Nicole Forrester - The Olympian Blog

BLOG has Moved

2012-02-19T19:48:00.000-05:00

So I know my blogs have been Missing In Action lately, contrary to my regular blogging regime. The disruption in blogging was due in part to 2 computers that had suddenly died, as well as the merging of my blog to my website, while also having my “NEW” website reconstructed.

If you're looking for my recent blogs, they've moved to http://nicoleforrester.com/news

The website is still under construction, but, the show must go on! So, while I’ve still struggled with finding a replacement computer (a VERY long story) and my website is still under construction, the idle-some thoughts in my mind will continue, serving as study breaks…. Hope you enjoy them!

Girl with a blog,Nicole

BLOG ON HIATUS.... for a few more days

2012-01-08T21:51:00.000-05:00

Hi All!

First off, thanks for stopping by to see what meandering thoughts I've been blogging on. While I typically blog 3 times a week, over the last few weeks my blog and website have been undergoing a reconstruction. As such, my blogs are on hold while this is going on. Please check back in a weeks time, when my new blog and website is scheduled to be launched.

Your random thoughts blogger,
Nicole

2012: It's a Beautiful Day!

2012-01-01T12:36:00.001-05:00

As we usher in this new year... a big year at that, one song seems to resound loudly of what this New Year means, "It's a Beautiful Day" by U2. A new year brings with it dreams, an opportunity to start clean, and really a time to start doing the things you always wanted. Remember it's never too late to have the kind of life you've always dreamed of, AND now has never been too soon. I dare you to take 2012 and make it your year. It is a beautiful day. I truly wish for you an amazing 2012. Happy New Year!

It's a Beautiful Day, by U2

The heart is a bloom

Shoots up through the stony ground

There's no room

No space to rent in this town

You're out of luck

And the reason that you had to care

The traffic is stuck

And you're not moving anywhere

You thought you'd found a friend

To take you out of this place

Someone you could lend a hand

In return for grace

It's a beautiful day

Sky falls, you feel like

It's a beautiful day

Don't let it get away

You're on the road

But you've got no destination

You're in the mud

In the maze of her imagination

You love this town

Even if that doesn't ring true

You've been all over

And it's been all over you

It's a beautiful day

Don't let it get away

It's a beautiful day

Touch me

Take me to that other place

Teach me

I know I'm not a hopeless case

See the world in green and blue

See China right in front of you

See the canyons broken by cloud

See the tuna fleets clearing the sea out

See the Bedouin fires at night

See the oil fields at first light

And see the bird with a leaf in her mouth

After the flood all the colors came out

It was a beautiful day

Don't let it get away

Beautiful day

Touch me

Take me to that other place

Reach me

I know I'm not a hopeless case

What you don't have you don't need it now

What you don't know you can feel it somehow

What you don't have you don't need it now

Don't need it now

Was a beautiful day

Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays

2011-12-23T00:24:00.000-05:00

Christmas is forever, not for just one day, for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf. The good you do for others is good you do yourself...

~Norman Wesley Brooks, "Let Every Day Be Christmas," 1976

Christmas time is by far my FAVOURITE time of the year. It is the season of giving, being with family, and it is also associated with greater incidences of random acts of kindness.

Of course I am a Christian, so my true love for Christmas originates there. So, while some people like to say “Happy Holidays” or “Seasons Greetings,” I prefer to stay true to what this time of year is all about as I exclaim “Merry Christmas!” I feel there should be no shame in saying Merry Christmas. I mean, we don’t traditionally say Happy Holidays during Thanksgiving, or Canada Day or on Labour Day, so why should I say that for Christmas.

And while I am a Christian, I still will take time to wish those who are Jewish, Happy Hanukah and so on for friends of other faiths throughout the year Where has this need to be politically correct (Happy Holiday) for Christmas come? Isn’t it because of Christmas that a holiday exists in the first place, as well as the birth of Santa? I don’t believe saying Merry Christmas requires the recipient to be a Christian; but, rather to be welcoming of the spirit of giving, for after all isn’t that what Christmas is all about?

And on that note, in the spirit of giving, practicing random acts is never a bad idea. You don’t have to spend a ton of money; you can give your time, hold a door open for a stranger, or spread the contagious gift of a smile. You never know how much you might change the course of someone’s life by these simple acts.

Likewise, we should take time to reflect on the goodness, as well as the amazing people we have in our lives. This is truly a perfect time to let people know how much they mean to us.

So whether you are a Christian or not I say to you Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! I truly wish the best for you and yours,

Nicole

The Christmas Song -- Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire... (Nat King Cole)

2011-12-18T07:30:00.000-05:00

This is certainly my FAVOURITE Christmas song... And no other version is sweeter than Nat King Cole's. I can't deny that outside the holiday season and even during the summer months I'll still listen to this song. There is certainly a romantic element to it, with Nat's unique voice and style. But, the song also paints the picture of an ideal Christmas scene. Oh,how I enjoy Christmas!!! And as we enter the week of Christmas, and as it is spoken so elequently in this song, I leave you with "Although it's been said many times, many ways - Merry Christmas to you!" I wish you and your family all the love and enjoyment this holiday season can bring!

The Christmas Song -- Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire...
(written by vocalist Mel Tormé and Bob Wells)

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.

Everybody knows a turkey
and some mistletoe
Help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Will find it hard to sleep tonight.

They know that Santa's on his way
He's loaded lots of toys
and goodies on his sleigh
And every mother's child is gonna spy
To see if reindeer
really know how to fly.

And so I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it's been said
many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you.

PROMISE YOURSELF

2011-12-11T10:29:00.000-05:00

Promise yourself to be strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet. To make all your friends feel that there is something in them. To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true. To think only the best, to work only for the best and expect only the best. To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own. To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile. To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others. To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

~ By Christian D. Larson

The Power of a Smile

2011-12-09T07:30:00.012-05:00

My friend and I like to play a game. Often while working away on our studies at a coffee shop, we’ll stare outside the window at passers-by and wait for their glance to meet our eyes. Just at that moment we’ll surprise them with a big smile. While they might look a little bemused, it never fails; they inevitably catch the smile disease, and smile right back at us.

The power of a smile should never be underestimated. It is the language of happiness. It really costs nothing, it extends your life expectancy and elevates your mood, which provides a wide host of positive kickbacks (such as, reduction of blood pressure and stress induced hormones). Most importantly it is seriously contagious. Now that’s something worth catching! It is an expression universally spoken and understood across various cultures. In fact, it may be the first language a baby learns.

Not surprisingly, some researchers have found smiling to be positively associated with emotional experience, memory and cognition. In the famous Nun Study, researchers Deborah Danner, David Snowdon, and Wallace Friesen, at the University of Kentucky, looked at the autobiographies written by nuns entering the convent in early adulthood. They found the nuns with positive emotional content autobiographies were strongly associated with longevity 6 decades later. Snowdon has conducted additional studies (now at the University of Minnesota) looking at the brains of nuns when they die. Remarkably, he’s found that while many were functioning normal, a significant amount of them actually had full blown Alzheimer’s disease, despite not showing any symptoms.

There is something about a smile that makes us feel better and also those around us. Think about your day to day experiences, and how service with a smile changes your perception of your waitress, doctor, or bank clerk. Likewise, have you ever noticed that smiling also has the ability to make someone appear instantly more attractive? It has also been found to make women look 3 years younger in age. Who needs anti-aging cream or botox when all you have to do is smile?

And sure there may be times when you don’t feel like smiling, but those are the times that you should smile most. It may feel unauthentic at first, but leave that smile on your face for a solid minute and I guarantee you’ll start to feel better. You can even spice it up with some laughter, and now we’re talking about a smile that you feel through your soul!

So, go ahead start spreading something worth catching. Smile! It looks good on you!

Smiling broadly,
Nicole

Dating Outside of Your Race: 4 Do's & Don'ts

2011-12-07T07:30:00.042-05:00

Wednesday's Relationship Corner

Much like Dr. Martin Luther King’s speech, I’ve been brought up to not judge people by the colour of their skin, but rather by the content of their character. I cannot control how someone may view me, but I can choose how I view the world. As such, when it comes to dating race is not an issue, but an individual’s character is!

While some people prefer to date within their own race, there are also those who prefer to date strictly outside of their race. Both to me seem to offer a limited approach to dating. To date within a box of “I will only date someone who is ____ (whatever race),” is dating with constraints. Like really, what does that have to do with how good a person will treat you? You could be shutting the door on The One, simply because of his/her race. I believe love sees no colour.

Yet, even with my hopeful “we are the world” outlook I am wise enough to know that we haven’t reached an era where race doesn’t play a factor for some people when selecting a mate. In fact, in online dating it has been found that racial preferences do exist, with black women being the most disproportionately snubbed by men of all races. What gives?

Well, I’m not going to debate this finding, now. I’ll save it for another day. However, I thought I would jump down the rabbit hole of interracial dating, and offer 4 Do’s and Don’ts when dating outside of one’s race.

1. Do Man-Up. Often the greatest barrier to dating is the willingness to be vulnerable, and to ask your person of interest out. If your girl is old-fashioned, like me, she may depend on the guy to do the asking. This challenge may be further magnified when it comes to dating outside your race.

Sometimes people assume someone would not be interested in them because of their race. The problem with this is that sometimes one’s attempt to be “forward” and flirt is altogether missed. It might be shrugged off as nothing more than someone being friendly. Meanwhile, the poor suitor interprets it as being blown off. What we have is a failure to communicate. Sometimes you have to be a little bit more direct when approaching someone outside of your race. On the other hand, you may just be too intimidated to even try and ask someone outside of your race out. I’m sorry in this case, you have to man-up! Rejection is hard, but you’ll never know unless you try. The worst thing someone can ever say is no. Besides, if you see her as a person (and not just her race) why shouldn’t she be willing to see you as a person as well? And if your race is an issue then obviously they are not the right person for you. But, you do have to step up to the plate and ask her out.

2. Don’t Use Stereotypes. Stereotypes are deadly because they over-generalize things. When it comes to dating people want to be treated like an individual and not like a cue in line, so avoid stereotypes at all cost! This is not the way to win your beloved’s heart. Do not use stereotypes in your approach to picking up a girl/guy. Do not use stereotypes to appear knowledgeable about your beloved’s race. And do not refer to stereotypes to show how accepting of all mankind you are. Obviously, a difference in race does exist, so there is nothing wrong with acknowledging these differences. But, you don’t need to live in the land of labels.

3. Do Be Open Minded. If you are dating outside of your race you are going to be exposed to different cultures and habits. While it may be intriguing to you why your new black girlfriend showers with a shower cap, understand that this is her normality. Likewise dating a different race, may also involve exposure to different cultures. So, you must be willing to try new things, learn and embrace diversity. Diversity is a beautiful thing, so enjoy it!

4. Don’t Change. News flash if you are dating someone outside of your race, they know that already! Translated this means you don’t have to change who you are. The best person you can ever be is yourself. You don’t need to change the way you act, the way you talk, the way you dress, what your interests are or whatever! But, you do have to be comfortable being you. Sure differences may exist between you and you’re beloved. Getting to learn these differences doesn’t mean you have to change who you are, it just means you have to appreciate it. YOU are enough!

At the end of the day, everyone just wants to be loved. We may have idealized what that packaging might look like when it arrives, but we must be willing to expect the unexpected. Love doesn’t discriminate so why should we when it comes to finding love. And certainly, when it comes to love you should never allow the prejudice of others to deter you away from what your heart leads you to. Let them live in their world of hate and move on.

Colour blind,
Nicole

Social Media: An Epidemic of Narcissism - Achtung!

2011-12-05T07:30:00.014-05:00

With the advent of Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, youtube, Linkedin, and blogging, we have entered the dawn of a new era. Social media: providing outlets for self promotion, repeated 5 minutes of fame and pure self indulgence. As a social media junkie, I by no means count myself out of this disease.

I am guilty of being fully immersed in the world of social media. From a personal website to youtube to a facebook page, I am there! However, this wasn’t always the case. In fairness, my social media engagement was precipitated by a stripper named Nicole Forrester who claimed to have slept with Josh Duhamel. In an effort to ensure I was not confused with this person I came out of hiding and entered the world of Twitter, Facebook and wherever else I could claim the name Nicole Forrester. I’ve now become a regular tweeter and social media junkie during my study and training breaks.

The problem with social media is it’s pretty narcissistic. The various social media channels seem to beckon for an update of: What’s going on? Where you have been? What you saw? and Who you were with? With a click of the “send” button photos and self-promotion statements are loaded up. But, what is the motivation. Are we genuinely sharing? Or is this our centre stage?

We are each hard wired with the desire to feel relevant. Everyone wants to feel like they matter and are important. Social media provides this outlet, but also promotes being self-absorbed.

As someone who studies sports psychology, I can’t help feeling that social media can be detrimental to athletic performances, if not used properly. I believe the promotion of narcissism encourages a proclivity of striving for favourable evaluation by others. This may be a recipe for distraction if these evaluations unknowingly become a priority.

It’s a double edged sword, especially if you are in the media eye. Supporters/fans feel like they have a personal connection to you as you respond to there @ or Facebook wall posts. And if you are an athlete your performances may be bolstered by this genuine support.

But on the other hand, all of a sudden athletes who may be striving for victory and fail, now have 10,000 twitter followers wanting to know what happened? Sometimes an athlete hasn't even had time to digest what just happened and they are already hurriedly providing a reason or an excuse to their awaiting "followers." London 2012 should be interesting, because Twitter, which was not popular in 2008, has a new presence in the lives of athletes.

