“You’re running a marathon for your birthday? [laughter] That sounds like the opposite of celebrating!”
Runners get it. Even the runners who say they’d never do it do understand it, at least.
When I signed up, I even laughed at myself a little. Halfway through training, I said to Steve, “This seems like a good plan now, but that morning, I might wake up and whine that I want my traditional birthday-waffle breakfast!” He just smiled, but I think that might have been because he was just happy he would be going out for breakfast on my birthday instead of having to make me waffles.
I am not one to make a big deal about my birthday – beyond the waffles, that is. I usually have a nice dinner with my parents, maybe see a couple of friends, and that’s about it. So it’s not like I was foregoing any major festivities (except the waffles!) – in fact, I think commandeering a race with more than 4,000 runners as my party was the best idea ever – someone else supplies the sports drink and cleans up the mess!
Seriously though, running is probably the single most life-affirming activity I can think of. How do I even describe it? When I am running, I feel strong, powerful and brave – yet tired, and even weak. I beg to differ when my brain tries to tell me my body is tired and maybe even hurt – I tell it, “Your argument is invalid! I know that I am fine!” even as I wonder if it is true and question my own sanity. Yet somewhere, deep down on some primal level, I am relish those feelings of defying my brain, of feeling weak but pressing on anyway, or feeling strong and wondering just how strong I can be. Or both! And as my heart pounds and my ears pop and my lungs try to glean every possible oxygen molecule from the air that I suck in, I know, with every fibre of my being, that I am alive.
Then crossing the finish line in victory – well, there’s just no other feeling like it. I can’t think of a more appropriate way to kick off another lap around the sun than celebrating every ounce of that feeling.
Don’t get me wrong – just because I am serious about it doesn’t mean I take it too seriously. After all, I did run the race dressed as Supergirl. I also let myself order the weird combination of foods I was craving for supper afterwards, despite the odd looks from the server, because really, that’s the other reason to run a marathon on your birthday, isn’t it?
When I was about six months pregnant with first child, my husband and I took one of those baby prep courses through our health region. We learned about the different types of pain relief during labour and how to bathe a newborn. If there was any justice in the world, all expectant parents would also be given ninja training, specializing in the fine art of getting in and out of an area quickly and undetected.
Today I went out for a run and my feet looked like this:
I have about three baskets of clean but unfolded laundry in various rooms of the house right now (three might be a bit of an underestimation as all are piled so high they are on the verge of tipping over and burying the dog and any other small creature, such as an unsuspecting toddler, in a colossal avalanche of sleepers, cotton thongs and Spiderman pajamas). The compulsion to run struck mid-afternoon. Given my recent bout of indifference, I had to act on the urge immediately or risk losing it to the temptation of a glass of sparkling Pinot Grigio chilling in the fridge. Both kids were down for a nap. An awesome time to feel a flash of motivation. A not so awesome time for my infant son to be napping in my room, roughly a foot away from my little stack of running clothes. An even worse time to discover I could only find one running sock in that pile.
I tiptoed around the room, searching the dirty laundry, trying to make as little noise as possible and well aware I was losing valuable time with each passing minute. I knew there was one clean (unmatched), non-cotton sock in my drawer. I had the choice to take it and (stealthily) escape from the room or keep looking in vain for something only I or a What Not to Wear host would even notice.
My entire existence feels like a constant balance between such choices. I’m typically not the kind of person who would skip a run because their socks don’t match no matter how good the wine is. However some days, the decision whether or not to exercise means compromising or shifting other less superficial priorities. Can I run errands in the evening, in my tights, without a shower? Do I have time to set the stove to simmer, dash out a quick 5k and get home in time to eat dinner with my family or do I wait until after dark, when the kids are winding down for the night instead? Deodorant, thank God for deodorant. And pretty headbands and hair accessories to throw into a windblown “run bun” that end up looking like the intentionally messy style A-listers rock on the red carpet. But what about that wine? Sitting on the couch and enjoying some peace and quiet is such a rare opportunity. Am I really going to toss it out the window for day-old socks, a pool of sweat in my cleavage and tight quads my three-year old will repeatedly bounce up –and-down on in a few short hours (because really, what is a mere seven kilometres when faced with her own personal mom-sized mechanical bull).
