Sunday, September 30, 2007

A Personal Best 5K and a 16K run to Ryan's for a BBQ with Stan's Running Group

UPEI Homecoming Weekend 5K Fun Run
"
UPEI Campus & Confederation Trail (will start and finish at the student centre)"
Saturday, September 29, 2007

It was cloudy and 11 degrees.

The UPEI Homecoming Weekend 5k Fun Run is a new race, part of UPEI Homecoming Weekend.

Out and back on the campus and trail.

He came in 19:37 and PB of 5km time by 6 seconds better than Gold Cup Trot 2004.

He was first time Sub 20 minutes in 3 years.

Placed in 13th out of 79 runners.

Kendall MacDonald won top male and Rachael McCarvill won top female.

Official Result: 13th out of 79
5K in 19 minutes, 37 seconds


After the race Dianne took Bev and me to Brackley Beach at PEI National Park to run to Ryan on the PEI Marathon route for BBQ.

More Photos Here

Running For Autism
Not Against It
acceptance not cure




PEI In Motion/Run UPEI
Marathon/Half-Marathon Running Group Run to Ryan's BBQ


We ran 16km to Ryan's Paristan style BBQ.

He cooked meat on big stakes and fire, salads, cookies, scones.

It was good time a good food with the runners from Stan's marathon and half marathon group.

Thank You Ryan and Jenn for a great afternoon

Ryan, Jenn & Stan & all...

I'd also like to thank you so much for your hospitality. The idea was great and the food & fun was even better! (Of course I didn't run the 16K to get to the food & fun!). Alan, the scones were good too!

I hope you all have a fabulous time in a couple of weeks at the PEI Marathon. Whether you're running the full Marathon or joining Alex in the Half, I'll be watching for you all and cheering you on. Stan has done his best to get you to the finish line in good form, your results will likely reflect the hard work you've all put in.

All the best to you all!






























































http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=66903&sc=98

UPEI Homecoming Weekend attracts 3,000 visitors
01/10/07
The Guardian

The University of Prince Edward Island held its first ever Homecoming celebration over the weekend, and organizers say it was a glowing success with more than 3,000 visitors on hand.
Events were held from Thursday until late Sunday evening, with receptions, open houses, BBQs, concerts and sporting events attended by thousands.
Final numbers are not yet in, but Al Blanchard, who co-chaired the Homecoming organizing committee, said he believes over 3,000 people visited the campus over the weekend.
“People liked the idea. It’s a great opportunity to get together and get on the campus and see what it’s like now.”
A strong focus was placed on activities for alumni and the gathering together of past graduates and staff of the university.
The weekend opened with a distinguished alumni luncheon, and on Friday there was a Walk Down Memory Lane organized for past students.
Blanchard said the idea was to spark memories for alumni, but also show them and the community how UPEI has progressed over time.
“We were trying to build a spirit around people’s university days, and it’s a good chance for people to come out and see some of the facilities.”
He said he knows Homecoming was a success from observing the way people reacted.
“There was a lot of laughter and chuckling. That’s a good indicator of when you’re having a celebration. A lot of people were enjoying themselves, and reminiscing and meeting new people.”
The most popular event was the Atlantic Veterinarian College’s open house, which has been held annually for the last several years.
This year over 2,000 people attended AVC’s open house.
But events like Glass Tiger’s performance at The Wave and varsity hockey, rugby and soccer games drew hundreds as well, Blanchard said.
Visitors and alumni came from Halifax, Toronto, Ottawa and even the U.S.
“We even had some people from Alberta who happened to be home and they went in the 5 kilometre run.”
Blanchard said the most gratifying thing for him over the weekend was watching friendships rekindling to see the smiles on people’s faces.
“We’re exhausted – all the organizers and volunteers – but at the same time we’re excited because we were able to pull it off and I think we have something that’s going to become a pretty special tradition for UPEI.”
After all the final numbers are in, the university will review the outcome of the event.
But Blanchard is confidant there will be another Homecoming held next year.
“The plan will be to have Homecoming 2008 sometime in the latter part of September,” he said.

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Running with Robert - the MS Victory Tour 2007, Charlottetown leg


Elaine Burkholder, Dianne Pye, me, Robert, Cpl. Dave Cheverie, Suzanne, mom

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

It was sunny afternoon and 26 degrees. We met Robert in Stratford. Dianne Pye and Elaine Burkholder ran over from Charlottetown to run with us. There was a police motorcycle escort and Robert's friend Suzanne and mom biked. I ran the first time across the Hillsborough Bridge to Charlottetown. We ran down Grafton Street past Province House to Queen Street to City Hall. Robert met the Deputy Mayor Stu MacFadyen. Dianne and Elaine go back to work and we went to BBQ at Sobeys. Robert is raising awareness and money to find a cure for MS. Mom has MS 11 years ago. Good Luck Robert yesterday was fun. Maybe I see you again at a marathon someday.

