I use to enjoy updating what Nicole is doing via Facebook/Twitter. However, with enough time and becoming a social media veteran, I’m learning that narcissism is boring and a little repulsive. As I watched in disgust one friend desperately trying to be the Facebook version of Paris Hilton - famous for no reason, or at least providing the illusion of importance - I turned the mirror on myself and thought "God, I definitely don't want to be that way." So, I did a cleanse, and began to be more deliberate in how I use social media.

I have found I’d rather find out what people think, share my babbling blog thoughts, and hopefully inspire or challenge someone’s way of thinking. And I want to follow people who likewise inspire me, make me laugh or are informative… rather than the Paris Hilton's desperately dying to be famous.

And it is hard, especially when you have fans who genuinely want to feel connected to you. So, I do try to provide some insight into my life, but by and large I’d rather make people think.

Sure I might slip up with squelching my narcissistic social media activity, but by no means will I allow my activities to be as self-indulgent as they once were.

Just Saying“No” to Narcissism,

Nicole

Sunday's Lyrics: SMILE :D

2011-12-04T11:42:00.001-05:00

Sunday’s Lyrics

As we head into cold and flu season, there is one thing that is contagious and always worth catching…. A smile…. And if you don’t feel like smiling, that’s when you need to really, really smile. Fake it until you make it… That’s right force yourself to smile for a minute or two and I guarantee you’ll start feeling better. Never underestimate the power of a smile! (Stay tuned, this week I'll show you why a smile is powerful!)

PS: It looks good on you ;)

SMILE - Nat King Cole

Smile though your heart is aching

Smile even though it's breaking

When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by

If you smile through your fear and sorrow

Smile and maybe tomorrow

You'll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness

Hide every trace of sadness

Although a tear may be ever so near

That's the time you must keep on trying

Smile, what's the use of crying?

You'll find that life is still worthwhile

If you just smile

That's the time you must keep on trying

Smile, what's the use of crying?

You'll find that life is still worthwhile

If you just smile

Beating Cancer: Kyle's Story

2011-11-30T10:26:00.003-05:00

Although, I usually take Wednesday’s to post my non-expert relationship corner advice, I’d much rather share a story of courage today.

Kyle Miller is a World Champion Lacrosse goalie for

Canada and possibly one of the nicest persons you'll ever meet. I

met Kyle in 2009 when he signed up to do the CN Tower Stairclimb with me. He had been one of the athletes to raise the most money, rallying support from his family and friends who knew that climbing those stairs signified a lot given what he had overcome. In 2003 he was diagnosed with Osteogenic Sarcoma, the same cancer Terry Fox had, and beat it! This year when I asked Kyle if he would brave the 1,776 steps again, he was one of the first athletes to say yes. However, shortly thereafter he informed me he would not be able to participate due to some health issues. Little did I know the extent of the battle that lay ahead for Kyle.

After 8 years and 34 days the Osteogenic Sarcoma has returned in his lung. I think any of us with such news would be deflated, but not Kyle. He has approached his Round 2 battle with cancer with tenacity and an indomitable spirit. He has undergone numerous chemotherapy treatments and is now turning to advanced measures, since the tumor hasn’t seemed to change in size yet.

I’ve been following along reading his blog, feeling inspired by the courage and optimism Kyle and Vanessa (Kyle’s girlfriend) are demonstrating. Every step of this journey they have openly shared with detail. They are showing what fighting cancer looks like – step by step – from undergoing chemotherapy, to his search for a hat (with the loss of his hair) his prognosis and other treatment considerations, as well as his diagnosis of Stage 4 Osteogenic Spindle Cell Sarcoma. It is REAL and honest! It’s no surprise, that Kyle is also a motivational speaker. After Kyle defeats this Osteogenic Sarcoma I will eagerly await his Bestseller book of inspiration.

For the meantime I’d really encourage you to check our Kyle and Vanessa’s blog. It will change your life… And also please keep Kyle in your prayers.

Supporting from the Sidelines,
Nicole

BELIEVE!

2011-11-27T07:00:00.002-05:00

With exactly 8 months left until the start of the Olympic Games, and 7 months until we name our official Athletics team for

Canada

, this song speaks to my core. I am reminded by a statement my friend Richard Hortness made the other day… “With ~6.675 billion people in the world, the odds of being an Olympic athlete are 636,000 to 1...but to win an Olympic gold medal, those odds jump to 22,000,000 to 1.” I have 8 months left to try to beat the odds!

Believe by Suzie McNeil

One minute's fading

One minute's past

But I've got this moment

To make it all last

I'm standing before you

Taking my chance on

Everything I never thought that I could be

Cuz you can do almost anything

If you just believe

You can move mountains with dreams

The higher you climb

The better it gets

Cuz you will see things

You'll never forget

If you just believe

It's like I'm falling through my own fears

They used to haunt me, but now they're not here

There's no looking back, my future is clear

No giving up

And I'm holding on when it gets rough

Cuz you can get through most anything

If you just believe

You can move mountains with dreams

The higher you climb

The better it gets

Cuz you will see things

You'll never forget

If you just believe

No one says it's easy

And no one says you have to be perfect

But as long as you try

You're always gonna find

It was worth it

If you just believe

You can move mountains with dreams

The higher you climb

The better it gets

Cuz you will see things

You'll never forget

If you just believe

You can move mountains with dreams

If you just believe

You can move mountains with dreams

You Had Her at Hello... and then Lost Her!

2011-11-23T07:30:00.028-05:00

Wednesday's Relationship Corner (has posted on the Huffington Post)

If you could have designed the girl of your dreams, she would be it in every way and more. She is perfection and of all people she seems to be interested in YOU! Could this be a dream? Honestly, you would have thought that this girl would be out of your league. So, you decide to man up and do the unthinkable - ask her out on a date! (Sacrilege!!!) To your amazement she says yes and you go out and enjoy yourself. But, the dream ends there. You don’t hear from her. She doesn’t follow-up. She’s elusively “busy” and doesn’t return your texts or phone calls for days, if ever. You my dear male compatriot have been Poofed! (Be Gone!)… also known as loss of interest. So, what happened? What in 24 hours could make this girl go from “seeming to be into you” to treating you like a plague? Here are four cardinal things that can be a repellent to any women.

1. Trying too hard

Just as dogs can smell fear, women have been programmed to sense a man “lacking confidence.” Lacking confidence translates into trying too hard, which can also be confused with the stench of desperation. The appearance of “trying too hard” can be seen when a man tries to impress a woman with what he does, who he knows or by being way too eager or fake. Always, the best thing you can be is YOURSELF. If a girl is willing to spend time with you, she has probably evaluated your pros and cons, which means she’s assessed your superficial flaws and is okay with it. In fact, she might think you are perfect just as you are – flaws and all!

2. Not Trying Hard Enough

This can be deadly especially if your girl has a hint of being a little old fashioned. Although the women’s movement has thankfully made it more common for women to be assertive, women have also been conditioned to believe that men like thechase. A girl who chases a man runs the risk of losing his interest or appearing delusional as she pursues a guy who is “just not that into her.” However, a man who pursues a woman is endearing (as long as he’s not creepy about it). That means picking up the phone tocall her, and not relying on texting as your primary means of communication; reallytaking the time to get to know her; and showing a genuine interest in whatshe’s about.

3. Mr. Socially Awkward

This is another killer. You can be the best guy out there (and in case you didn’t know Good Guys are the latest fashion trend) but if you are socially inept, you are fighting a losing battle. If this is you, my suggestion is to enroll in a Dale Carnegie class ASAP to work on effective communication. Charismatic guys are attractive because of their ability to fit in to any situation. Being socially awkward can read as a man uncomfortable in his own skin and insecure. Definitely not the signal you want to send out. (That’s like being Pepé Le Pew and trying to attract a cat with his skunk odour.) A good way to get around this is to ask her questions about herself, tell stories with enthusiasm, and learn to laugh and smile.

4. Loserville

I’m not sure I can help you with this. You might be in need of a make over or maybe for the right girl (willing to tolerate you) to come along. (And that could be a long wait.) Wondering if this is you, here are some clues. If you are like a rain cloud when you enter a room and people scatter like cockroaches do when the lights are turned on, then this is you. Being rude, inconsiderate and trying to be funny when you really aren’t are also actions that can condemn you to Loserville. Also, for better or worse your reputation can precede you. Even though you’re not in high school anymore, being uncool or not a good person can make you unpopular. A quick google/facebook/twitter/myspace of your name can unleash ghosts from the past, so don’t put anything out there if it doesn’t represents you!

Your relationship non-expert,

Nicole

Getting Intimate…. With My (Research Data) Analysis

2011-11-22T00:00:00.005-05:00

Meet my Lover

Every morning I roll out of bed and there he greets me at my kitchen table. He’s with me all morning long and sees me off to practice in the afternoon. While training I must confess that he has left my mind, and really the only thing I am thinking of is my athletic task at hand. But, as soon as I’ve finished my cool down and chugged down my post work-out recovery drink and meal, I rush off to meet him – still in my sweats and hair in a ponytail. But, he doesn’t care how I look; he’s just relieved to see me and I him. This is true love!

Our relationship has progressed so much, I can just about recite everything he’s ever said. I have transcribed all that he has said and committed it to memory by virtue of our frequent encounter. Recently our time spent together is only a deeper exploration of his deeper meaning… What is it he is exactly trying to tell me? “He” is my dissertation data, also known to my twitter followers as Mr. Dissertation.

Lately, I’m frequently asked how my dissertation is coming along. And likewise I often stop to ask myself the same question. Indeed, I thought I would be done by now, but in all fairness I’ve had to be realistic. I’m not just a student; I’m also a professional athlete that is preparing for another Olympic Games. My day consists of waking up and working on my dissertation, going to practice and training like a woman possessed, only to return home from training to work on my dissertation some more. Between my academics and athletics I tally up about 90 hours of work per week. I don’t know the concept of a vacation or free-time. I’m beyond intrigued with what I might do or accomplish next year when I’ve retired from track and have dually completed school. I could essentially be employed full-time at two jobs! (And knowing my desire to be busy I might be crazy enough to do that…lol)

What is Qualitative Data?

Concerning my dissertation, I am in the process of qualitative data analysis. I’ve been so entrenched in my data analysis that I’m sure my absence has made my advisor, Dr. Feltz wonder what has happened to me. It is a laborious process. Essentially, qualitative research attempts to explain the reasons for a given human behavior by conducting an in-depth analysis (usually by interviews or field observation). Because of the nature of these studies, the sample size typically is smaller and analysis can run easily 3 times longer than quantitative data.

Ironically, my academic experience and background is rooted in quantitative analysis, with my first area of specialization being exercise physiology and biomechanics. Funny enough, I grew up with calculus and physics as my favourite subjects! Like George Orwell’s book title, the world of qualitative data analysis is a “New World Order” to me, and I find myself intrigued by it and loving it! It is a more tedious process, but provides rich data that numbers can’t always provide. As such, the process of data analysis involves taking an interview and transcribing it verbatim - a process that can take 4 to 6 hours to transcribe per hour of an interview.

Explaining Qualitative Analysis (Simplified)

Once, you have your transcribe and you’ve reviewed it with the audio again, coding comes into place. Simplified, coding is essentially reading, re-reading, comparing, and re-re-reading your data and finding central themes. This process can make your eyes feel like they are going cross-eyed. It’s best to do this in chunks with planned breaks, otherwise you will learn quickly what mental fatigue means and the quality of your analysis will be compromised. Once you’ve sufficiently completed this process you need someone else to validate the reliability of your analysis, which in the world of research is referred to as inter-rater reliability. This process of coding is cyclical, where sometimes the end in sight might feel like a hallway in the movie “The Shinning” – it never ends. But, I’m told many people have survived this process.

Once this process is done, you begin to put it all together. In my case, I reveal in my Chapter 4 of my dissertation the results and what it all means! (Dissertation Chapters: Chapter 1 – Introduction, Chapter 2 – Literature Review, Chapter 3 – Methods, Chapter 4 – Results & Discussion, Chapter 5 – Limitations).

But in the End

I must confess that despite my whining of the data analysis process, I’m actually enjoying it. I’ve had the rare opportunity to interview some of the best athletes in the world, spanning various countries, who have done what many dream to do and few have accomplished – to go from Good to Great. Tracking these athletes down was a task in itself, but the challenge is proving to be well worth it and fruitful. At times as I’ve found myself hanging onto every word they are saying. It’s been an incredible and blessed experience for me, both as a researcher and an athlete. The researcher side of me is extremely curious, while the athlete side of me hopes to emulate what they have done….

Still Coding,

Nicole

Life = Risk

2011-11-20T07:00:00.000-05:00

I truly believe one of the greatest tragedies of mankind is our own limited thoughts and view of our potential. The great researcher Maslow theorized that only two percent of the world will achieve self-actualization!

If there seems to be a theme in my blogs it is that we are each as great or as small as we think we are, and the very best that life has to offer is there for our taking!

The path to success is never easy, but isn’t it the journey anyways which makes us truly savour our accomplishments? It doesn’t matter where we are when we start it’s about where we are going. And while the journey may be long, it is a race against our own potential and not the achievements of others. Failures are inevitable. But, as Oliver Goldsmith once said “Success consists of getting up just one more time than you fall.”

Most importantly, we should never let anyone assign a number or boundary to what is possible of our own potential. For then you’ve definitely given up. Some of the greatest achievements in history (e.g., The Airplane – Wright Brothers, Wilma Rudolph, Hellen Keller, discovery of insulin to treat diabetes – Banton & Best) have come when people were told they could not do it!

Dare to be amazing! This short clip for today’s Sunday’s Lyrics is dedicated to that relentless pursuit for greatness!

