July 20th, 2011

Last night I had the extreme pleasure to be a VIP guest at the Ruth Eckhard Hall in Clearwater, Florida (Thanks to Kevin Stone). Rated one of the top ten performing arts centers in the world with seating for 2200, the acoustics and atmosphere are sensational.

Last night's show was the Happy Together Tour which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary and remains one of the highest grossing tours. Headlining this year's tour is The Turtles featuring Flo (more on him later) and Eddie. Multiple legendary performers are also part of this sensational show (The Association, The Grassroots, The Buckinghams and Mark Lindsay former lead singer of Paul Revere & the Raiders. It is an incredible story of friendship with everybody on the tour having known each other since they were 17-years-old.

I might have been one of the youngest people in the packed theatre and I probably should have been wearing a tie die dress to this laid back concert. I think many of the audience members were trying to relive the 60’s, going back in time to the carefree years where lyrics to the songs could erase the negativity of the world, at least for a few minutes. The audience was on its feet smiling and singing along.

Although I was not even born during the era that these icons were at their peak, many of the songs were ones I have heard many times before. Seriously who has not heard the song "Happy Together"? It was one of the signature songs of the summer of love. It has been listed amongst BMI's top fifty American pop songs in music history, and has been inducted into the Grammy hall of fame. For many people Happy Together is more than just a song: it's a philosophy; it's an emotion; a part of Americana. All of the artists on the bill returned for a rousing medley. When the audience filed out of the theatre, they were reunited with 2011, darn it.

For me I got to head back to the dressing rooms with my all access backstage pass. I had the pleasure of meeting all these incredible and talented rockers. Filled with so many entertaining stories I could have stayed all night. The one who made the most impression on me was Mark Volman (Flo), who co-founded the Turtles and later played with Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention. He now runs the entertainment studies department at Nashville's Belmont University these days when he isn't out on the road singing "Happy Together." The impression may have something to do with him singing to me during "Happy Together" or maybe it was the kiss on the cheek while backstage?

On Friday night I will return to the Ruth Eckhard Hall to bust a gut to the comedy of Jim Gaffigan right after I pick up my shiny new race chair from InvacareTop End.

May 31st, 2011

Went for dinner with Louise and Angie the other night and then we went exploring the complex where we are staying. There are tunnels everywhere! No need to venture outside when it is raining (which by the way it has been for the past couple of days).

The Swiss are really energy conscious with lights on timers that you need to turn on but after 15 seconds of no movement they turn off. So cool! So when we were scoping the tunnels out, it was in darkness.

Turns out that Angie is not a big fan of the dark and Louise and I found it fun to make our time in the tunnel more of an adventure. We would not let Angie turn the lights on as much as she tried (she nearly flipped me out of my chair trying but this just brought on more laughter). The tunnels are also used for random storage so while in the dark we never knew what we were going to run into. It certainly was making us laugh when we would bang into a random object but more so was Louise`s crazy clown laugh which was scaring Ang even more. She said she felt like she was being hunted.

The best part about it was the laughter. Every person laughs several times a day for different reasons - after hearing a joke, watching a comedy movie or reading a comic book. Laughing can express a feeling of happiness. Humour and laughter are contagious causing a cumulative effect of amusement and joy. We have all been blessed with the ability to feel humour and it is one of the most important senses we have. The bonus is the numerous health benefits from laughter. Who knew? Or at least who uses it to its fullest potential?

Think about the times in your life that you have used laughter to cope with different challenges in life. It improves and strengthens our immune system and helps prevent a number of diseases. Now, there is even laughter therapy to cure diseases such as hypertension, ulcers, stroke, arthritis, diabetes and even heart diseases. It offers good relaxation and helps relieve stress and depression. How many times have you laughed today?

May 26th, 2011

Yesterday may have been one of the more entertaining experiences I have had in a while. I do not pretend to be fluent in German but I can generally get by pretty well and even string together coherent sentences every now and then. Usually after a week of being here things come back to me and I get more comfortable and relaxed speaking German. We were on day two whenmy dear friend Louise Sauvage remembered I knew "some" German and signed me up to be her interpreter for the afternoon. I would like to point out that once you let on that you know a bit of the language, people tend to take that as you are fluent.

First she took me to the information desk at the GZI to inquire about public swim hours at the pool,. That went pretty well. Basic sentences...that I can handle. Then we wheeled up to the post office (farther than what she told me it would be...uphill), to purchase a SIM card for her mobile. Literally the guy at the desk had no English in his vocabulary. Keep in mind technology vocabulary was not popular in any of my University German courses...history, geography, conversational stuff...that I can get by on. We were there far longer than we anticipated but in the end we both had SIM cards for our cell phones and they even work! I actually surprised myself a little bit with what I was able to get through. I am sure the man at the post office is hoping the Canadian and the Aussie do not come back anytime soon!

Next I found myself off to the cafeteria for dinner where word was out and I was translating the dinner menu for multiple people. As much as I complained to Louise about how little I really knew, and how I did not think I would be of much help to her, turns out I am brushing up on things pretty quickly. My mom and dad would be so proud!

