I had a blast seeing my third Olympics in a whole new way.
Enjoy!
P
Thursday, September 18
Peking (北京) Pics Vol.1
Here are the first set of snapshots from my time in China working for CBC as an analyst.
I had a blast seeing my third Olympics in a whole new way.
Enjoy!
P
I had a blast seeing my third Olympics in a whole new way.
Enjoy!
P
The Score's Block Party
The Score network is officially launching their new HD studio this Saturday with a huge block party.
I was at the office this afternoon and got a tour of the set and it's very impressive.
I will be there on Saturday along with other sports figures, if you can't come down be sure to catch it live on The Score @ 7PM.
I was at the office this afternoon and got a tour of the set and it's very impressive.
I will be there on Saturday along with other sports figures, if you can't come down be sure to catch it live on The Score @ 7PM.
Wednesday, September 17
Need Medicine For Melancholy
I woke up today not feeling like myself. I have had a lot to be pleased about in the last few weeks.
Back to track workouts, a foot that gets healthier by the day, and newly elected to the COC Athlete's Council.
So I was surprised that I felt enveloped in a cloud of "myeh" upon waking.
I brushed my teeth. Colgate didn't cure it.
I checked voicemail certain that a bubbly message from my youngest sister who lights up my day, would zap it.
"Mini Me" never called.
I Browsed through email, looking for that forthcoming/pending message from a producer at the Oprah Winfrey Show asking me to be on the entire hour talking about "Perdita's Favorite Things".
Nothing from "Anybody!@Harpo.com."
Sigh.
This left the one thing that can make me truly happy: nutritives!
I walked over to the fridge, certain a cheese omelet, like the one Darius made for Nina in "Love Jones" would cure me.
Except I had to make it for myself as my "Darius" had already left for work, melancholy-free, no doubt.
When I got there all I was greeted by was a carton of old cherry tomatoes, 'oh my gosh': "I can't believe it's not butter", and "Presidents Choice" organic maple syrup.
I mean come on.
No mozzarella. No eggs. No medicine for my melancholy.
With the shutting of the fridge door I felt the melancholy strengthen. Perhaps I even shuddered.
It's rare that I get like this, but when I do I dislike it. I was determined to shake it.
Potential Cures Contemplated:
1) Chocolate, but it doesn't exactly mesh with the whole I'm trying to get back into shape and be on the podium at world's next summer plan.
Bummer, because that could have been it.
2) Pedicure, however I'm not due for at least another five days. I can't wait that long for a cure.
Plus I can't justify $25 unless my toes are absolutely jacked and girlfriend has to put her back into getting the cuticles to fall into submission.
3) A movie, except all my friends were working. I have been to the movies alone, but that's always in a sans-melancholy, highly confident state.
I thought to go 'as is' today, would simply be like scratching a chicken pox.
And who does that help?
So that left the only outlet that cures my ills.
Going to the track!
But there was a slight problem, I had gone Sunday to Wednesday. Today is Thursday and it was already proclaimed a rejuvenation day. Which is ironic based on how I felt when I woke up.
Today was designed to be an easy, breezy, beautiful, Perdita-can-park-it-on-the-couch kinda day. Practice isn't resuming until Friday.
What's a melancholic hurdler to do?
I sat on the couch and thought.
I traded my track suit for some Levis' and thought some more.
I stuck my foot in a vat of ice for ten minutes, the usual maintenance protocol, shivering yet pensive.
That's when it hit me: I have the option!
For seven months the one outlet that soothes me, that I can always lose myself in was not there.
Some athletes despise training, it's a necessary evil. For me it is a thing I relish.
It doesn't matter what is going on in my life, for those few hours I am training, I just don't give a care.
Neighbour: "Perdita your house is on fire!"
My response: "I'll get some water, just after I finish these repeat 200m runs"
The same outlet that has caused me heartbreak has also afforded me the highest highs, I don't mind the trade off, hence why I keep coming back.
So to have lost then found it, to focus on having the option and to be grateful for it: this is my cure for melancholy.
And guess what just happened?
"Mini Me" just called, she got out of class at York early, wants to know if I, "Mega Me" want to see a movie, a matinee downtown in an hour!!
LOL, OK gotta rush...
Perdita
Back to track workouts, a foot that gets healthier by the day, and newly elected to the COC Athlete's Council.