Script -

Dismissed from drama school with a note that read, "Wasting your time. She's too shy to put her best foot forward.” – Lucille Ball

Turned down by the Decca recording company who said, "We don't like their sound and guitar music is on the way out." – The Beatles

A failed soldier, farmer, and real estate agent. At 38 years old, he went to work for his father as a handyman. – Ulysses S. Grant

Cut from the high school basketball team. He went home, locked himself in his room, and cried. – Michael Jordan

A teacher told him he was too stupid to learn anything and he should go into a field where he might succeed by virtue of his pleasant personality. – Thomas Edison

Fired from a newspaper because he lacked imagination and had no original ideas. – Walt Disney

His fiancée died, he failed in business twice, he had a nervous breakdown, and he was defeated in eight elections. – Abraham Lincoln

If you've never failed, you've never lived.

Invincible

2011-11-13T08:34:00.001-05:00

Sunday's Lyrics

I’m not sure I can stress enough that it is never too late… Never too late to be the person you always wanted to be or to live the kind of life you always dreamed you would live. Life is about learning, which also means we are going to make mistakes along the way. Think about it, we each learn something new every day. And when you know better you do better. But, to wallow in the past of “Oh geeze, it’s too late” or “I should have done this,” is to give up. Don’t ever should on yourself!

Invincible by Hedley, speaks of this – despite facing whatever setbacks life might hand us, the ability to pick ourselves back up and feel invincible. Yes, we are as great or insignificant as we see ourselves. Choose to see yourself as great!

Invincible,

Nicole

Invincible, by Hedley

Took a long hard look at my life

Lost my way while I was fighting the time

A big black cloud, stormy sky

Followed me, oh I was living a lie

So heartless, so selfish, so in darkness

When all your nights are starless

You're running outta hope

But I found the strength inside to see

Found the better part of me

And I'll never let it go

I've come a long, long way

Made a lot of mistakes

But I'm breathin’, breathin’

That's right and I mean it, mean it

This time I'm a little run down

I've been living out loud

I could beat it, beat it

That's right, cause I'm feelin’, feelin’

Invincible

Oh oh oh oh-oh

Oh oh oh oh oh-oh

Oh-whoa

When you're gone for a day [Gone for a day]

On your own [On your own]

Tear your heart out just to find your way home

I've been so high [Been so high]

I've sunk so low [Sunk so low]

I've come so far, with nothing to show for it

Mistaken, I got so good at taking

But now I'm tired of faking

This story's getting old

So I found the strength inside to see

From the better part of me

And I'll never let it go

I've come a long, long way

Made a lot of mistakes

But I'm breathin’, breathin’

That's right and I mean it, mean it

This time I'm a little run down

I've been living out loud

I could beat it, beat it

That's right, 'cause I'm feelin’, feelin’

Invincible

Oh oh oh oh-oh

Oh oh oh oh oh-oh

Oh-whoa

Invincible

I'm not the only one

That crashed into the sun

And lived to fight another day

Like a super nova

That old life is over [Is over, is over]

I'm here to stay

Now I'm gonna be

Invincible

Oh oh oh oh-oh

Oh oh oh oh oh-oh

Oh-whoa

Invincible

[Invincible]

I've come a long, long way

Made a lot of mistakes

But I'm breathin’, breathin’ [I’m breathing]

That's right and I mean it, mean it [Mean it]

This time I'm a little run down [I’m a little run down]

I've been living out loud [Living out loud]

I could beat it, beat it

That's right 'cause I'm feelin’, feelin’

Invincible

Oh oh oh oh-oh

Oh oh oh oh oh-oh

Oh-whoa

Invincible

Oh oh oh oh-oh

Oh oh oh oh oh-oh

Oh-whoa

Invincible

Remembrance Day: Lest we forget

2011-11-11T10:48:00.002-05:00

Novemember 11... Rememberance Day... Thank you to all those who have served for our country. Your efforts have not and will not be forgotten. For because of you, we've been able to know the Canada we know today and continue to know. Thank you to our troops... words can't say enough!!!

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

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.

Courtesy of Bee MacGuire
Obtained From TheMcCrae Museum of The Guelph Museum

Fields of Gold

2011-11-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

Sunday's Lyrics

If anyone knows me, they’ll know that by far my favourite artist is Sting. I love his work so much, I pretty much own all of his CD’s. I can be in any room and hear a faint chord or melody from one of his songs and it never fails, I will stop what I’m doing, pause, smile and proclaim to whom ever I’m with how much I love Sting, and maybe the meaning of the song being played.

Fields of Gold might possibly be my favourite song by Sting, in his solo career. The acoustics in this song is incredible as are the lyrics. (It’s no surprise that he is a member of both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.)

Fields of Gold is a song about a commitment to love… From finding love, treasuring it and committing to a lifetime of it. This love leads to marriage, family and to eternity – embodying the committed vows of till “death do we part.” Yet, even in death, this love still goes on and is remembered. It’s a simple song, but powerful and beautiful.

I present to you Field’s of Gold…

Fields of Gold by Sting

You'll remember me when the west wind moves

Upon the fields of barley

You'll forget the sun in his jealous sky

As we walk in the fields of gold

So she took her love

For to gaze awhile

Upon the fields of barley

In his arms she fell as her hair came down

Among the fields of gold

Will you stay with me, will you be my love

Among the fields of barley

We'll forget the sun in his jealous sky

As we lie in the fields of gold

See the west wind move like a lover so

Upon the fields of barley

Feel her body rise when you kiss her mouth

Among the fields of gold

I never made promises lightly

And there have been some that I've broken

But I swear in the days still left

We'll walk in the fields of gold

Many years have passed since those summer days

Among the fields of barley

See the children run as the sun goes down

Among the fields of gold

You'll remember me when the west wind moves

Upon the fields of barley

You can tell the sun in his jealous sky

When we walked in the fields of gold

Uninvited to Queen's Park: Who IS Ontario's Minister of Sport??? - ACHTUNG!

2011-11-03T12:49:00.005-04:00

On October 20, 2011 Ontario's Premier Dalton McGuinty unveiled his new cabinet and no Minister responsible for sport was named. The Ministry of Health Promotion and Sport has disappeared, vanished into thin air and has returned to a title of just Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. (I guess it's more important to be symptomatic when it comes to health, instead of preventive.) In fact, there is no one responsible for sports.

Sport is essentially an orphan in Queens Park. When I questioned McGuinty via twitter, I received a text from @LibPressSec stating Deb Matthews is responsible for Health Promotion and Sousa Charles for the Toronto Pan Am 2015, who is actually Ontario's Minister of Citizenship & Immigration. Seems to me Sport is treated as an orphan, clearly split and shared amongst whomever. Why isn't there a Ministry for sport?

There are two main problems with this. First, Toronto will be hosting the 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games, the largest multi-sports Games held in

Canada

since the 1976 Montreal Olympics! Secondly and most importantly, we are failing in health when it comes to physical fitness with children in Ontario. In case Mr. McGuinty wasn't paying attention we just received a D-minus in this department by Active Healthy Kids in Canada. Translated this means we are on the path of even higher healthcare costs. For the first time this may be the first generation of children who may not outlive their parents! Why isn't the Ontario government paying attention?

As an Olympian, Commonwealth Games Gold Medalist and a member of Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games, Athlete Advisory Council I am quite shocked and disappointed!

You might not be an Olympian or a weekend warrior for that matter, but if you think sports doesn't matter, think again. The number one cause of death in Canada is lifestyle related (i.e. cancer & heart disease)... Not age related! Considered another way, people are expiring well BEFORE they are intended to and it is preventative! Moreover, we have an epidemic problem of obesity among Canadian children. Our health care is being stretched thin by these demands. Come on Ontario, we have to do better. It's time we as Canadians get proactive instead of symptomatic with our approach to healthcare and the promotion of sports is the way.

It's no surprise that the Ontario Medical Association's campaign includes making physical education mandatory throughout high school. Children who are physically active throughout high school are more likely to sustain a life of physical activity, while those who drop out of sports in high school are likely to have a sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle.

Likewise, what if I was to tell you that being involved in sports, taught youth transferable skills to academics and that they were more likely to achieve a higher level of education? Wouldn't it be a worthwhile endeavor to invest in?

I and other athletes would like our own Ontario Minister of Sport, just like Francophone Affairs, Aboriginal Affairs, Women's Issues and Seniors. Doesn't sport matter in Ontario anymore?

Still not convinced? Here is a glimpse at just a few of the benefits that sports offers (beyond the podium).

Contribute significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

Prevents healthcare expenditure

Leads to fewer sick days, reduced turn-over and to increased productivity at work

Leads to fewer sick days and to increased productivity at school

A key component to preventing many illnesses and treating diseases

Improves one's psychological/mental wellness (i.e. depression)

Improves the quality of one's life

Youth are less likely to engage in risky behavior

Youth are less likely to join a gang

Youth are less likely to experience teenage pregnancy

More likely to be involved in physical activity and adopt a healthy lifestyle for one's entire life if involved in sports during high school

More likely to adopt a healthy eating habits

Linked to positive educational trajectories

Makes school a more enjoyable experience

More likely to achieve higher grades

More likely to achieve a higher level of education

Teaches transferable skills to academic learning

Builds character (i.e. perseverance, willingness to take risk, discipline... etc)

Improves memory, observation, problems-solving, decision making, attitude, behaviour, and creativity

Teaches the value of applying effort

Teaches effective goal-setting

Promotes will power

Improves self-confidence

Teaches students how to handle failures

Teaches students resiliency

Teaches the pursuit of excellence both on and off the field

Teaches team work

Teaches how to multitask

Teaches how to effectively manage one's time

Teaches discipline

Teaches how to support others

Forges friendship

More likely to engage in citizenship and social responsibility (giving back to the community)

Stops wars - (THAT'S PRETTY IMPRESSIVE. What else does that?)

Supports cultural development of a country

Exposes young athletes to cultures and varying world attitudes

Appreciates diversity

Does not discriminate

Believing in the power of Sports,
Nicole Forrester, PhD Candidate

Why You Should Never Settle

2011-11-02T07:30:00.027-04:00

Wednesday's Relationship Corner

Once upon a time divorce was taboo, yet somehow we’ve entered a time where it is incredibly common. Now, a marriage lasting 72 days, such as Kim Kardashian, or a marriage riddled with infidelity is okay? Maybe that’s why the traditional vows of “Till death do we part,” have been commonly replaced by brides and grooms writing their own vows. (I wonder if people include in their vows, “If this gets too tough I’m leaving”.)

While I understand divorce’s may be more complicated then that, and most people don’t enter a marriage planning to divorce some day, it does make me wonder when do we know we are ready for marriage, and are people settling?

Ironically, if you are not married or making plans to be married by the age of 30, it is not uncommon for someone to wonder why you are still single or utter the words “maybe your standards are too high” (possibly from someone on their third marriage). I’m of the belief that no one should ever settle, especially when it comes to marriage. When has settling for anything made someone insanely happy? I believe people should be fair in evaluating what it is what they want, while setting realistic AND satisfying standards that will last a lifetime. Here’s why you should never settle:

1. If you don’t like something about someone now, you’ll probably not like it in10 years. Often what irritates us initially is magnified with time. People are not like a sweater that you can grow into, nor is it ever fair to expect someone to change. What you see is what you get, so you better love what you are with – flaws and all – or throw that fish back in the sea and keep fishing.

2. Spend time getting to know yourself. Sometimes the real problem is people don’t even know themselves and what it is they want. Time being single is quality time you should spend understanding yourself. Yes, dare to explore the abyss of you! Being authentic now may allow you to avoid a mid-life crisis later. Sometimes, people are so scared to spend time with themselves that they end up going from one relationship to the next. If you are that person, your relationship addiction may leave you susceptible to settling.

3. You’re so worth it! Sadly, many people look for other people to validate their self-worth. However, when they fail to attract what it is they desire, they may begin to settle for someone they are not really into, but is willing to give them the affection they crave. The truth is we must each see ourselves as the incredible person we are and the kind of relationship we deserve in order to have that gem enter our lives. Think about it, if you are settling what are you really saying about yourself? That you can’t do better? You must recognize and believe in your worth as a person in order to attract anyone else who will feel the same way about you. If you believe you are a gem, you’ll attract a gem.

4. Settling is a Sign of Fear. Similarly, settling screams a fear of being a lone. One is not the loneliest number; but a one plus someone you’re not really into is! This world is big and there is someone out there for everyone, if we so desire. More importantly, the time you waste with Mr. or Miss. Wrong may be the time that you miss from being with Mr. or Miss. Right. The thing you should fear is settling!

5. Lust isn’t Love. Often people may know what it is they are looking for in a person, with non-superficial factors being quintessential. Then they meet someone who looks like Brad Pitt or Beyonce with similar bank accounts and all of a sudden being humerous, intelligent, and generous has gone out the window. Sadly, that is lust and it fades. If you don’t have anything in common, conversations are a strain and the only thing you share is a physical attraction, enroll yourself in a 12-step program ASAP and step away.

6. A divorce increases your likeliness of a subsequent marriage ending in divorce. While divorce is no longer taboo and you may see it as your get out of jail free card if things don’t work out, it also leaves you more susceptible to another, and another, and another divorce. Yes, those who divorce are more likely to have subsequent marriages end in a divorce. It’s a fact, so wouldn’t you rather get it right the first time?

7. Good things come to those who wait. If you have an accurate assessment of yourself, believe you are worth it and trust that Mr. or Miss. Right is out there for you, they will come. The best thing about waiting is it makes you appreciate “The One” even more when they come along, after kissing all those toads. However one caution - waiting doesn’t mean you do nothing. You have to put yourself out there – go out, meet people, try new things, try online dating or join a cooking class – just get out there and date! “The One” isn’t likely to just show up on your doorstep while you wait at home watching Dancing with the Stars.

In the end love is really what everyone is looking for and everyone needs. There are A LOT of people out there and everyone wants to feel special! So, don’t settle! You are worth it!

