Wednesday, June 15, 2016

The Tallest Poppy Run Club


The Tallest Poppy Run Club

Who 
The Tallest Poppy Run Club is inclusive of all runners of all abilities.  Our target neighbourhoods are Wolseley and West Broadway, but other folks are welcome.  The Tallest Poppy Run Club will be led by Ted’s Run for Literacy board members all of whom are very experienced runners.

What
A twelve-week running program building strength and endurance for participants to comfortably run a 5 km or 10 km distance with confidence and success.  We will run different routes through the neighbourhood always starting and finishing at The Tallest Poppy. We will slowly increase our distance every week. Each session will start with a talk about a different aspect of running including nutrition, injury prevention, benefit to mental health and more.

When
Twelve consecutive Thursday evenings in July, August, and September at 6:00 to 7:00.

Where  
The Tallest Poppy, 103 Sherbrook in the heart of The Beautiful West End.

Why 
We believe running not only promotes physical and mental health, it also builds friendships, confidence, and adds to the vibrancy of the neighbourhood. The Tallest Poppy is at the crossroads of Wolseley and West Broadway, and is a welcoming meeting place for the adjoining neighbourhoods. In other words, a perfect location to bridge the gap and build community.

For more information contact:

tedsrunforliteracy@gmail.com
tedsrunforliteracy.com
Facebook
Twitter

Sunday, June 12, 2016

Your Pace or Mine? by Lisa Jackson




I received a cheery email from Bridget Robinson the other day requesting support in promoting her friend's book, Your Pace or Mine.  Bridget is well known in Winnipeg's running community and is the race director of the Street Feet Run Well run in Point Douglas.  She's a person of unbridled positive energy and we share an audacious dream of social justice for all.  When Bridget speaks, I listen.

Your Pace or Mine? What Running Taught Me About Life, Laughter, and Coming Last is one runner's reflection of what it means to be a runner.  Having run over 100 marathon, Lisa Jackson is a serious distance runner with more than a few stories.  Her 23 DFLs (dead f*ing last) are a source of inspiration and pride for Lisa. While many runners would be less than pleased with a single DFL let alone 23, she sees the DFLs as a source of strength and indeed, life lessons. Lisa Jackson bio reads:



...she sets out to show that running's really not about the time you do but the time you have, and tells not only her own story but those of the everyday heroes she's met along the way.


Lisa is visiting Winnipeg from London England. She will run the Manitoba Marathon half-marathon and on June 30 will deliver a talk on "Ten things I've Learned on the way to 100 marathons" at 7:00 PM at the King's Head Pub. She will also have copies of her book for sale at $15.00.  We are fortunate to have Lisa visit peg City to share her story.  Be sure to drop by the King's Head for a pint and a story... you won't be disappointed, but don't take my word... there's dozens of reviews. Here's a couple to whet your appetite.


A wonderfully written, inspirational and philosophical book, not just about running but also about life and the many challenges it can throw at us. Heartbreakingly sad in some chapters, hilarious in others, it’s a great read. Lisa’s amazing multiple marathon achievements and the life lessons she has gained make for compelling reading.


(Christina Macdonald, Launch Editor of Women’s Running UK and author of Run Yourself Fit)


Jackson reads like a barefoot romp in the park on a rainy day: refreshing, quirky, deeply insightful, and not afraid to get her feet dirty!


(Lorraine Moller, Olympic medallist and Boston Marathon winner)


I have about 25 books on running in my collection.  Some notables are The Memory of Running by Ron McLarty,  Lore of Running by Tim Noakes,  Once A Runner by John Parker, Born To Run by Christopher McDougall, and Running and Being by George Sheehan. There's a space waiting for Your Pace or Mine by Lisa Jackson next to these distinguished noteables.


It's a good day to be alive.


Mike





King’s Head Pub and Eatery  – 120 King Street

Sunday, June 5, 2016

Scott Sugimoto runs for Jen

Scott's hydration station.
Scott Sugimoto ran 100 kilometers today to support Jen, a colleague with cancer.He had at least one runner along his side for every minute of his 14 hour odyssey.  I joined him at 10 AM and managed 15 miles.  During this time I learned Jen's story.

Jen is 25 years old, works at Home Depot, and according to Scott, shatters any stereotype we may hold of young people. Jen is a dynamo and is passionate about her job.  She continues to work despite her poor health and thinks of others before she gives a moment's consideration to herself. Jen has what the doctors refer to as an "undiagnosed cancer".  A cancer without a name, but with all the trepidation, grievous symptoms, and pain.  Jen and her mom need to travel to The Mayo Clinic for experimental treatment.  Because the cancer is undiagnosed and the treatment experimental, her expenses are not covered by Home Depot's private insurance or Manitoba Health.  All expenses are out pocket.

Scott and friend Junel Malapad.
Jen's initial stay at Mayo Clinic is two weeks at, let's say, roughly $1000 a day and likely much more. Jen's mom is a single parent on a limited income and Jen, like most 25 year olds, does not have significant savings.  The good folks at Home Depot have generously agreed to match fundraising efforts dollar for dollar.

Our Scott, our dear Scott, raised over $1000 in fives and tens and twenties.  Runners and children, and parents, and Home Depot staff stuffed cash into his hands as he ran. With eyes brimming over, Scott acknowledged each and every gift with a hug and with an exclamation of humbleness. He was overwhelmed with gratitude and we are overwhelmed with pride, pride and love of this man and his gift.

The smile never left his face.
Scott and Jen are not heros.  They're not special.  They're not even much different than you and me They're just normal folks who believe in the power of positive energy and the strength of community. They use their gifts to motivate us to rise up and change the world one step, one breath, one prayer at a time.

We are the lucky ones.  We are lucky to have Scott and Jen in our lives. Please pay it forward and send a few toonies Jen's way.   Find Scott Sugimoto on Facebook and message him your support. An e-cash transfer is so simple... a few clicks and you're done.

Jeff, Dale, Scott, Donovan changing the world one breath at a time.
Hey y'all, it's a good day to be alive. Make it even better and message Scott.

Mike

PS... Scott Sugimoto is currently training for Fat Dog 120 mile ultra marathon and is the designated 4:30 pacer for the Manitoba Marathon... that and he's the finest gentleman I know.