Humbling Beginnings

There is something to be said about returning to training after taking some time off from a competitive season -- never mind following on the heels of the Olympic Games. For me personally, I’ve had to mentally unwind and re-evaluate my goals for the following years. This isn’t some rogue routine, but it is something that requires meticulous, methodical thinking and planning. Once, this has been figured out it’s easier to start the wheels in motion.

However, for me pre-season training never is fun. It’s probably the only thing I dislike about high jumping. Let me explain. A year of training cycles through various periodization and training focuses. The high point of my season is generally near the end, with a major championship brought into central focus. I’m involved in a speed and power sport, where by this time I am well tuned with specific training. The pre-season, generally focuses on general conditioning. Volumes are high and recovery time is less. The body is in constant agony. I am dependant on massage and therapy to keep my body from exploding. The workouts are long and arduous and a few times you might be brought to your knees from exhaustion, possibly seeing God’s appearance on the track. (In your mind you might see a beam of light telling you, you have lived – at least for that day’s workout.)

Every year, preseason seems worse. Not because of the pain, but rather knowing from past experience that ‘yes, this workout is going to hurt.’ It’s like Pavlov’s Dog syndrome, where instead of salivating at the ringing of a bell, I’m feeling the pain in advance from seeing a printed workout. My only salvation is knowing that the hard work now will carry me through the ever long season ahead. It’s a humbling experience all around and certainly worth it!

Bring it on!
Nicole

The Power of Facebook

I can remember just last year, stating Facebook would never see my face on it. As of February 2008, I became a proud member. Much like the blackberry a.k.a crackberry, I find myself going in waves where I am on site all the time, and then sometimes not at all. It’s an awesome networking/connecting tool, as well as, a black hole for wasting time. I mean I have caught up with so many old friends, that it has made my membership worthwhile. However, lately, I’ve fallen into the black hole of wasting time.

I’m always changing my picture, statements, profile, while also, commenting on the pages of my friends. Last night, unassumingly changed my relationship status, to one where it wasn’t listed. No real reason, just felt like it. (I think I thought it would make my profile look cleaner and uncluttered… most likely I was just wasting some more time.)

However, the note that showed up on my friends’ pages was a heart and the statement “Nicole is no longer listed as single.” Later, I would discover some of my friends thought that implied I was now in a relationship. The congratulations messages and inquiring phone calls poured in. And it made me consider if my friends were wondering when I was planning to settle down.

It’s quite funny how much power Facebook can provide. Any action done is just bulletined to your friends. Only the neon lights are missing. Ironically, I like my single life, possibly to a flaw. I’ve been receiving a lot of flack from my friends about it lately so perhaps that had something with me wanting to remove my status. Who knows? Besides, it isn’t like guys are the easiest creatures to make time for. Many enjoy the chase or the ego boosting to their self-esteem, a girls’ attention can provide. The only game I play is monopoly, so that leaves me out of the game of chase.

However, exactly 1 week ago, my BFF lashed out at me stating “Nicole, when have you ever made time to date anyone. You’re always too busy, and not interested! You don’t give anyone a chance…” I’ve been hearing a lot of this lately from various friends. However, from my BFF I was surprised. Usually, I’m the one rambling on, but this time he had a lot on his chest to say and say he did! I was sitting looking at my phone bewildered as he spilled his opinions. Eventually he concluded with the statement “Do you appreciate when I’m so honest? Would I be a good friend if I wasn’t?” I think I was still too flabbergasted to respond.

I know he’s somewhat right, so I am taking his dare/instructions on... this is an unchartered territory. Although, perhaps I should be enrolling in a 12-Step Singles Anonymous class… if one exists… lol…

Going back to facebook, I can’t help chuckling over my April Fool’s prank, this year. Similarly, I had changed my status, as being engaged to one of my friends. The congratulation messages poured in unsightly! (I enjoyed more than a chuckle from that prank.) If anything, I would assume a change in my status would make me become “the girl who cried wolf,” receiving NO ATTENTION. Yet, my friends, true in their definition of being a friend, were quick to support a possible new found interest. Gotta love your friends!

Facebook junky since February 2008,
Nicole

P.S: I do try and keep my facebook circle of friends manageable, to those I know, so I don’t accept friends I don’t know. It’s probably not a good idea to add me if I don’t know you. However, I will join some fan pages and groups I receive invitations for.

Understanding Myself...

This weekend I headed home to attend a Canadian Post-Olympic Series. It was a weekend seminar designed to help Olympians in transition, specifically those retiring or thinking about retiring. As, I’ve written in my previous blogs I actually DON’T have any plans of retiring. Nonetheless, I still believed I could gain from this workshop, as I will be an athlete in transition in the near future, concerning my academics.