So I was surprised that I felt enveloped in a cloud of "myeh" upon waking.
I brushed my teeth. Colgate didn't cure it.
I checked voicemail certain that a bubbly message from my youngest sister who lights up my day, would zap it.
"Mini Me" never called.
I Browsed through email, looking for that forthcoming/pending message from a producer at the Oprah Winfrey Show asking me to be on the entire hour talking about "Perdita's Favorite Things".
Nothing from "Anybody!@Harpo.com."
Sigh.
This left the one thing that can make me truly happy: nutritives!
I walked over to the fridge, certain a cheese omelet, like the one Darius made for Nina in "Love Jones" would cure me.
Except I had to make it for myself as my "Darius" had already left for work, melancholy-free, no doubt.
When I got there all I was greeted by was a carton of old cherry tomatoes, 'oh my gosh': "I can't believe it's not butter", and "Presidents Choice" organic maple syrup.
I mean come on.
No mozzarella. No eggs. No medicine for my melancholy.
With the shutting of the fridge door I felt the melancholy strengthen. Perhaps I even shuddered.
It's rare that I get like this, but when I do I dislike it. I was determined to shake it.
Potential Cures Contemplated:
1) Chocolate, but it doesn't exactly mesh with the whole I'm trying to get back into shape and be on the podium at world's next summer plan.
Bummer, because that could have been it.
2) Pedicure, however I'm not due for at least another five days. I can't wait that long for a cure.
Plus I can't justify $25 unless my toes are absolutely jacked and girlfriend has to put her back into getting the cuticles to fall into submission.
3) A movie, except all my friends were working. I have been to the movies alone, but that's always in a sans-melancholy, highly confident state.
I thought to go 'as is' today, would simply be like scratching a chicken pox.
And who does that help?
So that left the only outlet that cures my ills.
Going to the track!
But there was a slight problem, I had gone Sunday to Wednesday. Today is Thursday and it was already proclaimed a rejuvenation day. Which is ironic based on how I felt when I woke up.
Today was designed to be an easy, breezy, beautiful, Perdita-can-park-it-on-the-couch kinda day. Practice isn't resuming until Friday.
What's a melancholic hurdler to do?
I sat on the couch and thought.
I traded my track suit for some Levis' and thought some more.
I stuck my foot in a vat of ice for ten minutes, the usual maintenance protocol, shivering yet pensive.
That's when it hit me: I have the option!
For seven months the one outlet that soothes me, that I can always lose myself in was not there.
Some athletes despise training, it's a necessary evil. For me it is a thing I relish.
It doesn't matter what is going on in my life, for those few hours I am training, I just don't give a care.
Neighbour: "Perdita your house is on fire!"
My response: "I'll get some water, just after I finish these repeat 200m runs"
The same outlet that has caused me heartbreak has also afforded me the highest highs, I don't mind the trade off, hence why I keep coming back.
So to have lost then found it, to focus on having the option and to be grateful for it: this is my cure for melancholy.
And guess what just happened?
"Mini Me" just called, she got out of class at York early, wants to know if I, "Mega Me" want to see a movie, a matinee downtown in an hour!!
LOL, OK gotta rush...
Perdita
The Good, The Bad, The Mugly
Testing Testing 1, 2, p
This week I went to get muscle testing done. I was not sure what to expect.
I get this done periodically when training and competing by the same therapist (aka "Theraman") who knows my body well.
There was really no need to get it done in the last few months, but now that I am in my base training it's important to get a sense of what's up.
The purpose is to find out if muscles are firing quickly, in the right sequence, if they are bilaterally equal.
On occasion I get tested electronically, with electrodes hooked up to my various muscles groups. But usually it is manual testing, however this manner has to be done by someone who is highly experienced. Accuracy is imperative so you know what to treat.
Theraman lives way east of Oshawa, ON so from the west end it took me 1 hour and 35 minutes to get to his house. I took the 407 too because it was rush hour, I put my Ipod on shuffle mode and I cruised it out. I hadn't' heard "Freak Me" by Silk in so long!
I hadn't seen theraman in a while, though we have been in contact over the summer. I was a bit intimidated to bare my legs, my calves were so relatively teeny...WWTT?!
"What Would Theraman Think?!"
I was certain he would find dormant, misfiring muscles, that were resistant to intervention. They were laid off for seven months and would be leery of change, I just knew it.
