Training For My First Marathon

Saturday morning rolled around. I was supposed to leave the house at 8:00 A.M.

Being a professional insomniac and having a low level of iron, I’ve been feeling tired and exhausted all the time.  I dragged my body out of bed at 8:00. I was behind my daily routine and to top it off I had not prepared my running gear the night before! Preparing for a long run takes a bit of time. I prepared my drink, got my gel, belt, clothes, put on my shoes and Garmin only to realize my Garmin was not working!!! It wasn't fully charged despite having been plugged in. I got annoyed. Today wasn’t one of those days that I could go for a run without my watch.  I was supposed to run 25K and I needed it to be logged in and documented for my marathon training. I plugged it back in and while waiting got some stuff done. It was just before noon that I started to head out.

I love warm summer days.  As soon as I stepped out I could feel the warm air wrapping around me like a blanket. There was a nice occasional cool breeze that made the day so beautiful and perfect for a run.

I usually give myself a good 2 to 3 km of warm up run to allow my legs to wake up. The runs usually start with hilly areas so I rarely have a good start. I’m usually able to pick up the pace after the warm up and recently can’t hold that pace for long due to severe low iron. I may hold a pace of 4:15 for 1K and 5:30 for 2K and then it’s gone back to 6:00+. I started feeling good after the warm up and picked up the pace. As I waited at the red light I turned around and another runner was smiling at me saying “I was able to catch up with you now that you stopped!” We both smiled and I said I still have 20K to go and won’t be holding this pace for long! We ended up talking about her previous marathons and where she runs now. She was finishing her run and heading home. She said I love your singlet. “It is sharp”! I told her it’s from Black Toe Running in Toronto. She said yes, I've heard of them. And with that she was gone and wished me a great run. 

I choose a different path each time for my long runs. I prefer running on long roads close to edge of the city. I don’t like running in neighbourhoods with lots of twists and turns. I also get bored running in the parks. My daughter was funny the other night saying we have run so many times in that park that I can tell when there’s a new spot covered by goose poop! This wasn't there the day before! haha! Yes. Running just outside the city allows for a more quiet run, listening to the birds, seeing horses along the way and makes it more bearable for me. At 7K I realized I was really hot. I found some shade and drank more water. Even for someone who loves the summer heat, this was a bit much especially when running.

I kept plugging away. There was no wind, it was too hot, and I was too slow dragging my heavy legs. I thought to myself maybe I should turn around and do a long run tomorrow morning. Then I started playing the famous game of “I’ll run to that tree”, “I’ll run to that stop sign”, I’ll run to that traffic light”….and I kept running. 

“It’s very hard in the beginning to understand that the whole idea is not to beat the other runners. Eventually you learn that the competition is against the little voice inside you that wants you to quit.” ~ George Sheehan ~

On my hydration belt I had 3 Nuun hydration bottles and one water bottle. I had run out of water. Got a cold water bottle from a gas station and as I walked outside it started raining. I smiled and kept running. I was feeling better with the cold drink, and with the rain my concentration and focus was more clear. Then I ran to two older men who were walking with canes. They smiled at me saying you’re enjoying this, aren't you? I smiled back saying “I love running in the rain.” Then I met an older woman on a wheelchair who was trying to put her raincoat on. I asked her if she needed help. She smiled saying yes, please. I put my water down and helped her to get it on. We wished each other a great day and I kept running.

Up to that point, I was upset and frustrated by my own sluggish and slow run. You see, I started running seriously since July 2013. I was at my peak training this past winter and was doing great. Each time I plugged my Garmin my pace was less than 6:00! I secretly was wishing for a Boston Qualifying time for my first marathon. I was imagining and dreaming a great fast run. I was telling myself I have 7 month to train. But then in April everything changed when I learned I had low iron. With it came fatigue, heart palpitation, dizziness, and slow speed.

Then I started thinking…

I was physically able to run. What if my doctor had said I won’t be able to run for the rest of my life? What if I was on wheelchair? What if I did not have my legs? I was running. My running might be slow. I may never qualify for Boston or I may. Who knows? But that does not matter any longer. A wave of relief washed over me. I had nothing to prove to myself or anyone else. I was doing my best. I was lucky to be able to run. Slow, sluggish, and shuffling my feet. I was running. I am a runner. I had a clarity that was much needed.