May 25th, 2011

Hard to believe I am here in http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nottwil Notwill , 6100 miles away from home. The trip over was good except for two things. First the sound on the movie player @ my seat was not working. So for nine hours I had to entertain myself. Can you even imagine? Second, when we landed in London and had to transfer planes to go to Zurich, I encountered an individual that really dug deep at one of my pet peeves. Wondering what it was?

Basically, she chose to talk to Yvonne and avoid making eye contact with me when it was me who was asking the question! Seriously. When we landed, I realized I had checked in online and that all my boarding passes were on my Blackberry. In order to access them I would have to turn it on and click the link to the web. I did not want to do this as the roaming charges are not on the budget for a Canadian athlete.

I needed to get a paper boarding pass. Off to the ticket/check in desk I went to speak to the lady. While handing the women my passport, I politely asked for a boarding pass. She looked at Yvonne and asked where I was flying to! No Joke. This proceeded for about 4 or five more questions until I lost it and said "you can speak to me as I am right here and it is my ticket".

Now if you are a Saturday Night Live fan, picture the Weekend Report with Amy Poehler & Seth Meyers and their segment called Really!?! I think this piece of news could make quite the skit as I am still shocked and dismayed at the way people sometimes behave.

It reminded me of a time a many years ago when I was traveling with the basketball team. We boarded a flight to some event and the flight attendant came over to me and my coach Bill, who happened to be sitting beside me, to brief us on safety. No word of a lie; she knelt down to eye level and looked directly at Bill to say "Are you the attendant for this one?" For real! "This one" Like I was some possession who could not speak for herself! There are far to many similar stories that I could go on and on, but I bet you get the point. I ask you to pause for a moment. Reflect on how this might make you feel or even how you relate/speak to people, whatever their situation might be.

January 28th, 2011

It was an early morning for me the last two days. What a difference. I certainly got used to sleeping late and racing late. When that 6am alarm went for training on Thursday morning it felt way too early. I got up and ready with a smile on my face. I was heading out for my last training session of the games. The sun was shining bright and I was looking forward to a nice morning jog at the track. As I wheeled around the track, thoughts kept scrolling through my mind about what I was about to accomplish. Peter (my coach) and I set clear goals coming into these games and he came up with a program to make sure I would be ready to be successful. He may have come up with the plan but it was my determination, strength, heart and commitment that will get the victory. Having said that we are a team...without one the other would not function. So thank you Peter for supporting the dream.

After a great relaxing day with friends and my boys I had to get to bed early to make sure that 6am alarm was easier to rise to this morning. Race day... the final 800m. All I could hope for was a solid race that went smoothly. I wanted to start out strong and fast and never look back. I have to admit there were moments in the last day or so when I thought maybe I would hang back with the other girls and make the race interesting and fun. But let's be serious...when it came down to crunch time I am just too competitive for that.

I got to start in lane five this time and then after the first corner we all change to lane one for the remainder of the race. When the gun went I went out fairly quick but cautious because the last thing I wanted to do was DQ for not staying in my lane for the first 90 m. Coming round the corner I hit a head wind that made me feel like I hit a brick wall. I dug in deep and pushed hard feeling confident that I had a big enough lead and that i just had to maintain it for the next lap and a half. At the 350 mark my coach was supposed to yell to me the distance of how far back Kerrie was. I heard him load and clear "4m, 4m". Honestly that should have been my cue to let up and make her take a pull around the track so I could conserve some energy. Instead I saw my split time on the clock (1:11) and figured I had the WC record smashed if I could keep going. It was not until the 2nd corner on the 2nd lap at 600m when I really started to tire. I slowed down. Kerrie was bumping into the back of me. I thought if she is not going to go out front and take the lead then I would at least slow down to save some energy for the final sprint. Coming out of the corner it all went downhill. I had nothing left. My arms did not want to move anymore. Kerrie pulled ahead and although I had a decent sprint to the finish it just was not enough.

I am thrilled with my outcome here at the games. Having 3 gold (and 3 World Championship records) and a silver makes me smile. I know that just 5 months ago I questioned my ability to ever be able to race again. I know that I am not in my best shape ever and that come time for London...I WILL be ready.

Thank you all for so many great emails with support and love. They really do mean the world to me. I will absolutely keep you posted on the next adventures. For now it is time to celebrate and take a few days to enjoy New Zealand.

January 26th, 2011

I know some of you reading this think I am some kind of super human force best not to mess with but the 400m had me worried. For the past 2 days I have driven myself mad with checking and double checking all the details in my race routine.

"Remind yourself, remind yourself, remind yourself." That is what I have been saying in my head since the 200m race was over. As soon as that race was done it was time to focus on the 400m. I have to keep reminding myself that I had to this point done everything I possibly could to be ready. I flew to Sydney at the beginning of December just so I could train twice a day and focus on making my comeback. What I have to keep reminding myself is that I did just have some major surgery less than 6 months ago. I have to remind myself that literally 3 months was spent in bed barely moving and that strength and stamina was lost. I need to remind myself that It is does not matter what the result will be but the performance that I have in the 400m and 800m.

It definitely did not help that my training on Tuesday afternoon was less than desirable. The warm up track is so tragic for us wheelies. It literally is like pushing on sand which really makes your body hurt and your brain question your abilities.

