Being a part of 261 Fearless and carrying Kathrine Switzer's torch to other women around the world is an amazing fire that I intend to continue to spread. 2017 saw the beginning of the FIRST Canadian 261 Fearless club and I am proud to coach the women around Lloydminster and Vermilion. Our little group now runs alternate locations at Bud Miller Park in Lloydminster and Vermilion Provincial Park. Setting up a second location allowed other women to join AND their membership is good at both locations. I am hoping that with the Canadian 261 Run campaign we held in the fall of 2017, that many more women across Canada caught the fever and will start up their own 261 Fearless club in their city. Because of that great campaign, there is a coach training session taking form some time this year. If you're interested in becoming a coach or would like to set up a club please don't hesitate to contact me or fill out the request on the website: www.261fearless.org
Last year I finally found out that I have some major food intolerances that have been the reason for my stomach distresses during running. This new found information has affected my training efforts and as a result I have had to reduce them. I am now in a whole new territory....I have to redesign my fueling for long runs now, just when I had it all working so well. My goal for this year is to begin to discover what I can eat and what I will be able to use to fuel for my marathon training. I do plan to run a few races this year, even hope to get in a half marathon or two as well as a marathon in before the winter snows fly again at the end of the year. This is not an easy task and I anticipate it will take some time.
Another goal of mine will be to find ways to bring more women into the 261 Fearless world at our local Lloydminster and Vermilion locations. There are so many benefits for women. Not only is it a one hour a week holiday from their troubles but it also gives them a chance to get out and get active. We have fun getting active by playing games....like we used to when we were children. We laugh, socialize and we bond. Friendships are created while we experience the joy of running/walking. Do you have to be a runner? No! Our activities are for women of all paces and abilities. The only prerequisite is to bring a smile!! It's a safe environment for women to feel empowered to face the challenges in their life and gain strength from it! Come check out our unique and healthy sisterhood. The new year is a great time to try to make some small steps towards a better self.
I don't make New Year's resolutions but I do feel there is a shift about to happen. With the passing of each full moon, I will draw the energy from it that I need to move onward. I feel truly blessed and can't wait to make 2018 the best year ever!!