The Progress Report
The progress report revealed the usual suspects, my adductor/ hamstring border was tight and there was tension in the area. This makes sense as the adductors are the only muscles in the running cycle that never turn off. I have just resumed normal running, so this can explain the find.
The Good
Theraman said my muscles were in good shape! The right side that has been functioning normally had little to no issues.
Boo Yah!
The Bad
The left side or "leg interrupted" as I've dubbed it, was decent.
Much better than I expected, and nothing dismal like being a candidate for foot replacement surgery.
This was encouraging.
However a few important muscles responsible in my lower leg for dorsiflexion were dormant. They were firing but they were very delayed relative to their twin.
This would explain the funny feeling I would feel when running, my right leg would strike the ground fine. But my left one would plant just a millisecond longer and not produce the same spring on take-off.
Aha!
Another discovery was my mid foot between my 2nd metatarsal and cuneiform were stuck or slightly fused, when they should be able to glide freely. This has been an issue over the summer, but for healing purposes my team said no adjustments. I agreed because since I wasn't running there was no point creating trauma to my foot in the name of alignment.
Got Baby Oil?
But I did develop a manic habit of rubbing my foot every night with Baby Oil and Tiger Balm, attempting to give it a light massage in lieu of chiropractic manipulation. Even enlisting my nieces and nephews and paying them .25 cents per minute that they rubbed aunties toesies.
My sister's spawn never had a gig so sweet.
The Mugly
My calves and soleus were tighter than my father and his wallet. It took some time getting them to release, it was a result of the unnatural movement of my ankle and foot over time. One muscle (forget the name as I type) that runs on my outer lower leg and inserts under my foot was on strike. But as soon as Theraman woke it up the range was back instantly. After nearly two hours I had gained just that tiny bit more movement in my lower leg.
Please "Hold"
The mission now is getting each treatment to hold. Meaning the treated areas will revert back slightly to how they were before the session. The aim is to over time have the corrections become the norm and stay that way without constant intervention, and just occasional maintenance.
I relayed all the findings to coach 'Gdub', and he reinforced the exercises I do to reeducate my foot to work the way it is designed anatomically. These exercises are low impact and will also help with avoiding tightness and stiffness.
Fast Learner
Overall this was another good step forward as I am armed with the knowledge on where to focus my efforts. It is nothing major and just a matter of conditioning and repetition to get my muscle fibers to work optimally.
The average Joe-dita can get away with minute imperfections, but when you are an elite athlete hunting for thousandths of a second, this is big.
One thing going for me is my body reacts nearly instantly when it is re-educated and elements are reinforced. I have great muscle memory as an athlete, and with a ten year base my body is remembering what it is supposed to do.
And it's about time already.
Pdiddi
This week I went to get muscle testing done. I was not sure what to expect.
I get this done periodically when training and competing by the same therapist (aka "Theraman") who knows my body well.
There was really no need to get it done in the last few months, but now that I am in my base training it's important to get a sense of what's up.
The purpose is to find out if muscles are firing quickly, in the right sequence, if they are bilaterally equal.
On occasion I get tested electronically, with electrodes hooked up to my various muscles groups. But usually it is manual testing, however this manner has to be done by someone who is highly experienced. Accuracy is imperative so you know what to treat.
Theraman lives way east of Oshawa, ON so from the west end it took me 1 hour and 35 minutes to get to his house. I took the 407 too because it was rush hour, I put my Ipod on shuffle mode and I cruised it out. I hadn't' heard "Freak Me" by Silk in so long!
I hadn't seen theraman in a while, though we have been in contact over the summer. I was a bit intimidated to bare my legs, my calves were so relatively teeny...WWTT?!
"What Would Theraman Think?!"
I was certain he would find dormant, misfiring muscles, that were resistant to intervention. They were laid off for seven months and would be leery of change, I just knew it.
The Progress Report
The progress report revealed the usual suspects, my adductor/ hamstring border was tight and there was tension in the area. This makes sense as the adductors are the only muscles in the running cycle that never turn off. I have just resumed normal running, so this can explain the find.
The Good
Theraman said my muscles were in good shape! The right side that has been functioning normally had little to no issues.
Boo Yah!
The Bad
The left side or "leg interrupted" as I've dubbed it, was decent.
