Say What You Need to Say

Mr. Holland’s’ Opus is one of the few movies I find to be a true tear jerker. (I’m amazed at my inability to make it through that movie without crying!)

It’s a story about a teacher, who only ever wanted to write a great symphony, but life happens and he never has time to complete this symphony. He gets married, fathers a deaf child (whom he feels disconnected with) and begins teaching music and driving lessons to pay the bills! In the end after 25 years of dedicating his life to a school they decide to cut his program because of budget cost. This leaves him feeling like his life was meaningless. Unbeknown to him he actually does write an incredible symphony in his 25 years of teaching – he has fruitfully influenced a copious amount of students’ lives. They ARE his symphony!

I have a personal relationship with this movie because I had a high school music teacher (Mr. Thompson) who was also my Driver’s Ed. teacher! I see a lot of similarities between him and that of the protagonist in Mr. Holland’s Opus. His belief, guidance and demand from me, has undoubtedly had a profound influence in shaping me. Learning various instruments, difficult pieces with the occasional spotlight solo, taught me that any skill could be learned and not to run from the chance to display perfection.

I always remember him selecting me as a Bass Clarinetist to regionally represent Ontario in a selected symphony of various talented musicians. I was flabbergasted (I certainly didn’t have that much belief in myself at the time!).

My point in this run-on story is that I never got the chance to tell him how he had influenced my life and growth. 2 years ago, he was driving and ran out of gas on the highway. He was crossing a major highway for gas when he was struck and killed. His death has filled me with grief and regrets.

I realize now how important it is to say what you feel as oppose to not saying anything. (Unless it’s extremely nasty like, “You little F@#ker, I wish you dropped dead and your carcass was so bad that not even flies didn’t wanted to land on you and you were buried in an unmark grave as a disease to society!).. wow, where did that come from??? …lol :p (an image of The Usual Suspects just flew into my head…lol).

But, being serious all we have is today so I don’t like holding back thoughts especially good thoughts. Why wait for a funeral to stand over someone’s grave and say how wonderful that person was. Say it now! Say it loud! And say it proud, while they can appreciate it! This is probably the reason why I like the song “Say” by John Mayer. There is a line in the song that says:

“It's better to say too muchThen never to say what you need to say againEven if your hands are shakingAnd your faith is brokenEven as the eyes are closingDo it with a heart wide open”

…I love it!

Saying what I need to say,
Nicole

TRAINING (in Canada), STITCHES and VIDEO

Well, I’ve been home in Canada for a week now training. My training base location is Ann Arbor, Michigan. Between my coach, the facilities at hand and my short 3km drive to practice it makes for an excellent set-up. To me this is my Olympic Training Centre. However, I am close enough to my Canadian home that I can hop in my car and drive 4 hours and be in Toronto.

Due to some obligations, I’ve had to be home in Canada last week and this week. Juggling scheduled appointments, my training obviously takes president. Leaving the house at 8am, I usually do not return until 9 or 10pm. Driving between Aurora, Toronto and Orillia, I’m probably managing 250km a day on my Toyota RAV4. Although, my schedule is jam packed, I absolutely love being home!

But, as much as I love home, training at home can be challenging. For one, it takes me on a good day 40 minutes to make it to practice and parking comes with a hefty $9 parking fee per day. And my inability to find boxes and/or equipments I need for my workout can sometimes result in alternate workout plan taking effect. Still, this kind of training I believe toughens you up.

So, I thought I’d enlighten you with an inside look at my training here at home.

Waiting to return back to Ann Arbor,
Nicole

(Below) Sticthes being removed from a Plyometric Accident a few weeks ago.

SAY

Take all of your wasted honor

Every little past frustration

Take all your so called problems

Better put 'em in quotations

Say what you need to say

Say what you need to saaaay...

Walking like a one man army

Fighting with the shadows in your head

Living out the same old moment

Knowing you'd be better off instead

If you could only

Say what you need to say

Say what you need to saaay...

