A Change of Plans

If you haven't been able to figure it out yet, plans are always changing around here. :) This time the change in plans was a hard decision, but I think it was probably the best thing to do.
I have withdrawn myself from the London Marathon. I've emailed the Guide Dogs events team and explained that because of training with my replacement guide dog, I cannot commit entirely to the training and fundraising that is necessary for such a large event; at least not this year. This decision did not come easily. I spent probably over a week thinking about it and talking to a few people about it including my husband and my current guide dog trainer. Both had logical things to say and ultimately their sensibility won out. The guide dog trainer knows someone close to him currently training for a marathon and talked with me at length about the commitment to training. Also, he expressed a concern out loud that I had had for a while now but had not voiced; I have not trained with my guide at all yet and 26 miles is a long distance to be attached to someone that you've never run with before. Sure, sometimes blind runners participating in long distance events such as marathons are paired with guides they don't know and consequently have not trained with, but since this was going to be my first marathon, I wanted to be familiar with my guide. As the guide dog trainer said, "marathon training is like having a job" and with the commitment I have to make to this new relationship between me and my new guide dog, I just can't do it right now. However, that does not mean I won't apply for the 2014 marathon. I will have bonded with my dog by then and it won't hurt our relationship for me to be involved in something like that or to have to travel.
I also have not given up on my challenge of running from Edinburgh to London to raise funds for Guide Dogs. Logistically the challenge is sort of running into a few glitches, but I figure that if I can't find guide runners, I'll just cover the mileage on a treadmill at my gym. Certainly not the same, but still works.
I feel a sense of relief having given up my spot. The fundraising and training were really quite stressful, knowing that I had so little time and so many things to do. I feel a bit guilty having said yes initially, but the London marathon is such a fantastic event that I think it is only fair that whoever participates put 100 percent into completing the challenge of running the 26 miles and raising the required 2,000 pounds. I know someone will fill my place and be better equipped than I am at this point to complete these challenges.
So, although I am a little disappointed at my change in plans, I am also relieved. Now I can focus on bonding with my new dog when the time comes. This eventually will mean more independence and freedom not only in every day tasks, but training for events such as the London marathon as well. Also, my MSc dissertation will get more attention if I'm not busy trying to train for a marathon. The proposal is due around the time of the marathon and perhaps it was wise even for just that reason to give my spot up.
It's amazing what growing up will do to you. Just three years ago I would have probably tried to do everything and been able to give ony part of my effort to three major tasks, resulting in some so-so outcomes. Now, I've come to realise that I can't do everything and that it's okay to be great at just one thing as opposed to trying ten different things and attempting to be great at all of them; it just doesn't work that way. :)

Ninety Days!

I just happened across a web page today that told me that the London marathon is only 90 days away. I nearly choked on my coffee. Can it really be that close? Where has the time gone?
In just three months I am supposed to run 26 miles and have raised at least 2,000 pounds.
What was I thinking?
I had a late start considering the marathon team didn't let me know that I had a spot until right before Christmas, but I only have about 80 pounds raised and there's no way I'm anywhere near being ready to run 26 miles. Sure, I don't have to do it tomorrow, but 90 days isn't a lot of time. But I'm committed now. Nothing left to do but buckle down and  figure out some fundraising plans and get my butt training even harder, or else I'm in huge trouble.
Wish me luck or if I can be so cheeky...if you're out there reading this and can spare a pound or two please sponsor me. Your money goes to a great cause. :)
PS: I was matched with my new guide dog on Friday. The dog still has a month of training left and so if everything goes well, we'll enter team training together at the end of February. It's been six months, but good things really do come to those who wait. Another reason why I feel so compelled to raise funds for this fabulous organisation.

My fundraising page can be found at:

