Friday, December 31, 2010

2010

Here it is, the end of another year. Tomorrow begins a new year, 2011.

I like to reflect on a year; see what lessons' I've learned well, and recognize others that I know will be back to test me again. I'm also not one for 'resolutions', but I do like to goal set. Maybe it's because I like to plan that it is I like to goal set. Reflecting gives me a place to see where it is I've come from, how far I have made it along the journey, and the goal setting gives me something to reach for over the next little while. Then it will be time to begin again, sometimes it is easy to recognize this as a daily pattern, but today being December 31st I will see it as a yearly one. Until tomorrow morning anyways.

As I met with a very close friend (sister) tonight, I was reminded of the JOY of the journey. Sometimes it takes effort to find joy in the journey, especially when we aren't finding it to be travelled as quickly as we would like, or that maybe we are travelling so quickly that we are caught up in the time flying when we finally slow to check out the scenery we are lost in what we have missed. Our lives are the journey. There is no one destination that we will get to and stay at, until we meet our Maker. Joy has been created for us to find and experience along our journey, until we get home.

Wishing you all JOY to fill your lives along your journey into another year that is filled with awesome experiences; to keep you smiling, loving, living, (running).

As I leave this post I would like to end with another blogger finish, (as my prayers go out to another friend who is soon to be meeting with her Father, Lord and Saviour) I hope you don't mind Mike, and thank you for the reminder with every read of your blog........

It is a great day to be alive!

Nicole

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

A Great Cause Supported By A Great Person

Just a quick note about a great person with an exceptional cause that should be brought to everyones attention. Catra Corbett, aka the Dirt Diva (see the side of our blog for a short cut), is completing a 46 hour run to help raise funds for The Chance To Compete Foundation. Her goal is to raise $1000.00, I think we can do better than that, don't you? Not only will Catra be running for 46 hours straight she will be starting this endevour on her birthday.

The Winnipeg Barefoot Runners have donated to this great cause to help Catra reach her goal and beyond, take up the challenge and join in, see the attached link to help out. You know you wanna!!!!

Good luck Catra, you are an amazing person, and we know you will exceed your expectations, and we will be following and routing for you along your journey.

B, N and G.

Monday, December 13, 2010

First Frozen Ass Run of the Season

Wonder why only 2 of us showed up....!

This is what some of us are wearing on our feet at -40C. Running in mukluks makes for a pleasant run. The ground is softer beneath your feet when you run on snow and I think this might be the best time of year to start minimalist running for those intrigued with the idea. Nicole made the black mukluks herself with a unique lace up design. Normally mukluks have a looser fit on the calf but it is better if they are more fitted to prevent sliding down when running. If you look closely you can see I tied leather laces around my calf to prevent this from happening and to prevent the pom poms from bouncing around.  A sprinkle of mukluk history while we are on the topic....traditionally women did not wear fur or pom poms on their mukluks so Nicole's  creation has some tradition to it as well as fashion.
There are beautiful places everywhere.  Sometimes they can be noticed more easily when the rest of the city is still asleep.    We are on the edge of the river and behind the sign there were 2 canada Geese in an open area of water. I don't know why some geese hang on like that but have heard some will stick around as long as there is open water. 


In this shot I tried to capture the frosted ice that had collected on Nicole's eyelashes but it didn't turn out.  Near the end of the run  my vision was getting blurry from the frost build up.


...the camera taking its last shot before freezing up.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Long Run December 12

Ack!  This is the latest posting to date with only an hour and a half before start time.  We are meeting at 7 am at Timmies on Portage and Westwood.  Its going to be another short one at 5-10 miles.  Dress warm as it is a nippy -40 (with the wind chill) out there.  And this is just the beginning...

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Long Run December 5

Nicole is out with an infection and I'll be out late tonight .  We'll start tomorrow's run later than usual... meet at 9 am at Daily Grind Coffee Shop  3393 Portage Ave.  Yippee!  We can sleep in.   Its going to be a short one.  I'm thinking 6 miles.