representative Jaret Llewellyn (water ski) and Victoria Winter (equestrian).
Peking(北京) Pics Vol.3
The third installment of pics from the Olympics in China, I can get camera happy!
Monday, September 22
Pre-Activity Stretching May Hinder Athletic Performance, Unlv Study Finds
I have a degree in Kinesiology (hon.) and am always scoping for interesting articles on the topic.
Below is a study which has me thinking since I am manic when it comes to pre workout stretching.
I agree one can stretch too much in advance of exercise, and it is better to do most of it post.
But there are ways to get your muscles ready and loose without stretching the muscle fibers too much and losing the tone
needed for explosive work or an optimal day at the gym.
My coach always reminds me how important it is to stretch in the hours after a workout, like in the evenings when watching TV. Gotta get back on that.
Article Date: 22 Sep 2008 - 2:00 PDT
Found: medicalnewstoday.com
Contrary to the prevailing idea that stretching enhances athletic performance, a new study by UNLV kinesiology researchers found that certain stretching may actually reduce performance by decreasing leg power.
The study, which appears in the September 2008 issue of the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, investigated how two typical stretching techniques for the hamstrings and quadriceps muscles in the legs affected measures of strength and power in a group of male and female athletes.
Specifically, participants were asked to perform a vertical jump and seated knee flex on three occasions after a typical duration of basic static (holding) and ballistic (bouncing) stretches, or no stretching at all. While little or no difference was found in vertical jump and leg torque, power measures for the stretching groups were significantly reduced.
"Athletes typically include static stretching as a part of the warm-up, but the evidence is clear that this practice will decrease performance in sports that require explosive movements," said UNLV kinesiology professor and study co-author Bill Holcomb, who directs the university's Sports Injury Research Center. "Developing flexibility is important for reducing sports injury, but the time to stretch is after, not before, performance."
Holcomb suggests that coaches limit stretch duration as a part of the warm up in most sports and refrain from pre-activity stretching altogether for sports that are reliant on maximum power. Instead, athletes should perform a whole-body warm-up activity followed by sport specific, or dynamic, stretching.
Power, calculated using a force-measuring device during the vertical jump testing, decreased between 2.4 and 3.4 percent after ballistic and static stretching. Vertical jump is commonly used in research as a predictor of power because the process of jumping requires a person to effectively generate force with their legs at rapid speed. Also, the hamstrings and quadriceps both function as major muscles used in jumping.
While the percentage of the power decrease may not warrant a change in warm up routine for recreational athletes, it is quite significant for competitive athletes participating in activities requiring maximum power, such as track and field and football, for example.
Participating in the study with Holcomb were UNLV Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition professors Mack Rubley and Mark Guadagnoli, and graduate kinesiology student Michelle Samuel. The study appeared in the September 2008 issue of the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research and can be found online at: http://www.nsca-jscr.org.
UNLV is a doctoral-degree-granting institution of 28,000 students and 3,300 faculty and staff. Founded in 1957, the university offers more than 220 undergraduate, master's and doctoral degree programs. UNLV is located on a 350-acre campus in dynamic Southern Nevada and is classified in the category of Research Universities (high research activity) by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
UNLV
Below is a study which has me thinking since I am manic when it comes to pre workout stretching.
I agree one can stretch too much in advance of exercise, and it is better to do most of it post.
But there are ways to get your muscles ready and loose without stretching the muscle fibers too much and losing the tone
needed for explosive work or an optimal day at the gym.
My coach always reminds me how important it is to stretch in the hours after a workout, like in the evenings when watching TV. Gotta get back on that.
Article Date: 22 Sep 2008 - 2:00 PDT
Found: medicalnewstoday.com
Contrary to the prevailing idea that stretching enhances athletic performance, a new study by UNLV kinesiology researchers found that certain stretching may actually reduce performance by decreasing leg power.
The study, which appears in the September 2008 issue of the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, investigated how two typical stretching techniques for the hamstrings and quadriceps muscles in the legs affected measures of strength and power in a group of male and female athletes.
Specifically, participants were asked to perform a vertical jump and seated knee flex on three occasions after a typical duration of basic static (holding) and ballistic (bouncing) stretches, or no stretching at all. While little or no difference was found in vertical jump and leg torque, power measures for the stretching groups were significantly reduced.
