Skin Care for the Athletic

I am fortunate enough to work for a retail company that allows me to try out all kinds of wonderful skin care lines and as such I have taken full advantage of it. I thought to myself today that it would be a worthwhile experience to actually do a post around what I have tried and give you an honest opinion around the experience. The twist? I’m doing from the point of view of an athletic woman, who generally hates makeup but also equally dislikes the prospect of getting wrinkly. Lately, I run about 15km a week (not a ton but enough), and I weight  train consistently 3-4 times a week. That’s a lot of sweating and exposure to the elements. A typical day will have me come from work, maybe scarf something down and go straight to the gym. That being said, whatever I’m putting on my skin has to be able to work with those realities.

What is my skin type? Like a lot of people, I’m sensitive and prone to a bit rosacea. Usually leaning towards oily skin I also find it also craves moisture. I’m an oily moisture-less mess I suppose. Usually when I go for skin care items I seek out kits. Kits usually have a good mix of items or enough so that I can get a sense of if I want to keep using it or move on. The investment tends to be a bit more reasonable then buying everything separately and finding out after I hate it.

I will start off with what I’ve liked, and end off with I’m using currently.

First Up: Rodial Dragon’s Blood

I first tried this last summer and more specifically just the serum. It’s pretty pricey sitting at about $100 a bottle. Over the holidays though I bought the full kit which had the serum, moisturizer, eye cream and a mask.

My verdict: The Dragon’s Blood serum as a solo is a great summer serum. My skin looked amazing, despite all the sweat and small amount of powder I used. When I went back to it over the holidays, I wasn’t as impressed. The serum alone didn’t have a enough moisture and my skin started to peel. I used the moisturizer and mask to offset the peeling and although they were not bad I wasn’t hugely impressed. The under eye serum tended to make my eyes water, so I switched to using it only at night. When I get up in the am I found my skin was patchy and a bit ruff under my eyes.  It was a no go for me.

The serum is excellent as a stand alone and only during the summer months. The moisturizer and mask were ok, and I didn’t care for the eye serum at all. They work well together but for the costs of the package ($170) it isn’t something I would buy as a kit again. I would buy the serum alone however during those hot months.

From a sweaty prospective, when I have it on during training – it was fine. Didn’t make my eyes water or adversely affect me in any noticeable way.

Clinique – Redness Solutions Redness Regimen

I bought this as kit and overall cost was about $75. It included a Soothing Cleanser, Daily Relief Cream and Daily Protective Base SPF 15. I usually hate SPF based skin care as I almost always breakout. I must have a sensitivity to the combination of ingredients. I am happy to report though with this line I had no such struggles.

My verdict: The cleanser was a cleanser. You will never sell me on the value of a cleanser, to me they are always “expensive fillers” and I always go back to using Neutrogena stuff when it’s done. In this case, it was the same. The cleanser really did not add any value. The Daily relief cream and protective base were not bad! I didn’t react, and I actually looked less red. Overall, I was impressed with the experience. My only caveat being, not a good line to use during the winter. It’s not heavy enough in the moisturizing department but during the spring-summer time I would definitely purchase it again.

From a sweat prospective, it did bug my eyes when I trained which was unfortunate. I guess the sweat mixed with the cream didn’t bode well with me and I almost always found myself wiping my eyes as they would burn. If you plan to give this a try, you may want to wash your face before you train and go with nothing.

Lancome – Advance Genifique Serum and Genifique Eye Light Pearl

Lancome as a brand is expensive. For both of these you’re looking at a $200 investment, but the brand also has a good track record. The serum is really nice, applies well and you don’t need a lot. My skin absorbed it like water and overall I had a good experience. I didn’t really notice any difference in my skin per say but it was a good maintenance serum that works well with other products and cooperates with powder foundation. When I worked out, it didn’t bother me in the least.