Currently, I am working on my dissertation – a journey of its own. A long journey, this is the last pit stop in my realm of doctoral studies. For as long as I have been a National Team Athlete I have also been a student-athlete. The anticipated transition from a student athlete, to hopefully a student and entrepreneur title, is one I’d like to begin preparing for now… well in advance! This to me is a massive transition that fills me both with fears and excitement!

Armed with an elevated interest in the weekend ahead of me, what I walked away from this experience was something I didn’t expect. There were many messages provided for us the athletes – ensuring academic achievements, not being afraid to ask for help, embracing challenges, applying attributes used in our sports world to life… and the list goes on.

However, there was one message, that rung strong with me – the idea of knowing yourself. Stripped away of my Olympian title, Championship records and the various medals I’ve won along the way, leaves me as simply Nicole Wendy Forrester. An identity, I am most comfortable with. In fact, I never describe myself as an athlete or let strangers know of my athletic pursuits. Not for shame, but because I see that as something I do, and not who I am.

But, who am I? I’d like to believe I know myself, but I don’t believe I’ve spent the time and reflection this question deserves. In truth, we must all have an honest understanding of who we truly are to move forward; to be able to offer our services to others; and to be able to have a successful relationship.

Does anyone really know who they are? Or do we think we know who we are? I would also add, routines can fool us into believing we understand who we are, but every now and then I think it is a fair question to ponder about ourselves.

Perhaps, this question struck a cord with me because of my long term goals. My entrepreneurial designs are set on helping others and organizations achieve optimal performance. So, at this moment I am taking the necessary time to really consider who I am and compare it with the type of woman I want to be.

So, I ask you – how often do you consider who you are? Are you the type of person you want to be? And if not, when would now be a good time to start?

Deeply considering myself,
Nicole

POWERFUL WOMAN versus the MERE MORTAL MAN

GENERALLY, it seems that most men generate value in a relationship by being the provider. Provider??? Hmm… does that mean by financial bearing? What if a woman is more financially secured than a man, does he feel threatened? Do guys feel that a woman needs to be with someone more on her level? Are women punished for their success? Sometimes, I think so!

I have some trouble with this notion of Provision? Providing can come in many manners – it’s in an exclusively reserved special smile, a wanting ear that listens, a strong arm that embraces, remembering birthdays & special occasions or cooking and taking care of a family – for example. Why must providing be equated to dollar and cents? I mean for years men have been the ‘bread winner’ and women have stayed at home, raising a family. Were those women not also providing???

So, I ask my male counterparts “Would you be okay if your woman made twice as much money as you? “ And I mean really okay? As for the ladies, “Could you be okay with a man that made half of what you made, if his provision was not solely financial?”

Now, there needs to be some caveats with this. No one generally is interested in someone who is a freeloader with no ambition, taking pride in spending their significant other’s loot. I know the term reserved for women is “Gold Digger.” But, what I’m talking about is looking beyond the size of one’s pay check!

For me, my interests in a man are far deeper than their personal bank account. Nonetheless, I am old fashioned and do enjoy the courting rituals. One of my good male friend and I often talk about this. Whereby, I believe on a date (while courting) a man should pay. If he can’t afford to pay for dinner, why not get ingenious and find another method to show his interest (i.e. make dinner!).

While my friend is partial to the notion of a man paying for dinner, he also believes has a good gesture the girl should offer to pay. Maybe -- but, gentlemen beware. A woman may offer, with the expectation she’ll be turned down. Obviously, if she is insistent she is genuine in her offer…. Ahhh… the world of dating…Definitely a topic for another Blog entry.

In the end, I can’t help wondering how far we as a society have really evolved with regards to women and men. Yes, it appears that if you are a female with a determined goal you can be successful, but with regards to romance it can be your Achilles. Although, perhaps the man that is not intimidated by a woman’s bank account is the type of man any woman should want. Isn’t this type of man demonstrating security with himself? And really who wants to be with an insecure man?

I have a feeling I will be revisiting this topic, as it seems to conjure up many other sub-areas worth discussing.

Until our next acquaintance,
Nicole

Church, Religion and Shaking Hands?

Where but a better place to start with a taboo topic this Sunday evening, but Church?

I am by faith a Roman Catholic. Yes, I have engaged in the first three fundamental steps of Catholicism – baptism, communion and confirmation. From, the youngest of age God and Church have been a primary teaching in my life. In fact, at one point I contemplated becoming a nun. (Geeze, how I envied Mother Teresea and the Sound of Music Sister Maria.)

However, as I got older I began to explore deeper, provoking, questions – oftentimes too scared to utter to others. For example ‘How do we know the Bible is really the Word of God?’ ‘Who wrote the Bible?’ ‘How did the New Testament come to be?’ Eventually, my questions and thirst for answers led me to travel as far as Israel, for answers. Indeed I got some answers, and today I see myself as more spiritual than religious. Moreover, I certainly don’t discount other people’s faith or lack of faith, for who am I to be the wiser?