It is during my runs that I get my answers. One day, I find my answer while running parallel to a doe galloping in the meadow, another day is through a big beautiful horse’s eyes calling my name to come closer, and today was the older people with their canes and wheelchair. Life is fragments of all these moments put together. I was lucky to put my running shoes on and go for a run.

At 20K, I got to the splash pad and not caring about my time any more, I ran under the running water. A grandmother smiled at me and I asked her if she could take a couple of pictures. She said yes but wasn't confident and kept saying my grandkids know how to do this. I said you’re doing great and showed her how to do it. She took some very nice pictures. The grandkids were intrigued and kept staring. I smiled and thanked them. 

Thank you Alan Brookes for your words of support after my tough run.

Wet, tired, and in pain, I kept running. The next 4K wore the slowest I have ever run. But my thoughts were to just make the kilometer! When I got home my Garmin showed 24.30! I turned around and kept running until 25K was reached. When I got home I could barely go upstairs. But I was so proud of my achievement. I had run the distance I was supposed to run.

Today, I ran 29K and felt better. I had less stops but still a very slow pace. I kept reminding myself that the goal is to run a marathon. The speed does not matter at this point. Thank you to the lady who cheered me at 24K saying “You look good! keep going.” It really does make a difference when we’re struggling but someone cheers you on and you find that extra ounce of bravery to push forward and put a smile on your face.

“You only ever grow as a human being if you’re outside your comfort zone.” 

~ Percy Cerutty ~

I love all my running Tweeps. My timeline is full of tweets about running, fitness, running fashion, etc…but what I look for is those who with honesty talk about their struggles and triumphs, are humble and proud, are supportive and caring, those who make me smile, and those who accept me for who I am and choose to follow me.

I am lucky to be able to run and have the support of our running community.

Follow my journey at @nomadicrunner45 on Twitter and Instagram.

Why I Run

Some of you may have read my previous blog posts talking about how I turned my life around in 2008. In 2008, after my ex and I separated, for the first time in my life I realized I had time for me. I was obese and was facing many health issues including high cholesterol and depression. I lost all the weight by walking.  I never thought I’d ever be a runner or be running long distances! Sometimes I had a feeling like I wanted to fly. I wanted to run. I wanted to be free. FREE. I wanted to run but I was shy and did not know I could. I started running a few minutes during my long walks.  I ran where nobody could see me at first. Gradually, I gathered courage and did not care who watched me. My runs were sporadic but nonetheless, they helped me when I needed an outlet to let go of my anxiety, depression, and panic attacks.

It took me three more years after some events which triggered underlying traumas in my life that I understood the reason behind my depression, the weight gain, the guilt, the blame, the fear, anxiety, and everything else that have affected me negatively. My life has not been an easy one. Those who I have shared a bit here and there tell me I should write a book. I have faced many struggles which I don’t think I’m ready to share in completion with the world yet. Through therapy in 2011 and 2012, I have learned a bit more about myself and learned to accept and love myself for who I am. It has not been an easy journey but I’m taking it one day at a time.

My favourite all time quote of Maya Angelou is the one that says: “I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.” My past may have shaped who I am today, but I make a conscience effort every day to live a full life and focus on positives. I make time to play and have fun. I surround myself with those who treat me with kindness, love, and fairness. I make time to support refugees and human rights related causes. I try to be a better person. I try to be more intentional about my daily routine and to respect myself and those around me. I may not be perfect, I may not be able to do it all, but I do what I can to live a meaningful life every day. Running has facilitated for all the positive changes in my life to take place.

My reasons for running have changed over time as well. When I started running I wanted to keep the weight off, and I wanted to be healthy and fit. Gradually, I recognized I was putting my running shoes on to get rid of stress, anger, sadness or depression. During my runs I recognized how the feeling of being in control of my emotions and having the freedom to run was important to my sanity. Running allowed me to think things over and make better decisions.

