Good Golly, Miss Molly!

As my last post indicates, I am still catching up with posts about the Go Girls' adventures in the winter and spring of 2011. So here is some new, old news.

The Go Girls Now Have a DP*^!
*Designated Pup
^Soon to be a DD -- Designated Dog

In late December, Alain and Nana adopted a wee Westie terrier. Her name is "Molly". Here is a photo of our DP, Molly:

Now, Molly has grown a lot since this photo was taken. A LOT. (Eating everything from kibble to peanut butter to bananas to iPads will have that effect on you.) But all the recent photos of our wee Westie are stuck on my camera and my camera cable is broken. (Maybe Molly got her little teeth on it? No, I think not. But Dave and Winston, the DCs (Designated Cats), may have played a little too hard with the cable.) You will have to just imagine Molly as a bit bigger, well, mostly a bit wider. Here is some music to help you as you visualize a bigger Molly...



I did an interview with Molly so that we can all get to know her a bit better. Here is a partial transcript.

TM: Molly, welcome to the Go Girls!
Molly: Woof.

TM: I take it that means "thank you".
Molly: Whatever.

TM: What are your first impressions of the Go Girls?
Molly: For a running group, they sure spend a lot of time drinking and eating.

TM: How does that make you feel?
Molly: Right at home.

TM: What is your favourite thing to eat?
Molly: Bananas! No, peanut butter! No, meat! No, anything I find on the ground! No! Ipads! Wait...what was the question?

TM: Who is your favourite Go Girl?
Molly: Well, clearly I love Nana and Alain. But besides them, I would have to say Joanna and sometimes Mariana.
TM: I'm just going to write "Theresa".
Molly: Woof.
TM: Whatever yourself.

TM: Molly, what is the one most important thing our society needs?
Molly: World Peace.
TM, whispering: This isn't a dog show, Molly...
Molly: More peanut butter.

TM: Molly, we have to know....when Nana says that she is "running at home", does she? Does she actually run on her treadmill?
Molly: Hey! Is that a squirrel! SQUIRREL! Woof! Woof! WOOF!
TM: Enough said. Thank you for your time.

Stay tuned for the further adventures of Molly, the Amazing Go Girls Westie!

Baby...it's hot outside!

My oh my! It has been a long time since this blog was updated. So much has happened that it is difficult to know where to begin. I suppose I will begin by telling you why I am choosing now to update the blog. It's hot outside. Very hot. To quote Matthew Broderick in Biloxi Blues, "it's Africa hot".



I don't like the heat. So I am hunkered down in my partially air-conditioned apartment. I've played multiple computer games and even worked (!). Since there is no chance that I will go outside, I've decided that now is a good time to update this blog. Besides, it's long overdue.

First, let me briefly explain why I have not been updating the blog. I've been very busy with work. But more significantly, I developed post-concussion syndrome. (Actually, I had this syndrome the last time I updated the blog in December.) As a result of this syndrome, I had to limit my time on the computer. I found it difficult to focus on the computer screen in any case. I had to limit most forms of stimulation. My brain was injured and needed recovery time. A lot of recovery time. I was going to write a post about being injured. Ultimately, however, I think I will likely give such a post a miss. I will say that being a runner and having both post concussion syndrome and a broken and battered tailbone was a terrible combination which involved an extended recovery period. Truth be told, I am still recovering from these injuries. I am now able to run, but I spent many weeks over the winter and spring watching the backs of my friends as they ran off into the distance. This recovery period was one of the loneliest and most frustrating periods I have experienced in recent memory. (Then again, my memory is pretty short and often punctuated with gaps, given my recent head injury.) I am glad to be back running. I do not want to relive that injury period and so I have decided not to write a post about being injured. My advice about how to manage injuries? Prevention is the best cure. Don't get injured.

Now, onto more important matters: what have we been doing for the past six months? The answer is quite simply being awesome and awesomely modest, as usual.

