I didn't say "I can't."

(NEW YORK TIMES) - At a news conference in Manhattan on Thursday, Pena appeared in a black suit without sunglasses and explained through a Spanish interpreter that while he was trapped, "I was running to be an active participant in my own salvation. I wasn't just waiting around."
I didn't get out for my long run yesterday. I was supposed to do 12 miles but my early morning window of opportunity (I was at a conference all weekend) was being pounded by relentless rain. "Ok, tomorrow then," I postponed.

So, my plan is to run tonight after work. But grumbling to myself about the persistent cold rain and wind, I again thought about just letting this week pass without a long run.

And then, as if right on cue, I received an email this morning from QB containing the below link. If you were as riveted as I was by the rescue of the Chilean miners you will know that one miner ran 6 miles everyday as a way to cope - an inspiring accomplishment acknowledged by the prestigous New York Marathon who invited Pena to participate in the event which took place this past weekend.

"The message here is I found a way to run," he said. "I didn't say I can't."

Thanks for the perspective, Pena. I am grateful to feel the rain at all.
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/2010-11-04-chilean-miner-nyc-marathon_N.htm

Next up...

Vegas Baby...Dec 5th

You don't run just to win.

You run to prove there

is still triumph and

possibility in your life.

Anonymous.

Blue Nose 2010

A hot and sunny May long weekend welcomed nearly 10,000 runners to the 2010 Halifax Blue Nose Marathon. Congratulations to everyone, especially to Blue Nose newbies Sandy, Donna and Wendy who all completed their first half marathon. Back in February, I don't think any of these gals really took the idea seriously but in Sweaty Girl style, they decided to go for it and over the last four months they dug in, dug deep and come race day, got 'er done.

Here are a few pics from this year's event:

Tending to a few pre-race details...

Dale and Sweaty Girl Lisa cheering us in!

This first SG's to cross...Debbie and her Virgins :)

Donna, Debbie and Wendy

A celebration Dunk!

Sandy and Queen Bee, Susan.

Congrats Girls!

Check out this story and more at: www.sweatygirlsrock.ca

From the mouths of babes...

"So Paige, did you enjoy our visit to the barn today?"

"I did. That was awesome. I had so much fun."



"Me too! And wasn't the donkey adorable?"



"He was soooo cute!!!"

"Are you excited about going to riding camp again this summer?"

"I can't wait!"

"I'm so happy that you love riding."

"I do, I love it."

"You know we both come by our love of horses pretty honestly, eh?"



"What do you mean?"

"We inherited it from Grampa Stevenson."

"That's true."

silence...

"So Tammy, how come you don't ride anymore?"

"Oh, I don't know. After I moved to Halifax I never really made an effort to take lessons."

"How come?"

"Just got busy with other things I guess."

"How long has it been that you took lessons?"

"Far too long."

"Do you miss it?"

"I sure do Paige. I think about it every single day."

"Really?"

"Yup.

"Every day?"

"Yup. Everyday."

silence....

"You know Tammy, maybe it's time to stop thinking about it, and start doing it."

silence...

"You know Paige, you're a wise young lady."

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun...

...and a good reason to drink wine! (Or rather, a reason to drink good wine.)




The Sweaty Girls have had lots to celebrate lately and since we're always up for a pot luck, wine and a little hot tubbin', we did just that.

Amy is getting ready to have her first baby so in February, Brenda hosted us for a lovely afternoon to toast Amy and her husband Craig on their April arrival.



What's a shower without shower games?





We also recently paused for a good cause to help support the Dartmouth General at the annual Revolution Fundraiser.





That's our girl Lisa leading the charge!


And then just this past weekend, we gathered at Queen Bee and Dale's beautiful home to celebrate the 50th birthday of Fabulous Wendy. Damn girl, you fine. (Note: there were many other photos of the evening but this is about the only one appropriate for public sharing.) :)



Allow me to introduce you to the Sweaty Girls.
Back L to R: Amy (just days away from having her baby), Birthday Girl Wendy, me, Sandy and Brenda.
Front L to R: Susan (aka Queen Bee), Lisa and Debbie.
Missing from photo: Donna who was on her sister's bachelorette...doing it up SG style no doubt.

Saying Farewell to a Great Aunt

Bessie Josephine Stevenson
1913 - 2010



Bessie and her younger Sister, Stella.

I run like a girl. And proud of it.

The Sweaty Girls Rock had a great weekend working at the "irunlikeagirl" booth at the recent Optimyz Health and Wellness Show in Halifax.  