Much better than I expected, and nothing dismal like being a candidate for foot replacement surgery.
This was encouraging.
However a few important muscles responsible in my lower leg for dorsiflexion were dormant. They were firing but they were very delayed relative to their twin.
This would explain the funny feeling I would feel when running, my right leg would strike the ground fine. But my left one would plant just a millisecond longer and not produce the same spring on take-off.
Aha!
Another discovery was my mid foot between my 2nd metatarsal and cuneiform were stuck or slightly fused, when they should be able to glide freely. This has been an issue over the summer, but for healing purposes my team said no adjustments. I agreed because since I wasn't running there was no point creating trauma to my foot in the name of alignment.
Got Baby Oil?
But I did develop a manic habit of rubbing my foot every night with Baby Oil and Tiger Balm, attempting to give it a light massage in lieu of chiropractic manipulation. Even enlisting my nieces and nephews and paying them .25 cents per minute that they rubbed aunties toesies.
My sister's spawn never had a gig so sweet.
The Mugly
My calves and soleus were tighter than my father and his wallet. It took some time getting them to release, it was a result of the unnatural movement of my ankle and foot over time. One muscle (forget the name as I type) that runs on my outer lower leg and inserts under my foot was on strike. But as soon as Theraman woke it up the range was back instantly. After nearly two hours I had gained just that tiny bit more movement in my lower leg.
Please "Hold"
The mission now is getting each treatment to hold. Meaning the treated areas will revert back slightly to how they were before the session. The aim is to over time have the corrections become the norm and stay that way without constant intervention, and just occasional maintenance.
I relayed all the findings to coach 'Gdub', and he reinforced the exercises I do to reeducate my foot to work the way it is designed anatomically. These exercises are low impact and will also help with avoiding tightness and stiffness.
Fast Learner
Overall this was another good step forward as I am armed with the knowledge on where to focus my efforts. It is nothing major and just a matter of conditioning and repetition to get my muscle fibers to work optimally.
The average Joe-dita can get away with minute imperfections, but when you are an elite athlete hunting for thousandths of a second, this is big.
One thing going for me is my body reacts nearly instantly when it is re-educated and elements are reinforced. I have great muscle memory as an athlete, and with a ten year base my body is remembering what it is supposed to do.
And it's about time already.
Pdiddi
Tuesday, September 16
Guess who got elected to COC's Athletes Council?
Moi!
I just got the confirmation that I was elected to the Canadian Olympic Committee Athlete Council. Six new members were voted in by our peers for a four year term this summer.
I am very excited about this as the council is the voice our peers, it speaks to the COCs commitment to finding ways to better serve high profile athletes in Canada.
I researched what the role entailed and was glad to know the council truly does impact change, it introduced the Athlete Excellence Fund. This is an awesome responsibility, and a great honor to bring the concerns and needs of my fellow athletes to the powers that be.
I plan to compete for another 4-5 years and hope to contribute to making things better for Olympians of tomorrow.
COC Release:http://www.olympic.ca/EN/organization/news/2008/0915.shtml
Super Happy,
Perdita
I just got the confirmation that I was elected to the Canadian Olympic Committee Athlete Council. Six new members were voted in by our peers for a four year term this summer.
I am very excited about this as the council is the voice our peers, it speaks to the COCs commitment to finding ways to better serve high profile athletes in Canada.
I researched what the role entailed and was glad to know the council truly does impact change, it introduced the Athlete Excellence Fund. This is an awesome responsibility, and a great honor to bring the concerns and needs of my fellow athletes to the powers that be.
I plan to compete for another 4-5 years and hope to contribute to making things better for Olympians of tomorrow.
COC Release:http://www.olympic.ca/EN/organization/news/2008/0915.shtml
Super Happy,
Perdita
Sunday, September 14
Work Hard Play Hard
Mix N' Match
I had to get myself mentally ready for Friday's workout. Two things were going to be a first:
1). I was going to attempt my race warm up and this was a huge milestone. It is the one I use for fast sprinting days and competition. I have a series of warm ups that I use based on the intensity and demand of the workout session, each days is prescribed by my coach 'Gdub'. However being a pupil of his for almost 9 years, I on occasion have reserved the right to pick another one of his warmups all together. 'Gdub' has been known to grumble over this or send a few words my way, but its usually a lateral change on my part, so overall he knows I still get the job done.