"Athletes typically include static stretching as a part of the warm-up, but the evidence is clear that this practice will decrease performance in sports that require explosive movements," said UNLV kinesiology professor and study co-author Bill Holcomb, who directs the university's Sports Injury Research Center. "Developing flexibility is important for reducing sports injury, but the time to stretch is after, not before, performance."
Holcomb suggests that coaches limit stretch duration as a part of the warm up in most sports and refrain from pre-activity stretching altogether for sports that are reliant on maximum power. Instead, athletes should perform a whole-body warm-up activity followed by sport specific, or dynamic, stretching.
Power, calculated using a force-measuring device during the vertical jump testing, decreased between 2.4 and 3.4 percent after ballistic and static stretching. Vertical jump is commonly used in research as a predictor of power because the process of jumping requires a person to effectively generate force with their legs at rapid speed. Also, the hamstrings and quadriceps both function as major muscles used in jumping.
While the percentage of the power decrease may not warrant a change in warm up routine for recreational athletes, it is quite significant for competitive athletes participating in activities requiring maximum power, such as track and field and football, for example.
Participating in the study with Holcomb were UNLV Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition professors Mack Rubley and Mark Guadagnoli, and graduate kinesiology student Michelle Samuel. The study appeared in the September 2008 issue of the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research and can be found online at: http://www.nsca-jscr.org.
UNLV is a doctoral-degree-granting institution of 28,000 students and 3,300 faculty and staff. Founded in 1957, the university offers more than 220 undergraduate, master's and doctoral degree programs. UNLV is located on a 350-acre campus in dynamic Southern Nevada and is classified in the category of Research Universities (high research activity) by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
UNLV
Sunday, September 21
The Week Ender
Hey now!
just so you know, Monday @11:45 AM summer officially ends.
Yuck.
I'm really sad about this as summer is my favorite season, but the changing of seasons is a good sign for me. I have been working hard to be able to resume my fall base training. So to have fall finally here, marks reaching a milestone.
After a short stint mourning the passing of summer, I'll fully embrace the newness of autumn.
Saturday Workout
This past weekend was sweet, I had a really tough workout on Saturday afternoon and had to recruit a friend and my BF to run it with me.
10x100m, with a jog back after each 100m. Then I finished off with some medicine ball exercises. My chest was burning like acid, and I have not felt that feeling in ages after a practice. The boys ended up a full length ahead of me, so when they were done their tenth, I was starting my ninth. It worked out for me since they were able to cheer me on for the final 100m run, which I needed.
No Shame No Gain
That day was almost designated a "N.S.W".
You know it well, the dreaded: "NO SHAME WORKOUT".
Meaning it hurts so much, I don't care what I look like and what I do as a result of this pain. Roll in the sand pit, cry out for Jesus, hurl...
But thankfully it didn't come to all that, though I fear its only a matter of time.
Motivational Talks
Saturday morning I went to the Toronto offices of Red Bull, where employees from all over the country were gathered for a Team Builder. The entire group was great as I shared my experiences.
My main message was as individuals we have to create environments where the people around us thrive and not merely survive.
Everything we say, do or don't do, sets a tone.
That tone creates a space.
What kind of space are you creating for those around you? Be it at the track or the workplace.
I shared the example of how my team and I have created a space where we respect and value each other. We have created a setting so consistent and reliable, where in my greatest victory or writhing defeat, I can face them without fear, intimidation or shame.
A big thanks to J.D and Jen for giving me the opportunity to meet your cool group of employees!
The Score Street Party
In the evening I was a part of The Score's street party that was graced with celebrities and those in the sports industry. I had so much fun on stage with Cabbie the host.
I even meet wrestler, The Iron Sheik.
And a random crab mascot on the street, great for me because I love clam chowda!
The highlight for me was taking pics with the real Boston Celtics NBA Championship trophy, at the VIP party. A new one is made every year for the winning team by Tiffany's.
T. dots own Kardinal Offishall ended the night w/ a live concert, and his big hit "Dangerous" featuring Akon.
Sunday Workout
Sunday morning, I ran 11 flights of condo stairs, walked down, and repeated that four times. I hit the wall hard, on the last run, which caught me off guard. I tried to move my legs as fast as I could but they felt like they were stuck in concrete. I realised after that I didn't eat anything before I began. Dur*
I was able to get some treatment for a couple hours that afternoon. I was happy to find out my body was able to maintain a lot of the work that was done earlier in the week. Despite the buildup to more demanding workouts.
