Mean Marine

Congrats to Queen Bee (aka Mean Marine) on yet another full marathon fait accompli.  She took her rightful place at the start line of the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC in October and  despite an injury that prevented any training 6 weeks prior to the event, QB finished strong and in fine Marine style.

Well done QB.  You reign supreme.   Ooorah!

Click the below link to watch QB's journey to the finish line...

http://secure.smilebox.com/ecom/openTheBox?sendevent=4d6a67774d4459334d6a52384e6a4d774e7a457a4e6a593d0d0a&sb=1

Remembering Vimy

http://toolbeltsandtiaras.blogspot.com/2008/11/in-rembembrance.html

Running joke...

QB is currently training for the Marine Corp Marathon in Chicago this Fall and shared this link with us. 

To the non-runners, now we know what you really think.  That's ok though...it's funny...cuz it's true.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cw5MHsO-JI8

And then they said "I do. We definitely do."

"Mom, I'm worried it's going to rain."

"Don't worry Dear. I've got this one covered."

And she did.

So despite threatening clouds all around, the rain held off, as if to offer a ceremonial veil under which loved ones would gather, witness and celebrate the wedding of Brad and Mary.

It was a perfect day. A perfect wedding. Sweet and romantic. The kind that reminds us that love truly is all around.

Congratulations to you both...love is definitely all around you.

To see more photos from the day, click on the play button below. There's a total of three songs so be sure to turn up your volume.

Slideshow created with Smilebox

A sweaty year in review...

Here we are in the lull of winter in Atlantic Canada and I find myself day dreaming about another great year of running with the Sweaty Girls. 2011 has already kicked off with a bang - QB has just returned from doing a half in Miami and Debbie aka The Machine ran a half in Maui in early January.

Other exciting news for 2011 is Debbie has set her sights on her first full marathon - Chicago 2011 and QB will also be doing another full this year. It will be so exciting to watch them prepare.

As for 2010, it was our best year yet. In April Amy and Craig welcomed their first baby into the world. In May Wendy, Donna and Sandy all completed their first half at the Bluenose and then in December a few of us boarded a plane together to run with Elvis.

So once again, we kept ourselves busy...travelling here, drinking there and laughing everywhere.

Here's a brief recap of some of the 2010 highlights...

In June, we traded in our sneakers and sports drinks for heels and martinis to celebrate my big 4-0.


Nectar...our favourite restaurant.
























But the Nikes weren't off for long as it was soon time to get back to training for the PEI Marathon coming up in October....road trip!


Can't go to PEI without making a stop at Hashem's Variety for some apples, sausage, turnips and Asics. (Trust me, we only bought the sneakers.)


hmmmm.....shinanigans


Trying to stay warm as long as possible.


It was a cold miserable day but we all got through in SG style

But the weekend definitely belonged to Sandy as she finished only her second half marathon in 2:17. What a sight to spot her 1/4 km from the finish line.



When I'm asked why I run, the answer is found in moments like this.

And then in December...we were off to Vegas Baby!

• 35,000 runners


• 300 Evlis (or rather Elvi)


• 40 couples who got married during the race

2 Oylmpians and 4 World Records



1 post race concert with Brett Michaels



And 3 Maritimers who will never forget the thrill of running straight down the Vegas strip.



Cheers Sweaty Girls. What a great year...here's to what awaits in 2011.

Check us out at www.sweatygirlsrock.ca

I didn't say "I can't."

(NEW YORK TIMES) - At a news conference in Manhattan on Thursday, Pena appeared in a black suit without sunglasses and explained through a Spanish interpreter that while he was trapped, "I was running to be an active participant in my own salvation. I wasn't just waiting around."

I didn't get out for my long run yesterday. I was supposed to do 12 miles but my early morning window of opportunity (I was at a conference all weekend) was being pounded by relentless rain. "Ok, tomorrow then," I postponed.

So, my plan is to run tonight after work. But grumbling to myself about the persistent cold rain and wind, I again thought about just letting this week pass without a long run.

And then, as if right on cue, I received an email this morning from QB containing the below link. If you were as riveted as I was by the rescue of the Chilean miners you will know that one miner ran 6 miles everyday as a way to cope - an inspiring accomplishment acknowledged by the prestigous New York Marathon who invited Pena to participate in the event which took place this past weekend.

"The message here is I found a way to run," he said. "I didn't say I can't."

Thanks for the perspective, Pena. I am grateful to feel the rain at all.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/2010-11-04-chilean-miner-nyc-marathon_N.htm

Next up...

Vegas Baby...Dec 5th

Never did I ever...

...think I would hear myself utter the following words:

"You know, I've been thinking about doing a full marathon."

And yet, that is precisely what I uttered to Queen Bee this morning at the gym.

And she heard me. Oh she heard me.

Damn it.

You don't run just to win.

You run to prove there

is still triumph and

possibility in your life.

Anonymous.

Blue Nose 2010

A hot and sunny May long weekend welcomed nearly 10,000 runners to the 2010 Halifax Blue Nose Marathon. Congratulations to everyone, especially to Blue Nose newbies Sandy, Donna and Wendy who all completed their first half marathon. Back in February, I don't think any of these gals really took the idea seriously but in Sweaty Girl style, they decided to go for it and over the last four months they dug in, dug deep and come race day, got 'er done.