Would I buy the serum again? As part of a winter regime yes. But I was also using hydraluron underneath which is a moisture prep acid.  I found when I used the product solo it wasn’t quite as effective. On the flip side, the Eye Light Pearl cream has been interesting. The application is a bit of pain and you tend to use to much at a time until you get used to the application. But it’s the first eye cream/serum I have used that I haven’t had issues with. Usually, when you use under eye cream and you sweat it makes your eyes burn as the blood in your face brings the serum closer to your eyes, then you wipe your face and it gets in your eyes which equals an uncomfortable burn. I have been using this serum for about 3 weeks and have worn it running and to the gym with no adverse effects. The catch? It doesn’t really seem to be making any difference in my fine lines under my eyes. Although nice, I’m not sure the price tag or hype is worth the effect. I’m unlikely to buy it again based on that which is a bummer as I am not affected by it.

b.kamins Blue Booster Kit

The kit is aimed at those with major redness issues. I thought I would give it a try and see what my luck was. Running about $70 it has 4 products ranging from a cleanser to a mask. I managed to last a week with it, then returned it. I reacted so badly that my eyes looked like I had been punched and were actually peeling. This was definitely not for me.

That brings me to what I am using currently!

Right now, I’m using a product called Stimulskin Plus by Darphin and a naturally sourced moisturizer by L’Occitane called Ultra Gentle Moisturizer with 8% Shea Butter.  The Stimulskin seems impressive so far but will set you back $400 a bottle. I’m actually using a sample I was given and it’s a little early to make an official call on it. The L’Occitane moisturizer is nice though. Light in texture and smells wonderful I think I will stick with it for another month or so and see what the results are. It absorbs quickly is only about $45 a bottle and seems like a good cream to use during summer months. From a sweat prospective it’s also passed the test. Doesn’t bother my eyes, and seems to hold on through my ridiculous work outs.

The end verdict:

Rodial and Clinique are good summer options but only the Rodial didn’t bother my eyes during exercise.  For winter, Lancome seems a better choice but a little pricey for what it claims. L’Occitane and Darphin are lovely but time will tell if the anti-aging properties will hold through. I have yet to find “the right eye serum” and will be testing out Biotherm’s Blue Therapy Eye shortly.

Hope that helps you make a decision! More expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better.

 

Comic Con and “An Evening with Star Trek”

Hi – it’s been awhile hasn’t it.

I’m back and finally with a good opener for 2013. I’ve been keeping busy with the usual training etc but this is something special – my first Comic Con experience. Not only was it my first Comic Con but what I am more thrilled to talk about is my lovely ticket to see the Cast of Star Trek TNG in person. All of ‘em (FYI Will Wheaton  bailed for whatever reason). To put it in perspective I’ve been to Fan Expo, once a couple of years ago. That was a gong show of nerdum and sweaty bodies. Although I enjoyed the experience I found being packed like sardines less than glorious and didn’t go back last year. With Comic Con I was expecting a similar experience but was shockingly surprised by the lack of people. (Mind you it may have been the hour of the day – 4:30).

Comic Con highlights:

The tallest Batman I have ever seen below; seriously he was like 7′ Feet Tall.

Did you know that there was an Ontario Ghost Busters Society?

There was seriously about 50+ Ghost Busters hanging around. Apparently they do a lot of “guest appearances” and volunteer work. Pretty cool eh?

Dr. Who fans will appreciate this next picture:

I can honesty say I have a healthy respect for Dr. Who although it scared the shit out of me as a kid. This brought back all kinds of mixed memories.

Of course, last but not least, you can’t go to and Comic Con or Sci Fic convention without some Star Wars appearances.

I can’t imagine what it must be like being in those costumes for 16 hours a day. Going to the bathroom must be quite the mission. But onto the REAL reason I went to Comic Con – namely Star Trek. I have been a looooooong time fan of the series. I remember being in high school watching the original series on a black and white TV we had in our home room during lunch hour. Then watching TNG and eating pizza with my brother on Saturday nights. My fav episodes are still the ones with Q or that one episode where everyone de-evolved into various animals – including Data, which in hindsight makes little sense but at the time it was epic.