Have no fear

For giving in

Have no fear

For giving over

You better know that in the end

It's better to say too much

Then never to say what you need to say again

Even if your hands are shaking

And your faith is broken

Even as the eyes are closing

Do it with a heart wide open... wide...

Say what you need to say

Say what you need to

Say what you need to

Say what you need to say...

~John Mayer

The 4 year life of Amateur Sports

I understand that Athletics (Track & Field’s official name) receives much attention every 4 years, but there is a life that extends beyond the 4 year cycle of the Olympic Games. It’s called the circuit. There is a circuit of competitions that occur each year. I liken it to Tennis with their Grand Slams. The “circuit” consists of Golden League Meetings, Super Grand Prix, Grand Prix and World Athletic Tour Meetings in addition to other area permit competitions. The end of each season is concluded with the World Athletic Finals, where the top 8 athletes in each event compete. In addition to the World Athletic Finals, the Olympic Games are also sandwiched by the Commonwealth Games, World Championships, Francophone Games, World Cup and Pan-American Games. All of which are strong competitions in their own merit.

Another, interesting fact -- behind soccer (a.k.a football) track and field is the next most popular and participated sport in the world. It is the only sport in the world which every other sport uses in some fashion in their training. Often in some athlete’s off-season, they will choose to train with us to improve their fitness. I remember on one occasion an NFL player was training with me and my friends, and was struggling. At the end of the session, he exclaimed in disbelief of our ability to enjoy this form of training daily. It made us chuckle. I’m sure if we tried taking the hits he took on the field, we’d be struggling to understand that enjoyment.

Alas, at the end of the day I can’t deny my boasting of Athletics embodiment of the Olympic Spirit – 'Citius, Altius, Fortius' (swifter, faster, and higher). It is a sport that all body types can participate. You don’t need to necessarily be tall, short, fat or thin. There is an event for anyone to try. You are the captain of your own fate.. It’s just you and the clock, or measuring stick. And if you can’t be the fastest in the world, you can certainly use the training to become faster to chase a soccer ball down the field. Yes, I am proud to be an athlete in Athletics (track and field)! Not to take anything from any other sport, of course.

Loving my Sport,
Nicole W. Forrester

Birthday Celebration -- November 17

It’s my birthday… My day… Well, officially, as of 12:00am November 17. I actually, invoked a 2-day celebration of my birthday, beginning today.

I totally enjoy the commencement of another year of being older. I’ve seen others grimace with their age or feel “old” while they compare themselves to the ages of others. However, I view getting older as another step towards the perfection of wisdom. It is especially important for me to take this time out of the year to reflect on how far I’ve come and where I’m trying to go. As I spoke with my dear friend recently inducted into the Hall of Fame, I mentioned we don’t often pay homage to the successes we’ve attained. I don’t like vanity and sometimes it seems a thin line to an inflated ego.

Humility is probably the quintessential characteristic I hold with the highest regard. However, it’s important to remember that humility isn’t about feeling inferior, but having an accurate assessment of yourself, while not feeling you are a bettered person because of it.

In my so far short 32 years of life, I’m humbled by my experiences. I’ve had phenomenal mentors step into my life to guide my path. I’ve travelled to countries I never knew existed. I’ve sat and chatted with presidents, prime ministers, princes and celebrities, exchanging a reciprocal appreciation of achievements. I’ve also sat amongst homeless people and while not being able to understand their predicaments, taken the time to talk with them as my equal.

I’ve been able to proudly adorn my county’s colours and the maple leaf on my chest, representing my country on the grandest of stage. I am grateful, and appreciative of all that I’ve experienced. Only through grace, could I be so blessed. It is because of this I am committed to the betterment of others… ahhh… the circle of life.