So, while I consider myself more spiritual than religious, I still enjoy attending my Catholic church. It is my place of worship and meditation. For those who have never been, attending a Catholic Church entails many traditional practices. For example there is standing, kneeling, sitting, shaking hands with your neighbours and saying “peace be with you,” accepting bread and wine (representing the body and blood of Christ), holding hands during the Lord’s Prayer and singing various songs (a.k.a hymns) – to name a few. However, I actually enjoy these practices. It is familiar to me and feels like home – I just wish we didn’t shake hands!

Now, I am a germ freak and with winter closely upon us, I’m not so keen on shaking hands and then accepting the body of Christ in that hand that I just shook hands with or held during a prayer.

I can remember during the SARS epidemic shaking hands in church was not allowed and wine was provided in paper cups. Now, we’re back to normal where we shake hands, instead of nod to our good neighbours, and wine serving an entire congregation, is offered from the same challis. Needless to say, I take the blood of Christ at home.

In the end, this exposure to germs (which may leave me with a cold lasting weeks) is worth it! I still get excited and sing very loudly when a favorite song is chosen for the day like “On Eagles Wind”, “Be not Afraid” or “Sing to the Mountains”. And I leave feeling elevated when the Priest ends with “The Mass has ended now go in Peace. Peace be with you.” It’s like I’ve received my blessing for the week.

Peace be with you,
Nicole

Achtung Baby! -- PROVOCATIVE TOPICS AHEAD

A few months ago I offered a few blog entries, titled Hot Topics. I liked these entries because they allowed me the opportunity to explore topics most of us may think about and may reserve for close company discussions. The response and endorsement for these topics were great!

So, let’s do it again. I’ve chosen to use this blog to discuss even more provocative, controversial and personal topics. Anyone, who knows me, knows me to be outspoken, possibly too much. Not surprisingly, I love this forum! This blog offers an excellent platform to walk that fine line while combining it with light fun filled entries.

If you’re interested in following strickly my athletic pursuits , my website journals can satisfy this appetite. But, if you’re interested in possible taboo topics, both personal and general well keep tuned into this blog… Buckle up! it’s going to be a different ride!

Your tour guide,

Nicole

ELECTIONS

So, our Canadian election was yesterday. I realize it might not have the world's attention which the US election seems to instill, however, on a National level, I believe it should be paramount. Nonetheless, we had a historical low turnout for voting yesterday! What gives???

There was a time when only men could vote. Women and minorities had to fight for their right to vote, in sighting the need for a blessed change! But, it seems somewhere this “right” to vote has lost its value amongst Canadians. Personally, I believe it’s our civic duty to vote. In fact, in recent months we’ve all witnessed the challenges Zimbabwe citizens’ have faced in their attempts to vote – people wanted to vote and were discouraged, denied or even killed for this right! And here we are in a country with nothing preventing us from voting! I shake my head in shame…. I believe if you don’t vote you lose your right to complain about government.

Now, I’ll be the first to admit that this was one of the more difficult elections for me, where up until the day of election I wasn’t sure who I wanted to vote for. I had some disagreements with the platform of my normal party of choice. Additionally, I had the opportunity to speak with members from each party. I did my best to be an informed voter, and still found myself perplexed. But, really I couldn’t call myself a Canadian unless I voted. So, I made the commute from my training base in Michigan to my electoral region and voted!

The problem when no one shows up at the polls is you end up with a few Canadians deciding the fate of ALL Canadians. Perhaps, we should be able to have a smorgasbord of politicians being elected on certain issues (i.e. Budget, Health, Education, and Environment) and they are then forced to collaboratively work together. Wouldn’t that be an interesting option? Still, we should be glad that instead of having 2 parties to vote for, we had 6 parties!

For my American friends, please don’t make the same mistake as us. Show up and Vote. Your future depends on it!

Executing my Right to Vote,
Nicole

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UaRXvRwhOk

Breast Cancer Awareness -- Are you aware and involved?

What Cancer cannot do

Cancer is so limited...

It cannot cripple love

It cannot shatter hope

It cannot corrode faith

It cannot destroy peace

It cannot kill friendship

It cannot suppress memories

It cannot silence courage

It cannot invade the soul

It cannot steal eternal life

It cannot conquer the spirit.~ Author Unknown

One in 9 women is expected to develop breast cancer during her lifetime. One in 28 will die of it. It will strip families of mothers, wives, sisters, and friends.

The Susan G. Komen Organization has played a criticall role in reducing these numbers since 1982. Breast Cancer has gone from being a death sentence, to a challenge women can win. Please supprt this foundation -- www.komen.org or someone participating in the run for the cure. If you don't know anyone please support my friend Beth Stroud at https://www.cibcrunforthecure.com/html/personal_page.asp?track=2953571&languageid=1 . Be involved!

In support of the Run for the Cure,

Nicole