Answering this question for myself has been quite an adventure and has yielded the answer that there is not one static balance, but rather a fluid flow of investing time into what is valuable to me.
Having spent the last two years working on a sustainable re-build, it’s equally scary and exciting to feel like the pieces of family, sport, career, health, community, and finances are starting to fall into place! The biggest lesson in the last two years? Trusting myself.
As the 2022 season begins both in running and at the Regina Farmers’ Market, it feels like a good opportunity and reminder to:
Surround yourself with good people
Be pro-active with your finances, and live within your means
Listen to your body: It’s always honest
Take care of yourself:
set boundaries when necessary
invest in your health and wellness
Eat nourishing, good food + drink
Take ownership of your choices
Celebrate other people’s success
Mindset check: Life is happening for you! (not to you)
Enjoy the little things in life – it’s okay to have fun on the way!
For those doing the math on my Tokyo Olympic Journey, it is time to acknowledge I have not earned one of the three spots on the Canadian Olympic team for this year.
For this result, I take full ownership, because I made choices throughout the pandemic that have focused on long-term investments in my athletic career and personal health at the cost of not making the Olympic Team in 2021. When I look back on my choices, I do so without regret because 2020 + 2021 have been a very successful and fulfilling time for me in areas of my life that are otherwise balanced within sport. The feelings of disappointment for not achieving my Olympic Goal this year serves as validation that I still care deeply about the sport and my inner-fire is motivated more than ever for my next series of races to run fast!
Photo Credit: Arthur Images
For today, I have a lot of huge thank-you’s to administer for the pandemic season thus far:
First to Athletics Canada for finding a way to navigate the pandemic restrictions and safely host race opportunities myself and other Canadians were able to participate in this season
Sask Athletics and Canadian Sport Centre Sask, you have relentlessly supported me throughout the pandemic. This support is a huge reason why I was able to continue training at all through the pandemic.
Nuun Hydration for keeping me hydrated in the crazy heat throughout Arizona, races in the heat of Canada summers, and everyday training! The swag that has been sent is also a wonderful way to brighten my days!
My Coach, Alger. Who despite receiving pressure on my performances this seasons, patiently continues on with me in pursuit of reaching my full potential in sport.
My fellow 800m Canadian ladies, you are all insanely talented both on and off the track! All opportunities on a start line with each of you make this sport so exciting to be a part of
My Regina Farmers’ Market Team of staff, vendors, customers, volunteers, and community – the kind words, messages, and support are truly touching and I have never been so proud to be a Saskatchewan athlete on the international stage
My best friends and family, your love and support I am so grateful to be surrounded by again. I love you all!
What is next?
Well, the 2024 Paris Olympics are only three years away now
Next year there are Worlds and Commonwealth Games to begin hitting standards for
Plus I just ran a PB in my 400mH race last week – looks like progress isn’t as far away as it may appear. For this summer Al and I still have goals to achieve and workouts to crush. I’ll be at the track putting in the work for my next opportunity and of course cheering on the incredibly talented and hardworking ladies who will be representing Canada at the Tokyo Olympics!
On a congratulatory note, a huge congratulations to Lindsey Butterworth, Melissa Bishop, and Madeleine Kelly, our Canadian 800m Tokyo Olympians! Today, and in the upcoming weeks, I hope everyone on my journey will help me cheer and celebrate these three amazing women who are representing Canada in the 800m at the Tokyo Olympics this summer.
Lindsey, it’s been amazing getting to be there while you run your Olympic Standard and sub-2 for the first time this year!
Melissa, what can I say that hasn’t already been said?! You are the classiest and gold-standard athlete I have ever met all the while being an amazing Mom! Can’t wait for you to get your medal this year!
Maddy, your progression has been so exciting to watch and your jokes always make me laugh! I’m so excited for all that is in store for you!
To all three of you, Congratulations and good luck in Tokyo!
The rest of the world better watch out for these 800m Canadians! Let’s Go Canada!
Photo Credit: Daniel tnf. autographs – 2019 National Championships
Based on my World Rankings, I have been invited to attend the Olympic Trials in the women’s 800m this Friday, June 25, 2021. Yes, the same day as my Mom’s Birthday. Although it means I won’t be home for your birthday, Mom, I appreciate your support in the decision to accept this invitation. This means the next stop of my journey brings me to Montreal, where I am scheduled for two big races:
Athletics Canada Olympic Trials – Friday, June 25
La Classique de Montréal – Tuesday, June 29
It is no secret the talent and depth of Canadian 800m women is the best it has ever been. Regardless of final team selections, any of the Canadian 800m women who end up in Tokyo will be amazing both on and off the track. Having earned my spot in the Olympic Trials Final, I can imagine no better way to return to a track season post-pandemic than alongside these incredible women in pursuit of representing Canada at the Olympics.
Good things are coming and I am very excited to be sharing them with everyone who has been continuing to support my journey. A huge thanks to Athletics Canada and all of the other behind the scenes planners for finding a way to host this meet during the pandemic! And a huge thanks to everyone at home for your support in Sask!
Check out the information below for the details on the upcoming Olympic Trials race this Friday! To make up for the covid-19 protocols of no spectators, races can be watched for FREE with a 3-day trial on Athletics Canada TV! Click the links below for more information
You’ll catch the women’s 800m this Friday at 7pm (Montreal Time) or 5pm (Regina Time). See you then!
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