In short, yes. Yes to the stink and the sweat and the bad hair and the wildly inappropriate tight tights in public (an elderly man verbally appreciated my shape while I was waiting in line to pay for coffee cream. True story). Because there will come a time in approximately 48 hours when I’ll be faced with the same decision and I’ll choose the couch, the carefully-yet-quickly flat-ironed hair instead and the chance to doze off in front of a PVRed episode of Modern Family. I jump on the opportunities when they arise and I don’t actually manage to talk myself out of them. The wine will still be there when I get home. Hopefully so will the kids. And the endorphins may, just may, inspire me to fold some clean clothes so next time I can run in perfectly matched socks.
This summer I discovered the joy of trail running.
You have to understand, this was the first time I have ever ran on trails. I live in Niagara and have access to some of the most beautiful trail out there.
On top of the beauty, these trails include some killer hills as I live halfway up the Niagara escarpment. Sadly, I have only come upon this discovery quite recently. I was oblivious to this treasure trove of running joy that is literally in my own backyard.
But discover it I did. And I had to share the love.
How can you not enjoy running when you are looking at this!
I’m inspired and motivated each time I step onto the trail. I got hooked in the summer, but in the fall the trails are even more beautiful. How have I missed this in my running adventures for so long?
Next to puppeteers, runners are probably the next most obsessed population when it comes to being fascinated with socks.
Running socks come in all shapes and sizes. Single layer, dual layer, wicking, non-wicking, toe socks, anti-microbial…some even have a silver lining in them (nothing to do with running on clouds) but to help with odor control.
Selecting the correct sock for you is as important to your running success as your shoes and your training, and yet sometimes socks are the most neglected part of your running gear.
Unfortunately, the only way to find the right sock for you is to experiment, and it’s going to be an expensive experiment as most quality running socks range between $9.00 and $16.00 per pair. Your local running store and other runners are a great resource. Don’t be afraid to ask another runner what socks they run in and why they like them.
Once you find a pair of socks you like, stick with them…buy multiple pairs for the season. Having said that, you need to keep in mind that over the years your feet do change, so it’s normal to continue the experiment to keep your feet happy.
Make sure your socks fit properly, socks that bunch at the heal or are too large will cause blisters, and sock that are too tight will also cause blisters , some will even cut off circulation to your toes. You need to be able to wiggle your toes to keep your calf muscles relaxed during a run.
Personally, I have gone from running in dual layer to single layer padded for winter, and single layer thins for summer temperatures.
Here are some tips to keeping your socks in peak running condition…
Now, you’re going to think I’m crazy, ( technically the jury’s still out ), but I keep my socks in pairs, and have multiple pairs of the same sock…so the first thing I do is mark each pair with a permanent marker to keep the pairs exclusive. I use a different colour or pattern for each pair so when 10 pairs of identical socks come out of the dryer I know what sock goes with what sock. This keeps the pairs wearing evenly.
Never run in a pair of socks fresh out of the package without first washing them in a mild soap and cold water. You never know what might be lurking in the fabric waiting to surprise you a few km into your run.
Do not iron your socks or put them in the dryer…hang them to dry. If you must use the dryer, use the lowest setting… heat is the enemy here, it will break down the elastic in the socks, drastically shortening the life of the sock.
Keep your toenails trimmed “ya freak”, the last thing you want to do is ruin a brand new pair of socks by putting holes in the toes with your ultra-sharp / ultra-long toenails.
Inspect your socks for pilling, damage, or excessive wear. I usually will get about 6 months out of a pair of good quality socks. Don’t be afraid to make the call when the socks are no longer comfortable or suitable for running…the beauty here is that most sock relegated to “non-running status” still have a long useful life as your “everyday socks”.
Finally, you get what you pay for. I know socks are expensive, but they are the layer of comfort and protection your feet need to make it through your long runs. Don’t cheap out on your socks…your feet will thank you.
