Monday, June 24, 2013
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
HOME IS WHERE THE RUNNING ROUTES ARE
I have to give credit for this title to one of the owners of Frontrunners Nanaimo: Norm. This was something he said and I thought, yes, that is exactly how I feel.I call it getting my bearing's.
When I move to a new place I need to take a little time to explore my surroundings. I need to learn where the best coffee shop is, what the hours of the recreation centre are, the closest point of access to the ocean....and my new running routes. Establishing running routes not only allow me to explore my new community on foot, but they make me feel at home, where ever I am. It is an integral part of my settling in process.
I sometimes build superficial connections with people or things along my routes, such as a couple I say hi to when we pass in the mornings, or a dog that I know will bark as I pass this house, or catching this one spectacular view when I run down this particular street. I find satisfaction when I return to these places and run my old routes, even if I don't live there anymore. It becomes a small sense of comfort to realize that as much as some things change, some things remain the same. I think that is one thing that draws me to running as well. No matter what type of chaos my life is currently in, I know what running will bring me. I crave the familiar burn in my lungs, the tightness in my hamstrings, the sweat on my face and the clear head when I am finished.
As I settle here, no longer in Nanaimo, but Tsawwassen, British Columbia, there is much that has and will change in my life. But my running is one thing that keeps me grounded and brings me home, wherever that may be.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
MY PHOTO WITH SIMON
This blog was originally posted on March 28th, 2013 on the Frontrunners Nanaimo blog, but I really wanted to share it with you here. Enjoy.
***
Word spreads quickly in Nanaimo, so as most of you probably know by now, Simon Whitfield came by the store a few weeks ago. I say this casually, because….it was that way. This was not a speaking engagement in an auditorium with hundreds of people. This was not a celebration, or ceremony, or cutting of ribbons or any such thing. This was, quite simply, like sitting down for a chat with an old friend. One who has competed in four Olympic Games and carried the Canadian flag for the opening ceremony in London….but that is beside the point, really.
It has taken me a long time to write this post because I didn’t know how I wanted to approach it. I have always been a recreational athlete, not a competitive one. I often joke at the shop that I am the least competitive employee there. And I am not a triathlete. I run when I feel like it, I can’t to a proper front crawl, and I can barely ride a bike. That’s the truth. So my admiration for this triathlete comes from a different place than many people would expect. It is easy enough to google ’Simon Whitfield’ and browse a long list of impressive race titles or biography facts, and maybe I should write about those….but I wanted to write a different kind of article. I wanted to write about the Simon I met.
The parking spaces were blocked off in front of Frontrunners Nanaimo and the lights and backdrop from Concept Photography flanked the entrance to the store. Outside, the small crowd was growing and energy hummed through it. It was contagious. Simon stood in front of the backdrop for at least 30 minutes, taking the time to talk to, shake hands with, and pose with every single person who wanted their photo with him. Each interaction involved him asking “what are you training for right now” or “what goal are you working towards?” He asked me the same question and I responded with ramblings about my CrossFit training. “Really?!” He was genuinely interested in everyone’s goals and accomplishments. He signed my name on a postcard and we smiled for our photo. I hugged him.
Inside was question and answer time and I expected to learn a little something about triathlons….but I found myself learning a little more about life. Simon talked about the early pressure to compete, his training, and reminisced about the time spent swimming and running with Stefan and Norm. Simon was composed and relaxed, answering questions and telling stories like we were all just sitting in someone’s living room. When asked about winning, Simon replied “a lot of people are afraid of putting it all out there. You have to give it 100%. A race is your chance to express yourself and express all the hard work it took to get you to this point. It takes courage to win”. In my mind, this couldn’t be more applicable to life. You only have one shot to express yourself. Give it 100%. Life takes courage.
When asked about his unfortunate crash in the London Olympics, he revealed his refreshing take on goals. “To get to the start line fully prepared. That was my goal and I did that. Regardless of the crash, I had already achieved my goal. I’m not saying I wasn’t disappointed or I didn’t wish things had have turned out differently….but it’s really more about achieving the goal you set out for yourself than it is about winning something.”