The big decision of the day was what kind of cookie I was going to pick up on my way to the track. I really did enjoy the triple chocolate chip but there are so many other choices I don’t want to be missing out by sticking to things that are comfortable. Our head coach Ozzie had bought a variety of them and on the way he opened the bag, let me smell them and choose my reward! I went with the double chocolate with peanuts. That was what I would work for.

I arrived at the track just after 4pm and the clouds were rolling in. I could tell it would not be long before they would open up and let it pour. I was just about to jump in my racer when it started to spit and then sprinkle. By the time i was in for my warm up the showers were coming down. That meant making changes to my gloves. When it rains I put sandpaper on my gloves to give me more grip. Once I made my modifications I thru my rain coat on and started my warmup in the pouring rain. All I could think of was "I hope I am better prepared than the rest of the girls."

Heading out to the start line I was once again in lane seven (conspiracy I ask???). By the time we headed out to the track the skies were clearing and the rain had stopped. That meant a last minute modification. Ripping off the sandpaper I had just attached! You just never know...

The start was good, the first corner was sketchy but I carried through and pushed into the 200m curve. Coming out at 300m my American competitor had quite the fan base screaming for her and I used that energy to pick up my pace and push through the finish. I crossed the line with a new Championship Record of 1:12.71 taking four seconds off the previous record! Time now to focus on the final race (800m) if I am going to achieve my "quad" of the games. Until then...stay thirsty.

January 24th, 2011

I am being inspired by the people all around me. World Records and World Championship records are falling. It is an incredible energy around the track as you watch athletes reach their goals and others let down by a tough fought race with the result they are obviously disappointed with. The surprising thing has been how many disqualifications have been going on. The officials are calling many people for lane violations that it a tad bit intimidating.

In fact in the men's T52 4x400m hthere were 8 teams in the semis vying for a spot in the final and only 3 teams did not get a DQ. Seriously, there were only 3 teams that made it to the final! Canada was one of those teams that was DQ'd but after going through the appeal process the boys are now going to the final. Phew.

As for me...I checked the start list on Sunday night before leaving the track. Honestly, my reaction was not favourable. I may have even said what the *#^*! Going in to the race with the best seed time you would think I would get one of the center lanes (where I would be quite happy) but I was given lane seven...once again my least favourite lane. Why? Simply because I like the motivation I get from seeing my competitors in front of me and then passing them.

Starting out in lane 7 does have a perk in that the curve is not as great but I am going to have to attach a side mirror or something so I can see where people are! Haha. After a few minutes of being dissatisfied I realized I was in lane 7 in Beijing; I did pretty well then (didn't I???), I could do it again. I had no control over what lane I was given so I just had to accept that was my lane. Work around what you do not control.

I did not sleep well at all last night. I really could not say what was waking me up. There were no more earth quakes to speak of. I woke up 4 times through the night, each time thinking it was truly morning until I looked at the clock and realized I had only been asleep for a couple of hours. The morning did not go much better. My stomach was flip flopping and when I tried to eat my stomach said no thank you. I spent the afternoon in bed having hot and cold bursts. I could not figure out what the problem was. By 3:15 I had to get with the program and prepare to leave for the track. Mind over matter...tell yourself you feel fabulous and you start to feel better.

There is a little cookie shop just across the square on the way to where we catch the bus to the track. Mrs Higgins Oven Fresh cookies has been a topic of conversation from many athletes and staff. Many have stopped by to purchase the mouth-watering cookies. I have refrained from checking it out but today on the way to the track I decided I needed a little extra motivation for my race because of how I was feeling. So before I hopped on the bus, I stopped by and grabbed a triple chocolate chip cookie and tucked it into my bag for after the race. I was indeed a happy camper thinking of the opportunity I would have to eat that cookie at the end of the night.

Once at the track I went through my usual rituals of preparing for the race. The sun was shining and it felt great to be outside. It appears the officials/marshalls are getting things together but I think they are going to the extreme with some of the technicalities. Whatever, they are doing their best.

After accepting and coming to terms with my lane assignment I got to the start line super excited to give it a go. I was feeling good about the weather and feeling much better than I was in the afternoon. I was focusing on the words my coach texted me earlier today. The race itself was fluid, smooth, I had great cadence and when I crossed the line I was ecstatic to see I had broke the World Record! The clock on the field read 33.49. As I did my fist pumps of joy I thought for a slight second that it was way too good to be true. That is a crazy time. Seriously, that is almost 2 full seconds to the record I hold. By the time I got through the mixed zone it was in fact in question and was later confirmed that my time was actually 37.12...still awesome as it is a World Championship record.

It was fabulous to again get to the top of the podium and sing Oh Canada...I don't think I will ever get tired of hearing the anthem...ever. I must say that cookie was delicious as well...I think I will get another before the 400m on Wednesday. G'nite.

January 22th, 2011

I have come into these games with a very clear vision and strong will to see it through to the end. I come in with the attitude that it is okay to celebrate what I have already accomplished but that I want to raise the bar a little higher each time I succeed. I don’t want to ever be complacent. I want to constantly challenge myself. A few things were on my mind last night as I prepared for the 100m race today. One of the things that was most up front and center and giving me huge inspiration was reading all the little notes that I get back from so many of you in these emails. Emails where you use words like courage, strength, determination, love, and pride. I am drawing so much positive energy from these words that I feel like I have an entire country behind me, pushing me to the finish.