Saturday morning, 8:45 AM. I’m lost in the details of tying my shoe perfectly before the race starts. Not too tight, but just right. Every intricacy is a need to keep the mental stability leading into a race. It’s like pressure of being the quarterback, the starting pitcher, or goalie. Initially we build these basic regularities and they grow to be the norm of every race. To prepare ourselves for, what in minutes, will hopefully be the best that we can be and the release of all that building energy and antipation!
This morning I was certain I was ready. That nervousness and exuberant energy was absolute. Lately a good race for me represents an erratic stomach on the morning of the event. It’s a horrible feeling and from what I can discern, it’s completely related to nerves. This morning I was nervous! My hometown race: my sanctuary. Since the moment Stittsville got the race, 9 Run Run (2010), I have been proud to run the 1/2 marathon and race where I have spent so much time running/training. The course is filled with great views of fall colours. When you’re running the course you can capture the feeling of peacefulness and solidarity that you can’t get in a lot of races. Though as visual as it is, the course has many challenges that make it a worthy adversary.
I toe up to the front of the start line just before the countdown begins. My hand to my watch I’m ready to go. “3,2,1!” And I’m off, I feel exhilarated with every step. I’m leading when a young lad jumps to the front. He must be hitting 3:20/KM. My plan is to maintain 3:30/KM for two kilometers and see what happens. We veer left onto Main Street. I have a goal: top 3 in my hometown race, this is my mantra!
I check my watch, right on pace. We’re about a kilometer in when the young lad who was leading falls off. As that happens, an older runner passes me to take first. He seems experienced and has a strong pace. I don’t want to get over zealous and my pace was right on schedule, so I tuck behind him thinking that I can let him take some of the wind. Shortly after that we take a right onto Flewellyn Rd. We’ve arrived at the stretch of the race that goes on for what seems an eternity and the headwind actually feels stronger heading this direction. We’re keeping pace at about 3:50 and I’m quite comfortable, here at 4KM deep, that this is the leading pace. It didn’t take long for me to learn that the pace would have to be faster to keep my spot, as a tall dude passes both me and the leader going what seemed like 10 seconds faster per kilometer. We’re about 6 or 7KM in at this point. It only took this runner a few minutes to gain a good distance on us, he was wheeling!
I decided that it was time to change plans. I still felt good, and even fighting a strong headwind, I was able to grit a concerted effort pace that had me aiming to catch up to the leader. By the time I had reached the 10KM marker, I had another guy pass me, I was starting to cramp up in my lung at this point. I had run the Scotiabank Toronto Half Marathon the weekend previous. In Toronto I had a major side stitch. I got advice from Zone 3 coach Rick Hellard during the race, he said “Exhale more, it will help” I remembered this and immediately started to change my breathing. Fortunately I was able to keep the cramp away for the rest of the race. (“Thanks Rick, you rule!”) I was still starting to feel the effects of the wind and hills, it was slowly grinding me down. We hit the fifth long hill. Not steep, but long. This is when my mantra really had to carry me through the rest of the race. My body ached to be finished.
11KM: we’re on our way back towards the start line, following the Trans Canada Trail from Jinkinson Rd. Now I know the hills are pretty much done, and that I’ll have a tailwind heading back. I’m maintaining focus on the 2 guys in front of me, I’m consumed with trying to catch up to them. I figure doing my best will keep me far enough ahead of those behind me. The down grade feels great and I’m able to pick my pace to 3:30-3:45. I’m picturing the finish line, and that soon enough all of this pain can end. 15KM, then 16KM, then 17KM… I’m getting stronger as we go and slowly creating less space between me and the 2nd place runner. By 18KM I’ve sold myself on the idea of possibly catching him. I never caught him, though this was nice motivation to get me to the finish line!