2). Many of my workouts had been split between softer grass or football turf and then the harder track surface. However, Friday called for nothing but Mondo.
I was excited and curious about how I would feel, but also confident that I was going to be fine. I had taken my time and made the call knowing I was at the place where I could withstand the impact. All part of the highly successful "Phasing in Perdita Project".
To quote Tony the Tiger the race day warm up was Grrreat!
Well for the most part, the routine is a series of 8-10 exercises done up and down the track for 50m. Three routines in to it, I totally forgot what to do next. A routine I could perform with my eyes closed and did atleast three times a week for years was forgotten in months. In my excitement of the milestone I completely forgot to look up the routine or ask G' for a refresher on what it all entailed.
But really, I didn't know I would draw a blank on what to do. I mean had it been that long?!
Stumped and wanting to maintain my heart rate I improvised using a couple comparable components from other warm ups. Hoping for the first time back I could get away with this mix n' match of a warm up. I made a note to look up the real one over the weekend.
Yeah Weekends
Being back to a routine I am more accostomed to, means my weekends are precious. I work really hard during the week and try to have fun on the weekend. I still exercise on Saturday and Sunday but it is "Active Recovery", meaning I do light physical exercise and not necessarily track based.
I can do it on my own without my coach present and it usually takes a fraction of the time a week day workout takes. Bike, pool, long walks on the beach in Tahiti (ya right), etc. But honestly, the road I have been on the last seven months I am so over swimming pools and if I ever see another stationary bike...
Friday Nights
By the time Friday practice ends I'm usually suffering from vertigo as I run to my Subaru. The thought of 48 hours worth of being a real person entices me! No: "Perdita: girl in tights, no 'Eau de Tiger Balm' and no pooling lactic acid!
Friday night I feel like a convict escaped from jail, constantly afraid that the bang on my door is my coach coming to take me back. I exhibit all the tell tale signs of fugitive: turning off all the lights, peeking out the window, startled by everyday noises, placing the phone off the hook, huddled in my attic.
Forgive my artistic liscense here, but it just feels like that.
Sorta.
Happy 10th Birthday NTO!
So this Friday I went to an event hosted by my sponsor Nike. It was the 10th anniversary celebration of "NTO" or the flagship Nike store located in downtown Toronto. It was a private gala held at the store and was by invitation only, so glad they let me in! Phew. I brought along a couple friends and my younger sis "Mini".
The turn out was wonderful and leave it to Nike to put on a show like that in such a unique space. It was fun to be around the entire brand family, see some great product and mingle and two step the night away. I did infact hear my jam, "Smack That" by Akon, and I had to put down my double shot of OJ and stomp it down, right beside some Air Force Ones.
I must have looked crazy out on the dance floor by myself. Either that or a hurdler who did her race warm up sucessfully a few hours early, for the first time in months!
The Terry Fox Run
Sunday was also special for me because I was in my hometown of "P-town" AKA Pickering, ON. Everyone knows that I am a chick in love with her town and any oppurtunity to be there I take. I have been so embraced and supported by my community, they cheer me on win or lose and I love them for it!
Sunday was the annual Terry Fox Run, to raise funds for cancer research. I was there with the Mayor of Pickering Dave Ryan and other members of city council. Kevin & Co. did an excellent job at organizing, thanks for having me back again.
It was cool to also be there with Wayne Arthurs MPP, whose wife Susan was my first track coach in grade four at Glengrove P.S. I had never heard of track and field but was the only student in her grade three gym class to earn the excellence level for Canada Fitness. Mrs. Arthurs nurtured my talents and encouraged me to try out for the track team when I would be old enough the following year.
The rain held off and the crowd was a dedicated bunch. I spoke to the need to find a cure for this disease that has affected everyone some way, some how. For us as a nation never to forget Terry's will and the treasure that he is and to use him as an inspiration for life.
My mother was present and it was nice because she can't always make my appearances, glad she didn't miss such a important one.
I spent Sunday with my entire family as we celebrated my brothers birthday and his girlfriends too.
Happy Birthday "SnS"!
Guess what mama cooked? My favourite: Oxtail! My mom is a fantastic cook, she doesn't do it often, she'll admit--but when she does, Oh my lanta! Now I can't wait for Monday to burn it all off.
I played hard, now another week to work hard.
