About Heroes

And I am not talking about the TV Show.

I am talking about real life heroes. And wow, did I ever see a lot of them this weekend.

This weekend, Jordan and I sent the kids off to hang out with Aunt Leanna on Manitoulin Island for the weekend because we were travelling to Ottawa to participate in the 5km Race of the 2nd Annual Army Run.

Early on in the summer I had mentioned to Jordan that I really wanted to participate in an official race, as opposed to the 5km fun runs I have always done. In an official race, you wear a timing chip on your shoe to clock an official time and there are a LOT more people.

It came down to the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Race or the Army Run in Ottawa. I decided to do the Army Run because I think it is incredibly important that we support our troops. I am not pro-war, but I am definitely pro-troops. These soldiers do things that I would definitely not have the courage to do. That is not necessarily why they are heroes though.

The Army Run raises funds for a program called Soldier On. Its purpose is to assist injured soldiers with their unique and individual needs.

Both the 5km race and the Half-Marathon also had an injured soldiers component. 15 minutes prior to the start of each of those races, injured soldiers started their own race.

Wow. Just Wow.

We all have bad days,and many of us in these difficult economic times have a significant amount of stress, but it is events like these that put it into perspective.

Check this out.

These gentlemen are missing one of both of their legs. And they still participated. The weren't fast, but they were smiling. They were happy to be there. They are focused on what they have, not what they don't.

A pretty powerful lesson don't you think?

It is humbling to be running what would end up being my best race ever, and pass these men and women who aren't doing it for a best time, but are doing it simply because they can. Because other people may have thought the couldn't.

I passed a gentleman who had moved off to the side and was readjusting his prosthetic. No more will I be frustrated if I have to stop to retie my shoelace. Or be grumpy because my feet hurt. So trivial.

There were so many inspirational stories, some that made headlines, some that didn't. No matter, they are all heroes in my eyes.

I encourage you to take part in this event next year. You don't have to run, you can walk it too!

We all need a little inspiration in life. There was no shortage in Ottawa this weekend.

Jessica

Beach Beauties

Back to School 2009

I am so excited!

Those who have known me for any length of time know that I am a flautist. It is something that I have always enjoyed and the added bonus is that I have a natural talent for it.

Putting aside life changing events such as childbirth, playing in a full concert band or ensemble is one of the coolest things I have ever experienced. To hear how multiple parts played by multiple instruments can turn a piece of music into something that evokes feeling is one thing, but to participate in creating that sound is entirely another.

I have truly missed it. Then at the 2008 Staff Christmas party for the Running Room fate stepped in!

You see, Frank is one of my co-workers (if you need running shoes, go see Frank...he's the man, seriously). Frank's wife Sally was the music teacher/band conductor at Lockerby Secondary School until retiring a couple of years ago. Sally is now the Concert Band Leader for the recently developed Laurentian University Concert Band.

I was all set to audition, then it turned out that their rehearsal night was not an open time for me. I was crushed, but determined to clear my schedule for the Fall so that I could audition.

Last night was my audition and I have to tell you I was nervous. REALLY nervous.
I hadn't had a lot of time to practice and tend to be self-critical about these things.

But not to be deterred, I went determined to do my best. Thankfully, Sally was very impressed and I am now a member of the Laurentian University Concert Band!

I am so excited!

Jes