I exit the Trans Canada path and back onto the street where the race started with about 800 meters to go. I see the 2nd place guy just ahead and give it my everything to catch up to him. So close! But I am ecstatic at my result from 11th place the two previous years, to finally accomplishing 3rd. You’ve got to love when absolutely everything falls into place and goes like you planned. The game plan perfectly executed. I usually start off with a base plan and go from there. I come out fast, I evaluate when I may need to make up time because of hills, and that last 6KM is my time to shine. It’s all out, excruciating mental anguish, but it’s what I love about racing I guess. I like the last 6KM to empty the tank and to reaffirm to myself when it’s all over, that I left it all out there. The best part from this race is that it’s without self criticism, I’m just excited to get better and improve. I’m excited for what’s next!
It seems that the autumn means relays and cross country races – all fun in my book! One of my favourite relays is the Banff Ekiden, a 5-person, 42 km km, mountain adventure in Banff, Alberta. I organized it for a couple years before I got a “real” job and have always enjoyed running in it. Relays are fun because they’re a combination of team spirit and individual performance.
This year I ran the Whistler 50 (mile) relay on the same team as last year: just a casual group of pretty amazing runners from the Vancouver/Victoria area. We call ourselves Team BAC: Bad… and Casual to illustrate our participation in the sport. We’re pretty casual as we do it for fun but a few of the people on the team are pretty amazing runners to boot… all with the right attitude for fun and fitness!
The Whistler 50 is a pretty great relay, too, as it is run on a 20 km loop. There are 8 legs: four loops split into a 13 km segment and a 7 km segment. It’s a great course for cheering and easy to get between the two exchange zones. The event started at 8:00 am this year… in the snow! It snowed throughout the day and just barely abated by the time I started my leg (8th and final). Bad weather seems to unite the team even more as we all suffer together… right?
At the end of Leg 4 we were already holding steady in 3rd place overall and 1st place in the women’s field. We had a men’s team pass us on leg 5 so we were briefly bumped back into 4th place overall, but our leg 7 runner threw down pretty hard and brought us back into 3rd place. I had a pretty fun run home and maintained our position.
If you get a chance to go to Whistler for this event, I highly recommend it. It’s slow season in Whistler so accommodations are reasonable (go for the weekend) and all of the restaurants seem to have great discounts. The weather is normally decent at this time in October, so don’t be scared by the snow. I’m sure it was an anomaly for this year… and it was fun anyway! There is also a great post-race party with a bar and dancing hosted by the organizing committee that is simply not to be missed!
If you don’t get enough racing in the Whistler 50, you can also check out the “Lumpy’s Classic” trail running race in Pemberton the next day. The winner of the 12 km event gets a bag of Pemberton potatoes and the finish line snacks include home-baked banana bread and cookies! Not to mention the registration fee is less than $20 and can be paid in cash at the start line.
Get out there and enjoy the last little bit of running season!
***
Born in Nova Scotia and emigrating to British Columbia via Ontario and Alberta, Magi has been running the entire way. Primarily defined as a cross country ski racer, Magi has competed nationally and internationally in that sport. The highlight of her career was competing in the World University Games and the World Cup races in Canada in 2007. Cross country skiers rely heavily on running for cross training and Magi has become an accomplished trail and mountain runner, representing Canada at the World Mountain Running Championships in 2005 and the winning numerous national championships medals.
Today Magi runs for fun… and it’s a lot of fun! Epic mountain runs, city cruises with friends, and more keep her happy and occupied outside of work and school.
Ok, so bla, bla, bla, and yada yada, yada, … and then the STWM was over… so what was the big deal ? Well, aside from this being my 27th marathon, and according to an un-named friend…(let’s just call her EJ for short) I set a PB of 4:36:42 as was so aptly pointed out to me by her that technically, this was the fastest I have run this distance in my new age category…so technically, … it’s a PB…technically…
All in all I had a great race…but I have to say that after about marathon number 16 this distance kind of starts be a bit “old comfortable shoe” kind of boring.
Don’t get me wrong, STWM organized a great race, the course was awesome. I liked the changes to the course… up to Bloor Street and across to Bathurst Street then South to the Lakeshore…as well as the extended run through The Beaches. The volunteers were simply the best, and without them this race wouldn’t have been possible. Mother Nature was kind to us and the weather held. Fan support was incredible…except between the lonely stretch around 20km through to 23km…or maybe it was just me “being in the zone.”
