"Running helped me lose another 30 pounds [after an initial 60 pounds] but more importantly it helped me find myself. I have become a stronger more confident person, I believe I had both attributes before running, it just helped to bring them out even more." " And when Sophie gets angry - really, really, angry...she runs! She runs and runs and runs until she can't run anymore. Then, for a little while, she cries. Now she sees the rocks, the trees and ferns. She hears a bird. She comes to the old beech tree. She climbs. She feels the breeze blow her hair. She watches the water and the waves. The wide wold comforts her." "I know God gave me this body with more potential than I have ever imagined and I aim to test that potential out in every way." "When I train at home or the gym, I don't look in the mirrors - I focus on my work. When I start to think "is that person talking about me or laughing at me?" (yes, I think that all the time) - I mentally snap out of it and shake it off and FOCUS ON THE ACTIVITY. I move as if I am the only one in the gym." "Admittedly, not every day is a great day. When I need to lift my spirits, I get onto my canary-yellow hand cycle, which is powered by my arms instead of my legs. It gives me back the exhilarating sense of freedom that I used to get from running. The thick runner tires glide over dirt and curves, so I don't have to pay attention to every little bump as I do win my wheelchair. In it, I can go almost wherever I want. I feel liberated. I'm alive." 2014 - “The Canadian” Ironman "I trail run outside almost everyday. Often, I leave home worried with unanswered questions, timing issues, contractual difficulties, scheduling challenges. Every single time, within five minutes, these are gone - evaporated. The brain has switched off, hypnotized by the regular rhythm of my running shoes on the trail's dirt and the inhale-exhale cycles. Focused on avoiding the roots and rocks and water, I let go and become creative. The funny thing is that when I get back home, these worries are usually gone for good. Lost on a Gatineau Park dirt trail, somewhere..." "Moving brings me closer to how I am, to who I am supposed to be. For me, running is freedom, aspiration, and opportunity in one." "Usually I go for walks and start telling myself the story. I'm imagining and ordering the story, both at once. As I tell it, I get more and more familiar with it. Then, when I sit down to write, it's almost like taking dictation." "If I ever get in a bad mood, I look at my peers with their oxygen bags, put on skates and smile." |
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