I digress, onto the main event. Me and 7,000 other fans packed an auditorium for a quaint Q&A with the cast. My seat was ok – it wasn’t as close as I wanted to be but you get what you pay for in this instance, and it was still really cool. What amazed me was how the cast truly got along and genuinely seemed to care about each other. No tension, just a lot of laughs and good memories. This was also their 20th anniversary. I must say I am itching to go back and watch all the seasons from the start again. I did learn some interesting things from the event though namely;

1. Gates McFadden was fired after season one – and rehired in season 3 (thank god).

2. Brent, Micheal and Levar are really close friends still and all serious jokesters.

3. Brent and Micheal are heavily into classic movies and literature. They frequently have contests to see who could come up with the better accents.

4. When the series ended they were not permitted to take any mementos but most of the cast did and Levar took the most items including his visor. (Can’t blame him)

5. Patrick offered to buy one of his uniforms and was DENIED! They had 25+ custom ones and the studio said no. What did the studio do with them? Sell them of course.

6. Patrick did swipe his com though and can’t speak a stick of French while Gates was fluent.

All in it was worth the effort to see them all together, in one room happy and willing to share stories. One person asked a serious question and followed it up with “Patrick how many lights do you see?” The audience went crazy. I really enjoyed the evening and although it wasn’t on my bucket list this is one event I am surely not to forget anytime soon.

Up next – wait and see…..

Gliding – in a plane not hang this time….

Yesterday,  I was fortunate enough to embark on yet another adventure. As it was my birthday I must give thanks to all those around me and hope they know how much I appreciate them even if I am lax at saying so ahem – Melissa. So what did I get up to? My first gliding lesson. It was a beautiful experience to say the least. I think everything just came together; perfect weather, fall leaves and just enough wind to make it interesting. Like so many adventures I embark on, I was curious and have been curious about gliding for about a year now. I looked into it more for Paul then myself and then just caught up with the fantasy. It seemed elegant, simple and doable unlike a lot of crazy hobbies I have looked into. Naturally, the spatial awareness factor is not in my favor but something I can develop. Its not impossible but possible with a lot of work.

Here is the low down:

1. The gliding school is called Great Lakes Gliding, personally I think it’s Ontario’s best kept secret.

2. Hidden amongst all these farm fields in Totenham, it’s far enough away from the city to make you feel like you’re in cottage country but close enough to be reasonably accessible.

3. It’s not expensive, but not cheap either. A doable hobbie with wonderful benefits and worth the commitment to get your license.

4. The instructors are characters, and probably the most patient people I have ever dealt with. (Plus they are pilots themselves or ex commercial/fighter pilots which is really cool)

Like most adventures I embark on, I really didn’t know what to expect. I arrived at this farm field in deep country and thought “huh, this is interesting, not what you expect for an airfield.” Said airfield was literally a patch of farm land which was grass. After we park, we mosey on out of the car and see in the distance a plane being towed in the air and a group of people off in the distance. That must be who we need – and we walk over to greet them. It’s very informal and all guys I might add which made me chuckle to myself as I think “what have I gotten myself into.” One of the instructors Paul was chatting back and forth with on e-mail was not at the airfield today but a boisterous group was ready to greet us nonetheless.

One of the group was going for his license exam today and was also the source of a lot of teasing an envy. When I asked the group their thoughts on flying it was a collective response of love and “sucker”  to me as the instructors are demanding on the students to say the least. After watching a couple of tows and chatting, I was up. Was I nervous? Absolutely. Was I considering backing out? A little bit actually. When it gets down to the wire and you’re crammed into a cock pit you get a little jittery. Before we even launch, the instructor Dean (who is awesome btw, calmest guy I have ever met) walks me around the plane for a walking check. We look for any damage from the previous pilot or any red flags as if you  have ruff landing it’s easy to cause damage to the plane. Plane check done, time to load and do more checks. If you take away nothing, you will take away that safety is at the forefront of any flight and they take it seriously.

Multiple check lists later, we are ready to fly. Locked and loaded, the plane pulls the glider and we are airborne in no time. It’s crazy actually how fast it happens, and I learn some key things about flying. at 100 feet you need to have a plan to land if the tow rope breaks. At 200 feet you can land in a nearby field without much incident, at 300 feet you circle back and land safely on the air field. 300 feet is the key to everything. 300 feet comes and goes, we continue to climbing At about 3,000 feet feet Dean asks me to release the tow rope. It’s a small thing but I have to say it’s really exciting to be able to release that rope. The second it happens you are at the mercy of instant g forces and you just lift. I can’t describe it, it’s almost like you lose your head. And just as quickly you are free.