You see, I had a lot on my mind in the days leading up to this race, so … if you dare… and if I may reference a line from the great Canadian singer / songwriter Gordon Lightfoot… “IF YOU COULD READ MY MIND, WHAT A TALE MY THOUGHTS COULD TELL”… please feel free to read on.
WARNING: THE FOLLOWING ARE EXCERPTS OF THE AUTHOR’S THOUGHTS LEADING UP TO, DURING AND AFTER THE STWM…READER DISCRETION IS STRONGLY ADVISED !!!
Wednesday:
…hmmm, weather doesn’t look too promising … are you kidding me, does that say 40km/hr winds and rain…ok, you’re prepared for this distance, you’re injury free, your new shoes feel good, this is no big deal…but I’ve just changed shoe brands, and have never run this far in these…RELAX…last taper run…light 5k…shoes are fine…
Thursday:
…looked at the weather again… PANIC…now it’s saying 50km/hr winds and rain…I really hate running in rain and wind…whose idea was it to run this damn race…oh, mine…am I a moron or what…calm down…what to wear on race day…warm and dry…ya, with my luck maybe a snowsuit…hate you Mother Nature…
Friday:
…ok, the plan is to run the first 10k with my buddy Jay, I know he’s injured, but I am going to take him through this whole race if I have to…it’s his second race…boy he’s being smart about what might happen… good plan… my friend Kelly is running her first race on her birthday, nice…she will do just fine…got to pick up race kits…
Saturday:
…did I forget to get some gels for the race…hope the running store is open this late…great…I am out of Vector…and it’s Saturday night… I know this is a small town and all, but how can BOTH GROCERY STORES BE SOLD OUT OF VECTOR…PANIC 2.0…ok, stomach…it’s Mini Wheats or bust…chip on the shoe, bib on the shirt, right side up this time… bandages for the nipples, … one last weather check…ok…only 35 km/hr winds…but still going to rain…GARMIN IN CHARGE MODE / BODY GLIDE ON STAND BY …must send out emails to Paula, Catherine, Kelly and Jay… don’t forget to set the alarm and wake up to it this time…
Sunday Morning… Pre Race Ritual:
…alarm sounded…feed the cats…shower…hope Jay’s up… mustn’t forget to pick him up …did I gas up the car…dare I check the weather…uh oh…still 30km winds and rain…gonna be a wet race…happy wet birthday race Kelly…breakfast and a small coffee…damn…how is it that there’s no Vector in this town…don’t they know it’s race day …eat the Mini Wheats…shower…check weather again… get rid of breakfast…ok… don’t skimp on the Body Glide this time…band aids on the nipples… get dressed…check the weather…PANIC 3.0…do I wear a long sleeve and no shell or a short sleeve and a shell or a short sleeve and a throw away shell…take it all and decide when you get to the city…pick up Jay…TIMMIES…but just a small one…
Waiting in the lobby of a hotel near the start line:
…lots of runners here…we should have stayed here …it’s so near to the start line… wonder how much it costs…where’s the washroom… awesome chat with the locals…wow, just met a 66 year-old man and his wife running 100th marathon and from SWEDEN; good on you and welcome to CANADA, at least it’s not snowing…hope I am still running years from now…lots of first timers too… still raining…
Start line…Corrals:
…hey, it stopped raining… wow… this just might blow over… why can’t I get a signal for my Garmin… oh, step into the middle of the street moron…you’re under a cement canopy… don’t start off too fast…stick with Jay…go at his pace… where’s the wind…thank you Mother Nature… now I know what it’s like to feel like cattle…wow, crowded in here…looking for good friends Paula and Catherine running the half, and Kelly running her first marathon on her birthday no less…hope they do well…you can’t find anyone in this orgy of runners… you know I can’t read my Garmin without my glasses…maybe I should look into that laser surgery thing…when is the start…oh…there it is… and we’re off…and we stop…and we walk…and we stop…oh…this is normal…I can’t even see the start line yet…no rain…no wind…wish everyone luck and a good race…did I use enough Body Glide…finally we’re running… took them long enough…
Start-10k