Debbie invited us to join her in promoting our new favourite apparel from www.irunlikeagirl.com. Not only did we get to spend time with each other, we got to support and promote something we all believe in.




The booth had magnetic appeal - the moment someone realized what it was about they were hooked. "This would be perfect for my daughter!"  "Oh, I need to get one for my mom.  She just started working out and I'm so proud of her."  "I need one for me.  I'm hoping to run my first 5k this spring!"  We heard many inpsiring stories over the two days - a reminder that a girl's spirit truly is universal, ageless and endless.

It was especially inspiring to receive support from our male visitors. Two young fellas in particular approached to buy a couple hoodies. Assuming it was for a sister or girlfriend, I was what size she would need.  Imagine our delight when they both responded: "These are for us! We'd be honoured to wear this in the Bluenose!"



The few snide comments or raised eyebrows we did receive weren't entirely unexpected or even disheartening.  Changing perceptions or ideals, especially when it comes to those based in gender, doesn't happen over night.  And as I observed the few skeptics walk away, I could only assume they have never had the humbling experience of running in Queen Bee's wake.  God help them the day they do.



In a world that bombards girls with negative images, gender-based assumptions and unattainable ideals, this type of message is one to be celebrated and each time we put on our irunlikeagirl shirts, we do just that. It allows us to wear what we believe in on our sleeve. Literally.

A Mile in Her Own Shoes

In the February issue of Runners World, I read with great delight this month's installment of "The Newbie's Chronicles" in which the author shares how his running, or as he refers to it, his "gasping efforts," inspired his 6-year old son to run as well.

Reading his story, I couldn't help but think of my niece Paige and how after being there for me at last year's Saint John Marathon, instantly decided she too wanted to run it this coming Fall. What I hoped wouldn't lose steam has in fact turned into an 11-year's determination to wear her own bib number in September.

The two-page story "A Mile in His Shoes" concludes with a rather inspiring thought - a thought that goes far beyond running. It's a much-needed reminder that we not only have the power to impact those around us, but that we do impact those around us...whether we realize it or not. Something I think we often forget.

The writer begins to wrap up by quoting a study (Christaks/Fowler) that appeared in the New York Times: "If you want to improve the world with your good behavior, math is on your side. For most of us, within three degrees we are connected to more than 1000 people - all of whom we can theoretically help make healthier, fitter and happier just by our contageious example."
The writer then went on to conclude his article in his own words: "No one is an island. No one runs in a vacuum. There is always someone watching you leave the house, dig it out, come back, and do it all over again. You are being watched by a roommate, brother, a spouse. The driver of every passing car. You are being watched by future generations. My grandmother ran in college! someone might say of you one day. My great uncle took it up in his 30's and ran marathons into his 60's! We are inexorably entwined within each other's influence. You may run by yourself, but no matter how early you start, no matter how remote your location, you never run alone."
I never thought of it that way before and by no means had I expected my "gasping efforts" could set a positive example but after reading the article, I have a different perspective - someone is always watching.

In my case, it happened to be the watchful eyes of my 11-year old neice who I can't wait to watch cross the finish line this fall.

It's January the what???

Holy Cow...where did the time go? The last time I checked it was Halloween...as depicted in the annual pumpkin-carving-pictures below which were once again a hit with the trick or treaters, with exception of two little ducklings that refused to climb the driveway. I happily obliged by taking the treats to them...




In November, I had a lovely weekend visit from two much friendlier faces...




But in the blink of an eye, the Christmas season was upon us which officially kicked off with the 2nd annual "Sweaty Girls Rock Running Club" Christmas dinner. These are the incredible women of whom you have heard me speak countless times who not only inspire me to be a better runner, but who inspire me to be a better person. One of the very last episodes of the series Sex and the City, Carrie looks at her gals pals and says "A troubling thought occurred to me the other day. What if I had never met you?" That line makes me think of these girls. Throughout my entire life, I have always been blessed with amazing girlfriends. The Sweaty Girls are no exception.




And then...it was the week of the 21st which I met with a little trepidation considering it was my very first time being the Christmas host. If you've ever spent Christmas with the Stevenson's, you know that's no easy task to live up to. But I gave it my Martha best and it was actually a lot easier than I thought it would be. Of course, it helped to have guests who were easy to please (and slightly sedated thanks to some cold medication.)

After the Christmas cookies were munched (yes I made these)...



the presents were opened, the candles were lit...



and dinner was enjoyed...even by Maggie...



...it was a most lovely Christmas.

And just when it seemed like it couldn't get any better, we received the best present of all...a phone call from my brother Brad, and his new fiance, Mary.



Congratulations to you both! We are all so happy for you.