I’ve been thinking about the word DEDICATION recently; two quite different meanings of the same word, in fact. The following definitions are from the Collins English Dictionary:
dedication n. 2. an inscription… prefixed to a book… dedicating it to a person… 3. complete and wholehearted devotion, esp. to a career, ideal, etc.
Let me share some thoughts on these different but related meanings. Be sure to read through to the end of the piece for a sale announcement…
The Inscription to Stroke of Luck
Here’s what I wrote last year as the dedication of my memoir, Stroke of Luck:
“To the strong and resilient women I’ve been blessed to have in my life: Mom, Nonna and Grandma, Kathleen and Carolyn, Lisa, and for always, Deb”
It’s been a tough summer. My mother died in July. I wrote a piece about her, which you can find here. Naturally, she’s been on my mind a lot lately. What’s more, my late sister Carolyn’s birthday was in late August and we are coming up to the anniversary of her passing. It’s still hard to believe she’s gone. These two amazing women are missed and will continue to be missed.
Not all the news has been negative though. My sister Kathleen continues to be an inspiration to me. In a few days, my wife Deborah and I will celebrate a milestone anniversary. I know I don’t deserve her, and I count myself lucky every day. I can only hope she sees her way to keeping me around so we can enjoy many more years together.
The words I wrote about my mom, my sisters, my wife and the other important women in my life ring true, perhaps this year more than most.
I truly have been blessed.
Complete and Wholehearted Devotion
For many people, Labour Day is the first reminder that the end of summer is near. The rapidly shortening days are hard to ignore. For me, there is inevitably one night in August when the temperature drops enough to wake me up, freezing under a thin summer blanket. That has already happened… a couple of weeks ago!
So, fall is approaching. And even though I’m mostly on the sidelines now, I still think of September as the beginning of the fall racing season.
I’m in awe of runners who continue to show such dedication to our sport. I haven’t forgotten the feelings. There’s nothing quite as daunting, or as satisfying, as finishing a long training run in July, with a goal race still months away. Building up a base of fitness, day by day and workout by workout, resonates with me.
Speaking of goal races, what’s on the calendar this year? Quite a lot.
Several of my club mates are closing in on the St. George Marathon or the Portland Marathon (October 5 and 6, respectively). One of the world’s premier races, the Chicago Marathon, goes a week later. I recently met a couple of Calgary runners who have been preparing for Chicago. I’m so proud of all these great athletes, and I can’t wait to track their progress on race day!
In Canada, one of my all-time favourite races, the Royal Victoria Marathon, is also on October 13, our Thanksgiving weekend. Other upcoming events are the Marathon Beneva de Montreal (September 22) and the Toronto Waterfront Marathon (October 20).
Besides the marquee races, September also marks the start of the cross-country season. On the local scene, the Calgary Roadrunners organize an annual XC Grand Prix Series. The series includes ten races at various locations around town.
In short, it’s a great time of the year for runners or fans of athletics.
Anyone gearing up for a goal race will be anxious for the payoff, with months of preparation now in the rear-view mirror. All that remains are a few more weeks of targeted training before a well-earned taper. The final weeks before race day can be challenging: staying healthy and focused is key. Even the taper can be nerve-wracking, as we reluctantly scale back from the workload our bodies have become accustomed to.
It really does take extraordinary dedication. So, to all racers… I salute you. Best of luck!
And so, a Dedication Sale…
Maybe you are thinking about the important people in your life.
Or maybe you are gearing up for a fall race and need some extra motivation.
I’ve got just the thing for you… a Dedication Sale!
For the rest of September, you can purchase print and e-book versions of my memoir, Stroke of Luck: My Life in Amateur Athletics, at a special online price. Act fast, as the 20% discount applies only for a limited time.
Who knows, Stroke of Luck might be the secret sauce for a big race result. If you’re not a runner, I’m sure you will relate to my story. Why not order your copy today?
Until next time,
My Second Running Life 