Dean talks you through the whole flight as you will see in the video. He explains everything that is happening and also has a little fun at your expense. Halfway through he asks me if I like rollar coasters. I response with “kinda” and that leads to us going into a stall. Yes, gliders can stall and it’s freaky. You literally hear the wind stop nothing but silence and the nose of the plane faces straight down while you leave your stomach somewhere behind you. It is CRAZY. As, I adjust and adapt he brings us out of the stall and gives me the controls of the plane. First attempt, I find a thermal and we lift up to 4,000 feet. Again, I lose my mind a bit and start steering. I follow the direction of Dean and go left and right getting a handle on the controls, understanding the physics watching the yaw string in front of me (see I pulled out some terms there – yaw – look it up). He then takes over again, we catch another thermal and drift up. I am finally starting to relax a bit into the experience. He points out all the air fields below and possible landing options and talks about the community. I am sold, this is really cool.

Eventually we turn around to land and slowly come down to the field. Just as quickly it’s all over.

Once I am on the ground, I find myself wanting to go back up again. It’s an oddly addictive experience. As scary as it was, the more I speak to the other pilots waiting their turn  the more I feel reassured and more willing to try again.

Total flying time: 28 minutes

Total time to location: About an hour and 15 mins

Was it worth it? Absolutely. I am considering doing ground school over the winter and going back again in the spring. The g’s apparently get better with more flying time as does your confidence level. Practice does really make perfect. I recommend you try it – for $140 bucks it WELL worth a guest flight.

Here’s the video link complete with Paul and his fly being down.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTKIeQSOqRs&feature=plcp

Zombies and a 5km Race

I am noticing a theme this year: zombie, zombies and more zombies. It’s not even Halloween yet and I am already feeling mildly zombied out! It seems Zombies have become the new Vampires which is resulting in a noticeable increase in where, when and how much you see them. Having been a fan of the genre for years prior to it’s popularity de jour, I am finding it mildly annoying BUT, nonetheless was likely one of the first people (ahem suckers) to sign up for Run for Lives when it was announced they were going to holding a race near Toronto. What is Run For Your Lives? Run for Your Lives is a 5km run, obstacle course, through the woods while being chased by – yes, zombies. Going into this run, I was nervous and excited. Then I got the e-mail from the course organizer stating that there are “electrically charged” obstacles. Seriously?

Yes.

I get to the event location yesterday, and the waiver has a line devoted to JUST the electrical part. It basically says, “the company will not be responsible for electrocution or death resulting in electrocution.” Wonderful, I think to myself and WTF have I gotten myself into. What I realize very quickly as I see people coming off the course is I should prepare to get:

1. Wet

2. Muddy

3. Not likely make it out alive.

Re: the third point. The course is designed on a capture the flag principal. (very smart). You have a flag belt with three “lives” attached and as you navigate the course and get stalked, chased and have to run through a FIELD of zombies your goal in addition to getting through the course is to come out with one life. I had read that the living completion rate was low. I thought that was BS and hype. Now, I know better.

Onto to the race itself then!

There were approximately 8 obstacles to over come. I won’t discuss all but the key “omg” ones. The race starts off with a nice “mud pit” so you’re shoes are ruined in the first 10 minutes. The course is also through woods and fields so the terrain is challenging in of itself. Other glorious obstacles consist of the electric smoke house, which was pitch black full of smoke and had live wires dangling from the ceiling. The 20 foot high water slide into a pond of ICE cold water. And of course, how I can I forget the barb wire fence and electric fences you have to belly slide under. Add in zombies every where that you need to out run, outsmart and avoid and you have a pretty intense race.

You also actually spend a lot time walking. Yes, walking. You sprint to avoid zombies and dying, then you rest a moment. The you sprint again, and again and again .. you get the idea. Did I survive the zombie apocalypse? No. Close but no. Did I get electrocuted? Thankfully no. Did I have fun and feel like I was hit by a mac truck the next day? YES! It’s a 5km that’s more like a 15km when you include all the stuff.