I think I hear the bounty hunters coming. ;-)
Perdita
I had to get myself mentally ready for Friday's workout. Two things were going to be a first:
1). I was going to attempt my race warm up and this was a huge milestone. It is the one I use for fast sprinting days and competition. I have a series of warm ups that I use based on the intensity and demand of the workout session, each days is prescribed by my coach 'Gdub'. However being a pupil of his for almost 9 years, I on occasion have reserved the right to pick another one of his warmups all together. 'Gdub' has been known to grumble over this or send a few words my way, but its usually a lateral change on my part, so overall he knows I still get the job done.
2). Many of my workouts had been split between softer grass or football turf and then the harder track surface. However, Friday called for nothing but Mondo.
I was excited and curious about how I would feel, but also confident that I was going to be fine. I had taken my time and made the call knowing I was at the place where I could withstand the impact. All part of the highly successful "Phasing in Perdita Project".
To quote Tony the Tiger the race day warm up was Grrreat!
Well for the most part, the routine is a series of 8-10 exercises done up and down the track for 50m. Three routines in to it, I totally forgot what to do next. A routine I could perform with my eyes closed and did atleast three times a week for years was forgotten in months. In my excitement of the milestone I completely forgot to look up the routine or ask G' for a refresher on what it all entailed.
But really, I didn't know I would draw a blank on what to do. I mean had it been that long?!
Stumped and wanting to maintain my heart rate I improvised using a couple comparable components from other warm ups. Hoping for the first time back I could get away with this mix n' match of a warm up. I made a note to look up the real one over the weekend.
Yeah Weekends
Being back to a routine I am more accostomed to, means my weekends are precious. I work really hard during the week and try to have fun on the weekend. I still exercise on Saturday and Sunday but it is "Active Recovery", meaning I do light physical exercise and not necessarily track based.
I can do it on my own without my coach present and it usually takes a fraction of the time a week day workout takes. Bike, pool, long walks on the beach in Tahiti (ya right), etc. But honestly, the road I have been on the last seven months I am so over swimming pools and if I ever see another stationary bike...
Friday Nights
By the time Friday practice ends I'm usually suffering from vertigo as I run to my Subaru. The thought of 48 hours worth of being a real person entices me! No: "Perdita: girl in tights, no 'Eau de Tiger Balm' and no pooling lactic acid!
Friday night I feel like a convict escaped from jail, constantly afraid that the bang on my door is my coach coming to take me back. I exhibit all the tell tale signs of fugitive: turning off all the lights, peeking out the window, startled by everyday noises, placing the phone off the hook, huddled in my attic.
Forgive my artistic liscense here, but it just feels like that.
Sorta.
Happy 10th Birthday NTO!
So this Friday I went to an event hosted by my sponsor Nike. It was the 10th anniversary celebration of "NTO" or the flagship Nike store located in downtown Toronto. It was a private gala held at the store and was by invitation only, so glad they let me in! Phew. I brought along a couple friends and my younger sis "Mini".
The turn out was wonderful and leave it to Nike to put on a show like that in such a unique space. It was fun to be around the entire brand family, see some great product and mingle and two step the night away. I did infact hear my jam, "Smack That" by Akon, and I had to put down my double shot of OJ and stomp it down, right beside some Air Force Ones.
I must have looked crazy out on the dance floor by myself. Either that or a hurdler who did her race warm up sucessfully a few hours early, for the first time in months!
The Terry Fox Run
Sunday was also special for me because I was in my hometown of "P-town" AKA Pickering, ON. Everyone knows that I am a chick in love with her town and any oppurtunity to be there I take. I have been so embraced and supported by my community, they cheer me on win or lose and I love them for it!
Sunday was the annual Terry Fox Run, to raise funds for cancer research. I was there with the Mayor of Pickering Dave Ryan and other members of city council. Kevin & Co. did an excellent job at organizing, thanks for having me back again.
It was cool to also be there with Wayne Arthurs MPP, whose wife Susan was my first track coach in grade four at Glengrove P.S. I had never heard of track and field but was the only student in her grade three gym class to earn the excellence level for Canada Fitness. Mrs. Arthurs nurtured my talents and encouraged me to try out for the track team when I would be old enough the following year.
The rain held off and the crowd was a dedicated bunch. I spoke to the need to find a cure for this disease that has affected everyone some way, some how. For us as a nation never to forget Terry's will and the treasure that he is and to use him as an inspiration for life.