I love running in all seasons and marveled at being in nature. I love the feeling of wet rain on my face, the sweat dripping down on my back, feeling cold air on my cheeks; and I love the smell of rain and pine trees. Running has allowed me to bring balance into my life. Running has also taught me not only to care for myself but also to care for those who are disadvantaged. I’m a more compassionate person because of it. “I learned to give not because I have much but because I know exactly how it feels to have nothing.” I care about human rights. I may not be your typical full time activist. I may not be your typical politician, or your typical community engager.  I care about many issues. I’m very much interested to know what’s happening in the real world. I may not be sitting in one of your meetings or standing with you at your picket lines. I may not be with you at your demonstrations against injustices. But I am very much a supporter and defender of human rights. Social media and online petitions, especially those of Amnesty pertaining to prisoners of conscience, have provided me the opportunity to support those issues I’m passionate about.

I am running my first marathon in October in Toronto. I am dedicating my run to all the prisoners of conscience around the world and have chosen Amnesty International as my charity of choice to fundraise from now till October 19^th, 2014. I am going to cross the finish line for all of those who are not going to see their families, those who miss the birth of their children, those who can’t attend the funeral of a loved one, those who don’t see their kids’ growing up, those who will never recover from their trauma and those who lose their lives behind the bars of injustice. I run for their FREEDOM and to show gratitude for my FREEDOM.

If you would like to support human rights please click here and sponsor me to raise funds for Amnesty International.

A short running history: I have been running on a more regular basis since the summer of 2013. Prior to my first ½ marathon in November 2013, I had done a couple of 5K races just to test my own abilities. I acquired hamstring injuries due to being a rookie and not knowing I should increase mileage gradually and those who were supposedly pros also failed to tell me! Since then, I have educated myself about the sport by reading and following pros via Twitter. I still feel the injury flaring up whenever speed comes to play! This past spring, I was hit by severe low iron deficiency and had to cancel my Ottawa ½ marathon race in May.  I just started my marathon training a few weeks ago and am slowly building my strength. My goal is to cross the finish in line in a decent time without any injury or any other health issues.

Follow my journey on Instagram and Twitter @nomadicrunner45 - I don't have Facebook and don't plan in getting one.

Learn more about Amnesty International here.

 “The candle burns not for us, but for all those whom we failed to rescue from prison, who were shot on the way to prison, who were tortured, who were kidnapped, who "disappeared". That's what the candle is for.”

 ~ Peter Benenson ~

Yesterday, I dedicated my 15K long run to the 15 year old who was in prison at the time -  Tariq Abukhdeir. 

My First Trail Run

I arrived in the parking lot of Kains Woods almost a half hour early but felt a bit better seeing another gentleman in his car waiting already. 

I was excited about my first trail run with the LondonPacers.  Having read and learned from others about how trail running can benefit you, I was determined to incorporate running trails into my existing training program.

I closed my eyes, listening to all the birds singing their happy songs. It was a very cool, cloudy and breezy morning. Then runners started to show up. There was a warm welcome and we started off running.  The gentlemen who was sitting in his car, Carl, was our awesome pacer! I felt really great and having only run 7K since my Toronto race, I felt happy to see my old self back. I was light, fast, and smooth. I enjoyed running with the pack and the conversations were great. We had mini stops to enjoy the beautiful scenery or watch the eagles nest with their two new chicks! 

Our pacer at some point said: “This is the 10K point and I’m heading back”. I decided since I was having a great run and enjoying myself I would continue with that pack for 12K. I really enjoyed running through the woods. The sun was out at this time, the river was full and moving fast. There is something magical about running in the woods among the trees. 

                                              

I had forgotten my Garmin at home! At first, I wished I had it with me but then knowing I was coming back to my normal running routine today, the pace was not important. I knew I wanted to have a good run and put in at least 12K. I gradually started feeling that the pace was too fast for me and I wasn’t breathing easily. I took my hydration belt and my jacket off around my waist to allow me to breath well. It helped a little. At this point there were only 4 of the original 7. I said are we going to have any breaks soon and the guys replied with this is as much as break you get and kept running. I told them this is a bit fast for me and I’ll wait for Eric and Doris. At this point, I took time to fix my belt and tie my jacket around and just rest. When Eric and Doris came I told them I had trouble keeping up with them and wished Carl was still pacing.