 

Here’s what I liked about it:

1. Extremely well organized. (you get a good quality dry fit t-shirt, bag check and a free beer with the package)

2. Good bands (a band was playing Enter the Sandman while on course was nicely timed)

3. Good concept, everyone stayed in character and got more aggressive as you went along.

4. Good start line (check out this picture)

5. People were really into, both the zombies and the runners. A really positive experience.

6. It didn’t rain!

And best of all, even though I was soaking wet and covered in mud they had change tents and showers to rinse off.

What I wasn’t to happy about:

1. No outside food. They searched your bags and confiscated it.

2. 40$ fee for spectators – not cool.

3. I think the obstacles could have been a little more challenging – yes I did say that.

Overall – would I do it again? Yes, if the course was different absolutely.

Down Time With Nad

It’s 7pm on a Saturday night and I am actually extremely restless, something unusual into itself. On Saturday nights I am usually: A- tired as hell and ready to go to bed by 8:30 or B- Going out and doing something. It’s not usual for me to have this kind of opportunity to get back to blogging and updating. Today makes my 11th year racing at GWN, and therefore I thought it worth a few words of wisdom and reflection. It was also probably the messiest day of racing I have ever experienced at GWN.

I woke up to a down pour, thought I was prepared for it and it turns out no matter how dry and water proof your clothing may seem it’s never water proof enough. I thought I would have learned that lesson in Chile but clearly not. Needless to say, I was cranky as was Paul. We didn’t know what to expect with racing today in all facets – who was on the roster, how wavy was the water going to be and will it be organized chaos? I think it was a little of all of the above.

We arrive and scramble to put up a tent while standing in the rain waiting for said tent to arrive in order to assemble. See the odd familiar faces of team mates come and go only to finally get settled and wait for the marshaling call.  I have to say, I think today represents the first time I’ve seen my coach lose his shit for various reasons. Upon reflection it’s kinda funny but at the time not so much. We get called to marshal for our first race and a good portion of the team is no where to be found while the ones that are there are soaked and going through warm up with Cindy. Did I mention none of us had wrist bands yet?

We mosey over to the marshal area, through the thick, squishy and worm infested death field of mud. Kev’s there, most of the team is there and no wrist bands. You had to laugh. Most of us did a little.

We see Katnip and we get our passes to enter – load the boat only to realize we have no drummer. Oops. Off Kev goes to find a drummer, and the chaos continues. (Did I mention we are soaked, freezing and generally not focused? LOL).

Drummer – check.

Off we go.

Start line chaos ensues and we are off at the gun. We managed to pull a respectable 2.08 despite the race chaos as well. (seeing a theme yet?) Break time!

A couple of our guys landed on a mens team so I mosey on down to watch ‘em. Anticipating my propensity for clumsiness I had carefully wrapped my cell phone in a little glad baggie. I also wrapped my debit card and Health Card in with said baggie. Excited to watch the men race I pull out my phone to take a picture JUST as a gust of wind picks up and takes my id for a ride. Said ride landed my id in the lake where is quickly sank to the bottom.

Insert some cursing here.

Update Facebook with my angst (I don’t know why – i need to stop being that “annoying FB person”).

Watch the race and head back to tent.

Insert replay of the above marshaling experience minus the scramble for wrist bands and we pull a very respectable 2.0 which lands us in A Division.

I am paddling in A division tomorrow. I have never been in A at GWN and after a whirl wind of a season it far exceeded what I thought the team could pull off.

This season to say the least has been:

• emotional
• painful
• a growth experience
• a big commitment
• a big learning experience
• and a kicking of my ass.

When I reflect to the start, and remember how much I wanted to quit, how angry I was and ridiculously “drama” based I was. It shockes me I stuck it out. I hated paddling. I loathed the coach, I didn’t want to talk to anyone and I wanted to quit so badly. (aka Big baby Nad)

Why?