And although, like anyone I’ve had my share of heart aches and disappointments along the way, I know they can only serve to make me a better Nicole Wendy Forrester. I remember a time when I was such a “need to please others,” instead of filling myself up with my own approval, such that I wouldn’t need to look else where. In deed, I am becoming more comfortable in my own skin. I’ve manage to surround myself with phenomenal friends and I stay true to my values such as loyalty, honesty and consideration, hoping that they will take me to far places.

If this is me at 32, I look forward to me at 64 or 96 years of age. So, on my birthday, I thank you for caring to read this simple blog. And if nothing else, I hope it will make you take a moment to celebrate your own wonderfulness you possess!

Birthday girl,
Nicole

The Aging Debate, Part II -- Youth vs. Wisdom

Age seems to be a taboo topic. As some people get older they start to lie about their age or refuse to reveal their age. As an athlete, our age and everything else about us (probably even our blood type) is always attached to our name... as if the one can't be seperated from the other.

Personally, I take pleasure in my age and find myself wanting to learn from the experience of those who are older and provide my own experiences to those whom are younger or less experienced then myself. To be quite honest, I would like to volunteer my time at a retirement home, not to be altruistic, but to hear the stories of those who have been fortunate to experience a long life, thus far.

Youth is celebrated and placed upon this high pedestal. It represents boundless possibilities and potential – a better tomorrow. But, when we’re young we are bombarded with unique images of beautiful, airbrushed models and Ads advocating a new and improved image. We are constantly told through various mediums that what we are, is not good enough. One is not smart enough, thin enough, or beautiful enough – simply put “just not enough. And as that person ages, that message becomes – “You are too old! Better hurry, life is passing you by!” Certain standards of life are put into place as measuring, how far you’ve come in life, and where you’ll end up. Thank God, I don’t fall for any of that crap!

I can’t help but think of how much naivety I held about age, when I was just a few years younger and my lack of comfort of being in my own skin. But, I’m growing up and getting a little bit wiser, day by day. As my mom says ‘You can’t get wiser without getting older.’

I believe the physical impact of aging is merely a reflection of how we take care of ourselves along the way. Most people are so busy taking care of everybody else that they forget to take care of themselves, and physical aging can bare its truth. However, to paint everyone with the same brush for being old because of a simple number, reflecting one’s age is not accurate. Life is an individual experience and so are the effects of growing old.

I am a proud 31-year old woman, just shy of celebrating another fabulous birthday! As I grow older I will continue to be proud of my age and who I’ve become and who I’m becoming. Life represents boundless potential, and I will never subscribe to the limitations which others may place. I am grateful for the wisdom that age brings to me. And I hope you are too!

Life is beautiful and it should be. It’s about daily self-discovery – daring to fail and daring to succeed. We should never give anyone the power to decide our expiration on potential. If your not where you want to be, when would NOW be a good time to start?

Remember -- “Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it!” ~ Anne Shirley (from the movie Anne of Green Gables)

Simply enjoying the best that life has to offer,
Nicole

Continuation from Blog: Age, Women & Sport – Age is Mind over Matter…if you don’t mind it doesn’t matter, and I don’t mind so it doesn’t matter!

The Power of Video

One of the beauties of Athletics is the travel passport it provides. You get to travel numerous countries and experience various cultures. When else would I have had the opportunity to experience a small, beautiful country like Qatar or something so grand and different to my Western World like China? When I first began competing I committed a cardinal offense – not taking pictures! On one occasion my sister asked me about my pictures from my travels, and was shocked to learn I never took pictures. So, after that I made it a point to start taking pictures…. And I haven’t looked back since. Now, with the advent of YouTube and digital media readily downloaded on one’s computer, I am able to catch daring videos.

My first victim here is my friend Mike Hazel (USA javelin thrower). In the beginning of my outdoor season, I was jet setting across various countries like I was travelling through towns. I was fortunate to travel with my friend Mike who always seemed like the weirdest predicaments were his experience. On one occasion we rented a smart car while in Berlin. However, the directions we received to our desired destination were completely wrong, and Mike’s reaction was hilarious! Click here:

Travelling to the Russian Embassy with Mike in Berlin

Travelling to training with Mike in Berlin

And for those of you who ever wondered what it was like for us walking into the Bird's Nest during the Opening Ceremony, here's a little peek. Moments before entering, we were ushered into a tunnel and our Canadian Team began to sing our anthem in unison. A completely memorable experience. Due to IOC rules, these videos were not allowed to be shown during the games. Enjoy...