He then spoke directly to the young athletes in the Frontrunners – New Balance Elite Distance Project and what he shared with them will also stay with me for a long time. He reminded them to always keep the joy and adventure in sport. “Remember to play. My parents never asked me did you win? Instead, they asked me did you give a great effort? That is more important. Also, learn how to fail and what failure means. Learn how to deal with set backs and use them as your motivation. Learn how to stay committed, but most of all, keep the joy in your sport”.
Simon actually ‘walks the talk’ and strives to help others keep the joy in sport as well. One way he does this is through his commitment to KidSport, a not-for-profit organization that provides financial assistance for registration fees and sports equipment to kids aged 18 and under. Their mission statement reads:
We believe that no kid should be left on the sidelines and all should be given the opportunity to experience the positive benefits of organized sports. KidSport provides support to children in order to remove financial barriers that prevent them from playing organized sport.
In fact, Simon donated the entire evening, totalling approximately $2,500, (photos by donation and silent auction proceeds) all to KidSport! More information about KidSport can be found here.
So, what I really love about Simon is that his passion, his ‘joy for the sport’, goes right down to the grass roots level. As elite an athlete as he is, he has the time for those new to the sport, those who might never compete, and those who are more of the recreational runner/CrossFitter type. In my opinion, being an elite athlete comes with the even bigger glory and responsibility of being a role model and Simon is definitely up for that task.
So, do I want to be a triathlete now?
No….I don’t think so, but I left that evening feeling more compelled to give it 100%, regardless of the activity. Compelled to put my self out there more, learn from any failures I may have and keep finding joy in whatever I’m doing. I left knowing I wanted to live my life with a little more courage.
I think I’ll go for a run tomorrow.
Check out the article in the Nanaimo Daily News here:
http://www2.canada.com/nanaimodailynews/news/sports/story.html?id=ec9b89ee-6bb5-4121-adff-58f5c767bc5e&p=2&p=1
***
Word spreads quickly in Nanaimo, so as most of you probably know by now, Simon Whitfield came by the store a few weeks ago. I say this casually, because….it was that way. This was not a speaking engagement in an auditorium with hundreds of people. This was not a celebration, or ceremony, or cutting of ribbons or any such thing. This was, quite simply, like sitting down for a chat with an old friend. One who has competed in four Olympic Games and carried the Canadian flag for the opening ceremony in London….but that is beside the point, really.
It has taken me a long time to write this post because I didn’t know how I wanted to approach it. I have always been a recreational athlete, not a competitive one. I often joke at the shop that I am the least competitive employee there. And I am not a triathlete. I run when I feel like it, I can’t to a proper front crawl, and I can barely ride a bike. That’s the truth. So my admiration for this triathlete comes from a different place than many people would expect. It is easy enough to google ’Simon Whitfield’ and browse a long list of impressive race titles or biography facts, and maybe I should write about those….but I wanted to write a different kind of article. I wanted to write about the Simon I met.
Inside was question and answer time and I expected to learn a little something about triathlons….but I found myself learning a little more about life. Simon talked about the early pressure to compete, his training, and reminisced about the time spent swimming and running with Stefan and Norm. Simon was composed and relaxed, answering questions and telling stories like we were all just sitting in someone’s living room. When asked about winning, Simon replied “a lot of people are afraid of putting it all out there. You have to give it 100%. A race is your chance to express yourself and express all the hard work it took to get you to this point. It takes courage to win”. In my mind, this couldn’t be more applicable to life. You only have one shot to express yourself. Give it 100%. Life takes courage.
When asked about his unfortunate crash in the London Olympics, he revealed his refreshing take on goals. “To get to the start line fully prepared. That was my goal and I did that. Regardless of the crash, I had already achieved my goal. I’m not saying I wasn’t disappointed or I didn’t wish things had have turned out differently….but it’s really more about achieving the goal you set out for yourself than it is about winning something.”