Here are a few pics from this year's event:

Tending to a few pre-race details...

Dale and Sweaty Girl Lisa cheering us in!

This first SG's to cross...Debbie and her Virgins :)

Donna, Debbie and Wendy

A celebration Dunk!

Sandy and Queen Bee, Susan.

Congrats Girls!

Check out this story and more at: www.sweatygirlsrock.ca

From the mouths of babes...

"So Paige, did you enjoy our visit to the barn today?"

"I did. That was awesome. I had so much fun."



"Me too! And wasn't the donkey adorable?"



"He was soooo cute!!!"

"Are you excited about going to riding camp again this summer?"

"I can't wait!"

"I'm so happy that you love riding."

"I do, I love it."

"You know we both come by our love of horses pretty honestly, eh?"



"What do you mean?"

"We inherited it from Grampa Stevenson."

"That's true."

silence...

"So Tammy, how come you don't ride anymore?"

"Oh, I don't know. After I moved to Halifax I never really made an effort to take lessons."

"How come?"

"Just got busy with other things I guess."

"How long has it been that you took lessons?"

"Far too long."

"Do you miss it?"

"I sure do Paige. I think about it every single day."

"Really?"

"Yup.

"Every day?"

"Yup. Everyday."

silence....

"You know Tammy, maybe it's time to stop thinking about it, and start doing it."

silence...

"You know Paige, you're a wise young lady."

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun...

...and a good reason to drink wine! (Or rather, a reason to drink good wine.)




The Sweaty Girls have had lots to celebrate lately and since we're always up for a pot luck, wine and a little hot tubbin', we did just that.

Amy is getting ready to have her first baby so in February, Brenda hosted us for a lovely afternoon to toast Amy and her husband Craig on their April arrival.



What's a shower without shower games?





We also recently paused for a good cause to help support the Dartmouth General at the annual Revolution Fundraiser.





That's our girl Lisa leading the charge!


And then just this past weekend, we gathered at Queen Bee and Dale's beautiful home to celebrate the 50th birthday of Fabulous Wendy. Damn girl, you fine. (Note: there were many other photos of the evening but this is about the only one appropriate for public sharing.) :)



Allow me to introduce you to the Sweaty Girls.
Back L to R: Amy (just days away from having her baby), Birthday Girl Wendy, me, Sandy and Brenda.
Front L to R: Susan (aka Queen Bee), Lisa and Debbie.
Missing from photo: Donna who was on her sister's bachelorette...doing it up SG style no doubt.

As Seen on TV

Thankfully the meeting finished early. Good thing because after an 8 hour training session the last thing I wanted to do was sit in traffic. This headache was killing me and I just wanted to get home.

Turning out of the Holiday Inn, I snuck neatly into the pre rush hour traffic. Perfect. A slick getaway.

Up ahead I noticed the overhead crosswalk signs were blinking amber. I slowed and pulled up in line, about 5 cars deep in each direction.

Fiddling with the radio station I found the CBC. Mumford and Sons crooned “The Cave.” I checked my blackberry. No new messages. Good. I turned up the radio; I love this song.

Glancing in my rear view mirror I noted that another 7 or 8 cars were idling in line behind me.

My blackberry dinged. Meeting reminder for tomorrow. I put it back in my purse.

Absent mindedly I looked around. Wait…we should have been on our way by now, or so I thought. My instinct was confirmed when I noticed that the lights had stopped flashing but yet, we still weren’t moving.

Hello? Heellllooooo…

Cars were now backing up in each direction. More than one or two honks from somewhere in the line tried to prod the group on.

Nothing.

I craned to see what was holding up the traffic. It looked like someone was there but couldn’t quite tell who or what they were doing.

I sat back in my seat.

Ok people.

Still nothing.

You could sense the collective restlessness building. Cars behind me jutted ever so precariously to the left but went nowhere. Instead we all sat…growing increasingly frustrated that the traffic was not moving.

And then suddenly a van two cars in front of me swerved out of his place and bolted into the middle of the intersection. He was making a break for it! Go buddy go!

But wait…he’s stopping. He’s stopping in the middle of four lanes of traffic. He's blocking the street. What…is...he....

And then as if in slow motion, out from the van stepped a tall, handsome young man wearing a light beige Airforce uniform. He moved effortlessly across the intersection, nodding politely at the gobsmacked drivers.

I could see him walking to the side of the road and then pause. And after a few seconds he turned and started to move, albeit ever so slowly, into the crosswalk.

As he passed in front of the lines of cars, I finally saw what, or rather who, had been holding up the traffic. On his arm was the smallest, frailest, little elderly lady I think I have ever seen. She clung to him like a lifeline, he smiled at her like a son. Holding her bags with one hand and her with the other, it took the pair almost three minutes to get to the other side. And despite a crowd that had been growing anxious just a few moments prior, noone minded the wait.