Let me start with by telling you about JaJa's accomplishments. JaJa set out to run her first marathon this year. Her training included running Around the Bay. The ATB (as we runners in the "know" call Around the Bay) is North America's oldest road race. Yes, it is older than the Boston marathon. The ATB is a 30K race around "the Bay", which includes a run up the Niagara Escarpment. I'm not sure anyone told JaJa about the "up the Escarpment" part of the run. But nevertheless, she flew through the race and represented the Go Girls well, as per the usual. She finished in a blazing 3:05:35.

In early May, JaJa ran the Mississauga Marathon. This was her first marathon and she completed it in 4:06:36! She finished third in her age category and she qualified for Boston! And she did it all while looking like she was merely going for a walk in the park. Congratulations, JaJa!

Isn't she lovely?

JaJa tells us that the end of the marathon included a few hills (unexpected!) and rain. JaJa's hard work and dedicated training clearly paid off. We are looking forward to watching JaJa set and exceed her goals going forward.

When we weren't running, we were studying and/or writing papers. Or at least Joanna and Mariana were. We are very proud to announce that Joanna was accepted into the Harvard LLM program and that Mariana received tenure this spring! They truly are a Dynamic Duo.

J and M...they're most than just runners! They're scholars, too! Neato!

Now, truthfully, the Go Girls are a pretty intellectual bunch. (One might occasionally say that they are too intellectual for their own good, but I digress.) One ongoing topic of debate this spring has been our policy on aliens and zombies. (Yes, we have policies on things like aliens and zombies. Don't all running groups?) We seemed to have reached consensus that it is appropriate to shoot to kill when dealing with zombies, but the question of how to deal with aliens has not been resolved. Aliens: shoot first and ask questions later? Or is that too extreme an approach? We'll be publishing our official policies on these matters soon. And you thought we were just about hydration.

Karen, our bad-ass girly-girl, also had some major accomplishments this winter and spring. First, she ran her first half-marathon! Karen and her sister-in-law, AnneMarie, completed the Burlington Chilly Half on a frosty day in early March. Karen finished in 2:06:08, notwithstanding the cold and one bathroom break.

Karen, evidently glad to be done her first 21.1! Happy First Half-Marathon, K-Mac!

A friend, Danielle, and I (T.) went to cheer Karen on and to offer support. We added a touch of dignity to the event. Or at least I think we did.

A dignified event deserves a dignified celebration.

Karen also completed the Ride to Conquer Cancer in June. She cycled a total of 200 miles over two days. She rode from Toronto to Ancaster and then (after spending a night in a tent with a total stranger at the Ride's camp) she cycled from Ancaster to Niagara Falls.

I (T.) also participated in the Ride to Conquer Cancer, but my ride was considerably more comfortable than Karen's: once again, I drove a big ol' Penske truck as a crew member. I was part of the Gear Crew. We moved approximately 10,000 pieces of luggage -- twice -- over the course of the weekend. I may not have cycled, but believe me, I worked hard!

In case you are wondering, this is how T "works" hard...

In other news, Carol's daughter was married in July in Scotland. Some of us had the great pleasure of meeting Carol's daughter and celebrating with her and with Carol here in Toronto. We are delighted to extend our congratulations!

Meanwhile, Joanne became a true Upper Canadian by purchasing a cottage. We are happy for her, but only because she promised that we could come over for a weekend at the cottage. Remember that, Joanne?!

Finally, the Go Girls as a group have attended a number of races, including the Markham Women's 5K and the GTAA Runway Run. Boy did we have fun! (Okay, I did not have so much fun at the Markham race because I had had dental surgery two days prior to the race, but I did enjoy watching the Girls do their warm ups!!!) I promise to post some photos soon as evidence of our presence at these events.

In the meantime, folks, this is all the news that is fit to print...and then some!

Update!

It is has been a long time since I updated our blog. Sorry, faithful readers. It was a busy fall and my situation has been complicated by a wee concussion that did not get better. (More on the concussion and being on the "DL" in an upcoming post.) I finally have a bit of time to write some posts. This post is all about catching up. It was a busy fall for all of the Go Girls. We accomplished a lot this fall and, now that we have a moment to catch our breath, I thought it would be nice to outline what we were doing for the past 4 to 6 months.