Our little pack had a good pace, not too slow and not too fast. Soon, I realized there were more uphills going back than down hills! I’ve been running seriously since Sept 2013 training mostly in Springbank Park and some long runs with my Running Room buddies on the road. My daughter and I always complain when we start our run as the first 1.5K is hilly! But boy these hills were up and down; up and down; up and more up; and omg! They kicked my butt! I was exhausted with nothing left in the tank! I mean, yes, my iron is low and I had not run regularly but I SUCK in hills! Those hills that I run in Springbank or on the road are not comparable to what I experienced today!

At one point, the other two waited for me to catch up. Eric said this course is a bit tough for a first timer. I agreed with him that I should have gone back with Carl at the 10K point. 

As if this was not enough, my right big toe that has given me problems for a long time hit a root hidden under leaves and I went down with my knees and palms down and I bounced back up. I laughed saying well, what’s a first trail run without falling ;-) It did not hurt at the time but now I can feel the big toe is feeling really BIG although it has remained the same size! haha!

We were almost done and I had nothing left in the tank. I walked the last few hundred meters with another runner and told her I sucked big time! But I loved it. I’m coming back to conquer those hills. When we got back to the group I smiled and said this was a great butt-kicking experience and I loved it! We were going to go for a coffee when I realized my car key was missing ;(

Yes. Exhausted, clumsy, low iron, wet, and now no car keys! I made a really good impression with the London Pacers ;-) ! I must have dropped my key when I got my belt off in the woods. My new hydration belt has a nice size pocket for my phone but the separate compartment doesn’t have zippers like my old pouch! I guess next time I should use a safety pin to keep my keys safe.

Read: Kains Woods: A Natural Setting

CAA kept saying please hold and I had no patience as I was getting too cold and hungry! I asked Doris, since they were going for coffee, if they could drop me off to somewhere when I heard another runner say well Doris, I'll take her. He smiled saying, “I’m Peter, her husband. Don’t think I’m just some random guy saying I take her”. It was funny. I told him how my cell phone and my extra car key got stolen from my trunk on my first running training back in Sept! And now losing my 2^nd key on my first day of trail running! We had a good conversation about running and I learned about Goofy and Dopey runs in Disney! We runners are INSANE but trail runners are more INSANE J

He dropped me off at my ex’s. My plan was to get a ride from him to my car dealership to cut a key and go back to my car. No CAA please on Saturday morning. I was expecting to hear a big fat NO from him. But as soon as I started telling him about my key, he went to his bedroom and came back with a key!!! O_0! Evidently, he had made himself an extra key before we had separated! Good thing he’s not a psycho! I was very happy to see that key. He gave me a ride back (surprisingly) to my car and I drove home!

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Thank you to everyone for being super supportive and very kind. Doris for offering to share her GU Energy, Peter for giving me a ride and sharing awesome race stories, Eric for really watching over me, Michael for giving me his sweater, Bill from MEC London for sharing info and giving me wonderful tips, Carl for being a fantastic pacer, and everyone else for your smiles and warm welcome. Thank you.

The passion for trail running has kicked in big time! I have been going for long walks in some of the more familiar woods in the heart of London. But with London Pacers, I’m sure that not only can I step up my game in terms picking up new skills, but I can also learn about trails to take  my son on and just appreciate being with nature. I can't wait to go back.

My first pair of trail running shoes were Brooks purchased from MEC London.

Thank you to the young lady who patiently helped me till eventually I found a perfect pair!

Photo Sources:  Let me know if it's yours and I will credit you.

@nomadicrunner45  

My First 10K Race - TYS10K

As I was running I kept thinking that today is the last day I am going to be 45, and reflected on my life. At the 5K turnaround point I kept going as the sun was shining and it was a beautiful summer day. I did not even own a watch to know how many kilometers I had put in that morning. I felt calm and not exhausted.  When I got home, my daughter said that’s the route she runs and that it’s 10K! That was the longest I had ever run up to that day. It was a huge deal for me.