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=flippersrunning

Fundraising Frenzy

After being granted the charity ballot to run the London marathon for Guide Dogs, the deadline for fundraising really started setting in. I knew the training and the running of the race would be a challenge in and of itself and I knew the fundraising would be an added pressure, but I didn't think I'd be more worried about raising the money than running the marathon. Maybe when we get closer to the marathon I'll be more concerned with that, but as of right now I am more concerned with raising 400 pounds by March 31st.
According to the London marathon Guide Dogs events team, and the contract I signed with them, I have to have the first 400 pounds of the 2,000 pounds in to them by March 31st. I currently have 80 pounds raised. So, that means a lot of fundraising for me in the next few months; along with training, hydrating right, sleeping correctly and hopefully completing my MSc with high grades.
I never have picked the path of least resistance. ;)
I have a few ideas for fundraising, but the logistics of such things need to be worked out.
First of all, my Virgin Money Giving page is still up and that is where I've collected my donations for now. I'm incredibly grateful for the individuals who have donated thus far.
My next endeavor is to plan a Companion Dog Show. These shows are licensed by the Kennel Club and sound like a lot of fun. Not to mention, it's an inexpensive way to raise money. It definitely will take some work, but I'm actually really looking forward to planning the show. The organiser gets to select novelty classes, along with confirmation classes, for the dogs to compete in. I figure that since it's an event to raise funds for Guide Dogs it would only be fitting to have a class for "best guide dog" or something like that. Hopefully I'll be able to get some guide dog handlers and maybe some puppy walkers (AKA puppy raisers) out as well.
Of course there's always the good old fashion method of carrying around pledge forms and asking people to donate. I've never been very good at that, but it may become a necessary evil.
Since I'll be doing most of my training in my gym, I thought about asking if I could run some sort of event within the facility or put up a pledge sheet. I haven't quite figured that one out yet, but I think it'll be a good place to find sponsorship; I hope.
University starts up again on the 14th after about a month's break and I've also thought to ask the head of the department if I could have a bake sale or at least pass around the pledge form in class. There's got to be a way to tap into that population. I'm of the mindset that every little bit helps.
Other than that, I'm sort of stuck for ideas. One of my guide runners suggested bagging groceries as that is a popular way to raise funds in the UK, but I'm not sure I have enough man power to pull something like that off. I really can't help bag someone's groceries-okay, if it came down to it I could, but I'm not sure how well that would go-and I really don't know a whole lot of people here to ask to bag groceries with/for me. Again, another idea to look into.
There's a cafe we go to a lot and have become friends with the owner. Valentine's Day will becoming up soon and I thought about making a basket with a hand made blanket, some wine and chocolates-or something like that-for her to raffle off, or maybe some of the jewelry I make. Either way, I'd have to obviously ask her first and then make the stuff.
So even though it's only the 5th of January, I really need to  start fundraising. The 31st of March will come up really fast and the 23rd of April-race day and due date for 1,6000 pounds-will come even faster.

Virgin London Marathon

I'm guessing that by my title that you probably know what I'm going to tell you.
Do you remember my crazy idea of running from Edinburgh to London came out of me not getting a ballot to run in the London Marathon for Guide Dogs?
Well, perhaps I should learn some patience, or perhaps fate has a funny way of working things out, but I got a phone call about a week ago telling me that I had been selected as one of the people to run the London Marathon for Guide Dogs.
At first, I hesitated and wasn't sure if I wanted to do it anymore. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to raise the funds for both events and if I'd be able to train for both, but then I started thinking about it and I realised that running the London marathon was something that I really wanted to do. So, I said yes. It hasn't really sunk in yet; probably because my time has been taken up with Christmasy type things in the last week, but I think in the next couple of days, with the holidays winding down a bit, I'll have to start putting a plan into action for fundraising and training.
I've already asked one of my guide runners if she'd be interested in guiding me. She is supposed to get back to me once the holidays are over. She really wants to, but is training for an Ironman which is to be run in July. She is worried that the two events will conflict with her training schedule. If she can't, I have one other person to ask and if that doesn't work out then the Guide Dogs events team people will start asking the pool of runners they have to see if anyone would like to run as my guide.
Running strapped to a stranger for 26 miles may be a bit weird, but it could also be a great experience. Either way, I am so looking forward to completing this marathon.
I never would have thought four years ago, that my sprinting, swimmer self would be taking on a marathon, and the London marathon at that.
Exciting stuff! :)