He then spoke directly to the young athletes in the Frontrunners – New Balance Elite Distance Project and what he shared with them will also stay with me for a long time. He reminded them to always keep the joy and adventure in sport. “Remember to play. My parents never asked me did you win? Instead, they asked me did you give a great effort? That is more important. Also, learn how to fail and what failure means. Learn how to deal with set backs and use them as your motivation. Learn how to stay committed, but most of all, keep the joy in your sport”.
Simon actually ‘walks the talk’ and strives to help others keep the joy in sport as well. One way he does this is through his commitment to KidSport, a not-for-profit organization that provides financial assistance for registration fees and sports equipment to kids aged 18 and under. Their mission statement reads:
We believe that no kid should be left on the sidelines and all should be given the opportunity to experience the positive benefits of organized sports. KidSport provides support to children in order to remove financial barriers that prevent them from playing organized sport.
In fact, Simon donated the entire evening, totalling approximately $2,500, (photos by donation and silent auction proceeds) all to KidSport! More information about KidSport can be found here.
So, what I really love about Simon is that his passion, his ‘joy for the sport’, goes right down to the grass roots level. As elite an athlete as he is, he has the time for those new to the sport, those who might never compete, and those who are more of the recreational runner/CrossFitter type. In my opinion, being an elite athlete comes with the even bigger glory and responsibility of being a role model and Simon is definitely up for that task.
So, do I want to be a triathlete now?
No….I don’t think so, but I left that evening feeling more compelled to give it 100%, regardless of the activity. Compelled to put my self out there more, learn from any failures I may have and keep finding joy in whatever I’m doing. I left knowing I wanted to live my life with a little more courage.
I think I’ll go for a run tomorrow.
On behalf of myself, Frontrunners Nanaimo and everyone who attended our special evening, I want to thank you, Simon for sharing your time, your insights and that genuine smile with us all.
Sincerely,
Christine
feel your heart beat
http://www2.canada.com/nanaimodailynews/news/sports/story.html?id=ec9b89ee-6bb5-4121-adff-58f5c767bc5e&p=2&p=1
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
CONNECTION: Exploring the Spectator-Athlete Relationship
The athlete is exhausted. You can see the sweat
rolling down his face. You can see his muscles twitch and quiver under the
weight of the barbell. He yells, and the crowd erupts. You are suddenly standing
on your feet, screaming “UP”, screaming his name, screaming anything, because
you know his is capable. You believe in him and all of a sudden it is
imperative he makes this lift. You want this victory. You glance around you and
see that everyone wants this victory. The energy is contagious and with the
entire crowd supporting him, he presses the barbell to full lockout in an
unbelievable example of determination.
On the opposite side of the gate, the athlete is
in her zone. She doesn’t hear the music, doesn’t see the people. Only the
barbell in front of her is real. This is the last lift of the day and she knows
her technique is fading. She sets her body and grips the bar. Her clean is
flawless, but as she jerks it above her head, her muscles spasm. She is not
going to make this lift. She is exhausted and maybe she should drop the bar,
but in her moment of hesitation, the crowd suddenly comes into focus. Hundreds
of people are in front of her and they are screaming. They stand up and yell
her name and the noise seems to vibrate off her skin, it is so powerful. She
pushes harder and the bar no longer seems as heavy as it did a split second
ago.
Have you been here before, in this moment? As
athlete or spectator, this is a meaningful moment. One of those moments in
sport that you can take home with you, reflect on it, and bring it back out
when you need some inspiration.
The spectator – athlete relationship is a powerful
one. On one hand, we are lucky, as spectators. The athletes in front of us are
giving it their maximum effort, putting on quite a show, for our entertainment.