…ok legs feels good… all systems check… getting warm…no, getting really warm…wow this might be a great day for a race after all…keep the shell…lose the shell…keep the shell…damn… Jay looks ok… no pain so far…SLOW DOWN…it’s only the first 2km…check pace…toss the shell…grab a drink… course is nice but still no room to run…course support is good…hey is that guy using a thermal coffee mug as a cow bell…cool idea… how is it you gotta pee this early in the race buddy…frantically looking for port-o-let…look at the line up… frantically looking for private area to pee…wait for Jay, how much did you drink man…feeling better Mr. Drink Too Much… 6k marker…watch says we’ve done a bit more than 6k…volunteers are awesome…sign reads “ran like you stole something else”…hehe…legs good, Jay is good…all is good…hope Kelly is doing ok…speak of the devil…there she is… Happy Birthday small talk, introduce Jay…keep running… take back what I said earlier about hate and Mother Nature…
10k-20k
… running strong, no wind, no rain, no pain….wow these shoes are really awesome… great…now I have to pee… looking…looking… looking…still looking… found a spot … go ahead buddy, I’ll catch up…honest…running again…feeling really good… was that the 14k marker…wow, band sounds good… lots of fun… what are you doing trying to cross the course, runners only please … pet peeve number one… splitting from the half marathon runners…miss you guys, see you later… good luck, you can do it…ya, lucky for them their race ends in about 10 min…my race is just starting…camera guy… smile… wonder how many of them I have missed… I am so lonely … good luck half marathoners… good friends Paula and Catherine are on their way to an awesome half-marathon finish, you go girls…
20k-35k
…where’s Jay, where’s Kelly, see them both on the out and backs… encourage them both… see lots of amazing runners…running great … no pain… weather is good… crowds are good…is that the sun, wow…I just PB’s my 30k…photo op ahead…run right at him and SMILE…back to the zone…Beaches already… there’s Jay, running strong, injury my ass, he’s just behind the 4:25:00 bunny…Kelly is about 8 min behind me… hey was that guy barefoot…you’re a better runner than I am…ouch… new best sign reads…”failures never start, quitters never win, winners never quit”…ah the wisdom of a race poster…
35k-42k
… sun is out now and I am really warm… almost too warm…glad I got rid of my shell …good call…just because they can read your name on your bib doesn’t mean you are going too slow…keep running…focus on form..this is a lousy 7k…I can run a 7k blindfolded…ok maybe not blindfolded…but It’s 7k…starting to notice fans and water stations and music and everything except me…system check… all OK… 2k to go…this one’s in the bag… hey Kelly where did you come from…wow…great pace… happy birthday for like the 6th time…good for you… there ‘s the finish, just keep running, just keep running, just keep running…100m left.. finish ahead…still feel great…don’t look at your watch when you cross the line…you have lots of pictures of you shutting off your watch…smile..ok, grit your teeth…it kinda looks like a smile… crowds are cheering, I hear music…no, I really hear “Music” by “Madonna” …ok..and I’m done…get the medal..where’s my medal…got my medal..thank the people handing out the medal… meet up with and congratulate Kelly…her first marathon on her birthday, awesome… where’s Jay…any food left… really hungry, but legs feel really good… awesome run self…think I have found a new best shoe… race nirvana…
Post Race:
…meet up with Jay, congratulate Jay, have to drive home… why did I buy a car with a standard transmission … man I smell…man you smell too Jay… open a window will ya…hey I am really getting the hang of changing gears without a clutch…”we don’t need no stinking clutch” hehe …speaking of stinking, will ya open a window please…ok self, you did really well today…enjoy the moment, now suck it up…GOOFY IS NEXT !!!
Hello runners: September 30 has come and gone, and I think my energy.
The trip I took to Berlin and other cities was amazing. Limited access to wifi thus the reason for the delay in posting.