The Little Things

I have a feeling that there will be other posts with very similar titles in the next year. This crazy idea of mine is really starting to take off and sometimes I think to myself,
"What the crap are you doing?!"
Sometimes I wonder if I will be able to pull it off. These are usually my thought processes after I've spent an afternoon emailing potential sponsors or corporations to see if anyone could assist me and no one replies. I've talked from the beginning about this whole thing  not being  about me, but rather, it being about Guide Dogs and how it will take  a whole host of people to pull off. The silence is hard to swallow sometimes, but when someone brushes this challenge off as "something that we deal with every day," my faith in the chance of this being a success begins to wane. (I had one running shop tell me that! So, blind people run from one country to another every day? If so, can I speak to them so they can give me some tips)? Despite these reactions, all it takes is  one person who  surprises you with their kindness and support and it all seems possible again.
The last couple of days I was having a little doubt party. I had talked to a few different people about my challenge and I was greeted with indifference and suggestions of starting smaller. I've run into these attitudes before, but they were usually intermingled with votes of confidence and someone willing to lend a hand. The latter had been missing and I was getting a bit worried, but my bad attitude was beaten back this afternoon.
This afternoon Mr. K and I wandered over to our gym which has a Sweatshop-running clothing store-in its foyer. I am in desperate need of a few more running outfits and you can never have too many pairs of running socks. We also had the intentions of looking at some shoes for me as well. The guy behind the counter has been there before when we've gone in and he was incredibly friendly and helpful.
Mr. K and I meandered through the store, finding a purple and grey running t-shirt on the sale rack in the correct size and then settling for a pair of black and white running pants-trousers-that weren't so much on the sale rack. Once we had the clothes in hand, Mr. K suggested I check out the shoes. I wasn't going to initially. I figured I had a few good months out of the shoes I had now, but he convinced me by aptly pointing out that the pair I have are of a cheaper quality and really do need replacing.
The salesman spent a good part of an hour going through various brands and styles with me. Mr. K explained to him exactly what I was doing and that I'd need a shoe that was meant for a lot of miles. Originally I had tried on a pair of Nike shoes, but he had me try on a couple of more brands just to make sure I was getting what was comfortable.  I'm glad he did because I walked out with a completely different pair, even though it was a close toss up between the ones I got and the Nikes.
Upon check out he seemed slightly preoccupied and then surprised us by taking ten percent off of the whole purchase which included running shoes, pants, t-shirt and two pairs of socks. He then gave me a voucher for an online 16 week training plan and then tossed in half a dozen or so power bars just for good measure. He also suggested that I contact the Sweatshop and speak to them about any assistance they could provide. He even pulled up the website and described to us where to go to contact the right people. It was so generous of him.
It was with this act of kindness my faith in my crazy idea was restored. He'll probably never know how much of an impact his gesture had.
It's going to be the little things that get me through this adventure. :)

A Little Insight

Pieces of this great jig saw puzzle of a plan are starting to come together. Guide Dogs are sending a fundraising pack to me, complete with t-shirts for me and my guide runners. I've had a few more volunteers step up to run different legs of the event with me and one of my other guide runners is on the mends from an Achilles tendon/ankle injury. Mr. K and I are also going to a local bike shop this afternoon to find out if they have cycle path maps that may detail routes from Edinburgh to London.
I've been trying to bounce my idea off of as many people as possible in order to get different angles on the event. The more minds working at logistics the better. It was during one of these email conversations with one of my friends, who is a four time Paralympian and multi-medal winner, that a good idea was put forward.
Why not have a website dedicated to explaining Guide Dogs  and also have posts from guide dog owners and the importance of these beasties in their lives?
It makes sense.
If I am going to ask people to dig deep into their pockets to assist me raise funds for this organisation, shouldn't these people know what their money does? And what better place to highlight these experiences than right here!
That's why I'm going to be starting a series on this blog that will feature current guide dog owners' experiences, written in their own words, to demonstrate the significant roles guide dogs have in people's lives.
To be honest, I don't know a whole bunch of guide dog owners from this particular organisation as I am new to this country and just getting to know people, but never fear: I will deliver! I am going to attempt to feature various guide dog owners/staff members/puppy walkers for the next 12 months on a biweekly basis. That way, it's not just coming from me how important these dogs are.
And what about the fitness aspect you ask?
It is also my goal to present facts about access to fitness for disabled people, guest posts from disabled people themselves and much much more. Highlighting the need for better access to fitness for disabled people is also very important to me.
My minimum financial goal is to raise 5,000 pounds by next November for Guide Dogs, let me show you why. :)