You’re Non-Relationship Expert,
Nicole

Don’t Forget to Feel Your Boobs – Achtung!

2011-10-31T10:33:00.001-04:00

As we leave the month of October and usher in the month of Movember where men eagerly sport their “stache” in support (and hopefully fundraising for a charity) for men’s health, let us not forget the teachings of October. While October does include Halloween and Thanksgiving (in Canada) it is a month supporting Breast Cancer awareness. The greatest defence anyone has against cancer is early detection.

Remember to conduct monthly self-exams to get to know how your chest normally feels and to detect any abnormalities. I can tell you I use to never know what exactly I was feeling for when I conducted self-exams, but when I found a lump 2 years ago I knew then what I found was NOT normal.

You know, when I discovered the lump I must have sat on my bed for 20 minutes grappling over what I had felt – “Was this really a lump?” “Is it serious” “Is it cancerous?” “How can this be, I’m too young to find a lump?!”

What I had felt was small, but quite distinct; and it felt hard but rubbery. This was something, I had never felt before! And although I didn’t meet the criteria for being at risk for breast cancer, I certainly wasn’t arrogant enough to believe I was impervious to it. Quite the contrary, I was overwhelmed with various emotions; all of which are normal and none of us are alone! I was fortunate and my lump was non-cancerous but it provided a valuable learning experience.

At the time I didn’t know a lot about lumps and even the treatment for breast cancer if detected early. So, I immersed myself in a crash course in breast lumps and breast cancer I discovered that there were four main types of lumps, and many women will have lumps in their lifetime that are not cancerous. The advantage of regular self-exams is that you are able to become aware of when something doesn’t feel normal.

One in 9 women in their lifetime will develop breast cancer. (And men you too are at risk!). Screening and being breast aware can and will make all the difference. You know screening and breast awareness has contributed to survival rates. Since 1986, the breast cancer death rate has fallen by more than 30%. We’ve come a long way!

Feel your boobs,

Nicole

Wise Up!

2011-10-30T07:30:00.000-04:00

Sunday's Lyrics

We often hear the saying “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.” Sometimes, the first step to improving one’s circumstance or making changes, is to first confront the brutal facts. That means assessing where you are now with things – the good and the bad – and carving out a plan as to how to move forward. The beautiful thing about life is that it is never too late to become what it is you hoped to be when you grew up. Let me say that again… it is never too late to become what it is you hoped to be when you grew up.

So, although your current reality may not be ideal, it marks only a starting point as you take giant steps in the direction of what it is you desire. And each step forward is an increase in distance from the place you use to be. Wise up, speaks to this, with the last line challenging us to wise-up or we might as well give up.

Life is beautiful. And the best thing about it is that we can always start over. No matter where we are in life… Choose your own adventure.

Wise Up by Aimee Mann

It's not

What you thought

When you first began it

You got

What you want

Now you can hardly stand it though,

By now you know

It's not going to stop

'Til you wise up

You're sure

There's a cure

And you have finally found it

You think

One drink

Will shrink you 'til you're underground

And living down

But it's not going to stop

It's not going to stop

'Til you wise up

Prepare a list of what you need

Before you sign away the deed

'Cause it's not going to stop

It's not going to stop

'Til you wise up

No, it's not going to stop

'Til you wise up

No, it's not going to stop

So just...give up

The Best Thing You Don't Have...Your Ex

2011-10-26T07:30:00.011-04:00

Wednesday's Relationship Corner

There is something about the prefix “ex” followed by boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, wife, or partner that seems to cast a shadow on whatever context it is used. Yes, it is well understood that people who have divorced are more likely to have their subsequent marriages end in divorce. And yes, the end of any relationship can be tumultuous and may involve many nights listening to “I will survive” by Gloria Gaynor as you hug your pillow tight and cry like a child sent to his time-out corner.

While I have never been married, and certainly hope never to divorce, I have had my share of failed dating relationships and rejections. As I reflect back on my own past relationships failures, I can honestly say there is no one that I wish I was still with or had not rejected me. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Often I’ve found myself thanking God that they have been “Poof! Be Gone!” from my life and I have been saved from any further waste of my valuable time. (Honestly, I shake my head sometimes and wonder what was I thinking?)

Sure, like anything when the relationship ends or someone I might have been interested in has rejected me, I might have felt dejected and lamented over it, for a moment. But, as the saying goes time heals all wounds and suddenly you realize you might have just dodged a serious train wreck. Here’s why:

Lust Goggles are Gone. When you are “just so into” someone, it is easy to see them as someone made to perfection. In fact, you may go so far as to miss the fact that they do not line up with your core values. All of a sudden you forget that you were looking for someone with brains, compassion and humour and confuse their good looks and dry personality as the makings of the next Einstein. However, when things start to go sour your disguised temptress is revealed, much like Toto pulling back the curtains on the Wizard of Oz, and you are left feeling like a blind man given sight. Suddenly, you see what you didn’t want to see before and wonder ‘how could you be such an idiot?’ Not to worry, it happens to the best of us.

Small Problems in the Beginnings make Big Problems in the End. Let’s face it, if something about someone slightly bothers you in the beginning, with time it might become the thing that drives you mad. The worst mistake people (especially women) will make is attempting to change someone. You might not like that they smoke, or that they drink milk straight from the carton, or like to speak to the television, so you fall into the delusion that YOU can change that quality in them. Unfortunately, when they suddenly don’t want to join you at the gym because they never have, you can’t really be upset, can you? And yet, people will begin to nag and complain about these problems in the end, when they were always there. Consider this your ‘get out of jail-free card,” and wise up for your next go around in the dating world.

Saved by the Grace of Rejection. I believe it is important for anyone and everyone to understand their own worth. If you don’t value yourself how can you ever expect anyone else to value you? Likewise if someone isn’t as interested in you, as you are in them consider it a blessing; because this person clearly doesn’t see your greatness. It doesn’t make them a bad person it just makes them a person who is not right for you. To be rejected should be a moment of celebration and thinking “Whew, I just dodged a chance of wasting my greatness on someone who would not have appreciated it.” So, go ahead and do your happy dance!

Learn more about yourself. Just like I mentioned I often shudder at the guys I was once interested in. However, they’ve all shared a valuable lesson for me. They’ve taught me what I don’t want and more importantly what it is I want in a relationship. The ex factor teaches you how you want to be treated, how you should treat that special someone and essentially how to make a relationship work – if you’re paying attention. As Ken Solin points out, often the reason why most men are likely to divorce again is because they haven’t learned from the mistakes of their previous marriage. We should all pay attention to the lessons that love is teaching us. Try not to be a cynic and realize you’ve got to kiss a few (okay, maybe a ton of) frogs before you unveil your prince or princess.

Your Relationship Non-Expert,

Nicole

Reflecting on Climbing Mount Everest (well almost)... The CN Tower

2011-10-24T13:22:00.002-04:00

Yesterday a team of National Team Athletes, Olympians, ParticipACTION Sogo leaders and our great Minister of State (Sports), Bal Gosal and Minister Lizon (MP of Mississauga) braved the CN Tower’s 1,776 stairs for United Way! And everybody did a phenomenal job!

As I entered the base of the tower, my mind was clear - I was going to go at a steady pace. Not sprint, and certainly not walk but jog. I mean, after all I am an Olympic Track & Field athlete, and if Adam Van Koeverden can run these stairs in 12 minutes, I could certainly do the same…. Or so I thought.

My hopes were dashed away when I hit the 8^th floor and felt winded, and it suddenly occurred to me I wasn’t exactly sure of the amount of floors I had to climb. Here I was at the 8^th floor feeling the beginnings of lactic acid, that uncomfortable burn, and my anaerobic lungs were beginning to hate me… and I had how many more floors to go?

But, I dug deep. I kept trucking a long, 2 steps at a time, finally reaching floor 67 and hearing the EMS personal stationed there saying “You’re almost there… You’re half way!” And that was hope! I was feeling good and thought I’d take a break as I prepared myself to attack the next 67 steps.

That was until I reached the 80^th floor and someone again yelled out “this is the half way mark!” I felt deflated. I thought I had passed the half way point, and now I’m told that this was the half way point. I realized then no one knew where we were in this beast of a climb. For all I knew I might be only 1/3 of a way into the climb. I was feeling deflated, and kicking myself for not remembering how many floors there were, and failing to use my track knowledge to use a more defined strategy including splits… It was at this point I made up my mind to just survive the climb.

The AquaHumans - swimmer Richard Hortness and rower Darcy Marquardt – had made a clear plan to just enjoy the climb and walk it and had now caught up to me as I lingered on the 80^th floor. Minister Gosal, who was just in front of me, was well out of sight. My guess was he probably had arrived to the top of the tower by now, enjoying his drink of water and on his way down. I hung with the AquaHumans for a bit and then decided I’d finish my climb with a sprint-rest-sprint approach, sprinting the last 20 flights. (In true anaerobic athlete style!)

Bad idea… as we approached the top there was an astonishing back-up of people, limiting us to a snail pace as we timed out. But, in truth it didn’t matter. I was just excited to see an end to this labyrinth of a climb. It was actually fun and really satisfying!

As I stood on the staircase and saw so many people braving these stairs I couldn’t help but feel how possible anything is for us to achieve if we have the will power to do so.

The United Way is a laudable organization, touching a wide array of lives, and to be a part of a team of athletes taking time out of their busy training schedules for this worthy cause was incredible. Furthermore, I believe we were all blown away to have our Minister of State (Sports), Bal Gosal join us in this climb!

Pretty incredible and yes, I definitely want to do this climb again, next year. But, next time instead of running 21.10, I’ll aim for a more modest but determined time of 16 minutes. My approach will be simple sprint-rest-sprint (accounting for my anaerobic athletic qualities) with a measured timed approach of timed splits for every 30 flights of stairs!

A special thanks to the sponsors and organizers of this Climb. Also, I will be collecting donations until November 18, 2011 for this climb, so please click here to sponsor me and show your support.

Climbed for a better Community,

Nicole

Another Day In Paradise

2011-10-22T07:30:00.004-04:00

How poignant is this song? It’s easy for any of us to take for granted what we have and choose to turn a blind eye to the struggles of others. I don’t believe much has to be said regarding the meaning inferred by this song. Perhaps we can each think twice when we see someone in need and remember the paradise we are living in. There are many ways we can each be involved to help those less fortunate. From volunteering at a soup kitchen, or various other activities to donating what spare change, if any we may have.

How much better would this world be if we each took a moment to help out those in need?

In lieu of this, I'm climbing the 1,77s steps of the CN Tower on October 23, 2011, with my team of Canadian Athletes in the Enbridge CN Tower Climb for United Way on October 23, 2011. If you can please help me reach and surpass my goal of raising $500 for the United Way by clicking here to sponsor me.

Money raised goes towards mobilizing people from every part of our community. We are changing lives and shaping a stronger and healthier city, with opportunities for all. Together we can all make a difference!

Another Day In Paradise by Phil Collins

She calls out to the man on the street

"Sir, can you help me?

It's cold and I've nowhere to sleep

Is there somewhere you can tell me?"

He walks on, doesn't look back

He pretends he can't hear her

He starts to whistle as he crosses the street

She's embarrassed to be there

Oh, think twice, it's just another day for

For you and me in paradise

Oh, think twice, it's just another day

For you, you and me in paradise

Just think about it

She calls out to the man on the street

He can see she's been cryin'

She's got blisters on the soles of her feet

She can't walk but she's tryin'

Oh, just think twice, it's just another day

For you and me in paradise

Oh, yes think twice, it's just another day

For you, you and me in paradise

Just think about it, just think about it

Oh Lord, is there nothing more anybody can do?

Oh Lord, there must be something you can say

You can tell by the lines on her face

You can see that she's been there

Probably been moved on from every place

'Cause she didn't fit in there

Oh, yes think twice, it's just another day

For you and me in paradise

Oh, yes think twice, it's just another day

For you, you and me in paradise

Just think about it, just think about it

It's just another day

For you and me in paradise

It's just another day

For you and me in paradise

It's just another day

For you and me in paradise

It's just another day

For you and me in paradise

It's just another day

For you and me

It's another day

For you and me

It's another day

For you and me in paradise

In paradise

Canadian Athletes and our Minister of Sports joining the Climb for a Better Community

2011-10-20T22:52:00.000-04:00

-PRESS RELEASE-

For a second time AthletesCAN - Canadian Olympians & National Team Athletes will scale the 1,776 steps of the second tallest building in the world, the CN Tower in the Embridge CN Tower Climb for United Way. This year, our team of athletes will be incredibly joined by our new Minister of Sports, Bal Gosal and Minister Lizon (MP for Mississauga-Cooksville).

The significance of this climb cannot be understated. It is both a physical challenge and social challenge of supporting our community. United Way is an incredible charity who has relentlessly provided support for over 50 years to the community.

“Donation supports a network of over 200 membership agencies providing vital social services to hundreds of thousands of people throughout the city—single parents, abused women, young children and teenagers, the elderly, the physically challenged, the homeless, and the many new immigrants who need help to realize their dreams of a better life in Canada. United Way Toronto is the only major funding organization that delivers significant core operating support to social service agencies.” United Way, Toronto

The involvement and commitment of athletes to social responsibility is a beautiful demonstration of the power of sports – improving the community around us to make a better Canada through social responsibility. Every one of us has the power to positively impact the lives of others, no matter how small.

Our team is committed to raising a minimum of $10,000. We will continue to fundraise until November 18, 2011, and encourage you to go online to support us.