My mother was present and it was nice because she can't always make my appearances, glad she didn't miss such a important one.
I spent Sunday with my entire family as we celebrated my brothers birthday and his girlfriends too.
Happy Birthday "SnS"!
Guess what mama cooked? My favourite: Oxtail! My mom is a fantastic cook, she doesn't do it often, she'll admit--but when she does, Oh my lanta! Now I can't wait for Monday to burn it all off.
I played hard, now another week to work hard.
I think I hear the bounty hunters coming. ;-)
Perdita
Thursday, September 11
Finally, Wind Over Water
OFSAA Nostalgia
When I am in the city (T.O) there are a few options when it comes to picking a workout venue. Today I decided to venture to Centennial Stadium in Etobicoke. My whole reasoning here is because I needed a hill and there are many close by, but really because my career as a competitor started in that stadium. I won two OFSAA medals (only the top ~20 H.S athletes in the province can qualify) here for Pine Ridge Secondary School in 1997 and it was my first year back to track after quitting for a couple years. Hurdles weren't even on the radar.
Today's workout called for a little bit more from me physically and I was going at it alone. So I needed the extra inspiration, it was corny, nostalgic and it worked. I recalled winning a silver in both the 100m and 4x100m relay and being pleased, but not satisfied. What a journey I have been on in the ten years since then. Being at that track made me remember how effortless and uncomplicated athletics was for me. This is not the case as a professional athlete and sometimes I miss the innocence of not having to think so much.
A Convo With Mom
I told my mom last night that today's workout would have been a piece of cake this time last year, but as it stands, today it will be a challenge. My mom let out a scream over the phone, the mere mention of her child back on the track excited her. "Pedeet, you training tomorrow?! Praise Gawd!". Confused by this I said "Ummm...Ya?". Evidently my mom thought the entire time I have been injured I have basically sat on the couch eating oxtail the last eight months. And today September 11th I woke up and decided to do "build-ups" just because it was that time. Gotta love her!
Really, it is my fault she had this impression. I have been pretty hush-hush about my progress and my status from the onset. I have found it easier to deal this way. It's a girl's perogative, right. So for all my mother knew, indeed I was nursing my injury as I was told to stay off it, hence missing the Olympics. And it would be just like her middle child to numb the pain with oxtail!
I wish.
I had forgot to tell her that I had started track workouts just a short time ago, but had them alternated with bike, pool and circuits. The phasing in process still demanded that I don't go back to back just to be cautious. My team is the best and most conservative bunch and their mission is to get it right, and I trust them.
Healthy Foot 101
Mother was so pleased to hear about my progress as I explained to her being in a cast for four weeks has an effect that lingers. If i was the average Joe'dita I'd be back to normal ages ago. However being a world class sprint hurdler there are so many checks and balances that have to be adhered to along the way. The proprioception, strength, elasticity and flexibility of the many bones, ligaments and muscles in my foot. Along with stiffness, rigidity, inflammation, pain, bone density and scar tissue all of which have to be addressed and combated against. If one thing is out of whack it puts the rest of my body at risk for injury and for it to not function optimally.
I have to get my foot to a point where it can with stand many times my body weight as I pound on it over and over again. If I were a diver or swimmer this wouldn't be as paramount, but this is very important since my event is high impact and asymmetrical, my right leg is my lead leg, the left my trail. I already have a built in dysfunction, so to speak. My left side demands much more than my right side, and this was the side I have had to stay off of. More than anything I need that confidence that I can blast off this thing without hesitation or being gentle with it. You can't train hard that way and you can't be a contender that way either.
Learned From The Past
No one more than my mother understood the need for me to listen to my body this summer and not come back too quickly. She watched my disappointment in Helsinki at the 2005 Worlds, I was the reigning World Champion and did not even make the final. In 2006 she saw me search for the consistency needed to thrive in this sport and not find it. All because after my 2004 injury I rushed back to training resulting in a litany of injuries. How does it go? "Fool me once...".
I told her I am where I need to be, now, only because she helped me make the decision to sit out the biggest event of my sport so I could live to race another day. My mother helped ease my fears of letting others down and let me know this was ok. Hitting home that my family is behind any choice that I make and they stand behind me in victory and they will do nothing less than that in my time of need. According to her "I am the gold medal".