We often pick favorites and cheer for those we admire, while failing to
appreciate the work it took behind the scenes…the hours of preparation and
training, for a few moments of glorious victory over a barbell, a finish line,
a game point. On the other hand, we are lucky as athletes. Spectators pay money
to watch us compete! They often travel from their homes to spend entire
weekends with us, to sit in uncomfortable stadiums, in busy crowds, or in foul
weather. They pour their hearts into us as they learn our names, cheer when we
succeed and coach us when we fail. The give us their energy reserves when we
have nothing left to give ourselves.
The connection between the spectator and athlete
is truly unique. There are moments, maybe you locked eyes with an athlete,
maybe you reached your PR because of the cheering crowd, or maybe somebody
became your hero, but there are moments that can last a lifetime. You never
know who you will inspire or who might be cheering for you. You never know how
powerful that connection may be.
Thank you to all the athletes who have inspired me
and to everyone who has ever cheered for me. We may have only connected for a
moment and we never meet outside the world of sport, but you have contributed
to my life in powerful ways. I am a better version of myself because of you.
Saturday, June 8, 2013
DISCOVER CROSSFIT 2013
shoulders back.
weight in your heels.
bar close to your body.
breath.
The cues from my coach were running through my mind and my palms started to sweat. The workout was going to be 4 minutes long. That’s it. Relax. But as Coach K shouted “three, two, one”, I thought my heart would burst.
Discover CrossFit was my first ever CrossFit competition and it’s hard to even describe how exciting/nerve racking/intimidating/meaningful it was for me. Do you remember how competing in your first race felt?
I arrived early that morning to help set up as we had athlete schedules to coordinate and brand representatives to assist. Peter from New Balance, Mike from 2XU Compression and Stefan from Frontrunners Nanaimo all arrived early as well, eager to watch the competition. At 9:00am we were ready to begin our first heat and I gave a quick introduction as fellow athletes and curious fans started to line the walls of CrossFit Nanaimo.
The competitions were amazing. The athletes had to complete as many repetitions as possible of 15 thrusters and 15 chest to bar pullups in 4 minutes (and that time cap increased to 8 minutes if the athlete achieved greater than 90 reps). The first heat of athletes were all registered in the world wide 2013 CrossFit Open, meaning they were competing to improve their standings against every registered CrossFitter in the world. The second and third heats included athletes who were performing the required movements at a lesser weight or lesser intensity.
Now, for those of you aren’t familiar with this, CrossFit is not a quiet sport. Athletes are expected to complete the required movements at the highest intensity they are capable of (there are an infinite number of scaling options to ensure that anyone is able to complete a movement from using elastic bands to assist with pull ups, doing push ups from your knees, or learning an Olympic lift with a pvc pipe instead of a weighted bar). This means athletes in a competition are really giving it all they have. Tears are entirely possible, screaming and grunting are probable, and as spectators… cheering is practically mandatory! That is just the CrossFit environment. And the fans did not disappoint! The energy in the gym was incredible!
Come on Chris!!! Pick up that bar!!
People were screaming for me. Fellow CrossFitters, fellow Frontrunners employees, friends, family and strangers. The support I felt was overwhelming and I could not have performed as well as I did without that extra energy from the crowd.
This is what it is like here, at my CrossFit box. People gather (some you know and train with and others you might not know) to encourage you through a tough workout or coach you through a complicated movement. People help put my weights away when I am finished, they give countless high fives, and they celebrate my PR’s and accomplished goals as if they were their own.
The community we have at CrossFit Nanaimo is why I keep coming back. It reminds me of the community I have found being a runner as well. People train together and they coach you and support you and cheer for you because they know what kilometer 42 feels like. or kilometer 21. or 8. or 3. They know what it feels like to drag yourself out of bed on chilly days or through summer heat just to get your training in. They know what it feels like to break your own personal record or finish a race with your children watching. They understand and I think that is what makes strangers become friends.