The weather today was not the best. The morning started with showers and that led for a tough 5000m race for my teammate Diane Roy who finished 4th. I patiently watched the weather with hopes that the skies would clear and I would have a dry track to race on.

Since I raced late in the day it gave me the entire afternoon to prepare, relax, visualize. Basically get all my lil ducks in a row. The next row that was organized was the start line. ? The rain had stopped earlier in the afternoon so I was happy about that. Although the sky was pretty dark and I was not sure if it would hold. I was assigned to lane 3 - right between the two American girls. I had so much excitement, just wanting to get this party started. Lane 5 was given to Teruyo Tanaka the bronze medalist in the 100m from Beijing, lane 6 to the Brit and finishing off with another Japanese girl in lane 7. We were slightly delayed by a crash in the previous race (a runner and his guide fell.) I was trying hard not to focus on my time. If I executed efficiently with strong powerful strokes I knew I could get to the line in record time. A clear head at the start, focused on a solid start, quick into transition and then fluid strokes til the end.

It all came together perfectly. It may have been the best start I ever remember having. By the time I hit 30 meters I was out in front and by 50m it was clear I was going to be the first to the finish. There was a strong head wind (+1.9) which slowed the time down but in the end i could not be more happy with the performance. Everything went according to plan.

I not only claimed the first place finish but I broke the World Championship record (20.35). Raising the bar for myself and future racers.

Being the first day of competition there are always those glitches that the organizers and volunteers need to work through. I am certain by my next race all the kinks will be worked out. For instance I am looking forward to not having to wheel on the grass around the outside of the track in order to get to the start line. It was idiotic! Tomorrow I will rest and spend some time with my boys then Monday it is the 200m.

January 20th, 2011

Tremors and crazy Kiwi bus drivers...I am not sure what I am more afraid of. Coming here I was a bit excited at the fact that I might get to feel what an earthquake is like. Little did I know that I would get that opportunity several times in a day. At 6:05am this morning, 10 km deep below the earth the plates shifted and caused a 5.1 Earthquake and the continued aftershocks through the day. It definitely woke me up...no coffee needed! Everyone is safe and nothing major happened in our hotel. Apparently we lucked out and are staying in one of the safest hotels structurally. We have been briefed on emergency procedures and I trust everything will be fine.

As for the crazy bus drivers, I have learned my lesson after basically having a face plant into the lap of a French athlete. I had enough balance and ab checks (yup there is a lack of both) on the bus ride to the track that I now know to transfer into a seat and not stay in my wheelchair. The competition track itself seems quite good, fairly fast which makes me optimistic for the coming days. The warm up track however, is like pushing on a sponge. Good thing I do not have to spend too much time there.

The weather has turned cold. I actually feel like I am back in BC with the rain and cool temperatures. No shorts and tank tops here. I am actually wishing I had brought my red mittens! Currently the forecast is for 15 degrees and scattered showers on race day. Only 51 hours now until the 100m...I am feeling thirsty...eager and even hungry to get things started. Bring it on. With success sometimes a person can become complacent with the position they are in. I am focusing on every detail of my preparation to be sure I am not just going through the motions but yet I am making sure the details become a habit. After all "we are what we repeatedly do - excellence therefore is not an act but a habit" - Aristotle

January 18th, 2011

It is absolutely starting to feel like it is time...time to not only be better than my competitors but to do better than ever before. It is not the first time I have said this and I am sure it won't be the last. Today has been a day filled with meeting fascinating people with amazing stories. It really hit home today one of the reasons I love doing what I do. Not only because I am a fierce competitor but because traveling around the world has led me into the lives of fascinating people who have stories to share. In some way, I become connected to the people I meet along the way.

This morning I was waiting in the lobby of the hotel for the bus taxi that had been ordered for Mark, Kai and I to get to the airport. To my horror, a van taxi showed up and we were very sceptical that all our things plus our bodies was going to fit into this minivan. Maurice our driver, who immigrated to Sydney 40 years ago from Lebanon, proved to me a master Tetris player with incredible packing abilities. I have never seen someone pack up so quickly and efficiently into a small space! Our drive to the airport was filled with conversation about his family and friends who mean the world to him and life both in Lebanon and Sydney. Everyone has a story, stories that shape their lives and who they are. Indeed it reminded me how important my friends and family are. How grateful I am to have them. How they make me who I am.

Maurice got us to the airport in good time even with the detour around the tunnel (appears there was a car stall or something that brought cars to a snails pace - Kai was not impressed, he wanted to go through the tunnel). Upon arriving in Christchurch it was time to part ways with Mark and Kai. Barry picked Mark and Kai up (he is a friend of a friend and the boys are staying at his house the next few weeks). There was however, no one there to pick me up! Seriously the desk was set up to greet the athletes but there was no one stationed at it! The boys waited for a while as I searched around for someone until I told them to just go. I had a credit cards and cash, I would be okay.