The image stayed with me for quite some time. In fact, I felt blessed to have been there at that moment to have witnessed such a rare act of kindness. It was a much-needed reminder that no matter how much of a hurry we think we’re in, we’re never too busy to stop and offer our help.

Just like the commercials say. Kindness. Pass it on.

Saying Farewell to a Great Aunt

Bessie Josephine Stevenson
1913 - 2010



Bessie and her younger Sister, Stella.

I run like a girl. And proud of it.

The Sweaty Girls had a great weekend working the "irunlikeagirl" booth at the recent Optimyz Health and Wellness Show in Halifax.



Debbie, invited us to join her in promoting our new favourite apparel from www.irunlikeagirl.com. Not only did we get to spend time with each other, we got to support and promote something we all believe in.



The booth had magnetic appeal - the moment someone realized what it was all about they were hooked. "This would be perfect for my daughter!" "Oh - I need to get one for my mom...she just started working out and I'm so proud of her." "I need this for me. I'm hoping to run my first 5k this spring." We heard many inpsiring stories over the two days - a reminder that a girl's spirit truly is universal, ageless and endless.



It was especially interesting watching guys approach the booth. While many of them totally understood and appreciated the message, there were a couple who just couldn't resist offering a snide comment or cynical look. I dare say, however, they have never had the humbling experience of running in Queen Bee's wake. God help them the day they do.



But all was not lost on the male attendees...at the end of the weekend, two young fellas approached the booth to buy a hoodie. Assuming it was for a sister or girlfriend, I asked what her size was. Imagine our delight when they responded: "This is for us! We'd be proud to wear this in the Blue Nose."



In a world that bombards girls and women with negative images and unattainable ideals, this type of message should be celebrated and each time we put on our irunlikeagirl shirts, we do just that. It allows us to wear what we believe in on our sleeve. Literally.

Visit http://www.irunlikeagirl.com/ to learn more.

A Mile in Her Own Shoes

In the February issue of Runners World, I read with great delight this month's installment of "The Newbie's Chronicles" in which the author shares how his running, or as he refers to it, his "gasping efforts," inspired his 6-year old son to run as well.

Reading his story, I couldn't help but think of my niece Paige and how after being there for me at last year's Saint John Marathon, instantly decided she too wanted to run it this coming Fall. What I hoped wouldn't lose steam has in fact turned into an 11-year's determination to wear her own bib number in September.

The two-page story "A Mile in His Shoes" concludes with a rather inspiring thought - a thought that goes far beyond running. It's a much-needed reminder that we not only have the power to impact those around us, but that we do impact those around us...whether we realize it or not. Something I think we often forget.

The writer begins to wrap up by quoting a study (Christaks/Fowler) that appeared in the New York Times: "If you want to improve the world with your good behavior, math is on your side. For most of us, within three degrees we are connected to more than 1000 people - all of whom we can theoretically help make healthier, fitter and happier just by our contageious example."

The writer then went on to conclude his article in his own words: "No one is an island. No one runs in a vacuum. There is always someone watching you leave the house, dig it out, come back, and do it all over again. You are being watched by a roommate, brother, a spouse. The driver of every passing car. You are being watched by future generations. My grandmother ran in college! someone might say of you one day. My great uncle took it up in his 30's and ran marathons into his 60's! We are inexorably entwined within each other's influence. You may run by yourself, but no matter how early you start, no matter how remote your location, you never run alone."

I never thought of it that way before and by no means had I expected my "gasping efforts" could set a positive example but after reading the article, I have a different perspective - someone is always watching.

In my case, it happened to be the watchful eyes of my 11-year old neice who I can't wait to watch cross the finish line this fall.

It's January the what???

Holy Cow...where did the time go? The last time I checked it was Halloween...as depicted in the annual pumpkin-carving-pictures below which were once again a hit with the trick or treaters, with exception of two little ducklings that refused to climb the driveway. I happily obliged by taking the treats to them...




In November, I had a lovely weekend visit from two much friendlier faces...




But in the blink of an eye, the Christmas season was upon us which officially kicked off with the 2nd annual "Sweaty Girls Rock Running Club" Christmas dinner. These are the incredible women of whom you have heard me speak countless times who not only inspire me to be a better runner, but who inspire me to be a better person. One of the very last episodes of the series Sex and the City, Carrie looks at her gals pals and says "A troubling thought occurred to me the other day. What if I had never met you?" That line makes me think of these girls. Throughout my entire life, I have always been blessed with amazing girlfriends. The Sweaty Girls are no exception.




And then...it was the week of the 21st which I met with a little trepidation considering it was my very first time being the Christmas host. If you've ever spent Christmas with the Stevenson's, you know that's no easy task to live up to. But I gave it my Martha best and it was actually a lot easier than I thought it would be. Of course, it helped to have guests who were easy to please (and slightly sedated thanks to some cold medication.)

After the Christmas cookies were munched (yes I made these)...



the presents were opened, the candles were lit...



and dinner was enjoyed...even by Maggie...



...it was a most lovely Christmas.

And just when it seemed like it couldn't get any better, we received the best present of all...a phone call from my brother Brad, and his new fiance, Mary.



Congratulations to you both! We are all so happy for you.