A Place at the Table

I was at Mt Seymour United church this morning and listened to a very interesting message as well as a great choir performance. Regardless of the controversy within religious circles, the United church stands proudly and significantly for inclusion of all colors, beliefs, creeds and sexual orientations. Although I have my own beliefs on some things, the church stands and welcomes all to the table. This invitation is often not presented to those with disabilities. Mt Seymour United church in particular needs support to carry on this message. Not everyone believes it is necessary to go to church to display their spirituality and Christian ways of living their lives. I don't deem to be a judge of people on that issue either. I have felt as much spirituality deep into a trail run. However, the movement away from regular attendance at church is challenging the finances of the church. Mt Seymour United delivers a great message that some people need to hear. Think of supporting them as a charitable donation although physical presence and volunteering has virtues all their own. I challenge you to help me help out this valuable organization.

Can't be great? Have a great team

On Labour Day I competed in the Vancouver Triathlon in the relay category with two other members of the NS Tri Club. I had a great team with a very fast swimmer to give me a lead and a great runner to bring us home. I was the weak link in a potentially winning team, however, I warned them up front. I did the 40 km bike leg consisting of 4 loops of the Stanley Park road. So I climbed up to Prospect Point 4 times but I also got a fast downhill run down the back side 4 times. Had incredible support from friends and family and lots of fun even though the road was very wet from the overnight rain. Now if only they will change the rule so I don't have to ask permission each time.

Power of Support & Positive Thought

This past weekend I was in Penticton to cheer on a friend of mine who was undertaking his first Ironman event. For those unaware, the Ironman consists of a 4 km swim followed by an 180 km cycle followed by a 42 km run. This is all done consecutively and must be completed in under 17 hours. This is an awesome undertaking and completion justifies the title. My friend did complete in 12 hours and 42 minutes. Another member of the club finished after 16 hours and forty minutes - 20 minutes under the cut-off of midnight after which you are not considered to have been an official finisher.

One of the curious hings I noticed about this event is how people responded to positive encouragement. We positioned ourselves along the 2 mile out and back finishing chute. It amazed me to see people who were having to walk on the outbound leg after positive encouragement were running on the return leg. Granted they could now see the finish line, however, the response achieved from positive mental energy from people who were 223 km into their event was astonishing. The positive mental imaging clearly empowered these people to overcome their fatigue and finish strongly. This kind of power needs to be remembered when facing challenges.