All because I was cocky, and thought were I sat was a reflection of my ability. ie I was at the back of the boat which means I sucked. Well, maybe I did suck compared to all the talent on the boat. I was humbled, put in my place and learned to just really enjoy paddling without caring where I sat or who I sat next too. I am too competitive for my own good which is why I end up in these states of foolishness. Now, I sit in 2nd seat and paddle both left or right regularly.

Am I a better paddler sitting in 2nd? I doubt it. If Kev shifted me back to 9 would I be pissed? No.

It’s a team effort, drama or not, we are all in the same dam boat together. The question now is, will I continue next year now that I have felt what success means? I really don’t know. I’m tired and want to try new things and need to test myself in other avenues. But the temptation remains. Paddling is like an old familiar shirt to me. Its probably time to let it go but I just can’t.

 

 

 

Olympics + Women = One Hell of a Gong Show.

I’m angry. I’m angry with reason, but I’m also am fighting a battle I will never win. With any high profile sporting event it seems to become a battle of the sexes which degrades to the battle of who’s the hottest chick. I see this all the time in sports, even at regatta’s I regularly compete at. The forum’s start up before a big race and the questions inevitably are who’s going to win and who has the hottest drummer or female paddlers. I ask myself “why and when did sport degrade to this?” Or is it a matter of me being pissed off that I do not make these hot female paddler lists? No. I don’t take care of myself with the hope of being ogled but with the hope of being strong and a valuable team member.

I have been closely watching the Olympics and it seems the London sentiment is resorting back to cave man values. Who’s the hottest female athlete? Who cares! I see more tweets, lists and discussion around hot bodies vs. raw talent. These athletes work their ASS off, so of course they are going to be in peak shape and yes, it’s a beautiful thing don’t get me wrong but the constant focus and the level of criticism is unbelievable! I have seen posts commenting on some of the female athletes noses being too being for their faces. WTF?

Point and case, I was watching the beach volleyball match between Britain and Canada. The person I was watching the match with pipes up that the one of the female Brit’s looks like Baby Spice. Ok, fine. But then comments on how she’s not in as good shape. Huh? I think to myself sh**, you must think I look like a whale then in comparison.

It’s not only the focus and criticism of the female athletes it’s the lack of appreciation for the talent of the women. Canada is all a buzz about our men’s eight rowing crew. That’s all I was hearing about – then our WOMEN’s eight destroy the competition in their first heat, outperforming the men’s opening race. There is some murmur’s but that’s as far as it goes. Why?

I shouldn’t get fired up about this but I do, as it DIRECTLY affects how I perceive myself. I can say I am comfortable with my self body image and it doesn’t matter and it shouldn’t matter etc. But it does bother me a lot. It bothers me and it especially bothers me when I participate in the trash talking. If I pretend for a second that I don’t do it myself then I am hypocrite to the nth degree.

So where does all this leave me now? I am angry enough to write a blog on the sexism at the Olympics but not angry enough to make a change? No. I do intend to make more of an effort to take off the goggles I am wearing and to cease and desist my cat behavior. My fellow athletes, my fellow women need my support and admiration not my comments and sneers.

If you think my rant is unfounded, this article in the Globe pretty much sums it up: http://goo.gl/W39jh.  Here’s to watching the performances, not rating the hot bodies.

London 2012 – Who I am Watching

The count down is on to the Summer Olympics in London. Our athletes who have been competing and working hard all these years will be celebrities on the world stage once again and we will watch them as a country. While I was writing for the now shut-down Gengo, I had the chance to catch up with a few of our gem’s as they were preparing to qualify for the games. Here is a snap shot of some of some of the athletes I will be watching and who I also had a chance to speak with one on one.

Paula Findlay – Triathalon

I came across this athlete in 2010 when I was home one afternoon and had CBC Sports Broadcasting on in the background. She was competing at a world competition in London and I caught the final part of her race. I heard the announcer getting excited as the came tearing around the corner well ahead of her competitors saying excitedly she was going to win it. I sat down, full attention on the last leg of her race and watching  her come flying down the  road and grab a fence corner to propel herself forward into final flat of the run. She ended up winning, and as I watched it I said to myself “I am going to interview her” for the blog. A couple of weeks later, some traded tweets with Paula and that’s exactly what happened. I chatted to her about her recent string of wins, that particular race and how she had her eyes on 2012. The best way to describe her was humble and sweet. A fierce contender on the field, she told me her strength was in the run and she certainly proved it that day and many competitions later. She has been sponsored by P&G and I was happy to come across her smiling face in a commercial for P&G recently. She’s won on this course before, I know she do it again.