365

Happy November 01, everyone.
I'm not entirely sure where October went, but here we are in November already. It was just a month ago that I was sitting on my couch, buried in a puppy pile thinking about my future in sport and my crazy idea was formed.
Now, it is  just 365 days until I will take the first steps of the 600 plus miles towards London.
I can't believe it. I know a year can seem like a life time, but in the grand scheme of life, it really isn't. In the grand scheme of planning a huge fundraising event, it really isn't.
Take it from someone who just planned her wedding two years ago. It seemed like we had all of the time in the world, but in the last few days we were still running around like crazy people, trying to make sure the day was what we wanted.
Of course everything turned out, but I can imagine this challenge being kind of similar. Not only is there logistical planning to do, but there is training and then also the fundraising side of things too.
But, you already know this. I haven't stopped going on and on about "having so much to do."
So what steps have I taken to reduce this load?
Well, I've contacted a few larger companies in the hopes that they will be willing to donate funds/gear/guide runners/whatever they feel like giving. I've been "tweeting" like a mad woman and posting to Facebook about my efforts. I've also been looking for ways to run some simple fundraising events that will help generate funds off line. I've got a few ideas, but the problem is securing a venue that won't cost an arm and a leg. If I'm forking out money to raise money then that seems counter productive. I am also meeting withMiss F tomorrow-guide runner-in order to brain storm some publicity ideas and whatever else she may bring to the table. I'm looking forward to that meeting.
As for my route: I'm still trying to figure that out. I had emailed a local running shop, hoping that they would  be able to at least point me in the right direction, but I have not heard back yet. There was another shop that I contacted to see how much it would be to have custom t-shirts made for my guides and I. I had emailed this shop because they printed on actual running shirts as opposed to cotton t-shirts. Unfortunately, they don't carry sizes small enough for me. So, that idea is out for now. I'll do some more investigating into that eventually, but right now I really want to get this route planning under way as well as fundraising. Oh, and training too.
Today I write this post sitting comfortably on my couch, sandwiched in that puppy pile, but something tells me that the post in 365 days won't be so relaxed, never mind comfy. :)

Mrs. Money Bags!

...well, at least that would help. ;)
Since officially announcing my crazy idea and switching it from "crazy idea" status to "having to do this" status, I've been doing a bit more research/thinking/calculating and dude! I have a lot to work towards.
I set myself the lofty goal of raising 5,000 pounds for Guide Dogs because raising/training a fully qualified guide dog costs close to 40,000 pounds. So, my little-or not so little-fundraising goal doesn't even cover one dog. If I could raise more than that, that would be fantastic, but I think 5,000 is going to be enough of a challenge; on top of training to run the 600 plus miles.
Upon calculating a whole year divided by my hoped for fundraised funds, I came to realise that I need to be making around 96.23 pounds a week.
Yikes!
There are two things that make this goal possible though.
1. I have a whole year. I know the time will go by quickly and so that is why I am starting now. If I stay vigilant I think I can make the 5 grand and hopefully more.
2. The 96.23 a week was applied only to my online "giving"
page.2 I didn't factor in any funds that could be potentially raised from other fundraising activities/events. I didn't count those because I'm not sure how much I can actually count on, but I will be working on extra small events or activities to ensure I can reach my goal.
Since Friday I've raised a total of *drum roll please*
...10 pounds!
Look at me go!
Actually, to be honest, I was shocked that I received a donation already and I am so grateful to the person who gave me that little push I needed. She will forever be remembered as the person who got me started. :)
So, that means I have a wapping 4,900 pounds to go!
Bring it on!

It's Official!!!!!

I thought I had a few more days. I thought that my crazy idea was just that...an idea, but it's not just an idea anymore.
Nope.
I have just received my first donation. This first donation makes it so much more real. It means that I really have to do this, and do you know what? I am so excited about it. A little scared too, but definitely excited.
I think I'm justified in my little bit of terror though. You would be too if you had signed yourself up to run from Edinburgh to London in just over a year's time.
Yep. That's right.
Over 600 miles of running and all in the name of raising funds for Guide Dogs and also to raise some much needed awareness of the great need for accessibility to fitness/leisure activities for disabled people. (That was a lot of needs).
I'm not sure what the stats are in the UK, but over 80 percent of (just) blind/visually impaired people in Canada are obese. Not to mention, if you've been reading this blog for any amount of time, you will be familiar with the difficulties of accessing sports and leisure activities as a disabled person.
The guide dog affiliation is probably quite self explanatory, but the short of it is that raising and training a guide dog is an incredibly expensive endeavor. The wait lists for guides are quite long due partially to this cost. As someone who has worked with a guide dog for ten years and is currently waiting for my third working partner, I am acutely aware of the benefits of these working relationships. I'd like to bring awareness to this organisation as well as raise some needed funds.
What better way to accomplish both of these goals than to run some crazy long distance as a blind person?
There are so many things that need to be organised before I can conquer this challenge. It is going to take a lot of support from family, friends and the general public. For example, I'm going to need guide runners to train with and to run different parts of the run with me; I need to map out a route; figure out accommodation along the way; organise fundraising events; recruit support vehicles  for the event. Oh, and train for approximately 21 days of extremely long distance  running. So much to do!
Baby steps though, right?
The most important part is that it is now official: this challenge of running from Edinburgh to London and hopefully raising 5,000.00 pounds (or more) for Guide Dogs is under way.

