GLENMERRY COMES THROUGH

I was the principal at Glenmerry Elementary School in Trail for 3 years. It was an absolute fantastic experience and I have so many friends there. The Grade 7 class has generously donated $162.00 to my cause. They should be proud to know that their grand effort will go directly to Canuck Place. I am going to proudly wear my Glenmerry T-Shirt at the race. Thanks to everyone there and particularly Mike Page, Heather McQuiggan, Bev Kanda and Patrick Audet. Glenmerry, you're the best.

INJURY UPDATE - PART 2

SEE THIS FISH! Well it actually has nothing to do with this Post. I just thought i would share more of my world with you. This rainbow was caught on a beautiful sunny Kootenay day, then released because in 2 months I'm going to catch him again, but he will be 4 pounds heavier.

So 2 days ago I went for a wicked 20+ km ride. It actually was up the right side of the river just beyond the bridge in the background. When I got home, i decide to test the achillies, so i went for a short 15 minute run to test it. It passed, i was very slow and careful but I made it with no pain.

So today I decided to go for a 25 minute run, success again, no pain. I went to the Physio Therapist this evening and things are looking up. Time to work harder.

INJURY UPDATE

Well I am officially frustrated now. This F#%#**# Achillies injury is driving me crazy. I figured a couple of weeks rest would get me back on the road but 4 weeks later it feels worse than before. I have been going to physiotherapy for the last 2 weeks, and while i am enjoying the gadgets like ultra sound and massage, the leg does not seem to be responding. So, 2 options: a) stay the course, keep riding the bike hard, doing my exercises and rest, or b) amputation and enter the Para Adventure Challenge. I guess this is the adversity part of the gig.

So, here are a couple of places i will go to remind me that I am not the center of the universe:

www.movingwithcompassion.blogspot.com

www.canuckplace.org

www.bccancer.bc.ca

www.bcchildrens.ca

SPRING TIME IN THE KOOTENAYS

Typical spring weather, this was a hail storm yesterday coming down the Columbia River. It's weather like this that makes riding difficult, you need to be prepared for anything if

you are going to be out more than 5 minutes because it's likely you will get rained on, snowed on, sunshined on, and winded on all at the same time.

My First Ride of the Season

NOW YOU SEE ME

NOW YOU DON'T

What a glorious place I live in. This is a picture of my first time out on the mountain bike this year, I rode down to the confluence of the Kootenay and Columbia River to one of my favorite spots. It is justifiably called "Brilliant". I sit by the river, throw rocks, look at my house on the other side and smell the fresh air. It felt great to ride on road and trail. I have been faithfully going to spinning classes and really enjoying them. I feel in great riding shape, strong and well prepared cardio wise.

I have had a minor injury to my achillies tendon. It has prevented me from running the last couple of weeks (breaks my heart (sarcasm)). Am going to go for a little physio on it, should heal up nicely. Almost time to get the kayak in the water.

INSPIRATION - PART 3 - My Happy Place

The final installment of what Inspires me definitely has to be the great outdoors. I think about where I feel most at home, what relaxes me most, what puts a smile on my face and the answer keeps coming back to "The River". I love being on the water, either fishing in a boat, paddling in my kayak or screaming on the jet ski. I am in awe of the rivers power, beauty, sustainability and fertility. I am humbled by it's power and unpredictability. I live on the banks of the Columbia River and it is better than any TV show out there, it is dynamic, constantly moving and changing, and a home for people, birds, fish and whatever else lies under raging waters. The Adventure Challenge is an exciting prospect for me as it combines all the things I love to do (with the exception of running, but i guess there has to be some sacrifices).

WHAT INSPIRES ME - PART 2

So the second Post of my Inspirations is quite simple, its all about KIDS. The reason I chose to compete in the Adventure Challenge was because of the fundraising component for Canuck Place. I have spent most of my life and all of my career focussed on providing great experiences for kids. In my 25 year career as a teacher, administrator and now teaching professor, I have met some amazing kids. Through social networking, I have recently connected with many of my former students from the mid 80's. It is inspiring to see them grown up with careers and families and living great lives. You only hope you played some kind of role in shaping who they have become. But the ones who stick in my mind are the ones who have passed away. I can count 5 students that I personally taught who have passed away from cancer or other terminal diseases. That number rises as you tally accidents.

Life sometimes isn't fair and no child should have to endure terminal illness or painful rehabilitations. This is why Canuck Place and B.C. Children's Hospital are so important. I was recently invited to BC Children's Hospital to tour the facility but I'm not sure I can do it, I'm not sure I can put on a brave enough face.

My daughter seems to have taken on the passion for children as well. This is a picture of a young African who was a victim of violence during the last election in Kenya. Nikole spent countless hours teaching, playing and counselling. I'm so very proud of her. Whenever I don't feel like going for a run or training very hard, all I need to do is think of Canuck Place or BC Children's Hospital. GIVE GENEROUSLY and pray that if your children ever have to be in one of these places, it is to help.