I waited around for about 30minutes, then started looking for the phone numbers to start making calls. Just then, a woman named Jo came up and asked if I was an athlete. Yes of course I said. I was relieved to see her in her blue shirt and the IPC World Championship logo. She had no record of my arrival and had actually finished her volunteer shift about 45 minutes earlier. Jo was just popping back to see what was on the schedule for tomorrow. She had called her dad to come pick her up already and looked at the size and amount of my things - she knew it would not fit in the car with her father. Still I was not too concerned, as the rest of my team was coming in on a later flight. Worst case scenario I would wait several hours for them.

Next thing I knew, Jo called her mom and told her to come in a second car. Before I knew it, my luggage was in one car and I was in another being brought to the hotel. What lovely people! I still cannot believe this was my greeting in New Zealand. More stories and more connections...turns out Jo's mom and dad have planned a trip to BC this summer. Naturally I told them to stop by for a visit. We will catch up after the races here when we get together at their place for dinner. I had not even been in the country for an hour and I was invited for dinner at my new found friend's house! I have a good feeling about karma for this week.

January 15th, 2011

Last night we had a pre Worlds competition at the track in Sydney Olympic Park. I am confident that things are coming together for the majority of the athletes on our team. It was very exciting to watch as everyone tested things out and looked as good as they did even though they had not even recovered from their jet lag.

It was a crazy windy night at the track but in a good way. For the 100m and 200m there was a tailwind which allowed a little over speed training. I had great starts in both the 100m and 200m and finished with solid times not far from my World Records. By the time I raced the 400m I was bit knackered with not much rest time between all the races and the wind really made me dig deep to push through to the finish.

Tomorrow I will have a rest day and hang out with my boys for the last time until after the Worlds. We are going to check out the Sydney Aquarium (home to the world's largest crocodile and many sharks and stingrays) and the Wildlife Park (Kai loves the butterfly room).

There are only two days left now before we head to New Zealand and everything our team has been training for will be put into action. I can't wait.

January 11th, 2011

Moving day took up much of our time. We moved from our apartment to our friend Anita's apartment just 500m away. She has gone to Melbourne for the holidays and was so kind to offer for us to stay at her place. By the time Mark and Kai were settled in, it was time to get myself organized for my move to the hotel.

The rest of my team has started to arrive and things are certainly starting to feel a bit more energized. Many of our athletes arriving in Sydney for our pre camp are veterans having already competed in international events. It has been great to see so many of them as living out on the west coast I don't get to see them often.

January 6th, 2011

Not sure how I feel today. Sad knowing that my time here is half done or super excited as the lead up to the Worlds gets closer and closer. The past couple of days I have really been thinking a lot about the people who have been in my corner helping me follow my dreams. I continue to think about how I could possibly repay my family, friends, coaches, therapists, sponsors, organizations and even strangers who have backed me and cheered for me along the way.

In so many ways it seems impossible to do. Really...how or what could I do? Pushing around SOP I was thinking about the what if's. I think every athlete goes through this a little bit no matter what their dreams or goals are....no matter how much they believe they can reach the top of the podium. The question in the back of my mind is how will I deal with disappointment? How would I feel crossing the line having not achieved my goals? Not that this is my plan of course but I the answer is incredibly proud. Why? Simply because I believe that is how I think all those people would feel just knowing that I had put everything I possibly could into the process. So no matter what happens in the next few weeks, I will leave it all out on the track so not only I will be completely satisfied but so that I can give a little gift back to all of you.

A little gift I gave myself today after training was to spend the afternoon in the Blue Mountains which included beautiful views of the legendary three sisters and a gorgeous sunset over the mountains. I cannot believe I have been to Sydney more than 10 times and have never experienced the beauty of this rainforest. It was a relaxing afternoon with my boys and our friend Warren (who apparently says he is under contract with the government to manage the tourists - gotta keep us Canadians in line you know!). The only downside to the evening was when we ate at an 'authentic' Thai restaurant which turned out to be run by a Chinese family! Hmmmm...not quite authentic? They did claim to have homemade special sauce...

January 1st, 2011

Certainly could not ask for a more incredible start to 2011. The temperature here at 10am is already up at 28 degrees. Training in this heat is not the least bit optimal for me with my inability to sweat. Overheating will come fast in temperatures like this. It was an early rise to do some starts and 300's out at Sydney Olympic Park. I honestly think I could live here; if only I could do something about all the bugs!

Last night we took the train into Sydney to experience the fantastic crowds and extraordinary fireworks. The Harbour City Bridge in the center of Sydney was lit up in spectacular fashion. We got there with perfect timing to see the sky light up right from the waterfront at Circular Quay. Really, we had amazing view considering we did not wait outside for the entire day. Although if I ever return for another New Years down under I will make plans to be out on the water on a boat in order to have the absolute best view of the harbour bridge so I do not miss a thing.

December 30th, 2010

Have you ever head one of those days where you just wish there was a rewind button? A day where you could just say 'back up...lets have a redo'. Kind of like those nice teachers in grade school who would have a redo of a test after realizing the majority of the class just did not get the gist of what they were trying to teach. That was my day. We all have them, and I know it can and will get better...it is all about perspective. I may have said I wanted to quit racing while I was at the track today but really is that an option at this point? My frustration with my chair was getting to me and it was not a good training session because of it. I made it through 8 of my 300's before I finally said nough is enough; I am going home.