After arriving in Berlin and meeting our tour group Run N’ Fun, I left mid citytour to attend the Elite Men’s Press Conference. On stage was Geoffrey Mutai (the current world lead marathon time of 2:03:02) Dennis Kimetto (who ran 2nd in Berlin in a time of 2:04:16) and Jonathan Maiyo (9th in a time of 2:09:19)
While the press was busy with Geoffrey, I managed to get my picture with Dennis and Jonathon.
The questions were posed in German and translated, or asked in English and translated into German, which was quite interesting, as Geoffrey has to then translate for Dennis (his teammate)
The obvious question was the world record and if it would be broken. The obvious answer
“I will try”
The press also asked about his World lead time “in a gale force wind” Geoffrey stated, a marathon is a marathon, but Berlin is flat and each race is different.
For more on how the race unfolded, here is a link
http://www.letsrun.com/2012/berlin-0930.php.
Next up is the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon.
Once upon a time, there was a drunken girl with great shoes and pretty feet. The loved girl loved beer and shoes, particularly saucy, sexy high heeled shoes. While her feet were never comfortable in such shoes, footwear completes an outfit, so the feet tried not to complain.
The girl would take her feet drinking and dancing. She never meant to be abusive to her feet by disregarding their feelings; it was the alcohol. The more she danced the more her feet would complain about the discomfort of the saucy, sexy shoes. The more she drank, the more her feet decided to rebel and cause the girl to stumble. Sometimes the feet would try to send early, subtle hints in the form of small missteps here and there, but the girl was too busy drinking and dancing to notice anything was amiss. The feet regretted having to send a cleared indication of their dissatisfaction, but what else were they to do, she wasn’t paying attention to their needs.
Before she knew it, the girl was staggering off balance while being escorted out of the bar, by the elbows. The feet had tried to gently warn her of their discontent. They were not proud. It was too bad it had to come to a trip, a wobble and an ungraceful fall to convince the bouncers that they needed to persuade the girl to go home and put her feet up.
These days, the girl and the feet live a different life. The feet don’t go out dancing anymore because the girl doesn’t go out drinking anymore. They don’t find themselves stuffed into pretty shoes, which they can’t complain about. The girl and the feet are happiest when they are bare and second happiest when they are in running shoes.
The heroine of our story loves to take her feet out running. When the feet feel the running shoes slip over them, they get so excited. The feet love to run. They love to go slow and they love to go fast. A short run is ok, but the farther they travel the better.
They are so grateful for the girl’s decision to stop staggering and start scampering. They are so proud of their accomplishments. They enjoy the daily run, but what they love most is to compete. Race day is their favorite day. All the kilometers logged on their training runs pay off on race day. Early runs, late night runs, hot runs, cold run and wet runs all lead to the starting line. In the moments before the horn sounds and the clock starts, the feet are as antsy as racehorses with their noses at the gate. The feet are high with the anticipation of performing.
If The Sports Network or Outdoor Life Network ever aired a segment about the hardworking duo, viewers would learn that during a race or a long training run, the feet do suffer. They do, become sore and tired, but rarely do they complain. After seeing the girl’s feet, a woman once asked with disgust and alarm, “Oh! Look at your feet! Is all that running about worth it?”
The feet are calloused and blistered. There are blackened toenails and there are toenails completely missing. The girl never takes her feet for a pedicure anymore, as they have worked long and hard to make those callouses and it would be a setback to have anyone soften and remove them.
The feet are no longer pretty and the days of saucy, sexy shoes have come and gone, as has the dancing and drinking. The girl’s daughter encourages her mother to wear her feet like trophies and to be proud of every flawed inch of them, as their efforts are award worthy.
To the disgusted lady…Yes, it is worth every ache, pain and blood blister.
Born in Nova Scotia and emigrating to British Columbia via Ontario and Alberta, Magi has been running the entire way. Primarily defined as a cross country ski racer, Magi has competed nationally and internationally in that sport. The highlight of her career was competing in the World University Games and the World Cup races in Canada in 2007. Cross country skiers rely heavily on running for cross training and Magi has become an accomplished trail and mountain runner, representing Canada at the World Mountain Running Championships in 2005 and the winning numerous national championships medals. 
Hello runners: September 30 has come and gone, and I think my energy.
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