A huge thank you to every single person (Coach K, athletes, fans, reps…everyone!) who came out to support Nanaimo’s first ever Discover CrossFit event. Thank you to all of our sponsors who made this event extra exciting by offering prizes and deals as well (My New Balance shoes are perfect for this sport and I was so proud to show off the flashy new colours of the New Balance Minimus R10!). I can definitely speak on behalf of Frontrunners Nanaimo to say that we are proud to support this growing community of CrossFitters. If you are interested in trying CrossFit, please don’t hesitate to book your first appointment at CrossFit Nanaimo and be prepared for some life altering changes.
For more photos please visit the CrossFit Nanaimo Facebook page!
weight in your heels.
bar close to your body.
breath.
The cues from my coach were running through my mind and my palms started to sweat. The workout was going to be 4 minutes long. That’s it. Relax. But as Coach K shouted “three, two, one”, I thought my heart would burst.
Discover CrossFit was my first ever CrossFit competition and it’s hard to even describe how exciting/nerve racking/intimidating/meaningful it was for me. Do you remember how competing in your first race felt?
I arrived early that morning to help set up as we had athlete schedules to coordinate and brand representatives to assist. Peter from New Balance, Mike from 2XU Compression and Stefan from Frontrunners Nanaimo all arrived early as well, eager to watch the competition. At 9:00am we were ready to begin our first heat and I gave a quick introduction as fellow athletes and curious fans started to line the walls of CrossFit Nanaimo.
The competitions were amazing. The athletes had to complete as many repetitions as possible of 15 thrusters and 15 chest to bar pullups in 4 minutes (and that time cap increased to 8 minutes if the athlete achieved greater than 90 reps). The first heat of athletes were all registered in the world wide 2013 CrossFit Open, meaning they were competing to improve their standings against every registered CrossFitter in the world. The second and third heats included athletes who were performing the required movements at a lesser weight or lesser intensity.
Come on Chris!!! Pick up that bar!!
People were screaming for me. Fellow CrossFitters, fellow Frontrunners employees, friends, family and strangers. The support I felt was overwhelming and I could not have performed as well as I did without that extra energy from the crowd.
This is what it is like here, at my CrossFit box. People gather (some you know and train with and others you might not know) to encourage you through a tough workout or coach you through a complicated movement. People help put my weights away when I am finished, they give countless high fives, and they celebrate my PR’s and accomplished goals as if they were their own.
The community we have at CrossFit Nanaimo is why I keep coming back. It reminds me of the community I have found being a runner as well. People train together and they coach you and support you and cheer for you because they know what kilometer 42 feels like. or kilometer 21. or 8. or 3. They know what it feels like to drag yourself out of bed on chilly days or through summer heat just to get your training in. They know what it feels like to break your own personal record or finish a race with your children watching. They understand and I think that is what makes strangers become friends.
A huge thank you to every single person (Coach K, athletes, fans, reps…everyone!) who came out to support Nanaimo’s first ever Discover CrossFit event. Thank you to all of our sponsors who made this event extra exciting by offering prizes and deals as well (My New Balance shoes are perfect for this sport and I was so proud to show off the flashy new colours of the New Balance Minimus R10!). I can definitely speak on behalf of Frontrunners Nanaimo to say that we are proud to support this growing community of CrossFitters. If you are interested in trying CrossFit, please don’t hesitate to book your first appointment at CrossFit Nanaimo and be prepared for some life altering changes.
For more photos please visit the CrossFit Nanaimo Facebook page!
Monday, April 1, 2013
Stronger Than Yesterday
"Honestly. How do you view yourself, in your mind’s eye? It’s a simple question, but often with not-so-simple answers. And yet those answers matter so much to your work, your workout, your health, your happiness, your love, your life. How you see yourself is absolutely critical to what and how you achieve in this life."
Wise words from 'CrossFit Lisbeth', one of the most insightful, bold, honest and entertaining CrossFit bloggers I've read.
She asks how I see myself.........and I'm not sure how to answer. But I know she is right. It is critical to how I achieve goals, deal with set backs and move forward in my life. It is critical to how I perform.
With Discover CrossFit only days away, I need to answer this question. On Saturday will I have the courage to be who I want to be? Will I be strong, capable, sure in my movements, confident in my training?