Oh, Canada! in the Tunnel moments before entering the Bird's Nest

On the infield during the Olympic Games.

2008 Olympian,

Nicole

In Flanders Fields

In Canada, we refer to November 11th as Remembrance Day. A day of a remembrance for those who have fought and those we have lost in battle in our name. A poem written during World War I, by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae wrote, after witnessing the death of his friend, become a staple in our Canadian history. So whether, you are Canadian, American or some other citizen, please take a moment to remember those who have fought, and those whom we have lost in battle, so we could have this day. Traditionally, we Canadians take this time 1 min on November 11th at 11am.

In Flanders fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved, and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

— Lt.-Col. John McCrae

GOOD MORNING! Could you please pee in this cup?

This morning I was awoken by a soft tap on my door, followed by the door bell. And, like some internal signal my mind instantly wondered ‘Drug Testers?’ Clumsily, I ran down the stairs to open the door and I was greeted by 2 people adorning the CCES label on their jacket. Yep, they were here for my pee.

Now, I must say I was relieved that they had FINALLY come to test me. I tend to be tested quite frequently through the year – easily 15 times or so! However, it had been some time since they had made a random visit to test me. My fear was that they would come when I wasn’t home and I would have a missed test! (You are allowed only 3 of them, before receiving a formal ban!)

While I am in full support of Drug Testing, the problem I have is our need to account for our whereabouts 3 months in advance for every hour of the day. I couldn’t tell you what time I am going grocery shopping, when I am making visits to the coffee shop or what days I plan to be going on a date, much less predict an emergency run to Urgent Care to receive stitches. However, if a drug tester comes during this time of our “advanced planned schedule” it is a missed test. And unlike the testing for USA doping control officers are not allowed to call you, if you are not at your indicated location. Could you put a schedule together of your whereabouts for the next 3 months accounting for each hour of the day???

Ironically, I was approached by a television producer to be apart of a talk show to discuss drug in sports this week. While I love to walk the thin line of provocative topics, I turned it down. Frankly, I’m kind of tired of the negative stigma Track & Field seems to receive concerning drug abuse.

My only concern at this point is predicting my 3 months whereabouts, and hoping someone doesn’t show up when I’m in the shower.

Distributor of 150ml of urine,
Nicole Forrester

Ever wondered what the drug testing procedure was like. Click here!

Books & Spikes -- Back to the grind…

It’s a Saturday and I’m parked at the coffee shop with my close friend Erica doing homework. This is a familiar sight. Usually after practices, I hurry/rush home to shower, eat dinner and head to one of our various favorite coffee shops to get some work done. Admittedly, my transition back to school has been a little slow. The last time I delved so heavy in my studies was back in May, and now I’m trying to get the wheels in motion.

I feel very fortunate of my situation. I have an amazing advisor (Dr. Deb Feltz) and Dissertation Committee. They’ve been understanding of my athletic pursuits and incredibly supportive. Only recently, have I come to realize how fortunate I am.

A few weeks ago I attended the AthletesCAN forum, and talking with peer athletes in other sports, I really came to understand their difficulties of dually pursuing school and sport (especially for winter and team sport athletes). Where my competitive season is mainly during the summer months, when school is out, many other sports have a competitive season that runs during the months that school is in session. So, athletes who must travel across the world preparing for World Cup and such are not so able to pursue school jointly. And for those who are, they may have to stretch their time to graduating over a much longer period.