High Tech Running

Today Laura and I headed out on a short run. It was a cool evening, but layers and a good steady pace took care of the chilliness. Since it is nearly winter here it gets dark quite early now, which makes us both a bit nervous to run on the cycling paths. You never know what lights are actually working and even though it was only 6:30 the paths were actually quite empty. Tis the season for hibernation.

With that in mind, we took along a new addition to our running duo. Roscoe, Mr. K's Black Lab-guide dog-was more than happy to accompany us through the fallen leaves and for the whole 2.68 miles that we ran. A big, Black dog no matter his temperament is a sure way to feel safer.

Since Roscoe is black and therefore blends into the dark areas of the trails, I rigged his collar up with a very loud bell. That way Laura could focus on guiding me and not have to worry about looking around for Roscoe. It worked, but to be honest, running outdoors is often enjoyable because of its peace and tranquility. There is nothing tranquil about a loudly clanging bear bell.  I think we may switch out Roscoe's equipment for a high visibility collar and one of those blinking lights that dogs wear when out in dense forest or the dark. Not that high vis collars or blinking lights are some amazing technological advancement, but having this however simple, equipment available to us is very helpful. It means we can still run on the wider cycling trails and feel safe as opposed to the more cramped city sidewalks that are not conducive to guide runner/guided runner teams.

Our other new addition was of the technological variety. I mentioned previously that Iphones are one of the most accessible cell phones on the market for totally blind individuals. With the Iphone comes the Nike run App and with that comes the possibility for me to keep track of distances, speeds, times and so much more. This evening's run was the first time I got to use the App and as far as I can tell it is accessible. I was even able to post my results to Facebook for my friends to see. They can even view the route from start to finish that we took. There is also a feature that saves your previous results so you can compare runs later. I was so excited when I discovered I could actually use this program on my own.

Heart rate monitors and fancy sport watches have always been equipment that has been lost on me. It's bothered me that I can't keep track of my own stats, but the Nike Run App has changed that for me. Oh, and Iphone too of course. I can even use the App while running on a treadmill, which is another bonus. Quite often, I end up running on the treadmill with no idea of how fast I'm going or how far I've gone. Again, this will no longer be the case. At every mile an announcement is spoken telling you what mile you are at and your average speed. I could probably check it while running as well, but even this little bit of information is very useful for me.

No more running for five miles without knowing how much longer I must suffer through the sweat and oxygen deprivation.

Okay, perhaps it's not that bad, but sometimes it's motivating to know that you're at mile three instead of at mile two. I haven't been able to try this out on a treadmill yet, but if it performs as well for me inside as it did outside, I will be one happy woman.

So, what have I learned today?

That although I hate technology, it actually will make this training thing a more feasible thing and probably more enjoyable in the end. It will allow me to analyse my own runs as well, which will be an incredibly valuable tool that can be utilized when training for my crazy idea. (Still can't say what it is yet).

Do you know what's even better?

The App is free. How can you complain about that?

Thank you technology for making training as a blind athlete accessible.

*Note: all of the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. I did not receive anything from Nike or Apple for the opinions expressed, nor was I approached to test these products out*.

No More Tea!