Ryan Cochrane – Swimming

Ryan hails out of BC, and has been pinnacle in changing the landscape of swimming in Canada. Ryan is seasoned, confident and hungry. He is a leader for the previously struggling Canadian team and he is also one to watch. Patient, driven and focused I think he will continue to push the landscape and surprise his competition. A calm yet intense person to chat with I am excited to see him perform on the world stage again.

Zach Bell – Track Cycling

Back when I chatted with Zach he was recovering from a wicked cold. I remember him hacking away telling me story of how he got into riding and how his career has progressed into a world class level. I also recall calling the track the wrong name (bad research on my part) and struggling a little with the interview. Zach was a perfect gentleman, and patient with me. He did say he has looked at other road races and was (and I am sure is very excited) about the prospect of competing at this level. Hailing from the Yukon he is a power house of a rider and I can’t wait to see him in his element.

Reid Coolsaet & Hilary Stellingwerff -Track

I am so happy to read that Reid qualified for the games. When I spoke to him at the end of 2010 he had just won the Scotia Bank Marathon with a new PB record. He was elated and felt good after coming off a critical injury that almost cost him his running career. At the time he also wasn’t a carded athlete which meant he was not getting any financial support form the government for his training. It’s also good to see that has changed. Talking to him was fun. He is just a character and so passionate about what he does. I remember the km’s he was putting in a week to train as marathon running was something new he was trying. Clearly it was working out for him and continues to. Hilary, another runner running out of Speed River was a delight to chat with as well. The best way to describe her was perfectionist. She paid close attention to the details of the conversation trains in Swizterland a few months of the years and is fortunate enough to have her husband help her with all nutritional and physio needs. Another truly driven delightful athlete to watch.

Crispin Duenas – Archery

Crispin, is awesome. By far one of my secret favorites going into the games. Why? Because I had the chance to actually learn to shoot with him in person. He took an entire afternoon off to show me and talk everything archery, politics and what it means being an athlete at that level. He was amazing to meet, and interview. I even managed to locate some film from when I interviewed him. It’s pretty B- Rate I have to admit. It was one of the first film pieces I ever did and I apologize for the quality.

This is just the tip of the ice berg, but as you can guess I am bit obsessed with the Olympics. I don’t think the Canadian public realize the sacrifices these kids are making to train. Nor the costs, the astronomical costs they have in order to train. Almost all of them are in school trying to juggle a degree program with training along with the pressure of remaining carded athletes. If you’re not carded you don’t get any financial assistance from the government. It’s that simple.

Lately, I have seen press about how we should not get excited to see the same level of medal haul from the summer games as we did in the winter. Comments like that quite frankly infuriate me to no end. It’s based in the perception and lack of knowledge the public has regarding what goes into the training. We need to pay attention to these athletes when the Olympics are NOT happening and support them then while they build so they have the chance to perfect their craft without the financial pressure. We, as observers can’t even begin to realize what they go through.

Nonetheless, I can’t wait to watch them on this world stag. Here is where you can find the full break down of our competitors: http://olympic.ca/team-canada

Tonight marks a new adventure in an old setting. I have decided a little begrudgingly to embark on one last year in a dragon boat. It has been with a lot of mixed feelings that I came to this conclusion as I wanted to end with a bang and not a slightly bitter whimper. Tonight, I am officially a part of team Hanalei.

What does this new team mean? It means I am on the water three times a week, in the gym at least twice a week to compliment and will essentially be a machine over the course of the next few months.  I am one part excited, one part dreading it and one part apprehensive. I have already wanted to quit a few times during the off season due to an ongoing competitive battle with myself.