There was some soreness in my foot this week, but it didn't last too long. This is to be expected based on my ligaments and tendons learning to work the way they should. Paranoid I speed dialed a member of my "fellowship of the foot", asking what the deal was. He assured me to not worry, this was in fact part of the process, some soreness as I gain more range and build on each workout is normal.
It's not like I didn't know all that, or wasn't told already, but still wanted to hear it again. Tee hee*
That's all for now, Tah
Perdita
just so you know, Monday @11:45 AM summer officially ends.
Yuck.
I'm really sad about this as summer is my favorite season, but the changing of seasons is a good sign for me. I have been working hard to be able to resume my fall base training. So to have fall finally here, marks reaching a milestone.
After a short stint mourning the passing of summer, I'll fully embrace the newness of autumn.
Saturday Workout
This past weekend was sweet, I had a really tough workout on Saturday afternoon and had to recruit a friend and my BF to run it with me.
10x100m, with a jog back after each 100m. Then I finished off with some medicine ball exercises. My chest was burning like acid, and I have not felt that feeling in ages after a practice. The boys ended up a full length ahead of me, so when they were done their tenth, I was starting my ninth. It worked out for me since they were able to cheer me on for the final 100m run, which I needed.
No Shame No Gain
That day was almost designated a "N.S.W".
You know it well, the dreaded: "NO SHAME WORKOUT".
Meaning it hurts so much, I don't care what I look like and what I do as a result of this pain. Roll in the sand pit, cry out for Jesus, hurl...
But thankfully it didn't come to all that, though I fear its only a matter of time.
Motivational Talks
Saturday morning I went to the Toronto offices of Red Bull, where employees from all over the country were gathered for a Team Builder. The entire group was great as I shared my experiences.
My main message was as individuals we have to create environments where the people around us thrive and not merely survive.
Everything we say, do or don't do, sets a tone.
That tone creates a space.
What kind of space are you creating for those around you? Be it at the track or the workplace.
I shared the example of how my team and I have created a space where we respect and value each other. We have created a setting so consistent and reliable, where in my greatest victory or writhing defeat, I can face them without fear, intimidation or shame.
A big thanks to J.D and Jen for giving me the opportunity to meet your cool group of employees!
The Score Street Party
In the evening I was a part of The Score's street party that was graced with celebrities and those in the sports industry. I had so much fun on stage with Cabbie the host.
I even meet wrestler, The Iron Sheik.
And a random crab mascot on the street, great for me because I love clam chowda!
The highlight for me was taking pics with the real Boston Celtics NBA Championship trophy, at the VIP party. A new one is made every year for the winning team by Tiffany's.
T. dots own Kardinal Offishall ended the night w/ a live concert, and his big hit "Dangerous" featuring Akon.
Sunday Workout
Sunday morning, I ran 11 flights of condo stairs, walked down, and repeated that four times. I hit the wall hard, on the last run, which caught me off guard. I tried to move my legs as fast as I could but they felt like they were stuck in concrete. I realised after that I didn't eat anything before I began. Dur*
I was able to get some treatment for a couple hours that afternoon. I was happy to find out my body was able to maintain a lot of the work that was done earlier in the week. Despite the buildup to more demanding workouts.
There was some soreness in my foot this week, but it didn't last too long. This is to be expected based on my ligaments and tendons learning to work the way they should. Paranoid I speed dialed a member of my "fellowship of the foot", asking what the deal was. He assured me to not worry, this was in fact part of the process, some soreness as I gain more range and build on each workout is normal.
It's not like I didn't know all that, or wasn't told already, but still wanted to hear it again. Tee hee*
That's all for now, Tah
Perdita
Friday, September 19
Comic Relief
I am preparing my thoughts for tomorrow morning, I gotta give a corporate talk for 60 minutes.
Needed a break and something to make me laugh, I found this!
@ 3:00 it gets priceless!
Ciao ;)
Perdi
Needed a break and something to make me laugh, I found this!
@ 3:00 it gets priceless!
Ciao ;)
Perdi
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