Let me begin by telling you what JaJa has been up to. JaJa has been tearing up the roads and looking fine doing so. JaJa spent part of the summer in Switzerland, painting and running with Heidi in the mountains.



This is Heidi, running. JaJa is, no doubt, far ahead of her. Run, Heidi, Run...or you will never catch her!













JaJa entered a race while in Switzerland and finished first for the women! She was also named "Sportswoman of the Week" in one of the local newspapers. After tearing up the roads in Switzerland, JaJa returned to Toronto. She participated in the Go Girls Terry Fox Run and she ran her first Half Marathon! In fact, JaJa ran two half marathons this year...and she was amazing. In her second Half Marathon (the Toronto Goodlife race), JaJa finished in under two hours! We are very proud of JaJa. We only wish we could keep up with her.

Since Mariana and I could not keep up with JaJa, we had to seek out re-enforcements...a new runner...someone with chutzpah, speed, a good sense of humour, and the appropriate level of the "je ne said quoi" that makes the Go Girls what they are (read: edginess and sometimes style). A successful recruit was found in Karen, a cyclist, hockey player, and runner. Karen has been running with us since September and we welcome her with open arms. Karen has become our resident "girly-girl". But she is a special sub-category of "girly-girl": she is a "bad-ass girly-girl". Bad-ass girly-girls are quite rare and we consider ourselves lucky to have found one. In case you are wondering, a bad-ass girly-girl is, well, a woman who can kick your ass but she'll wear pink while she does it and she will look fabulous before, during, and after the ass-kicking. That's our Karen!

Mariana continues to run with the Go Girls. However, owing to a cranky knee injury, she has shortened her runs and no longer begs to go for 16K jaunts along the waterfront. Mariana completed her tenure file this year. She sent us a photo of what the tenure file looked like: it was a photo of a plate of food. We don't know what Mariana is doing at the university, but apparently it involves cooking.

Mariana also missed a bunch of runs due to her attendance at various conferences this past fall. Or at least that was what she told us. Sure, Mariana, we believe that you went out to California's wine country for an academic conference. And your "conference" in Minnesota in November was really just about law and development....well, actually, that one might be true. Who goes out to Minnesota in November voluntarily?

Olga and Mariana "conferencing" last year...

In the fall of 2009, Nana was very busy studying for a big financial planner exam. This fall, Nana was very busy putting what she learned into practice. We often received emails from Nana saying that she would join us for coffee, but that she would have to visit "clients" afterward. She claimed that she had run the night before or promised to run the next morning. All we know is that Nana continually arrived at Timothys looking suave and chic, particularly when compared to the rest of us runners who typically appeared sweaty and a bit haggard after our run. But she and Alain (one of our DHs -- Designated Husbands) would join us anyway before zipping away to advise these alleged "clients" about money matters.

I should note that there is evidence that Nana was running. After all, she ran the full Scotiabank Waterfront Marathon!!! Congratulations, Nana! We are very proud of you!!!

Speaking of marathon runners, Carol and Joanne traveled to New York City to run the NYC Marathon! NYC is considered one of the marquee marathons and we are proud to have sent two of our members to the Big Race. We are also very proud of how Carol and Joanne conducted themselves during the marathon. Now, some running groups emphasize results and speed. They train their runners to finish strong and fast. The Go Girls are a more refined running group. We train our runners to finish in style and having fun. Carol and Joanne did not disappoint us. They stopped for lattes during the race and made at least one bathroom pit stop. Yes, we are the Go Girls: Running Refined.

Olga continued to run with us this fall, although her running schedule was punctuated with regular trips for business. Olga is a classy runner: elegant, even in running gear, she runs because she can and because she enjoys the company and the community of "the girls". There is something pure in her approach: she has no need to prove herself and no need to accomplish athletic goals. Olga runs because for the community of runners and the joy of movement. It is always good to have a runner like Olga around to keep us balanced and to remind us that it is not all about speed, distance, and time.

