Tribute to Terry

Today was my school's annual Terry Fox Run. Schools all over the country participated in the largest national fundraiser in the world. For 30 minutes, over 500 staff and students ran, jogged, or walked in honour of Terry Fox and to continue the legacy that he started 30 years ago. In my mind (and many others), Terry is THE greatest Canadian hero ever. He tirelessly and selflessly ran a marathon EVERY day for 143 days straight. Unfortunately, he had to stop because the cancer had spread to his lungs and he was physically forced to quit because of exhaustion.

Today, Terry's dream is coming true. If Terry was alive today, his cancer probably would have been beaten due to the funds that his foundation has raised towards cancer research.

Pessimists say that it's impossible for one person to make a difference in this world. Every day, I teach my students to wonder, to hope, to dream, to achieve.

My kids believe that they CAN make a difference.

Thanks to Terry.

Just Tri It

Before my last blog was lost into the depths of the Internet black hole, I wrote about my running addiction. Most people never believe me when I say that there is absolutely nothing (natural or unnatural) that compares to that high that I sometimes get during a tempo run. It's hard to describe but I feel strong, alive, free, and incredibly happy to be me. I know that you also probably don't believe me but, on those elusive occasions, I actually get a bit emotional because I reflect on how blessed I am. It's wierd, I know..

This summer, I started training for triathlons. This multisport definitely attracts me for the simple reason that it involves 3 different sports requiring strength, endurance, agility, and intelligence. I figured that this sport would take a while to work on because there is always room for improving in 3 different areas. Let's just say that this sport is a work in progress and I hope to let you know how the training is going later on..

Well, I am definitely not addicted yet but I knew I was on a to a new passion when something clicked during my last race. I was in the run portion of a sprint triathlon and was rounding the last kilometre. I got that elusive feeling again and I actually looked up into the sky, smiled wildly and thought to myself, "I feel SO ALIVE!!!" as I sprinted to the finish.