I have been a paddler for 10 years, have won and have lost. This will be the first year that I am on a truly competitive team however, which means I have to fight for a seat on the boat and am not guaranteed the prestige of sitting in pace anymore. I am also walking onto a crew that is rebuilding this year, is extremely ambitious and additionally fit with a long history.

Paul is thrilled beyond description. He is getting the stroke, and has the coaches blessing. Me on the other hand am not getting it quite as as quickly and I know I am going to be sitting in the back of the boat which makes me irrationally frustrated = wanting to quit = acting like a child. I can admit it. I am acting like a brat.

It with this trepidation that I face our first on water practice tonight and in all likelihood in the snow to boot.

I am hoping that I am able to find the confidence in myself,  and put the blinders on regarding any self propagated politics. The team is full of wonderful people. The team is also harmonious and supportive, we are all on the same page and want to be successful. The coach is very astute and detailed. He’s driven and has high expectations of us which is a bit daunting in of itself. But I respect him, he has earned his place ten times over and he’s firm yet gentle with his approach. He told me to keep working at it and has faith that I will bring value to his team.

I just need to find the grit in myself again, I have lost it somewhere over the last year. Gave up on it and let myself get a bit soft.  I bought my friend Mark’s paddle,  which in itself should bring me some luck.  (That is totally superstitious of course.) As a I look down the tunnel of the season, I am hoping when I write a recap sometime in the fall that I have only good things to share and accomplishments to brad about.

Quick and Dirty Updates

I have been back from Chile for about 2+ weeks now and have finally acclimatized/managed to get back into the swing of things with life etc. Naturally, being Nad there is usually never a dull moment and that stands to be the reality.

Just a quick overview of the trip:

1. It was the most spectacular country I have ever seen.

2. While in the desert I did not sleep much for the entire week, nor did I have a shower for seven days. (we were a ripe bunch at the end).

3. I was privileged with meeting some of the most remarkable individuals from all over the world.

4. Freeze dried food is not that bad!

And below is a little snippet of what it was like.

 

What’s up next?

I am still toying with paddling competitively this summer. I have been doing the dry land training camp which has been keeping me humble. There are some seriously admirable people on the new crew I am on which makes it even more tempting to want to keep at it for another year. But, I also want to ride more and try rowing and maybe sailing. We shall see.

Flying With Nad

Those of you who have known me or my family for any length of time know we are fairly well traveled group but also have some of the WORST luck when it comes to traveling.  Delays, plane issues, weather, you name it! I am scheduled to leave for Chile in a little over two weeks. While reading the paper this morning I noticed Air Canada pilots are legally allowed to strike on Tuesday.

My first reaction: COME ON WTF!!!!

Followed by: A big *groan* and I would have had to book with Air Canada didn’t I?

Normally something like this would be an inconvenience and “oh crap, I may have to delay change things around” but since I am going to a race, in South America it’s a bit more serious than that.  As I patiently wait for Tuesday and keep my fingers and toes crossed that if it happens it’s short and sweet and does not affect me I figured I would share with you some of the most interesting travel “WTF” experiences I have had.

1.  Evacuated the day before my wedding from the Mayan Riviera due to HURRICANE WILMA.

2. Flying home to Halifax, watching lost on the plane (talk about mood setting) and feeling the plane drop 1,000 feet in a matter of seconds due to the extensive storm. I nearly barfed a number of times. The pilots made three attempts to land before they gave up and flew back to Toronto.

3. Canada 3000 going out of business when I had booked to fly home for Christmas.

4. Getting Norwalk the day before I fly back to Toronto for New Years. (That was not enjoyable at all).

5. Going on a cruise with the family, and having all my luggage lost.
6. My parent’s plane did a belly flop onto the runway when they went to Costa Rica years ago. Landing gear did not engage.
7. Coming home from a  Florida Dragon Boat training camp and still having water in my ears (somehow) and my ears would not pop when landing. It was PAINFUL. When they did it, it felt like my ear drum had exploded liquid it was horrible.
8. Went to Vegas last year and had to be detoured for an emergency landing as a kid had a heart attack on the plane.

Those are the ones I can recall off the top. I know my brother has some to add to that. Traveling with a Rushdi is NEVER dull I can promise you that.

Will keep you posted!!!