Finally, a few words about my fall. First, my fall was shaped by a fall that I had in July while on the ice playing hockey. Yes, I was wearing a helmet. But I broke my ass, er, uh...hurt my tailbone and developed post-concussion syndrome. So I was not able to run nearly as much as I would have liked this fall. I'll post something about dealing with injuries in the near future. In other news, I defended my SJD dissertation and graduated from U of T this past fall. I also continued to teach part-time at U of T and began teaching part-time at Ryerson. And I had my kitchen and dining room renovated. All of which is to say: this is why the blog has not been updated.

Some additional highlights from Fall 2010...

We took on the Terry Fox Run.

The 30th Anniversary of the Terry Fox Run

The DH (Joanna), Mariana, and Nana

JaJa and Joanna had jam sessions...and we began working on The Lonely Cat Blues, the first Go Girls song, intended for release in 2011.

JaJa performs at the Open House celebrating
my graduation and Nana's birthday.

DH Joanna performs with JaJa at the Open House.

We smoked cigars to celebrate the completion of my SJD...ah, who are we kidding? We just wanted to smoke cigars.

The Go Girls: Running Refined.

Hey kids: don't smoke! It stunts your growth! This is Exhibit A.

It only took JaJa, our resident artist, five tries to get this shot right.

And oh yeah, I graduated. The red on my gown means that I'm a doctor. Heh heh.

It's Dr. T!

Why we do what we do

Here is the trailer for the documentary "Marathon Women", which was produced in 2007 by some colleagues. (They used some archival footage that I shot!) I am working on getting the actual documentary linked to our site. This trailer is just to whet your appetite.

Go Girls Fight Club

The first rule of Go Girls Fight Club is....no one talks about Go Girls Fight Club.

That's probably why you haven't heard of it before.

Oh dear. It seems that we are no longer Good Society.

Beat the Heat!

Baby, it's hot outside. It's smokin'. We are in the midst of a hot, humid summer here in TO. It's hard to believe that seven months ago, we battled wind-chill temperatures of -28C. Now we're up against temperatures of 40C or higher, with the humidity, which begs the question: "Do Canadians ever just measure the temperature without the wind chill or humidity factor?" [Answer: Not in Ontario!]

So how do you beat the heat on the run? The Go Girls want to ensure that you have a good summer of running and so we (okay, I) have decided to share some tips with you about how to keep cool while looking cool while out on the run. Run on, reader-runners, for my best tips.

Tip 1: Dress for the weather

It is important to consider the heat and humidity when it is very hot and when it is very cold, and all temperatures in between. When it is hot, wear shorts and a T-shirt or a singlet (but only if you have good biceps and triceps), plus socks. Maybe shoes, too. Remember to wear technical gear and avoid cotton. Cotton retains moisture and will become much heavier as you progress in your run. Cotton is Rotten!

Here is an example of what you should not wear:

That's me (T) on the left. Note that I am wearing a helmet. Helmets are really good for the ski hill, but probably not necessary for most runs.

Here is an example of what you could wear:

You should disregard what Nana, the lady in the middle, is wearing. Nana is from the South and therefore is almost always comfortable in very hot weather. Note that the two Canadian (me on the left and Olga on the right) are dressed appropriately for summer. Also note that Olga has the biceps and triceps to merit wearing a sleeveless shirt. I am not wearing a sleeveless shirt. Draw your own conclusions.

Tip 2: Drink lots...but not alcohol

You should remember to drink lots of water before, during, and after your run. If you will be out longer than one hour, you should bring along a sports drink to help you replace electrolytes lost through sweat. Note: notwithstanding what hockey players may tell you, beer is not considered a sports drink, even if you do drink Yankee Jim beer in the changeroom before and after games. Am I right, Stars?