If you would like to sponsor me, please click the link below. Once you've made your donation using your credit card, you will receive an electronic tax receipt immediately. It's fast, easy, and secure!

http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?SID=3204675&langPref=en-CA

For more information on how you can participate in the 2011 Enbridge CN Tower Climb for United Way, too, please visit: http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?SID=3204675&langPref=en-CA

Thanks for your support!

Meet Our Team

Shelly-Ann Brown – Bobsled, Olympian Silver Medalist, World Cup Bronze Medalist, currently training for Sochi 2014 Olympic Games

Craig Buntin – Figure Skater (Pairs), Olympian (Interesting fact - first to successfully land a throw triple lutz in competition)

Ahren Cadieux – Beach Volleyball

Nicole Forrester – Athletics, Olympian, Commonwealth Gold & Bronze Medalist, Pan-American Games Silver and Bronze Medalist, currently training for London 2012 Olympic Games

Richard Hortness – Swimmer, 2008 Olympian, currently training for London 2012 Olympic Games

Bonnie Huang - Youth-Inspire Ambassador, Motivate Canada

Crystal Lee – Freestyle Skiing

Jonathan Lockwood – Baseball, 2008 Olympian

Louis-Pierre Mainville – Volleyball, currently training for London 2012 Olympic Games

Darcy Marquardt – Rowing, 2-Time Olympian, World Champion Gold Medalist, 2-Time World Champion Silver Medalist, World Champion Bronze Medalist, currently training for London 2012 Olympic Games, currently training for London 2012 Olympic Games

Fiona McKee – 2008 Olympian, Pan-American Games Silver Medalist

Claire Merry – Sailing, Olympian, currently training for London 2012 Olympic Games

Tyler Mosher - Paralympian for Cross Country Skiing and Adaptive Snowboarding World Champion, currently training for Sochi 2014 Olympic Games

Andrew Nisker – Tennis, formerly AthleteCAN President

Derek Scheffel -

Jaqueline Scheffel - Hockey

Kara Zakrzewski – Beach Volleyball

Cricket Team – 5 members

Bal Gosal – Minister of Sports, MP for Brampton

Wladyslaw Lizon & wife - MP for Mississauga-Cooksville

Committed to excellence and a better community with every step!

Go CANADA!

Nicole

Enbridge CN Tower Climb for United Way is sponsored by:

Wednesday's Relatioonship Corner for October 19, 2011

2011-10-20T22:38:00.000-04:00

Wednesday's Relationship Corner on hiatis for the week... Check back next week to see a new blog on the topic.

Keep Being Awesome!
Nicole

I Was Here

2011-10-16T07:30:00.002-04:00

I have a huge passion for music. Not a day will pass where I don't listen to it... I am so moved by music, that every Sunday I post a song on my blog and discuss the relevance of its lyrics. I've referenced these days as Sunday's lyrics... However, for this Sunday, I couldn't wait to post my song of choice.

Once in a while you come across a song that speaks to the core of who you are and what motivates you... If you are so fortunate to find that song, hold onto it. As a music enthusiast, I believe I might have just stumbled across that song for me, "I Was Here" by Beyonce... I think this song best personifies me and my passion in life. I always like to say "we should leave this world better than how we've entered it; leaving a postive imprint which burgeons," and this song seems to capture the essence of this and the feelings in my heart... This is my song... I Was Here!

I wanna leave my footprints on the sands of timeKnow there was something that, and something that I left behindWhen I leave this world, I'll leave no regretsLeave something to remember, so they won't forget
I was hereI lived, I lovedI was hereI did, I've done, everything that I wantedAnd it was more than I thought it would beI will leave my mark so everyone will knowI was here
I want to say I lived each day, until I dieAnd know that I meant something in, somebody's lifeThe hearts I have touched, will be the proof that I leaveThat I made a difference, and this world will see
I was hereI lived, I lovedI was hereI did, I've done, everything that I wantedAnd it was more than I thought it would beI will leave my mark so everyone will knowI was hereI lived, I lovedI was hereI did, I've done, everything that I wantedAnd it was more than I thought it would beI will leave my mark so everyone will knowI was here
I just want them to knowThat I gave my all, did my bestBrought someone to happinessLeft this world a little better just because
I was here
I was hereI lived, I lovedI was hereI did, I've done, everything that I wantedAnd it was more than I thought it would beI will leave my mark so everyone will knowI was here I was here I was hereI was hereI did, I've done,I was here

10 Reasons to Run a Background Check on Your Date - Guest Blog by Donna Cullen

2011-10-12T07:30:00.001-04:00

Wednesday's Relationship Corner

Guest Blog by Donna Cullen

10 Reasons to Run aBackground Check on Your Date

When you meet someone new it can be fun and exciting to get to know this new individual. At times, however, there may be reason to be a bit cautious and even suspicious. Although, the chances of you connecting with someone who is dangerous or involved in criminal activity may be minimal, if you are concerned, you may want to run a background to relieve your anxiety.

Doesn’t answer to his name. If your date doesn’t seem to respond immediately to his first name, it may be poor hearing, but it could also be that he is not used to answering to that name. This is just one small clue that may mean nothing, unless their other signs of uncertain identity.
Sirens make him nervous – Does your date get a little jumpy when he hears police sirens heading your direction, or behind the vehicle you’re in? This could be a sign that his experiences with law enforcement have not been pleasant.
He’s ‘mistaken’ for someone else. Have there been occasions when people have called him by another name, and he said they must have mistaken him someone else? Once. Maybe. Twice? Run that background check!
America’s Most Wanted – Does your date have a strong resemblance to the guy they’re looking for on America’s Most Wanted? You may want to check it out. This is especially true if he seems to like to change the channel, anytime the show or a commercial for it comes on.
Background discrepancies – Does his memory about his former jobs, family and other details seem to change or get confused, often? Why would that be? Maybe a background check would help clarify those memories for him.
Birthdate confusion – Does he hesitate when asked for his date of birth? That is usually one date that flows pretty smoothly off anyone’s tongue. Any hesitation or confusion on that date should certainly raise some suspicions.
Avoid’s law enforcement – Does he seem to hide in the restaurant booth, when a police officer enters? Does he get nervous at the presence of law enforcement vehicles, even when he’s doing the speed limit? This might be a reason to check his background.
‘False’ accusations – Have other people told you things about him that he continues to deny? If these tales are not true, he shouldn’t mind exonerating himself with an inexpensive background check, right?
Lots of money – no job – Do you receive expensive presents and treated to high class dinner dates? That’s great! Except, if he doesn’t have a job, where is all that money coming from? If he usually pays with cash, besides, I’d definitely consider doing a check on his activities.
Missing items – Did you come home with cash or credit cards missing from your purse? In this case, a background check is a bit conservative. A phone call direct to the police department would be justified.

Unfortunately, not everyone is above-board and trustworthy. No one should ever feel guilty about wanting to simply verify that what a person says is truthful

Absent For the First Time for the Pan American Games

2011-10-11T07:30:00.008-04:00

Friday, October 14, 2011 is the opening ceremony for the 2011 Pan American Games, and it will be the first PanAmerican Games in my entire athletic career which I will not be attending. Due to the scheduling of this year’s PanAmerican Games, I have decided to opt out from competing in this year’s Games… and I’m not a lone.It’s a tough scheduling as it runs from October 14 – 30, just 9 months from the 2012 Olympic Games, which themselves are earlier than normal. I must admit, I wrestled 2 years ago with how I may be able to fit it in my schedule, but had to eventually accept that it wouldn’t work. The biggest problem is that it is difficult to manage an optimal periodization training plan for the Olympic Games, while attempting to have a great performance at the Pan American Games, for my event. Specifically, in my training currently, this is a loading phase – the polar opposite of the type of training I do during my competition phase.

Pan American Games is dear to me, as it is my first medal I ever won at a major Games. I won Bronze in the 1999 Pan American Games in Winnipeg and Silver in 2007 in Rio de Janeiro, with a performance just 1cm shy of the Games record. I am very pleased with my Pan American Games journey. I would only want to return if I could better my performance in 2007 and win gold; and that would mean having a program where I peaked for the Pan American Games… but given the required periodization program, it would also mean I would compromise my future performance in London, and have placed myself in the territory of possible injury with the lengthened competition season.But, one should not underestimate the relevance of the Pan American Games. To give you some perspective of this year’s game it is actually larger than the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games. It will involve over 6,000 athletes in 40 sports. The 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games had approximately 2,600 athletes from 15 sports. So, it is quite a competitive team.

In 2015, Toronto will host the next Pan American Games, so these Games are that much more important for Canada, as it is the penultimate to both the Olympic Games and our hosting of this event! (While, I will no longer be competing in 2015, I’m pleased to say I will be involved in the Pan American Games, as an Athlete Council Advisory Committee Member, along side some other pretty incredible athletes!) Additionally, the Pan American Games also serves as an Olympic Games qualifier for 15 sports… so for those sports the pressure is on!

Although Canada is sending a smaller team then normal, I am confident we will deliver when it comes to performance, just the same. In 2007, we finished 4th overall, and so I have high hopes for this year. I may not be there competing, but I’ll be there in spirit, cheering on my fellow Canadian teammates, and hoping their endeavor provides them with the results they hope to achieve!

Go Canada!

Nicole

To find out more and show your support, visit the CanadianOlympic Committee’s website and the Pan AmericanGames website. The athletes competing can use all the support they can get. There is something sweet about being in the village and reading a random email or letter from a stranger showing their supporting. We appreciate it and we love it!

We Are The World!

2011-10-09T07:00:00.004-04:00

How much better would this world be if we each took a moment to help out those in need? We are the world, we are the children, we are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving.

In lieu of this, I'm climbing the 1,776 steps of the CN Tower on October 23, 2011, with my team of Canadian Athletes in the Enbridge CN Tower Climb for United Way. If you can please help me reach and surpass my goal of raising $500 for the United Way by clicking here to sponsor me.

There comes a time

When we head a certain call

When the world must come together as one

There are people dying

And it's time to lend a hand to life

The greatest gift of all

We can't go on

Pretneding day by day

That someone, somewhere will soon make a change

We are all a part of

God's great big family

And the truth, you know love is all we need

[Chorus]

We are the world

We are the children

We are the ones who make a brighter day

So let's start giving

There's a choice we're making

We're saving our own lives

It's true we'll make a better day

Just you and me

Send them your heart

So they'll know that someone cares

And their lives will be stronger and free

As God has shown us by turning stone to bread

So we all must lend a helping hand

[Chorus]

We are the world

We are the children

We are the ones who make a brighter day

So let's start giving

There's a choice we're making

We're saving our own lives

It's true we'll make a better day

Just you and me

When you're down and out

There seems no hope at all

But if you just believe

There's no way we can fall

Well, well, well, well, let us realize

That a change will only come

An Ode to Sports Media

2011-10-05T22:56:00.003-04:00

On Monday I had the opportunity to attend the 2011 Achievement Awards Presentation Luncheon for Sports Media Canada. The room was filled with members from every organization involved in sports. From the UFC to the MLB to the Canadian Olympic Committee, there we sat to pay well deserved homage to the people that tell our stories day in and day out best – sports media!

As I sat and listened to the various recipients honoured for their work in sports I was overwhelmed with a deep sense of gratitude. I mean it’s not like I’ve never taken the time before to be grateful for media. But, in that moment I really, really felt indebted to the world of sports media.

I have blogged about “Angels in the Dugout” referring to the various medical personnel that work behind the scenes to allow us to perform center stage at the Olympic Games, World Championships, Commonwealth Games or in a Stanley Cup playoff. But, I’ve also forgotten to include the media - working bees behind the scene.

It is the media that really brings to life what it is we as athletes do. Making it relevant and important to the public… I mean I’m only jumping over a bar, or someone is just paddling in the water, or shooting a puck into a net or a ball into a hoop. It’s not like we are performing brain surgery. Or maybe we are? Yes, Sport unifies a nation. Sport laughs in the face of racism. Sport teaches us determination and to love that determined, relentless underdog. And our sports media personnel TELL these stories.

Amateur athletes may seem to have a 4 year life cycle, but the various sports media personnel help to convey another story. They also cover the years in between and show what it takes to become an Olympian. We might be an ocean away, competing in a IAAF Diamond League, but we can always depend on a broadcaster like CBC to provide coverage and commentary; or CTV to tweet about a Banana Bread Bake-off between two stick-jumping athletes; or Randy Starkman to deliver continuous coverage of various Olympic athletes or about Mary the barber’s commitment to hockey.

And so from the bottom of my heart I say a huge thank you to the various sports media personnel’s who have told mine and my fellow athletes’ stories. I will miss you when I retire. In this final year, as a world-class athlete, I hope to give you my best story yet.

Keep up the hard writing, commentating, photo-taking and fact checking work. You are the windows to our pursuit in excellence… showing Sport really does matters!

Thanks!

Nicole

6 Things Women Look for in a Man

2011-10-05T07:30:00.001-04:00

As originally posted on the Huffington Post, Sunday October 2, 2011.

Last week, I began to bridge the barrier between men and women, revealing five things men look for in women. Being a female and unable to understand men's language, I turned to my trusty and reliable Facebook friends who were very forthcoming. This week, as promised, I continue the discussion by sharing hours of "girl-chat" as well as the comments of my Facebook friends (yet, again), to reveal what it is women look for in men.

1. Chivalry
Chivalry is not dead! A woman notices whether a man opens the door for her, walks closer to the traffic or pulls out a chair for her when she sits. This is something that separates any man from the pack. A woman with a man who does this will be the envy of all her girlfriends. Yep, you can bet she'll be bragging about your gentleman qualities.

2. Emotionally Available
A quick web search on relationship woes will reveal that being emotionally unavailable is a disease claiming the lives of many men. If you are a man who is afflicted by this disease, you would do well to seek help immediately! Being a man means being able to share how you feel and not worry about how you'll be seen. Gone are the days of a stoic appearance and seeming to have it all together. A blank wall is more attractive than a guy like this. If you're a man having difficulty tapping into this side of yourself, perhaps try watching the movie The Notebook instead of Beaches for a full recovery.