The Myelin Project of Canada The Victory Tour for MS & Tour Schedule

Crossing Bridges Inc - Robert's Website

Read some of the many stories & articles written about Robert
as he has run, biked & bladed across Canada
HERE


Victory
One Man's Inspirational Triumph Over Multiple Sclerosis
9780973720617
ISBN10: 0973720611
ISBN13: 9780973720617

Crossing Bridges Inc.
Couchman, Suzanne; Bertolas, Robert
Date Published: February 2006
Page Count: 172
Binding: Perfect Bound
Language: English
$17.95
All prices in Canadian dollars unless indicated otherwise

The Heart Warming Story of Robert Bertolas

This is an inspirational true-life story of one man's courageous battle to lose a tremendous amount of weight while beating his Multiple Sclerosis into submission. Robert Bertolas is recognized for inspiring many people to become healthier and happier. By showing them how to win their own 'Game' he helps them to achieve their own personal goals.

Author Bio: An established Canadian singer/songwriter, Suzanne temporarily shifted her focus from recording her musical works to literary writing in 2004. She was nominated for a Bernice Adams Literary Writing & Communication award in 2004 after the book 'From MS To Marathon' was released, which this story is based on.
Crossing the bridge from song to book writing was a comfortable move for Suzanne and the joy of bringing to life the story of her best friend Robert increased one hundred fold knowing that money from the sales would be donated to to help people suffering from Multiple Sclerosis.
Suzanne moved to Canada from Wallsend, England as a small child and currently resides in Cambridge, Ontario with her family.

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

The Guardian - PEI Marathon edition - Marathon Souvenir Magazine


"Marathon Souvenir Magazine - The Guardian newspaper, sponsor for the full marathon, will be publishing a special insert on Sept. 26. All participants registered by September 14 for the 2007 Prince Edward Island Marathon presented by BMO Nesbitt Burns, will have their name printed in the new glossy 2007 PEI Marathon Souvenir Magazine. Each participant will receive a copy of this Marathon keepsake in their race kit."

Keeping positive momentum building - Off and Running by Cheryl Paynter





Monday, September 24th, 2007
(click to enlarge & read)


Monday, September 24, 2007

Run for a cause - Father Gerard Chaisson is training for the Athens Marathon

Monday, September 24th, 2007

Run for a cause
Father Gerard Chaisson is training for the Athens Marathon in Greece in early November



Victory Tour for MS 2007 - Robert Bertolas on PEI

This blog's readers come primarily from two communities; the running community and the autism/autistic community. I believe it's pretty clear to all of you that Alex is both autistic and a runner. Many of you in the autism/autistic community and some of you in the running community also know that I have a diagnosis on the autism spectrum. Everyone in PEI's running community know I walk with a cane, some of you, from both communities, know it is because I also have a diagnoses of Multiple Sclerosis. I have balance issues (notice my very wide stance when I'm standing at a water stop holding out a cup in each hand!). I can walk unaided when I put physical and mental energy into maintaining balance, the cane helps me use that physical & mental energy elsewhere. I can ride a bike as long as I remain seated and exert that extra energy needed to maintain balance. I have other MS related physical issues and a number of MS related cognitive ones. I was diagnosed in 1996, when I was 36, my history showed I likely had it since my early 20's.

When we were on the way home from the Miscouche Firefighters 10 Miler Saturday I noticed 2 trailers by the Esso exit to Summerside with "Caution Runner Ahead" on the back and "Victory Tour for MS" on the side & back. Caught my eye so I stopped to see what it was all about.

There I met Robert Bertolas and his crew replenishing their supply of propane. It was a "day off" for Robert on his Tour and I had a nice little chat with him and Suzanne Couchman, the Campaign Manager for The Generex Biotechnology / Jaymor Group Victory Tour for MS 2007, and CAO of Crossing Bridges Inc. Here's their website - http://www.crossingbridgesinc.com . Robert left Victoria BC on March 3rd and has been running, cycling and roller blading his way across Canada. He planning on finishing up in St. John's Newfoundland on November 25th. Robert has been living with Multiple Sclerosis for 20 years since he was diagnosed at 19 years of age.

"I thank God everyday, that he has allowed me to be in the physical condition I am currently in. I have been given a small window of opportunity to make a difference in my own life, and to show people you CAN live life to the fullest, even if you have Multiple Sclerosis. I am running for everyone who has MS, including myself, I am running to raise awareness and to find a cure ." - Robert Bertolas

"Robert is a warm hearted, confident individual with a zest for life that is very rarely seen. Nothing dampens the spirit or squashes the enthusiasm of this determined man, as he strives to reach the many goals he places in front of him.

Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 19 and weighing close to 300 pounds at that time, losing a significant amount of weight would be the first of many challenges Robert would triumph over in order to live a better, healthier life.

While losing weight and getting into better shape, Robert discovered over time, that his hard work and dedication to becoming fit ended all of his MS attacks and discomfort. He knew right then he had stumbled across a major factor that could help many people suffering with multiple sclerosis to be able to have a hopeful more positive outlook for their own lives.

Robert makes guest appearances speaking at different MS Support Groups. He devotes much of his time giving inspirational talks one on one and to groups of enthusiastic listeners who crave his unstoppable determination. Robert is a regular guest speaker at the running room, and he is quickly becoming a household name in his home town and across the country.
If there ever was a man to stand up for what he BELIEVES in, that a cure for Multiple Sclerosis will be found, Robert is that man ! He will make Canada proud, and be an inspiration to all those who need encouragement, He will show North America that One Man, following his dream CAN make a difference."

Please watch for Robert out there on PEI this week. They've parked their trailers where they're staying at Brudenell while they're here but watch for his support vehicle with the "Victory Tour for MS 2007" banner.

Consider donating to his very good cause and/or joining him for a kilometre or more. Your generous donation will be given to the Myelin Project of Canada. Their dedicated researchers are working hard to find a cure for MS, leukodystrophies and demyelinating diseases which affects more than 2 million people world wide.

Suzanne can be reached on her cell at 519-239-7062 if you want to find out where they'll be and when. He's running into Charlottetown & meeting Mayor Clifford Lee at City Hall at 1:00 and Alex & I are hoping to accompany him. I plan to update this post Tuesday night with his Wednesday route & times. He'd love to have the company so, Islanders, show him your warmth! *See the update at the bottom of the page.

Robert Bertolas
Suzanne Couchman
Crossing Bridges Inc.

Sponsors & Supporters
Pictures
Contact
Blog












Saturday, September 22, 2007


Please Join Us...
Wednesday, September 26th, 12:15pm

Robert Bertolas will be leaving the Stratford Esso, complete with Police escort, heading for Charlottetown City Hall, tomorrow, Wednesday Sept. 26th at 12:15. Mayor Clifford Lee will be at City Hall to meet him at 1pm.

It's only about 3K one way so if you're available for a short run over the lunch hour, please join Alex and I and show Robert some support.

PEI RoadRunners support many charities throughout the year at fun runs and races but MS isn't one of them. Please consider giving Robert some monetary and/or moral support.

Sunday, September 23, 2007

AIDS Walk for Life Charlottetown - Representin' the PEI RoadRunners











Raising Awareness - Educating - Building Community
AIDS Walk for Life Charlottetown took place on Sunday, September 23, 2007 from Memorial Hall, Confederation Centre of the Arts.

Alex & Athena, (accompanied by me on my bike), ran the AIDS Walk today as "Team RoadRunner", representing the PEI RoadRunners Club. Alex & Athena ran the 5K course twice, finishing up just before the walkers finished the loop. The Walk (run, bike...) took us from Memorial Hall at the Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown down Great George St, right onto Water St, right onto Havilard/Rochford St., left on Grafton, around the Boardwalk and then up Brighton Rd/Euston St. to University Ave, and then back to Memorial Hall.

Great idea Athena! Please read Athena's note Here on the PEI RoadRunner's Message Board and let's see how many runners will be on Team RoadRunner next year at the 2008 AIDS Walk for Life in Charlottetown.


"AIDS PEI is guided by the principles of health promotion, population health, and community development. It acknowledges that determinants of health such as gender, social support networks, education, social and physical environments, personal health practices, coping skills, culture, biology and genetic endowment must be addressed if community-based AIDS work is to be effective.
It affirms the voices of people living with HIV or AIDS. It is dedicated to developing new and innovative prevention/education initiatives for targeted populations including Youth, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered (GLBT) community, Women, Intravenous Drug Users and those in correctional institutions. Theses initiatives enable individuals to manage their health through access to high quality support and educational programs.

AIDS PEI attempts to use community development principles such as capacity building and community ownership in order to achieve these goals. It is committed to sharing resources and experiences in order to develop partnerships and to promote the collaborative development of a community-based response to AIDS throughout PEI.



AIDS PEI is a non-judgmental, membership-driven organization which promotes diversified community involvement. Through the
assistance of members, clients, staff, and volunteers, our organization makes consistent efforts to meet the needs of all citizens of Prince Edward Island."


















MORE PHOTOS

Complete with Athena's commentary ...