I have no idea what awful bug ha climbed into my stomach, but this has got to be one of the worst stomach flu thingies I've ever had. I'm not even sure it's a flu. There's just a lot of cramping and nausea. Well, at least the nausea has subsided. But of course this means no training. It also meant that I missed my meeting with my guide runner this morning to discuss the particulars of my big project; so disappointing. However, it's probably good I didn't go because there was no need for me to infect everyone else in the coffee shop.
I was really disappointed that this hit now. I had just downloaded the Nike Run Ap and I was so excited to give it a try. As a blind athlete a lot of those types of training devices are inaccessible and thus I can't use them. Since the Iphone talks though and the Nike Ap can be downloaded to the phone, I think I can actually use it. I won't know for sure though until I kick this nasty bug.
So, instead of pounding out the kilometres, I am squished on to my couch with my dogs, fluffy blankets and thankfully Sprite instead of tea.
Peppermint is a great natural way to assist your tummy along when it's not feeling well. I think I've consumed at least five mugs of it today and another three or four yesterday. And I'm not talking little, tiny tea cups. I'm talking the huge mug that I use for coffee in the morning. I am so peppermint tea (ed) out, I think I'd be happy if I didn't drink it for another twelve months. That said, I think it actually helped.
Along with my litres and litres of peppermint tea, I've taken an Epson salt bath complete with lavender essential oil (good for relaxation) in the hopes that I will get better very, very soon. Even when my body is trying to force me to stay still, I don't usually do well as a patient for more than 24 hours...and it's been longer than 24 hours.
Is there a moral to this story? Be a patient patient I suppose. My logical brain knows that it's important to give yourself the time you need to heal, but my illogical brain just wants to "try how it feels." I know none of that will be happening. So for now, I will be content with my puppy pile, Sprite and fluffy blankets. Please hold the peppermint tea though.

A Change of Plans?

So, where have I been for a whole month? That's a long story, but we'll just say that a few crazy life events have kept me from not only blogging, but my training has certainly been suffering. It's all good though because despite having run only twice in the last month, I've been making some progress on the more logistical end of things.
First of all, I've been working on scheduling a meeting with my university's Athletics team in order to have a team to train with and also to expand my pool of potential guides. I think things may move forward on Sunday morning, but we'll see.
I've also had a few meetings with another potential guide runner, who is currently working through an ankle injury, but who is keen to guide. (I've mentioned her before). We're meeting again this Friday to go over some details, including to work out a few things in regards to a crazy fundraising idea I have had.
This month's "break" of sorts had got me thinking. I really enjoy doing what I'm doing and it seems as though this whole Paralympic/triathlon thing probably won't work out. So, why not do something useful with my time?
I used to think that being in the Paralympics was the only way I could reach people. I thought it was the only means I had to implement change not only in the disability sporting world, but within the able-bodied one as well. It wasn't until recently that I realised this was the biggest reason I was holding on to this Paralympic thing. So, I asked myself what would be a different way  to achieve this? And, it sort of hit me, as I sat on my couch, trapped under a puppy pile, contemplating when I would get my replacement guide dog...why not run for a charity? One that I feel is a good cause; something I can stand, or should I say run, behind. I talked to Mr. K about it because this crazy idea of mine would most certainly effect his life too. I needed him to be excited about it too, or at least believe in me because there is no way I'd be able to do this without his support. When I explained it all to him he surprised me by saying that it was a great idea. And that's when the emailing frenzy began.
I started by emailing the fundraising contact I had within the organisation that I want to support. Then an email went out to my injured guide runner asking her if she would be on board. I got a hold of a freelance journalist that I've had contact with before and then it was time to Google every thing in relation to fundraising that I could think of. This was only a week ago and so there is definitely a lot of work to be done, but I think it can be done. This fundraiser isn't going to be a small thing. If you know me, you know I don't do anything small. I jump in with both feet; literally. That said, I've given myself over a year to accomplish this very lofty goal and I think I'm going to need all of the time I can get.
So what is this crazy idea of mine?
Well, I'd love to tell you, but I can't.
A little hint?
Okay...it has to do with running.
That's it. No more.
The fundraising coordinator for the organisation that I've picked has gone on holiday until October 29th and he and I haven't been over all of the necessary details. Until that happens, I need to keep the specifics to myself.
Why did I mention it then?
Because I'm so excited and I needed to get some of it off of my chest.
I've had a few nay sayers. Two people have suggested I start smaller, but I'm not sure they realise how these things work. I was really disappointed in their reactions because I thought they'd be as excited as I was. I asked Mr. K why they reacted that way and he said,
"because they don't know what you're capable of."
I think that is probably one of the best compliments I have ever been given. That definitely boosted my confidence again and I started back at my planning with gusto.
With this larger project comes smaller goals. In order for this long-term goal to be successful, my short-term ones need to happen. So, the first one I am setting myself is that I have to update this blog on a more regular basis. Once a month is not going to cut it. I think three times a week is realistic. If I post more that is great, but three posts must go up.
There. I've put it in writing. Since this week is almost over, I guess I better get cracking on the rest of the week's posts.
Stay tuned for more regular updates, and hopefully after the 29th, the full disclosure of my crazy idea.

