This will be my 4th Blue Nose 5 km, but this year it’s a whole new ball game for me. When I entered the Team Myles contest back in February, one of my goals was to add some running to my 5 km walk, therefore improving my time again this year. It’s been a struggle but it’s also been a fantastic experience.
The mentoring part of Team Myles has been my saving grace. I know in the beginning, various mentors (Jeff and Colin) helped me along, coaching me as I went from running to walking to running and so on.” Just run to the next light pole.” “Run to the park bench.” Early on I read, with great interest, one of Paige’s blogs about her experience with Deborah, mentoring her along. I knew then that I needed her help and she has willingly has given it to me.
Deborah and I have had the opportunity to go on a couple of runs in the past week. The first one was in the Chester area through the trials in the rain and drizzle. The one thing I remember is Deborah telling me the finish was just around the corner. Right! How many times did she say “Just around the corner.” I smile now when I think about her strategies to get me to run. She even took my hand the last few steps and dragged me to the finish.
Tuesday night we did the 5 km route in preparation for the upcoming Blue Nose weekend and my event on Saturday afternoon. Deborah worked with me on proper posture, breathing, arm placement and stride with lots of other advice as we went along, 3 minutes of running and 30 second walks with a few stretch breaks. I know most everyone else is running nonstop now, but for me this was a personal accomplishment. I was winded and tired the next day, but feeling good at the same time.
As I have been struggling with shortness of breath while running, I have a stress test booked the day before the big event, so am hoping it comes out in a positive way.
To all my fellow team mates, I wish you good luck as the Blue Nose weekend fast approaches. Thank you to coaches Devin Sherrington @360fit and Jason Davis for all your patience and guidance. A big shout out to all the sponsors and the swag we received along the way
- @AdultsEssentials vitamins that have become a part of my daily routine,
- @rechargewithMilk and all the great chocolate milk,
- Paul Mackinen @LifeMarkCentric for the new walk (foot assessment and orthotics0
- Luke @AerobicsFirst for the guidance and fitting of my New Balance shoes
- Sue Newhook at the Blue Nose office for keeping track of us all and the great mint green shirts (I love my shirt)
- Lisa Ollie for getting us on the blogging and twitter trail
- @360fit for allowing us to descend upon you during our rainy Tuesday night and any other time we wanted to visit
- @BreathingSpaceYoga for offering your services to team members
- Michelle MacLean for her nutrition consulation
- Myles, himself for high fiving me up and down Citadel Hill
- Tanya for all the great photos posted throughout the past few months
- Paige and Deborah for your constant encouragement along the way along with all the other team members who I have interacted with.
Look for Team Myles at the World Trace & Convention Centre next Friday night was we help with registration for @BNMarathon…It’s going to be great…