It is a difficult road for one to pursue their passion in sport and want to pursue academics, especially if the program is not supportive! Sometimes this can rob sports of incredible athletes, and schools of phenomenal students. Moreover, for the athlete that chooses to pursue their passion of sport (only offered during this short window of their life) they can be penalized when they try to transition into the real world. Minimal work experience and education can leave alternatives limited.

Sometimes I think some people do not recognize amateur sports (especially at the elite level) as a job. But, it is! Athletes are out there training similar to the hours of most jobs, while required to perform A+ when called upon. To be successful in our jobs as athletes we must be diligent, committed, have good time management, with the ability to focus and multitask. We are hard workers and don’t know the meaning of giving up. We breathe resiliency and knowing how to perform under high stress, all the while being viewed under a microscope by arm chair critics. Definitely, transferable skills in any realm of life. Are these not valuable qualities?

And yes, while I may be a doctoral student, I really am of the position that school isn’t for everyone. There are different ways one can learn. The important thing is that you are learning, continually through life. And all the degrees in the world do not make you a better person, especially if you lack virtuous qualities… at least I believe.

The flexibility in my program, has allowed me to take courses at a convenient pace. While I may not have as many publications as my peers, my contribution and progression through my degree are accounted on other merits. I’m never given more than I can handle, and at times when I am perhaps too overzealous, I have an advisor who does a reality check with me. I am grateful, and realize I’m in a rare situation. Thank you Michigan State University and the Department of Kinesiology!

Student-Athlete,
Nicole

My Best Friend -- Run Katie! Run!

Katie McGregor… my best friend! I love this girl! She is awesome and the very definition of a best friend. What I love most about her is her honesty, intensity and commitment. Whatever she makes her mind up to do she’s in it, and will do well, giving all of herself to it! As her friend, I always know where I stand with her. If I do something out of character, she calls me on it, and demands a level of expectation from myself, I might have forgotten. She’s been my cheerleader in all my endeavors and a shoulder to cry on in moments of disappointment.

But, beyond her infinity qualities of being a best friend, she is an INCREDIBLE athlete. She is a 10,000m runner, but can run anything from 5,000m to a marathon! In an overwhelming shock to most who watched the USA Olympic Trials, she just missed qualifying for the Olympic Games, placing 4th in what seemed like a certain Olympic birth. And even in her moment of disappointment she was able to look past it and still cheer me and her other friends on, in our quest for an Olympic Games birth. Although, she must have held frustration and disappointment she never showed it, displaying a brave face as she turned her focus to assuring I would qualify for the Olympic Games.

Tomorrow she will have her own Olympic Games variation. She is running in the New York Marathon. She’s only run a marathon once before, (actually the very same marathon in 2006) running an incredible time of 2:32:36, being the second American to cross the line and even beating Lance Armstrong! I’m told she’s one of the headline runners for the New York Marathon, though she’d be too modest to admit this fact to me. I wish her all the best and will be cheering for her! No matter the results she is definitely a champion in my heart!

She is my inspiration and source of strength! Go Katie, Go!

Love Yah!
Nicole

http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?id=3531847

KATIE’S ACHIEVEMENTS at a glance:
(This is just a snap shot, her list is way TOO GREAT to list)

2008 USA 10 Mile Championship - 2nd
2008 USA 8k Championship - 2nd
2008 U.S. Olympic Trials 10,000m - 4th
2008 U.S. World Cross Country 8k team
2008 2nd place USA 15k Championships
2008 4th place USA Cross Country Championships
2007 U.S. World Road Running Half Marathon team member
2007 2nd place USA 10k Championship
2007 U.S. World Outdoor team - 10,000m
2007 USA Outdoor 10,000m - 3rd place
2007 National Champion 25k road
2007 Yokohama Ekiden 2nd place USA team
2006 National Champion 10k road
2005 National Champion in 10,000 meters
2005 National Champion 10k road
2005 U.S. World Outdoor team - 10,000m
2003 U.S. World Indoor team - 3000m
2003-2008 U.S. World Cross Country team - 8k