Shameful

It has come to my attention that the coverage of the Paralympic Games in Canada is just absolutely atrocious. People in Canada who want to watch athletes are not able to due so due to   the very large lack of Paralympic coverage, and, this is unacceptable.
When I was competing, I knew that the TV air time that the Paralympic Games got was very minimal, but when you are focusing on being the best you can be, some things just slip by. You just don't have the time and energy to fight every battle. Now that I'm not competing, I have a lot of time and energy to devote to this battle and I am prepared to make a lot of noise.
The lack of coverage just completely boggles my mind. Here we are in 2012. There is no excuse people! None! Some people claim that the Paralympics aren't viewer friendly.
Really?
Tell that to the sold out stadium at the track heats yesterday morning. And that was just for heats!!!!
Again, really?
Tell that to the swimmers who set at least three world records just last night. Even more were broken the night before. Please tell me if I'm missing something, but when three swimmers come into the wall, less than a half a second apart for gold, silver and bronze, that is viewer friendly.
Sure, some of the classifications can be a bit confusing, but at least attempt to make that information accessible to the general public. There are  informational videos available on the main networks websites  carrying the Paralympics and even more on the various Paralympic youtube channels. In an era of social media, there is absolutely no excuse for the Paralympic Games to be ignored by large broadcasting companies.
The most amazing part to me is that Canada already has seven medals, just after day two, and most of the country has absolutely no idea that such a high calibre of athlete is representing their country. This lack of awareness is  because the TV networks' coverage is horrendous.
The Paralympic Games are the second largest sporting event in the world, coming second only to the Olympics. How is it even possible that there is barely any coverage? As a Canadian and a  former Paralympic athlete who was proud to represent her country,  I am ashamed of our media and their lack of attention to the Paralympic Games.

Ondon Marathon

Running a marathon had become a secondary goal for me-after the whole triathlon struggle I've had. I needed something else to focus on and a marathon seemed like a good idea. It took me a while to figure out which one I wanted to do, but I've put an application in for the London Marathon 2013 and will find out in October if I got a spot. Not only do I want to run the marathon, but I've applied for a spot to be the fundraiser for the Guide Dog organisation. It's a charity that is close to my heart and so if  I am selected, it will be very exciting.
The only obstacle I had to work around was finding someone who wanted to run the marathon with me. I hadn't really put too much effort in finding a race guide as October was a   ways off yet. However, I've been talking with a friend who I met through a mutual friend, and she is interested in guiding. She ran the marathon last year and so would be a great partner in that she knows what to expect.
We chatted on the phone tonight and made a basic plan to train until October, find out if either of us were accepted and then go from there. She currently lives in London, so we are a bit apart, but we figure we'll each make a few trips to visit one another and use that time to train together. It would be beneficial to visit her in London because then we can do some of the trickier parts of the course in order to solidify our running partnership.
The situation isn't exactly ideal because it leaves me still trying to find training guides here and running workouts on a treadmill, but on the other hand, what would be the point of all of that training without having a guide to run the race with you at the end? I'll just have to run on the treadmill and make good use of the runs that I do get outside.
I am really excited about this whole thing and I think Miss P is too, which makes this even more exciting. :)