Then the icing on the cake came when I got a flat 2km from the apartment and my tire rolled off the rim...meaning I can't (well definitely shouldn't wheel home on my expensive rims). I did have a cell phone with me so I rang Mark who I thought could be my rescue pit crew and bring me a pump and spare tire. It typical fashion, his cell phone was turned off. Next call; Warren from upstairs in our apartment building. I rang him and asked if he could go downstairs and kindly ask Mark to rescue me. Even better, Warren came with his Land Rover and threw me and my chair in and whisked me home. Wow, it is nice to know some peeps around here. So grateful.

You would think that would be the end of the upsets for one day but sadly there was to be one more. I lost my wedding ring. After tearing the apartment apart and upside down looking for it, the water works came into action. Seriously, anything else want to go wrong today? Thank goodness there is always tomorrow and the option to find something to be thankful for about today. So I am thankful for my health, the ability to get up and train everyday and to have my boys here with me to share in the experience.

December 27th, 2010

I tell you between training and my Aussie social calendar...I am exhausted. Christmas Eve was a revolving door at our apartment with special visits from 4 separate groups of friends. It really made us feel like we were not alone at Christmas time that is forsure.

Wil and I ventured downtown for a little last minute shopping on Christmas Eve. Things were hustling and bustling as performers played Christmas music in the streets and many people darted about gathering their last minute things. Wil and I managed to get ourselves trapped in a parking garage for a short period of time. You see, while looking for a place to park we followed the a big P sign into a parkade. When we turned into the entrance, the door was closed so we figured it was closed for the evening. Just as we were about to back up and try for another spot, the door started to open. As another vehicle was coming out; we went naively in. Seemed like it would not be a problem. Well, after going deeper into the depths of the parkade and triggering a siren we realized we were in a private parking garage. OOPS! Of course the real dilemma was trying to get out since you needed a key card to get the doors to open. After a few minutes of waiting and Will getting out of the car to look around for a solution; another car was leaving. Wil jumped back in the car and we tail gated that guy so close just to be sure we would make it out!

We had an absolutely lovely day at the beach on Christmas Day. It did seem a bit strange to be feasting on steak, baked potatoes and salad (even though it was delicious), I missed the big turkey dinner with all the fixings. Having said that, laying on the floaty in the ocean underneath the beautiful sunshine is not something I would be willing to give up. It was nice to have the entire day free from training; able to spend it with my boys and some friends.

No rest for the wicked and it was back to the game plan on Boxing Day with morning and evening training and a few relaxing hours at the Rocks with Mark while Kai spent the afternoon playing with his friend Kea. Here we are now with New Years Eve fast approaching. Not sure I can handle the celebrations because I swear Aussies never stop. Last night our next door neighbours were grooving to Michaels Jacksons-Thriller until all hours. Mental note: I need to find out the number to call and complain when they keep me up way past my bed time. That or I need to have a discussion with them about the importance of quality sleep for an athlete.

December 22th, 2010

This morning I was looking for some inspiration for my training so I headed out towards Newington Armoury along 'Louise Sauvage Pathway'. Not only does she have a bike path named after her but she even has a ferry boat with her name plastered on the side. Perhaps I should have a few words with BC ferries?

There are an endless amount of bike trails around here that are wide, smooth and mostly flat which makes for great training. I really cannot be more thankful for to the CAN Fund for making this possible. Thanks to them and the funds I received, I know I will be ready to take on the world in 30 days.

I enjoyed taking my boys with me today. We 'biked' our way through the Baxland and along the Parramatta River walk. The sun is so hot here that we have to be careful. Although we all had 50 SPF sunscreen on, we still got a little red after 1.5 hours.

Well, we are only three days away from Christmas and the boys have left the building. While they are out ice skating (yes, apparently Mark wanted to get an ice skate in before Christmas), I will be busy wrapping presents before myevening session in the weight room! Wishing you all a happy, healthy Christmas filled with tons of joy and love.

December 20th, 2010

So, we may not have gotten him on the first night, but on the second, whilst lying in bed with the bright light of the full moon shining into the bedroom, I saw a shadow. That little bugger was up there on the wall just waiting for me to nestle into my slumber so that he could cozy into my bed again. I could not possibly survive another encounter with the cockroach crawling on me so I beckoned my trusty body guard (also known as my loving husband who could not bear for me to have another experience like the previous night). With Birkenstock in hand he climbed on a kitchen chair and swatted the creature so hard he hurt his knuckles in the process. The creepy crawly fell to the ground and literally was still prepared to scurry away! Mark followed with another swat of his shoe and the cockroach gasped its last breath. Indeed I had a restful sleep after that!

This morning I trained in Bicentennial Park which is also home to the Badu Mangroves. It is a wonderful experience to wheel along the Parramatta River trail and enjoy the largest of mangrove forests in Sydney. Like all mangrove forests in Sydney, Badu Mangroves is dominated by the Grey Mangrove (Avicennia marina). Look out for the abundant crabs and snails that occur in the mud. You may also see wading birds such as the White-faced Heron and the more secretive Mangrove Heron foraging or roosting amongst the mangroves. Small birds such as the Yellow Thornbill, Silvereye and Grey Fantail may also be seen and heard amongst the mangroves as they flit through the forest, and Golden Orb-weaving Spiders are abundant in the autumn months when they build their webs in the mangrove canopy.