Here I am drinking coconut milk directly from the coconut. Wow! Was that coconut milk ever disgusting! Nevertheless people who like coconut milk may find drinking coconut milk on a run helpful. But good luck finding a guy selling real coconuts down on the Martin Goodman Trail!

Tip 3: Run in the morning or evening

Try to log your runs in the coolest part of the day: the morning. You may not enjoy getting up early, but you will be grateful you got out on the roads early as the temperatures soar during the day. If you miss the opportunity to run first thing in the morning, log your run in the evening. Avoid running in the middle of the day and into the afternoon.

Really, this tip is a no brainer. If you are looking for tips on how to beat the heat and you also run in the middle of the day, you need more help that we can offer.

Tip 4: Run by large bodies of water

Sometimes I forget that Toronto is located on Lake Ontario. But if you go as far south as you can in Toronto, you will hit a lake. It is hidden behind the Gardiner Expressway and a lot of new condo buildings. I do not recommend swimming in this lake, but I highly recommend running along the Martin Goodman Trail, which follows the lake shore. It is generally a bit cooler by the lake. I know there is a scientific explanation for why it is cooler by the lake but gosh darn it, Jim, I'm a runner not a doctor...uh, scientist! Basically, I don't know why, I just now that it is cooler by the lake.

These runners have the right idea: run in the evening by a nice, large body of water...on a beautiful Caribbean Island.

If you cannot make it to the lake, find a large puddle. Various parts of Toronto tend to flood when we get a lot of rain. Run in those areas and aim for the largest puddles you can find. Alternatively, run around a neighbour's pool, although you should probably ask permission first.

Tip 4: Think cool thoughts

No whining about the heat. Yes, it is hot. Your fellow runners know it is hot. You do not need to remind them. Instead, use visualization techniques to help keep cool. Imagine you are running effortlessly through the snow. Feel the flakes fall softly on your head. You're feeling cooler already, aren't you?

These unidentified cows are so effective at visualizing the gently falling snow that it appears that snow is actually falling. Amoozing, I mean, amazing!

Tip 5: Ice Cream and Popsicles

As a general rule, I find that ice cream and popsicles cool me down. This is true whether I eat the ice cream and popsicles or just hold them in my hands. Of course, it is probably a good idea to eat the ice cream and popsicles early in your run or you may end up with just the liquid remains of what used to be ice cream and popsicles. Alternatively, you could have ice cream and popsicles after your run, as a reward.

This baby just completed a 10K and is now celebrating with ice cream.

Tip 6: Take cool baths after your run to help bring your body temperature down

Consider taking a nice cool bath after you complete your run. Some runners even take ice baths! However, ice baths are meant to help reduce inflammation in your body. By happy coincidence, they will also lower your body temperature. Quickly.

My cat takes baths all the time to stay cool. He uses the bathroom sink. He prefers to lie in the cool ceramic sink without water. You should consider using your tub and filling it with cool water. If you put some ice in the water and if you have a toy boat, you can play Titanic.

Wiley, in the bath. He was a very clean cat.

FINALLY, remember to wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days. Have fun and stay safe!

Need motivation? There's an App for that!

Running is hard and sometimes we all need a little motivation en route. But what kind of motivation? And how can we access this motivation when we need it?

The geniuses at Go Girls Laboratories have developed motivation that you can carry with you and access with a single touch on your iPod, ADIDAS micoach, Nike running thingy, Blackberries, and similar electronic products. It's simple: we've created a Motivation App that allows you to pre-set a series of inspiring messages that can be readily accessed on whatever electronic device you carry with you.

Ah, you say, what a brilliant idea! But how does Go Girls Laboratories know what kind of motivation I need, you wonder. Well, here at Go Girls Laboratories, we've got you covered. We have developed a spectrum of different types of motivational messages delivered by diverse personna. You set the tone for your motivational messages by selecting an appropriate personna. Need some nurturing? Why, we've got an App for that! How about some tough love? Oh, there's an App for that, too! Read on to review some of our most popular personnApps, as we like to call our diverse line of motivational messages.