Potential

With my training becoming more of a consistent thing, there seems to be more pieces slowly coming together. The pieces may not fit, but at least the opportunity to examine them and decide for myself is there. A lot of it  has stemmed from starting running with Laura. Unbeknownst to her, she has opened a whole lot of doors for me and I am truly grateful to her. When I thanked her she replied,
"you still have to run on your own two legs."
I laughed, but I really don't think she understands the full weight of what she's done for me. Because of her, I may have found a small pool of runners willing to run with me from time to time.
When Mr. K and I moved to our new flat, we not only moved closer to Laura but also to a different gym. She encouraged us to join this gym and after some discussion, we decided to do it. So far, I have really enjoyed my time at this particular gym and it's been because of this that I've met more runners.
The UK wide shop called the Sweat Shop organises community running programs and there just happens to be one associated with the gym we've joined. Laura spoke to the manager and he said it would be no problem for me to come along to the runs. They run Sunday, and Tuesdays and after attending my first run on Tuesday, I've found two other volunteers who are interested in guiding for me. There have been others who have put up their hands as well, which is very encouraging.
Laura usually only runs with the group on Tuesdays so having someone, or a few someones, there on Sundays would be great. I am supposed to run with one of the new volunteers tomorrow to see how she likes it and if we are a good match.
Laura and I are going to continue running on Tuesdays with her guiding me but as a part of the running group. We will also  do my long runs on Wednesday evenings just on the trails by my flat; just the two of us. She and I chatted this past Wednesday about a workout schedule and this week will be the first week I'm implementing it. I really hope with my new plan and potential guide runners, I can really get things moving even more than they already are. Exciting times.
On top of  all of this very exciting stuff, I've finally heard back from Triathlon Canada. I contacted them almost two years ago with no results. Para triathlon had not really taken a hold in Canada only two years ago, but with London 2012 approaching for Paralympians and triathlon being added to the 2016 line up, Triathlon Canada is starting to develop a Para-triathlon team. Originally, I had been in touch with the UK team, but no one was very interested in helping me go anywhere with triathlon. I suspect that it may be because I'm not from the UK and they'd be training me to compete against them. I hadn't entirely decided who'd I compete for, but if Triathlon Canada wants to take me on and support me, then I would compete for them.
The person I am supposed to talk to about my situation is currently on vacation, but hopefully I'll hear from him soon. The guy who responded to my enquiry, said that I was the type of athlete they were looking for and so, (hopefully again), something will come of all of this.
I also spoke to an acquaintance about potentially running the London marathon together. She ran it last year, but injured herself at mile ten. She finished the race, but she's hoping to better her time since she finished in over six hours. I've applied to raise funds for the Guide Dog organisation in the UK, whereas, she's applied for a general ballot with no fundraising pressures. We both kind of thought that if one of us gets a ballot, we may be able to work something out where we run together.
Again, more "hoping" and "potential," but I like this kind of "hoping" and "potential." A lot of good things could come of all of these things.

Training With a Cause: An Introduction

Besides training for triathlons, there is something else that is very near and dear to my heart:

Glacier (My current guide dog).

That's right: I'm a crazy dog lover; especially Labrador Retrievers. From the age of six, I have always had at least one Labrador in my life. Granted, two of them have been guide dogs, and another is my husband's guide dog, but Labradors are always around. So, that is why I thought it fitting that the cause I trained for was a Labrador Retriever Rescue.

Labrador Retriever Rescue Scotland

is a non-profit organisation that re-homes Labradors all over Scotland. The organisation is quite active and even has a very busy and welcoming Facebook page.

With the current economy, and many other reasons, dogs are being re-homed on a regular basis. Labrador Retriever Rescue  Scotland (LRRS), works in conjunction with current owners in attempting to rectify issues before re-homing is considered. If a Labrador does need to be re-homed, LRRS works very hard to find the dog the perfect forever home. New owners are required to stay in contact with LRRS throughout the adopted dog's life and in return receives advice on a myriad of topics, including but not limited to: health, training and diet. Where possible LRRS likes to find homes for Labs where they can work: some have gone on to be great  scent dogs. The bottom line for LRRS is, that a dog is placed in a loving, safe home whether it is to be a pet or a working dog. With my affinity for Labs and my great appreciation for working dogs, I have chosen Labrador Retriever Rescue Scotland as the organisation that I want to raise funds for while attempting to attain my triathlon goals.

How will I  go about this?

As of right now, a "donation" button will be added to a page I will create with all of the information pertaining to LRRS and my training goals. The donations that come in will be split between myself and Labrador Retriever Rescue  Scotland, with LRRS receiving 80 percent of the funds raised. The other 20 percent I will keep to pay for the necessary expenses of training as a blind triathlete. Triathlon training is expensive, but if you double those costs-blind athletes often have to purchase adaptive equipment and pay double for travel/race entry fees Etc for his/her guide-training in an already expensive sport becomes nearly impossible without a sponsorship. Labrador Retriever Rescue Scotland has agreed to the split and was more than generous.

So, today when I hit the treadmill, sweating my way through intervals, I will be thinking of all of the Labradors out there that still need rescuing, re-homing or vet bills paid for. If that isn't motivating, then I don't know what is. :)

Guide dogs need a break too.