My life in shoelaces begins...

Why write a blog? Why start now? Why the stupid name?

Well... a lot of reasons really. First, someone very close to me whose opinion I value suggested that it would be a idea. You see, I'm running the honolulu marathon in December. My first marathon. I'm doing it through team in training, which is a charitable organization focused on providing releif to those who suffer from Leukemia, Lymphoma and other blood cancers. She said that it would help me put a face on what I'm doing, and allow me to express myself. I guess that's the big second reason - I've always been into the introspective/retrospective thing, and thought "hey, here's a creative outlet for you that doesn't require drawing straight lines, circles, or even for you to be truly creative." I can throw a stream of consciousness style posting on here, and appease myself, not focused on anybody but me.

It also allows me to chronicle my voyage from loveable soft cuddly teddy bear into lean mean running machine, which I like very much.

The name? Dunno. The simplest answer is I wanted it to have something to do with running. Probably the more thought out answer is that one of my favourite* books as a child was called 'Terry Fox and his Marathon of Hope'. It was by Douglas Coupland, who is a legendary Canadian author, and actually quite funny.

Terry Fox, for the uninitiated, is a true Canadian hero. If you ever want to be truly inspired, check out what this teenager did at a time when many of us would just collapse under the burden of grief. When at the age of 18, they found a malignant tumor in his right leg, doctors amputated his leg just above the knee, and he had the brilliant idea to raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society. His goal: to run from coast to coast in Canada (around 5,000 miles - from the Atlantic to the Pacific) - at a pace of a marathon PER DAY - on his amputated leg, and raise funds for the Canadian Cancer society all during the while. He stopped his journey when he was medically unable to do so, after the cancer spread to his lungs. If you're ever in Thunder Bay, Ontario, there's a memorial to Terry. I recommend you visit, if only for that. Anyhow, why the name? In the book (and I don't know if this was done with literary license or in truth), he named his adidas trainers "Speedy" and "Spunky". I have no idea why I remember this, but I do, and I liked the thought... so, keeping with the shoe motif, here it is with shoelaces.

And yes, I'm aware that Steve Fanyo completed Terry's journey and wanted all the credit for doing so. I don't like Steve Fanyo. I never have. Sorry Steve.

So there you have it. Post #1 for my life in shoelaces.

Dave

* yes, I'm Canadian and I speak the Queen's English.  Sorry if you don't like that, but get used to it.