With the rain we have had in the past few days I have to admit that it did smell a bit funky down there...but what can you expect from an area that was previously a toxic waste dump. The area is one of Australias largest urban renewal projects. For more history on the area click here.

December 19th, 2010

Road trips and Cockroaches...Sounds interesting doesn't it? Well the road trip was great. Louise, Ang and I loaded up the station wagon from NSW wheelchair sports with 3 day chairs, 2 race chairs (that includes 10 wheels), our bags and us. There was even room for more! I apologize to Louise for ever doubting her packing ability. The girls had great fun trying to guess what I was knitting along the way...some pretty obscure ideas but after 3 hours I had to finally clue them in. Perhaps they were somewhat disappointed to learn it was a dishcloth and not a bikini.

The weather at the track in Canberra was sunny but windy. Although it was a sanctioned event we racers had concerns of whether our times would qualify since there was such a strong tail wind. The 100m was a good race for me but the wind gauge was not working so the time won't count for anything. No worries, Louise was on it and had some words with the organizers to get the wind guage fixed. In the end, all my races (100m, 200m, 400m) posted respectable times. I could not be more satisfied only being 3 months post surgery.

It was past midnight by the time we got home. We had some good laughs along the way and I hope to have the opportunity to road trip with Ang and Louise again one day.

As for the coackroaches....hmmmm...lets me just start by saying eeeewwwwww. This morning I woke up to a little tickle on my neck. My immediate reaction was to flick whatever was there away because my first thought was a deadly Aussie spider. Mark and Kai just happened to be walking into the room at that moment seeing me sqwirm and watching a two inch coackroach scurry across the bed and into hiding. I am not sure I am going to be able to sleep tonight or the next night or the next night. I still feel like I have something crawling on me. All the lights are on and they will reamin on (cockroaches don't like light). It was brown in colour. It was very similar in appearance to the American cockroach and could be mistaken for it easily. However, it is slightly smaller than the American cockroach, has a yellow margin on the thorax, and yellow streaks at its sides near the wing base. The insect can travel quickly, often darting out of sight when someone enters a room, (as it did in my case) and can fit into small cracks and under doors despite its fairly large size. It is known to be very mobile; it also has wings which allow it to be quite a capable flier. I have to run...Mark and I are going to rip the entire room apart now. Doubt we will find it but I am certainly going to try.

December 12th, 2010

I have been all over the place the last few weeks (Winnipeg, Japan, Peace River, Vancouver) and now, finally, I am back in Sydney, where I feel at home. I have been training hard, enjoying the sun and having a few good times along the way.

The best part about it is having my racer fully functional! Thanks Rob for the last minute tune up before I headed out. It is going to take me to the top in the next few months. It is so awesome to not have mechanical difficulties to worry about.

The mechanical difficulties appear to be at the apartment we have rented. The stove wouldn't light, we are working with one air conditioner, and lots of the necessity items that were supposed to be here seemed to be missing. Alas, the managment company has been on top of things and doing their best to fix everything up. Either way, I am content to just be training outside! Louise Sauvage (Paralympic super star) and Angie Ballard have been great to help me out with track access at Sydney Olympic Park and access to the weight room at the sport institute. Wil from Wheelchair sports has been super awesome at getting us around and setting us up with a cell phone (not to mention playing with Kai). There are so many people contributing to my goal of a podium finish in New Zealand. I am so grateful to all the people who have been helping out since we arrived in Sydney and back at home.

November 26th, 2010

Oita, Japan is one of my favourite places in the world. Not sure if it is the people, the scenery, the food or traditions...Mark tells me it is because it is so clean. Either way I was thrilled to be getting on the plane with a clear goal in my mind. So many people were shocked at the idea that I was going to Japan to race in a marathon so soon after my surgery. I down played it as much as I could (I was just going to go for a jog) but I knew in my mind that I was going to give it everything I had on race day. Anyone who knows me will say that I always finish what I start. I also knew Clayton would be with me to guide me.

It was so wonderful to reconnect with old friends in Oita and have a chance to see where my body would allow me to go. It was not until the night before the race when it really started to sink in how far 42.2km was and that I was only 10 weeks post surgery. Would I be able to do it...was it possible? Would I be hurting myself more? What to do...

All you can really do is try and see where the road takes you. For me it was up a hill and a left at the KFC, past hundreds of cheering spectators and carry on kilometre after kilometre. I considered for a split second at the half marathon turn to head to the end but then there was a voice in my head that said 'you gotta keep going, you can do it!' so I made the left hand turn and kept going. The hardest part was the last 10km, muscle cramps and fatigue had definetely set in. Seriously, who does a marathon with 5 weeks of training? What was I thinking? Of course I was thinking I could do anything I set my mind to...and that is what I did. When I entered the stadium for my final lap I was not only exhausted but emotionally drained for everything I had conjured up to push the 42.2km. I already know right now that I will go back next year to prove to myself I can do better!

September 30, 2010

Look at me know! It seems like this year had been far more enriching than I care to repeat. Life lessons are constantly being taught through the circumstance we find ourselves in. It started out back in June with a trip to Florida (USA) and Arbon (Switzerland) to compete in both countries national championships. Training had been going incredibly well up until 10 days before leaving when I may have over exerted myself with some lovely spring yard work; who knew enjoying the sunshine would set me on track for a very long summer. Sometimes I forget that I am a quadriplegic and perhaps there are jobs better left to others.