Yes. Because I am starting to view myself as an athlete. I have not achieved all my fitness goals but I am stronger than I was yesterday and that was stronger than I was the day before.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Discover CrossFit: Stomach versus Heart.
On April 6th, I am not only attending a CrossFit event....I am helping to host it.
Discover CrossFit is Nanaimo's first public competition and celebration to showcase the growing sport of CrossFit and its amazing community. Hosted by CrossFit Nanaimo and sponsored by Frontrunners Nanaimo, New Balance and 2XU Compression Clothing, the event will feature something for everyone!
The event will commence with an athlete competition which will be the final WOD of the 2013 world wide CrossFit Open series. These athletes are able to compare their standings to CrossFit athletes world wide and many are aiming for a coveted spot in the Canada West Regionals, the next step in making it to the 2013 CrossFit Games in California.
Not aiming for the games? Compete anyways! A variety of heats and scaling options will be offered for those who wish to participate and all members of CrossFit Nanaimo will be encouraged to compete at the level they are capable of. There will be prizes from New Balance awarded to the first place male and female finisher in all three zones (RX, zone one, and zone two)!
Following the competition, there will be a introductory lesson and beginner WOD open to any willing member of the community. There will also be prizes from Frontrunners Nanaimo for everyone who participates. So bring your workout gear!
These athletes and participants will be putting on quite a show and they will need your support so invite everyone you can. Spectators for all events are highly encouraged!
The competition and beginner lesson will be followed by refreshments and an opportunity for participants and spectators to browse, test, and purchase the products brought by the sponsors (Frontrunners, New Balance and 2XU Compression Clothing).
So what are you waiting for?! All you need to do is sign up here and show up on April 6th. Join the fastest growing sport community and see what's in it for you at Discover CrossFit!
Questions? Email: info@nanaimocrossfit.ca
Discover CrossFit is Nanaimo's first public competition and celebration to showcase the growing sport of CrossFit and its amazing community. Hosted by CrossFit Nanaimo and sponsored by Frontrunners Nanaimo, New Balance and 2XU Compression Clothing, the event will feature something for everyone!
The event will commence with an athlete competition which will be the final WOD of the 2013 world wide CrossFit Open series. These athletes are able to compare their standings to CrossFit athletes world wide and many are aiming for a coveted spot in the Canada West Regionals, the next step in making it to the 2013 CrossFit Games in California.
Not aiming for the games? Compete anyways! A variety of heats and scaling options will be offered for those who wish to participate and all members of CrossFit Nanaimo will be encouraged to compete at the level they are capable of. There will be prizes from New Balance awarded to the first place male and female finisher in all three zones (RX, zone one, and zone two)!
Following the competition, there will be a introductory lesson and beginner WOD open to any willing member of the community. There will also be prizes from Frontrunners Nanaimo for everyone who participates. So bring your workout gear!
These athletes and participants will be putting on quite a show and they will need your support so invite everyone you can. Spectators for all events are highly encouraged!
The competition and beginner lesson will be followed by refreshments and an opportunity for participants and spectators to browse, test, and purchase the products brought by the sponsors (Frontrunners, New Balance and 2XU Compression Clothing).
So what are you waiting for?! All you need to do is sign up here and show up on April 6th. Join the fastest growing sport community and see what's in it for you at Discover CrossFit!
Questions? Email: info@nanaimocrossfit.ca
This is a big step for me in so many ways.....who am I kidding....this is a giant leap outside my comfort zone! I will be promoting the sport I am so fond of, representing the company I work for and competing (at a scaled level) in front of my family, friends and strangers. I have never done that before. Aside from the odd running event, I don't really compete....at anything.
Discover CrossFit is less than two weeks away. You know that feeling when it seems there is a war between your stomach and your heart? Your nerves have twisted your stomach way past the point of butterflies but your heart is beating absurdly fast because of how excited you are. Nerves versus excitement. Stomach versus heart. That is how I feel.
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