So how right was it today to be at Centennial, back at the beginning, healthy and doing a real track workout, weeks ahead of schedule.
Instead of water under me, for the first time in a long time I felt the wind!
I can't describe it more than with this word: GRATEFUL.
Fall training here I come...no make that, here I am!
Happy Happy Joy Joy,
Perdita
When I am in the city (T.O) there are a few options when it comes to picking a workout venue. Today I decided to venture to Centennial Stadium in Etobicoke. My whole reasoning here is because I needed a hill and there are many close by, but really because my career as a competitor started in that stadium. I won two OFSAA medals (only the top ~20 H.S athletes in the province can qualify) here for Pine Ridge Secondary School in 1997 and it was my first year back to track after quitting for a couple years. Hurdles weren't even on the radar.
Today's workout called for a little bit more from me physically and I was going at it alone. So I needed the extra inspiration, it was corny, nostalgic and it worked. I recalled winning a silver in both the 100m and 4x100m relay and being pleased, but not satisfied. What a journey I have been on in the ten years since then. Being at that track made me remember how effortless and uncomplicated athletics was for me. This is not the case as a professional athlete and sometimes I miss the innocence of not having to think so much.
A Convo With Mom
I told my mom last night that today's workout would have been a piece of cake this time last year, but as it stands, today it will be a challenge. My mom let out a scream over the phone, the mere mention of her child back on the track excited her. "Pedeet, you training tomorrow?! Praise Gawd!". Confused by this I said "Ummm...Ya?". Evidently my mom thought the entire time I have been injured I have basically sat on the couch eating oxtail the last eight months. And today September 11th I woke up and decided to do "build-ups" just because it was that time. Gotta love her!
Really, it is my fault she had this impression. I have been pretty hush-hush about my progress and my status from the onset. I have found it easier to deal this way. It's a girl's perogative, right. So for all my mother knew, indeed I was nursing my injury as I was told to stay off it, hence missing the Olympics. And it would be just like her middle child to numb the pain with oxtail!
I wish.
I had forgot to tell her that I had started track workouts just a short time ago, but had them alternated with bike, pool and circuits. The phasing in process still demanded that I don't go back to back just to be cautious. My team is the best and most conservative bunch and their mission is to get it right, and I trust them.
Healthy Foot 101
Mother was so pleased to hear about my progress as I explained to her being in a cast for four weeks has an effect that lingers. If i was the average Joe'dita I'd be back to normal ages ago. However being a world class sprint hurdler there are so many checks and balances that have to be adhered to along the way. The proprioception, strength, elasticity and flexibility of the many bones, ligaments and muscles in my foot. Along with stiffness, rigidity, inflammation, pain, bone density and scar tissue all of which have to be addressed and combated against. If one thing is out of whack it puts the rest of my body at risk for injury and for it to not function optimally.
I have to get my foot to a point where it can with stand many times my body weight as I pound on it over and over again. If I were a diver or swimmer this wouldn't be as paramount, but this is very important since my event is high impact and asymmetrical, my right leg is my lead leg, the left my trail. I already have a built in dysfunction, so to speak. My left side demands much more than my right side, and this was the side I have had to stay off of. More than anything I need that confidence that I can blast off this thing without hesitation or being gentle with it. You can't train hard that way and you can't be a contender that way either.
Learned From The Past
No one more than my mother understood the need for me to listen to my body this summer and not come back too quickly. She watched my disappointment in Helsinki at the 2005 Worlds, I was the reigning World Champion and did not even make the final. In 2006 she saw me search for the consistency needed to thrive in this sport and not find it. All because after my 2004 injury I rushed back to training resulting in a litany of injuries. How does it go? "Fool me once...".
I told her I am where I need to be, now, only because she helped me make the decision to sit out the biggest event of my sport so I could live to race another day. My mother helped ease my fears of letting others down and let me know this was ok. Hitting home that my family is behind any choice that I make and they stand behind me in victory and they will do nothing less than that in my time of need. According to her "I am the gold medal".
So how right was it today to be at Centennial, back at the beginning, healthy and doing a real track workout, weeks ahead of schedule.
Instead of water under me, for the first time in a long time I felt the wind!
I can't describe it more than with this word: GRATEFUL.
Fall training here I come...no make that, here I am!
Happy Happy Joy Joy,
Perdita
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