3. Attention to Detail
Women enjoy a man who pays attention to the small details and can recall them at a much later time. This will win any man huge points! For example, let's say your woman of interest tells an inconsequential story about lunch with a friend and in passing she mentions the name of the restaurant. Two weeks later you ask her, "How was the restaurant XYZ you went with your friend the other day? I was thinking we should go out for dinner tonight." A man will be instantly elevated to a level of superhero status, if at a later time, he can remember the small details and demonstrate he was really listening.

4. Compliment Genuinely and Compliment Unexpectedly
Yes, she may look great when she is dressed up and you should definitely let her know. But, it is also important to let a woman know just how special she is to you in her day-to-day life. See her laugh, smile or dimple in her cheek and compliment her on it. Stop to tell her (randomly, out of the blue), "You know, I really like the way you smile. Geeze, you are so beautiful just as you are!" Try this and you'll be thanking me. (Warning, doing this could grant you a month of freedom with your wolf pack, a.k.a. friends.)

5. Honesty
For any relationship to be successful there must be a sense of trust. Honesty is the glue that holds a relationship together and also an attractive feature. Even when it might not be the most pleasant news to tell a woman, it is better for a man to be open and honest than to tell a lie. Women have long perfected the art of detecting a liar. Most times a woman may let a man think he's pulled one over her as she sits back and mentally deconstructs his story, and in doing so, notes that things just don't add up -- all the while NEVER letting the man know she knows what he has just told her was a complete lie. Word of wisdom: just don't lie.

6. Confidence
Confidence is the key to being attractive. It will grab any woman's attention. And confidence should not be confused with arrogance, which involves a false sense of self. But, rather being confident involves taking stock in who you are (not what you do). Confidence should never be based upon your achievements or possessions; these are superficial and transient. Confidence needs to be deep rooted -- it's the belief that you are able to meet whatever challenge is placed before you. It's visible in a man's posture and the way that he carries himself. A man who knows this and owns it (without being arrogant) is like honey is to a bee.

At the end of the day, all a woman wants is to be adored. Yes, it's that simple. It means taking an interest in what she wants, what she is about, what she values and what she is striving for, while being nurturing. In truth, what any and everyone wants is to feel is important! Adoration speaks to this.

Women and men may have different languages, each one struggling to understand the other. But, perhaps if we each take time to think about what we want from that special someone, we'll probably find they would like the same thing in return.

Your non-relationship expert,
Nicole

Follow Nicole Forrester on Twitter: www.twitter.com/nicoleforrester

Leave the Pebbles Behind

2011-10-04T07:30:00.002-04:00

On October 23, 2011 a group of us National Team Athletes and Olympians will be making our ascent up the CN Tower, the second tallest free-standing building in the world for United Way. To join our team or to support our fundraising goal for the United Way click on the following link http://my.e2rm.com/TeamPage.aspx?teamID=258894

In lieu of this for today's Blog post meet Tyler Mosher, an elite ambassador and my guest blogger, who is a Paralympian in Para-Nordic Skiing. Read hish inspiring story below! Oh, and by the way he ran the CN Tower Stairs for United Way in 2009 with our team.

(Originally postedby November 16, 2009 on lululemon.

Time stood still. I was floating through the air upside down and actually took the time to think that I might die. I thought of the many things I still wanted to do, places I wanted to see. The cool things I was happy I’d done, and the many people in my life with so much love to share. It was not my day.

A second later I hit the ground head first from 10 metres above. My back explodes at L-1 like a pop can a kid jumps on and the vertebrae above and below break in nine places. I am stuck upside down in wind blown corn snow up to my ears and cannot move.

I am airlifted out of the glacier to the Whistler Health Clinic where my fears are confirmed Although I am alive, I am paralyzed from the waist down. Later that night I am sent down to Vancouver to be patched up to live in a wheelchair for the rest of my life.

Luckily, the doctors were wrong, and my spinal cord injury is incomplete vs. complete. But luck is an understatement. Nine years later, although I am considered 40% paralyzed below the waist, I have learned to walk again, learned to cross country ski, and even learned to snowboard again. Not everyone can do what I did. Most people with a spinal cord injury do not have the opportunity to get any muscles back and even if they do, they don’t get enough of what they need to walk.

So, I am lucky, but I worked hard at it. I set goals. I stayed positive and looked at the world with what I could do, not what I couldn’t do. I took up yoga and believed that I could think my way into a pose even if I couldn’t do the pose. I thought to myself to just try every day to do more, to learn more, to be strong and understand that if I fall down, it is because I am pushing the limits. In fact, I learned to walk again by falling down and getting back up and falling some more. Metaphorically I believe this is what success is all about – falling down and getting back up until you don’t fall down anymore.

Staying positive and looking for the positive aspect in everything I do is my key. I like to say I can turn two negatives into a positive. It sounds corny, but I believe it and I believe in myself. It doesn’t mean I don’t ask for help. It means that because I try to help myself in a positive manner, others will believe in me and help me too. All I need to do is ask.

Last month, I received an email from my super cool friend, Olympian Nicole Forrester, asking for people to climb the CN Tower with other national team members to raise money for the United Way - a charity I have always believed in. They help people ask for a better life, thus helping communities and families throughout the world.

I wasn’t sure if I could do it, so I drove down to Vancouver and trained in a stairway doing 20 flights at a time and taking the elevator down and doing it seven more times. I figured I could do it, the 147 flights of stairs (1776 steps), in about 35 minutes.

When I took the challenge two weeks ago I blew my attainable goal out of the water by clocking a time just under 20 minutes. Kayak Olympian and World Champion Adam Van Koeverden did it in about 14 minutes. Paralympian Stephanie Reid Lakatos ran it in about 17 minutes on her below the knee carbon fiber prosthetic, young Leah Robinson did it like me with some paralysis in her right leg and Wilfredo (Papito) Moré Wilson did it with just one leg and two crutches – was I ever impressed! As you can see, we are all capable of achieving greatness. As Muhammad Ali said, “It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it’s the pebble in your shoe.”

So here I am: climbing new mountains every day. Although there are several hundred things I can’t do, there are several millions I can continue to do. I can’t run and I can’t jump but I can get up and be happy every day. I can set goals and achieve the seemingly impossible and I am not afraid to try. So in March of 2010, look for me racing in cross country skiing at the Paralympic games. I hope you are able to climb your mountains and leave the pebbles behind.

Namaste – Tyler
Check out Tyler Mosher’s fan Facebook page for updates: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tyler-Mosher/42536243617

Tyler and his team about to climb the CN Tower!

A group shot of the amazing athletes before climbing the CN Tower for United Way.

The team cheering for a great cause.

The Thing They Said Was Impossible, He's Done!

2011-10-02T07:30:00.002-04:00

Sunday's Lyrics - Ali in the Jungle, by The Hours

I never grow tired of this song. It is my anthem to what is possible! It is a song that best captures to me, the power we each have, to endure in spite of the challenges we might face. It draws reference to people in history (Muhammad Ali; Nelson Mandela; Helen Keller, Lazarus, Ludwig van Beethoven, Francis Adams, mountainer Joe Simpson) each of whom have demonstrated time and time again, how they were able to over come, and the same can be true for us - if we should choose... The thing they said was impossible, we can do!

Lyrics to Ali In The Jungle (by The Hours):
It's, not, how you start, it's how you finish,
And it's, not, where you're from, it's where you're at,

Everybody gets knocked down,
Everybody gets knocked down,
How quick are you gonna' get up?
How quick are you gonna' get up?
Everybody gets knocked down,
Everybody gets knocked down,
How quick are you gonna' get up?
Just how are you gonna' get up?

Like Ali in the jungle,
Like Nelson in jail,
Like Simpson on the mountain,
With odds like that, they were bound to fail
Like Keller in the darkness,
Like Adam's in the dock,
Like Ludwig Van, how I loved that man, well the guy went deaf and didn't give a f, no...

No, no, no

It's, not, where you are, It's where you're going,
Where are you going?
And it's, not, about the things you've done, it's what you're doing, now,
What are you doing, now?

Everybody gets knocked down,
Everybody gets knocked down,
How quick are you gonna' get up?
How quick are you gonna' get up, now?
Everybody gets knocked down,
Everybody gets knocked down,
How quick are you gonna' get up?
Just how are you gonna' get up?

Like Ali in the jungle,
Like Nelson in jail,
Like Simpson on the mountain,
Well with odds like that, they were bound to fail
Like Keller in the darkness,
Like Adam's in the dock,
Like Ludwig Van, how I loved that man, well the guy went deaf and didn't give a f, no...

Oooh, ooh, ooh
No, no, no
Oooh, ooh, ooh
No, no, no
Oooh, ooh, ooh

It's the greatest comeback since Lazarus,
The greatest comeback since Lazarus,
It's the greatest comeback since Lazarus,
The greatest comeback since Lazarus,
It's the greatest comeback since Lazarus,
The greatest comeback since Lazarus,
The greatest comeback since Lazarus,
The greatest comeback...
It's the greatest comeback...

(Radio Commentator) This, is the most joyous scene, ever seen in the history of boxing, this is an incredible scene, the place is going wild, Muhammed Ali has won, Muhammed Ali has won, by a knockdown! By a knockdown! The thing they said was impossible, he's done!

Something to chew on in the mean time.... (and while I am a MIZUNO girl and this is an ad from our competitor, in this case I think the message at hand is most important and universal to all.)

"Will We Be Seeing You in London 2012?"

2011-09-28T12:23:00.005-04:00

Alas, it is Wednesday and if you have come to my blog this Wednesday (like most other Wednesdays) you’ll know that on this day of the week I blog on relationships, providing my non-expert insight. However, since I am now blogging with Huffington Post, I’ve decided to move some of my relationship blogs over to “The Huff,” this week included. So, if you check back in the next day or two, I’ll have this week’s “Wednesday’s Relationship Corner Bog” posted.

Given I have now begun my training for the upcoming 2012 season, and yesterday marked 10 months to the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games, I thought I’d share with you a blog I wrote exactly 3 years ago. This will be my final year of competing as a World-Class Athlete… A moment I planned for 5 years ago. Even if I were to jump 3 metres next year, I will still be hanging up spikes at the end of the 2012 season… to begin my next phase in life. So, from here on out, I am deeply enjoying every moment left to experience in my athletic career.

Here’s a look back at what I wrote on September 28, 2008…. And I’m happy to say my attitude/perspective hasn’t changed:

"If there's magic in boxing, it's the magic of fighting battles beyond endurance, beyond cracked ribs, ruptured kidneys and detached retinas. It's the magic of risking everything for a dream that nobody sees but you." ~from the movie Million Dollar Baby

Well, it’s been a while since my last blog. I’ve just returned home from Europe and I am still trying to catch up with some left behind work. This time of the year can be challenging for me. It requires an adjustment, after being away from home for 4 months and trying to settle into normal daily activities. And unlike New Year’s, this time of the year usually conjures up many life questions.

Athletically, the past season is reviewed and plans for the following year are thought through. However, this year I’ve also had to consider whether I will continue the high jump for another 4 year. In fact, it seems to be a question many people ask me. In fact, I think that might have been the first question asked to me as I stepped off the track in the Bird’s Nest.

Over the last month I’ve struggled with answering this question. Not because I worry that I won’t be as sharp athletically in 4 years time. (I’m counting on my physical testing’s which prove otherwise as well as my late introduction to the high jump.)

In the end I realized it was the emotional investment that another 4 years would demand, that seemed to make me indecisive. Additionally, I have other facets of life available to tempt me away from my passion for the high jump.

By emotional investment I mean believing in the unseen, with no guarantee in place and the unplanned expectancies of life. For me my ankle sprained 3 days before the qualification rounds at the Olympic Games proves this.

You ride many waves in sports and life – waves of disappointments, jubilation, frustration and satisfaction to name a few. And I needed to ask myself would I be willing to do this for another 4 years? A sort of scary question…

But, isn’t that what life is about? And isn’t it the journey that makes victory sweeter? So, in these weeks following my last competition I’ve taken time to consider this question; and I realized that the only answer that is true to the type of person I am is “Yes”! Yes, I am committing to another 4 year cycle of Athletics.

I have some unfinished business to attend to… Now if you’ll excuse me. – I have some work to do. ;)

A disciple of excellence,
Nicole

What if God was One of Us

2011-09-25T15:17:00.003-04:00

Sunday's Lyrics

I originally chose this song as a Sunday's Lyric last year. These lyrics will probably always be profound to me. It is a song I believe which is relevant to whether someone is a believer or non-believer in God... And simply a question to ponder how it is we treat others and would our actions change if it they were God? Perhaps the real thought to consider is whether we should be striving to treat our neighbours better than we do?

What if God was One of Us, Joan Osbourne

If God had a name, what would it be
And would you call it to his face
If you were faced with him in all his glory
What would you ask if you had just one question

And yeah yeah God is great yeah yeah God is good
yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah

What if God was one of us
Just a slob like one of us
Just a stranger on the bus
Trying to make his way home

If God had a face what would it look like
And would you want to see
If seeing meant that you would have to believe
In things like heaven and in jesus and the saints and all the prophets

And yeah yeah god is great yeah yeah god is good
yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah

What if God was one of us
Just a slob like one of us
Just a stranger on the bus
Trying to make his way home
He's trying to make his way home
Back up to heaven all alone
Nobody calling on the phone
Except for the pope maybe in Rome

And yeah yeah God is great yeah yeah God is good
yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah

What if god was one of us
Just a slob like one of us
Just a stranger on the bus
Trying to make his way home
Just trying to make his way home
Like a holy rolling stone
Back up to heaven all alone
Just trying to make his way home
Nobody calling on the phone
Except for the pope maybe in Rome

The Road Not Taken

2011-09-23T07:30:00.002-04:00

This poem needs no introduction... but merely, a contemplation as to what road we each choose to take in life. Sometimes daring to take that path which is not so easy at first, in the end will lead us best to what it is we truly desire... making all the difference.