Anyway, I decided to ignore the pain and symptoms I was having because I was on a mission to set 3 World records in one day. Arbon is known to be one of the fastest tracks out there and if the weather would cooperate with me I felt something spectacular could happen!

Fast forward through all the bad stuff because who want to hear about pain and discomfort anyway? I set out on June 24th to accomplish my goal and the night started out fabulous. I raced the 100m and 200m first setting new World Records in both (100m = 19.52 and 200m = 35.82). Shortly after the 200m I was greeted with my favourite peeps who like to check my pee out for banned substances. I quickly filled out their forms and followed procedure before I had to jump back in my racer to try for the 3rd WR. This is the one I have been working for. The one I am craving to have. Over the past few years I have been getting closer and closer but I knew the universe would have to be on my side and provide me with perfect conditions for it to happen. Good weather, fast track, no mechanical difficulties, perfect health. Perfect health...I guess that was the glitch for me that night. I crossed the finish line in a time of 1:08. Only 700ths of a second off the WR. So close that even the announcer stated that I had broken another World Record. So you can imagine my excitement and enthusiasm when I thought I had done it to only have my bubble popped 30 minutes later.

Alas, the effort I put in that night put my body over the edge. I flew home the next day and went straight to Vancouver General for an MRI. Let me not bore anyone with details but I spent July on August on bed rest (which occasionally took place on the patio out back; always find the positive in a situation; at least I could work on my tan).

Finally August 27th I had surgery to repair the CSF leak in my spine. Rest for four more weeks and then start moderate activities and finally back in my racer where I belong. The plan of action...already in place! Yes, this pursuit of sport excellence has ultimately led to some very difficult times and some dark days, but as I sit and think of it all, of the struggle and the bliss, yes it is definitely no questions asked...worth it. And what really makes it worthwhile is knowing that perhaps I can give a sense of this inspiration back to others.

March 26, 2010

I realize that it has been a while since I wrote last. Incredible how fast the time has gone. I have had weeks of fun filled adventures including carrying the Paralympic torch, opening ceremonies, sledge hockey games, dinner with Prince Edward (our second date), a weekend in Whistler and being the last person to Zipline over Robson square! Check out some photos in the gallery.

In all the excitement and travel I may have forgotten my passport at home on my way to Florida for training camp. After several hours stuck in customs, I missed my flight and had to stay the night in Vancouver. I was so lucky that my friends son was getting on a plane to Kelowna that stopped in Vancouver so that he could bring me my passport so I was only held up a day. What an ordeal. I know I will never ever forget my passport again!

Arriving to camp I have to say I was a tad exhausted but no rest for the wicked. We train twice a day with one on one sessions in the afternoon and seminars in the evenings after dinner. I thought I would catch up on some sleep here but it appears I was mistaken.

We are staying in a great location with access to track, trail and gym facilities. We have 31 athletes here with a team of support including coaches, physio/athletic trainers, nutritionists, biomechanics. We’re training at the National Sport Institute in Orlando where Tyson Gay and several other elite athletes from around the world train throughout the winter season. Saturday morning we will have an inter-squad competition.

February 26, 2010

So I got to take a break from being glued to my TV to head over to the mainland to see the Canadian women play hockey in the Gold medal game against USA. As a guest of Premier Gordon Campbell I cheered louder than I thought I could with Olympic icon Silken Laumann and her son Will, Veronika Bauer (freestyle aerialist) and Peter the husband of Clara Hughes (Clara could not make it as the aftermath of winning an Olympic medal is a media frenzy!)

I felt so proud when the final buzzer went and the girls took to the ice in celebration that I live in a country that offers so many opportunities for women in sport. Back in my childhood years there was no hockey for girls (I played ringette) and now little girls across Canada are inspired watching and wanting to be the next Hayley Wickenheiser or Cassie Campbell. I am so thrilled that these young girls have found a passion for the sport and that the Olympics gives them a place to shine.

Not sure it was a highlight of the night but it was memorable as in the excitement of the women winning Kai was frantically waving his cow bell when the handle came loose from the bell and it went sailing clear across the room and hit Silken's son Will square in the nose. Silence. Wait for the response. Tears filled his eyes from the undeniable pain and the blood starts to flow. After a short recovery period the boys are back at a fierce game of tag.

On our way out of the arena headed to the Terminal City Club for a reception hosted by the Young Presidents' Organization with Premier Campbell we run into none other than the mayor of Missasagua Ontario Hazel McCallion. At the age of 89 she is the longest standing and perhaps most well known mayor in Canada. Google her and you will see the amazing things this "hurricane" has done in her life!

Off to the Terminal City Club where silver medalist Mike Robertson and oodles of other Olympic athletes are mingling with some of the Olympic supporters! These games have brought on some amazing firsts for Canada including the cross country skiers making history with 4 of them in the top 20! There have been a multitude of priceless moments with still more to come in the next 2 days before we extinguish the flame.

All these social gatherings are exhausting and I am thinking I should hit the sack so I can rest up before the next fabulous outing. ~Mikey