The Jewish Grandmother (quite possibly the best kind of grandmother there is)

Oi vey, you're working hard! Good for you! You're just like your grandfather with your determination. I always knew you were a champion. Never mind that Mendelson kid who beat you up in grade two. He's only a dentist now. But look at you: you're an endurance athlete! Keep it up and you'll have a husband/wife in no time! By the way, have you eaten?

Your Mother

You can do it, dear! Your father and I are very proud of you. But listen, if you need to stop, honey, you should just stop. It's okay. You're trying your best, but it's not worth dying over. I hope you put something on your feet to prevent blisters. You know how tender your feet are. Also, you should always wear clean underwear when you run just in case you are hit by a car and have to go to the hospital. I'm just saying! Be prepared! By the way, you're not going to wear that to the marathon are you?

Your husband/wife/boyfriend/girlfriend/partner

Baby, you are beautiful! Looking good, hon! Wow! You are soooo hot right now. You make me want to be a better person. You inspire me to greater things. So keep going, baby. Keep running! Remember: pain is weakness leaving the body! You can so do this! You own this run!

Your nice running friends

How are you doing? You okay? Need a break? We can take a break if you want. I can walk if you need to. Breathe deeply. You're all right. C'mon, you can do this! We're almost there!

Your other running friends

C'mon, keep up the pace. You're not going to break on me, are you? I'm not dragging your sorry ass all the way back, so get going. Don't hold us up. There are coffee and treats waiting for us at the end of this run, so let's go. Don't be a baby. Put it in gear and let's GO!

Your non-running friends

Dude, I couldn't run more than a block. I don't get why you run. Is it about being able to drink more beer? 'Cause I think you are crazy to be up so early to run. Dude, it's dark outside! You're crazy, man. CRAZY.

Peers from the 'hood

Yo, Paula Radcliffe. Yeah, that's right. I'm talking to you. What you doing? Running? WTF? The cops after you or something? You think you're better than us because you run? Well, you better start running now because if I catch you with your big runner's attitude around here, I'm going to beat you so bad you gonna wish you was dead.

Peers from my 'hood (Leaside)

Lovely day, isn't it? Why, have you been running? Good for you! I see that you're wearing a great pair of running shoes from last season. Oh yes, that version of the shoe has been updated. The owner of the running shoe company is friends with my dad, so he always sends me the newest version of the shoes. Of course, I don't run so much as I play tennis and golf. But good for you for getting out there and running! It must feel good to be out there with the masses, running away on a Saturday morning! Just lovely! Oh, I'm just going to move my stroller here...I don't want you to sweat on the baby...Okay, then, move along! Ta ta!

Grandpa Cranky Pants

You think you're working hard? Listen up kid, in my day, I had to run everywhere. EVERYWHERE. With no shoes. In the winter. I was lucky if I had socks. But I ran anyway. It prepared me for the war. You kids are too soft. You can't even handle playing Battleship. Cry, cry, cry...feelings, feelings, feelings. In my day, we had no time for feelings because we were out kicking Nazi ass and building the country up from scratch. So go finish your run and then fetch me the newspaper. Here's $5. You can keep the change.

Marine Drill Sargeant

Listen up, you pathetic excuse for an endurance athlete! This isn't supposed to be fun! It's supposed to be hard! It's supposed to be tough! You will hurt and you will learn to love the hurt! Why? Because you are a distance runner! Distance runners suffer! They don't complain! Distance runners dig deep and suck it up! That's right, worm: SUCK. IT. UP. You want easy? Talk a walk in the park with the other grandmas! That's where we send the pathetic, low-life, complaining babies who can't take a bit of PAIN in their run! Are you a BABY or are you a RUNNER?! You're a RUNNER? Well then, swallow your pain, lengthen your stride, sweat it on out, and bring it on home!

Each of the above personnAPPs is yours for one low price of $19.99! It's motivation in your pocket! Get through those final miles with gentle nurturing, adoration, passive aggressiveness, or just plain old tough love. Operators from the Go Girls Laboratories are standing by! Order yours today!