The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I marked the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

5 Things Men Look for in Women

2011-09-22T23:43:00.000-04:00

Wednesday's Relationship Corner

This was originally posted on Huffington Post.

When it comes to matters of the heart, it seems that all everyone wants is to love and to be loved in return. Yet, as simple as this shared mutual goal may seem, men and women seem to be speaking different languages. They fail to understand the other's desires, which results in amassed dating "games" and confusion. This week I thought I would take a look at what it is men really want from women. Surveying my 2,500 Facebook friends (a very reliable source) I think I might have begun to crack this code.

1. Attraction. There must be some level of attraction, which peaks a man's interest. This doesn't necessarily mean a women needs to look like a Barbie doll or an air-brushed model. Often attraction comes down to how a woman carries herself. A woman walking with confidence, while appearing approachable, can stop traffic and make the most unlikely guy a believer.

2. Independence. We have certainly entered a new era where independence is highly lauded. Men now enjoy women who have their own life going for them. Their life is so exciting and amazing, that they want to be a part of it. Gone are the days that a man wants a woman who will drop all that she's doing for him.

3. Fun. Men enjoy women who can make them smile and the time with them appear to fly by. Being fun may include being spontaneous, humorous or willing to try new things. Often the secret ingredient to being fun is to just be yourself. When you are authentic you are likely to remove any barriers or inhibition you may have, and be less concerned about how you are being perceived.

4. Sanity. Sorry ladies, apparently attributing your mood to hormones is not acceptable. Surprisingly, men do not enjoy women who may, from time to time, appear like Faye Dunaway in Mommie Dearest. Men enjoy women who come with minimal drama, do not overreact and have a mood which doesn't change as often as the current weather. This can be a fine line, as some men do enjoy a strong and assertive woman. But, just like Mary J. Blige's song, they want "No More Drama."

5. Support. This was overwhelmingly mentioned by the "expert" Facebook men I surveyed. It reminds me of a Maya Angelou quote, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." When it comes to relationships, how you make someone feel provides the sustenance power, which can allow a relationship to survive World War III. It is internal, trusting, lasting and provides that "Je ne sais quoi" characteristics. Never underestimate the power of providing a genuine ear to your special someone when they are having a bad day, or believing in them when their dreams may seem impossible. You, my dear, are being supportive and valued for this rare quality.

Hopefully, I've cracked the Martian language of men and have given women an inside look at what it is men want. Next week, I'll reveal what it is women want in a man, and hopefully bridge the language barrier between men and women when it comes to dating.
Your Non-Relationship Expert,
Nicole

Follow Nicole Forrester on Twitter: www.twitter.com/nicoleforrester

Monday's Lyrics - COMPETITON

2011-09-18T10:00:00.001-04:00

Competition can bring out the best in each of us. Dare to explore another level of possibility within us. And competition does not have to be limited to another individual, but rather the greatest competition can sometimes come from oneself.

Competition

No one trains to fail

Nobody prepares to loose

Everyone wants to prevail

You must compete

Competition is perseverance

Competition is passion

Competition is focus

Competition is adversity

And the will to triumph

Competition is life

Live to compete

It’s on!

5 Ways to Fail with the Object of Your Affection

2011-09-14T07:30:00.001-04:00

You were going along fine and then you stubbed your toe… This is analogous with having a girl interested in you hook, line and sinker... until you mess up with a deadly sin. Any of these mishaps can have you cast back into the flames of Bacheloritis, where your sins will also be discussed amongst friends and condemned. Alas, I’m here to help you and save you from yourself, if you read carefully.

1. Asking Her on a Date and Making Her Pay

I and most of my friends are liberated, independent women. As such, when on a date I will always offer to pay. I am of the belief a girl should always offer to pay and a guy should decline the offer. And not just with the initial dates, but throughout the whole courting process. It may be old fashioned but I think it may be tied into (dare I say) Darwinism and feeling provided and taken care of. If a man takes my offer to pay for dinner, it will probably be our last date dinner for he has now been cast eternally into the friend box – where sharing the cost of dinner is acceptable. If you are still feeling each other out and it’s not officially a date, certainly going halves on dinner is a granted exception and make sense. But, if it’s a date….. that’s a different story

2. Not Calling When You Say You Will

This is liable to have you “Poofed! Be Gone!” and anye girl that waits around for your phone cal,l you should probably “Poof! Be Gone!” her. This is a matter of integrity and keeping your word, as well as showing your interest. People want someone who is excited about them, and if you are lazy with keeping you’re word you’re demonstrating you are just not that into that girl.

3. Being Selfish/Self-Absorbed

Any smart girl will stay away from this guy. Relationships are a balancing act. It should not be one sided. If it is all about one person, it will inevitably end in failure.

4. Too Many Female Friends

This can be a killer and a source of insecurity. Some girls cannot be bothered with a guy who has too many female friends, so you might be missing out on the beginning side of dating. And if not, with time the many female friends can become a source of stress and insecurity, as your girl begins to feel in competition. It all goes back to the age old question, whether men and women can truly be friends.

5. Jekylle and Hyde

It’s always best to be yourself. Too often people want someone to like them and will act a certain way with them and another way with their friends. You cannot keep up this charade forever. Someone who changes who they are is like a camilian. You can never be sure if they are their real-selves with you.

At the end of the day, it’s always best to be considerate, open and yourself. Dating doesn’t have to be that hard.

Your relationship non-expert,

Nicole

What is Sports Day in Canada?

2011-09-13T13:47:00.000-04:00

As a Team Visa athlete, for the last month I have been counting down and sharing my excitement for Sports Day in Canada via the various social media outlets – twitter, facebook and my website Likewise, for the last two weeks I have been blogging about the value and importance of sports in Canada. But this week I found myself wondering if my passion for this event might have overlooked explaining the obvious – what exactly is Sports Day in Canada about, and how can Canadians participate?

I thought I’d take a moment to see if I can give you a crash course on what this AMAZING day is all about. Trust me – you definitely don’t want to miss out on this event!

Sports Day in Canada is a nationwide celebration of all levels of sport. We know that the power of sports has the ability to improve academic success, create leaders, improve health, decrease risky behaviours, and the list goes on. Sports Day in Canada is about recognizing this power of sport while also promoting a healthy lifestyle. But I’ve got to warn you, only come out and join the action if you are ready to have fun!

So how can you get involved? Well, it’s very easy. You can register and find events across Canada at www.cbcsports.ca/sportsday. If you are a sport organization, team or club you can create and host your own event, like an open house, game or competition. Just be sure to register it online so you can be recognized for your involvement! And if you don’t consider yourself a jock, don’t worry - NOW has never been a better time to get out and get active! Sport is transforming lives everyday, and it can transform yours! I know, because it has for me!

If you are in the greater Toronto area, I’d really love it if you’d come out and join me in Markham at Fletcher's Field with CBC and ParticipACTION on September 17, where Canada will take on USA in rugby! GO CANADA!!!!

Feeling the power of sports,
Nicole Forrester
Follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/nicoleforrester

The Station

2011-09-11T14:11:00.002-04:00

By Robert J. Hastings
Tucked away in our subconscious is an idyllic vision. We are traveling by train – out the windows, we drink in the passing scenes of children waving at a crossing, cattle grazing on a distant hillside, row upon row of corn and wheat, flatlands and valleys, mountains and rolling hillsides and city skylines.

But uppermost in our minds is the final destination. On a certain day, we will pull into the station. Bands will be playing and flags waving. Once we get there, our dreams will come true and the pieces of our lives will fit together like a completed jigsaw puzzle. Restlessly we pace the aisles damning the minutes – waiting, waiting, waiting for the station.

“When we reach the station that will be it!” we cry. “When I’m 18,” “When I buy a new 450sl Mecedes Benz!” “When I put the last kid through college,” “When I have paid off the mortgage!” “When I get a promotion.” “When I reach retirement, I shall live happily ever after!”

Sooner or later, we realize there is no station, no one place to arrive. The true joy of life is the trip. The station is only a dream. It constantly outdistances us.

“Relish the moment” is a good motto, especially when coupled with Psalm 118:24: “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” It isn’t the burdens of today that drive men mad. It is the regrets over yesterday and the fear of tomorrow. Regret and fear are twin thieves who rob us of today.

So stop pacing the aisles and counting the miles. Instead, climb more mountains, eat more ice cream, go barefoot more often, swim more rivers, watch more sunsets, laugh more, cry less. Life must be lived as we go along. The station will come soon enough.

Why I Love the High Jump...

2011-09-08T11:45:00.000-04:00

As posted on CBC Sports Day in Canada - happening September 17, 2011 across Canada

“Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.” ~Henry Ford

In the world of sports, there are few competitions where even the winner will always end on a failure. The high jump is one of those sports… and it is my sport.

The high jump is a sport requiring athletes to successfully clear a bar, which is continuously raised in height. Each athlete has three attempts to clear the bar; if successful, the bar is raised to a greater height. The athlete who clears the highest height is declared the winner. But even for that athlete they will depart the competition failing to have cleared their last height. Inevitably, there is always a height each athlete will fail to clear in a competition. Though this presents a continuous challenge, this failure also provides motivation to me as an athlete.

To be an elite high jumper you must be strong, powerful, fast and have equally strong mental prowess. There is always a time during competition when the bar will look high and threatening, even to myself, a Team Visa Olympic high jumper. However, in that moment, I am also fueled with excitement and exhilaration as I attack the bar. Even though it is high, I am not afraid of it. I welcome the challenge as it can only make me a better athlete.

We will generally fail more times than we succeed. But it is how we handle those moments of failure that define us and allow us to be even more successful the next time. If we choose to see failure as obstacles, that is all we will ever experience, and our goals will become fantasies.

I love the high jump because it mimics life. It is about trying to keep my eyes on the goal of jumping high, in spite of a threatening barrier staring me in the face. I must believe in my abilities to meet the challenge faced before me and not ever allow any doubt to creep into the corners of my brain. The moment I doubt, I no longer see my goal and begin to see only the obstacles.

It was almost a year ago that I won gold at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India. During this time, I was incredibly ill. A week before leaving for India I was diagnosed with 20 brain lesions, which carried with it a host of symptoms including migraines, numbness and pain on the right side of my body. It wouldn’t be untilfour months later that they would be able to diagnose it as simply an autoimmune virus. During the Commonwealth Games, I knew I was seriously ill, but didn’t know why, and I was incredibly scared. But even during this time of challenge, I wasn’t going to allow it to dissuade me from my goal of winning. I know with certainty that had I allowed myself to see my illness as an obstacle, I would not have realized my eventual goal of becoming the 2010 Commonwealth Games Champion.

This is what life is all about - keeping your eyes on the goal, being brave enough to go after what it is you really want, and never settling. Each time you pick yourself up from a setback and get back on the path of your desire, you are affirming your commitment to that goal. If there is magic in the high jump and in life, it is scaling new heights and daring to go after a dream that nobody sees but you.

The greatest feeling to me is running with full speed at this seemingly imposing barrier, but not having a care in the world at how high it is, as my body leaves the ground and floats through the air clearing a magnificent height. I’m on a mission to see just how high I really can jump; and though I may fail sometimes, every miss I have is actually a step closer to jumping higher.

How high do you want to soar in life?

Soaring high,

Nicole Forrester, 2010 Commonwealth Gold Medalist, Olympian, Team Visa Athlete & PhD Candidate

Single for Six Reasons

2011-09-07T07:30:00.003-04:00

Wednesday's Relationship Corner
Today's Blog is by Sofi Papmarko, a witty and clever writer with Huffington Post. I enjoyed this blog by Sofi so much I had to post it on today's Wednesday's Relationship Corner. Enjoy!

Single for Six Reasons by Sofi Papamarko
In a HuffPost article that went mega-viral, television writer Tracy McMillan detailed the reasons she believes single women aren't yet married.

In "Why You're Not Married," McMillan insists that single women are not married (holy matrimony being the ultimate brass ring of womanhood, apparently) because we fall into one or all of the following categories:

1) You're a Bitch
2) You're Shallow
3) You're a "Slut"
4) You're a Liar
5) You're Selfish
6) You're Not Good Enough

McMillan fancies herself a bit of an expert, in that she has been married three times and brags that she was "born knowing how to get married." It is worth pointing out that McMillan has been divorced just as many times. So while she is certainly an expert in the field of getting hitched, McMillan is not very good at maintaining such a blissful state. Which is sort of the point, I think.

Having never been married, I humbly suggest that you should all pay attention to me instead of McMillan; I haven't married the wrong guy even one time.

McMillan's article stems from a larger problem; the assumption in the media and popular culture that single women are doing something wrong.

I would argue that we are actually doing everything right.

Here are the six real reasons why you, dear female reader, are not married (assuming you even want to be):

1) You're Patient
They say that good things come to those who wait. You're extremely wary about rushing down the aisle to the quickening rhythm of your biological clock. If you have to wait years for the right guy to come along, you will. Hell, you've waited this long.

2) You're Confident
We've all seen it, and it is sad. Women with low self-worth tend to latch onto inappropriate men. They're reluctant to get out of mediocre or even bad relationships because they're worried that they'll never find anyone else who'll love them. You, single lady, are independent, self-sufficient and don't require male validation in order to function day-to-day. You've long since realized that you're more than enough on your own.

3) You're Beautiful
In Mark Gimein's "The Eligible-Bachelor Paradox," he suggests that beautiful women -- confident that they have game -- hold out for something great for a longer period of time because they know they can. It is the less attractive females -- those with fewer chips with which to bet, as he puts it -- who "bid decisively," aggressively latching onto whoever will take them. (No offense, married ladies! I'm sure most of you wed for true love instead of out of quiet desperation.)

4) You 're Successful
Some men are intimidated by successful women, but the right guy will be in awe of all of your accomplishments. Don't downplay all that you've built for yourself. Don't mute or muffle all that you are.

5) You Won't Accept Anything Less Than You Deserve
You've ended relationships that potentially could have led to marriage because he did not treat you with the attentiveness, tenderness and/or respect that you justly deserve. Everyone is better off alone than in a relationship like that.

6) You Know What You Want
McMillan suggests that single women are too picky -- find a man of character and lock him down! Character is key, but there are so many other factors necessary in a successful partnership. Connection. Friendship. Compatibility. Chemistry. McMillan dismisses the need for sexual attraction as shallow, but it's clearly essential.

Sloane Crosley put it best, "Husbands are like tattoos -- you should wait until you come across something you want on your body for the rest of your life..."

The world should stand back admire single women instead of perpetually trying to fix us or fix us up. We're smart enough to know that Prince Charming is the stuff of silly fairytales, but we're definitely going to hold out for a hero.

A version of this article originally appeared in Sun Media newspapers.

What is Beauty??? – ACHTUNG

2011-09-06T07:30:00.063-04:00

Recently, The Body Shop released Ruby, an alternative version of beauty. However, due to Ruby’s close resemblance to Barbie (which I’m not sure I see) they were forced to remove this advertisement.

The truth is things like Barbie, beauty magazines, videos and television are shaping the way women and men view beauty. Young girls and women are comparing themselves to an airbrushed opted photo, while men are taught to value beauty greater than the character content of a woman. Very sad.

While some girls’ feel magazines make them feel fat and short, for me, growing up they made me feel extremely self-conscious about how tall and skinny I was. Growing up, I was a gangly, emaciated-looking, 4-eyed girl. I was extremely skinny and try as I may, I couldn’t gain weight to save my life. (Honestly, the skinny images of models displayed in magazines can’t compare with just how skinny I was.) I hated it.

I didn’t see anything or anyone that looked like me as a standard of beauty.

To add to my childhood disillusion of beauty, flipping through a magazine and finding an advertisement of an African-American or Asian model was as likely as finding a minority Santa Claus at Christmas time. Thankfully, at least there was Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks and Benetton ads to give me some sense of hope that minorities could be included in society's standard of beauty.

This topic of beauty is actually an ironic topic for me, given I use to model. Interestingly, what I gained most from modeling was how to walk tall, embracing my height and skinny frame. (Apparently, that was something lauded in the world of modeling.) And, then sports entered my world and really took care of the rest. Sports taught me that being different was good, and I appreciated it in others. It also taught me how to be self-confident and how to care less about the opinions of others. And I learned that true beauty begins on the inside.

Funny enough, society's standards of beauty is always changing as if it were the newest season’s fashion collection.

I mean it was only a hundred years ago where a fair complexion, thin lips and a full body was a symbol of beauty in the Western world. Now, we’ve emerged to a time where women are spray tanning for a darker complexion, starving themselves and injecting their lips with collagen to have fuller lips. Who’s defining your standard of beauty?

I dream of a day where defining beauty isn’t found in a Kim Kardashian reality television show, but rather as something seen as radiating from the inside out. I wonder what a beauty pageant like that would look like???

Beauty can’t only be skin deep? Or is it?

As per Ruby, maybe Mattel may get inspired to make a Barbie more representative of the average person. And while they’re at it they should go ahead and make a gangly, awkward, 4-eyed version as well. ;)

You are Beautiful,

Nicole

All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten

2011-09-04T07:30:00.005-04:00

All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum

An excerpt from the book, All I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten

All I really need to know about how to live and what to do and how to be I learned in kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate school mountain, but there in the sand pile at school.

Share everything.
Play fair.
Don't hit people.
Put things back where you found them.
Clean up your own mess.
Don't take things that aren't yours.
Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
Wash your hands before you eat.
Flush.
Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.
Take a nap every afternoon.
When you go out in the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together.
Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup: the roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that.
Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup - they all die. So do we.
And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned - the biggest word of all - LOOK.
Everything you need to know is in there somewhere. The Golden Rule and love and basic sanitation. Ecology and politics and equality and sane living.

Take any one of those items and extrapolate it into sophisticated adult terms and apply it to your family life or your work or government or your world and it holds true and clear and firm. Think what a better world it would be if we all - the whole world - had cookies and milk at about 3 o'clock in the afternoon and then lay down with our blankies for a nap. Or if all governments had as a basic policy to always put things back where they found them and to clean up their own mess.

And it is still true, no matter how old you are, when you go out in the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together.

These are the things I learned:

I Have A Dream.... (As posted on CBC)

2011-09-02T10:33:00.000-04:00

As posted on CBC Sports Day in Canada Website. Sports Day in Canada is happening on September 17, 2011 across Canada. Go to CBC Sports Day in Canada to find out how you can be a part of the action, even in your very home!

“A country can truly call itself sporting when the majority of its people feel a personal need for sport.” ~ Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the International Olympic Committee & father of the modern Olympic Games

I am an Olympian, a Team Visa athlete and the 2010 Commonwealth Champion in Athletics in high jump. Indeed, I am passionate about sports, not because of the medals I’ve won, but more importantly because of the positive influence sports has provided me off the track.

Ironically, it’s these superlative benefits that sports offer that are often not as recognized or as well understood. And this concerns me.

For if we did, would physical education be required only once in high school, when enough research has shown that if you can keep kids active throughout high school they are more likely to have a life committed to physical activity and healthy lifestyle behaviour? And that these students would also be more likely to achieve a higher level of education, be involved in their community, and would be less likely to engage in risky behaviour such as smoking, crimes and drugs?

Is there possibly a dollar amount that can be placed on the value of sports? I think not.

Sport promotes learning capacity, confidence, resiliency and the celebration of human excellence. As an athlete and Sports Psychology doctoral student, I know first hand the power that sport has played in my life.

I will always remember my high school teacher and basketball coach spending time with me during lunch hours, teaching me the skills of shooting, boxing out and rebounding. The year before, I sat on the bench and usually played the last 2 minutes of the game. The disparity between my skill level and my teammates was so great, I had naturally assumed I just wasn’t as talented. But during those lunch hours with Mr. Andy Symons, I learned how to become a better basketball player and in doing so, he also taught me one of the greatest lessons in life: the power of LEARNING through failure and practice. When something does not come easy, it is an opportunity to learn how to make that skill or ability easier!

It’s no wonder the researcher K. Anders Ericsson has found it takes 10,000 hours or 10 years of deliberate practice to master a skill

From the gym to the classroom to life, I’ve applied this fundamental lesson Mr. Andy Symons has taught me. It is what has allowed me to excel as an athlete and a student, entrepreneurially and creatively. And it is from this that the saying “where there is a will, there is a way” resonates with me. By the way, I did LEARN how to become a better basketball player that year and went from being a bench warmer to being the MVP.

Beyond its influence on education and excelling in life, sport promotes health. The number one cause of death in Canada is lifestyle related. Too many Canadians have adopted an unhealthy lifestyle and are expiring long before their time. Stroke, diabetes, heart disease and the various forms of cancers are all examples where the adoption of sports and physical activity can prevent their occurrence!

Canadians rightfully share a concern for our healthcare system that is under immense strain, Each of us must recognize the role we each play in adding to the pressure of a system that is about to burst and contribute to the solution.

It doesn’t need to be costly or difficult. It can be cheap, easy and fun. I’m talking about getting involved in sports - feeling that personal need for sport. It’s time we as Canadians begin to be proactive instead of symptomatic in our approach to healthcare in Canada.

I believe in a healthier Canada and I believe in the power of sports to facilitate this.

Sports Day in Canada is certainly one giant proactive step, and I hope the majority of Canadians will join me in being active on this day.

Visa, an Olympic sponsor for the last 25 years and sponsor of this year’s Sports Day in Canada, has long recognized the value of sports in society. In its second year in existence, it excites me to be a part of this event once again, as a Team Visa Olympic Athlete. It is exciting to be a part of this far-reaching initiative, and if I can have it my way, I’ll continue to be a part of this event for the rest of my life.

Nicole Forrester, 2010 Commonwealth Gold Medalist, Olympian, Team Visa Athlete & PhD Candidate

How to Make a Long Distance Relationship Work

2011-08-31T07:30:00.029-04:00

Wednesday's Relationship Corner
I remember learning in an undergraduate sociology class about the impact geography played on romance and thinking how sad that was…. Specifically, I thought (at the time) if there is only “one soul mate” for everyone in the world and if you were born on one side of the world and your “soul mate” was on the other side you could end up living a life soul-mateless.

However, through the miracle of Skype I now realize that geography is no longer a barrier to being with your soul mate.

Yes, its possible to have a successful LDR relationship! It’s just a matter of having the will to make it work. LDR’s require a lot of work, but for the right person it can be worth it. So how do you make it work? Here’s how.

1. Regular Communication. With the likes of Skype and G-Chat we have finally reached the Jetson era, where you can actually talk to someone and physically see them – for free! If you are in a LDR you must frequently take advantage of this, but it should not feel like a chore. It must be natural, with a yearning to hear from your beloved and share your experiences that occurred during the day. You can even have fun, by sending random texts letting your beloved know just how special they are to you, or that you were thinking of them.

2. Have an End Date for the LDR. An LDR Should not be indefinite… This can and will be trouble eventually. It’s best to know that the current situation is not permanent and there should be a goal in mind as to when the torture of the LDR will end, and the two of you will be reunited in the same area code.

3. Plan Regular Visits. My suggestions is to not let your time apart wane greater than 30 days. Each time you see each other make sure you have already planned the next congenial trip visit. It gives you both something to look forward to and to not feel like “this is the end” after each visit. More importantly it keeps the relationship alive and from becoming an “imaginary relationship.”

4. Trust is King. This is a hard one because trust (as I will discuss in a later blog) requires a vulnerable willingness and often, takes time to develop. However, the truth of the matter is that you have no other option but to trust the person you’re with if you are going to choose to be in an LDR. Without this, an LDR is fruitless. To assist with this, communication is key. You must speak up when something is bothering you and equally about the good things.

5. Beware. If you have a propensity for cheating, stay away from LDRs. In fact, stay away from dating for awhile and really work on this characteristic of yourself. Cheating is not cool.

6. Be Creative. Find ways to let your special someone know that they mean the world to you. Whether it is sending them a bouquet of flowers, a hand written note or a care package, here’s your chance to make the weakness of distance a strength and capitalize on being romantic.

Overall, when it comes to love I do not believe geography should play a limiting role. This world is way too big to be denied that perfect connection. Besides, absence does make the heart grow fonder. But, you BOTH must be committed to the success of a LDR. Otherwise, it is futile.

I leave you with 2 stanzas from “Time to Say Goodbye;” a story about a couple in a LDR (I believe) separated by the distance of a sea and finally united… In fact, in your random act of being creative (Step 6) why not play this song to your beloved.

Your Non-Relationship Expert, Girl with a blog,

Nicole

Time to Say Goodbye

When I'm alone I dream of the horizon and words fail me.

There is no light in a room where there is no sun

and there is no sun if you're not here with me, with me.

From every window unfurls my heart the heart that you have won.

Into me you've poured the light,

the light that you found by the side of the road.

Time to say goodbye.

Places that I've never seen or experienced with you.

Now I shall, I'll sail with you upon ships across the seas,

seas that exist no more,

it's time to say goodbye.

Time to Say Goodbye (Italian Version)

Quando sono sola

sogno all'orizzonte

e mancan le parole,

si lo so che non c'è luce

in una stanza quando manca il sole,

se non ci sei tu con me, con me.

Su le finestre

mostra a tutti il mio cuore

che hai accesso,

chiudi dentro me

la luce che

hai incontrato per strada.

Time to say goodbye.

Paesi che non ho mai

veduto e vissuto con te,

adesso si li vivrò.

Con te partirò

su navi per mari

che, io lo so,

no, no, non esistono più,

it's time to say goodbye.

DEBATING AGE: Youth vs. Wisdom

2011-08-29T12:38:00.001-04:00

Yesterday at the World Championship in Daegu, Korea the disqualification of Usain Bolt in the 100m final was a huge surprise, but what also gained attention was the spectacular Bronze Medal run by Kim Colins who is 35 years young. Now if you have been watching Kim's performance all year, including his multiple personal best performances, his medal win should not have been a surprise.

The problem is Kim is in a track event where athletes are understood to peak in their mid to late 20's....so says the limited mind thinker. But, as I've said before the face of elite athletes is changing, thanks in part to better training knowledge. I believe the real limitations in athletic performances is not necessarily the age of an athlete but the limited thinking/perception of capability an athlete has because of their age.

The topic of age is an interesting one... For adults it is considered taboo to ask someone their age (unless of course they are an athlete or celebrity at which point their age is common knowledge). Often aging is associated with negativity while youth is celebrated.

Tied to nostalgia, youth represents boundless possibilities and potential – a better tomorrow. Ironically, when we’re young we are bombarded with unique images of beautiful, airbrushed models and Ads advocating a new and improved version of ourselves . We are constantly told through various mediums that what one is not wise 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.

At what moment in life will the message be to be content?

Personally, I can’t help but think of how much naivety I held about age, when I was 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 and loving the skin I'm in. 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.

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)

Unpainted,
Nicole