Running 10K for the first time at age 45!

You may know that I’m new to the sport of running from my previous blogs. I incorporated running into my workout routine a few years ago. I ran whenever I felt like it. I did not run every day and certainly did not run any long distances. I had run only a couple of 5Ks.

I joined a running group on September 18, 2013 to get ready for my first half marathon in Nov 1^st. We can say I’ve been running seriously since mid September. I joined our local running room since December to be with other runners and registered for their full marathon training for the purpose of learning and gaining endurance. I have not run with them since my polar vortex incident. 

I started researching and leaning about the sport since September. I have learned a lot about the sport of running via Twitter, reading various blogs, books, and magazines. I am constantly learning from professionals and coaches that are sharing their knowledge for free.

I have a journal for writing down my daily activities in detail. I have a calendar where I write down goals and training plans. I have another notebook scribbled with a lot of info about tips, tricks, speed workouts, cross training, nutrition, supplements, recovery, and running lingo!   I’m becoming a more confident runner every day learning through experience and from others.

I have set goals for myself to run a couple of 5K, 10K, and ½ marathons ending the season with a final race of full marathon in October. The infamous SWTM!

When I asked the Canadian Running Series on Twitter why I should register for their Toronto Yonge Street 10K (TYS10K) event they commented that I could review the race from My Next Race.com and one of their digital champions, Christa Davidson, volunteered to fill me in with the info about the race. I liked what I heard and registered for the race.  The Canadian Running Series has tapped into the running community, recruiting volunteers to represent them on social media and to spread and promote their venues.  These digital champions connect with people from around the world, make new relationships, and share their training and stories. The digital champs keep the daily motivation and inspiration going for others while they themselves are also inspired and motivated as well.

Looking through their website you can’t help but notice how detailed they are and how much information they provide to make everything work smoothly. 

I arrived in Toronto on a beautiful sunny afternoon. I checked into my room and headed downstairs to pick up my gear. There were no line ups and I was in and out quickly. Thank you everyone!

It was awesome to see Lanni Marchant's picture on the cover!

I walked about 5K that night and visited Black Toe Running and got myself a nice pair of SUNSKI shades, a singlet, and of course a small foam roller that could fit into my little travelling suitcase! Heading back to London on the train I read an article about Mike and his entrepreneurship. People like Mike are real and are not just trying to make a sale. They establish a supportive and genuine relationship with their clients and that matters. I hope more Torontonians shop there and support the growth of his business.

Mike Anderson from Black Toe Running.

The next day I had my usual breakfast and got a cab to the start line. Originally, I had registered for the yellow corral expecting to finish my 10K under one hour. But knowing how well I had trained I was aiming for sub 50. I got a red sticker and changed corral and was supposed to meet a few friends which did not happen. We started running and the first thing I realized was that there hills! This is not flat! Being new to the racing community I take everything literally. If you say it’s flat, it should be flat. But what seasoned runners are saying is that compared to other races this is as flat as it gets.

Right after 5K I started not feeling well. I wasn’t able to breathe properly and got a bit dizzy. I told myself you need to slow down.  I slowed down a few times. I started feeling the same way I had felt during my polar vortex run. I got dizzy. I could not look in any directions except for straight. If I looked in any other direction a severe dizziness would wash over me. I just wanted to finish the race. I kept saying, “Mahnaz, you worked too hard for this to let a bit of dizziness throw you off. Keep your eyes on the runners and don’t stop.” I had memorized the route (thanks to the Canadian Running Series for a very clear and simple map of the route). I knew exactly where I was at what kilometer and my goal was just to cross the finish line. The whole time I was fighting not to fall over, not to stop. For god sake this is only 10 K! Just last week I ran 22K for my long run. As I crossed the finished line I saw 52 min on the clock and just walked very slowly trying not to fall. I got beside a young men and quietly asked if he could hold my hand while I walked as I didn’t want to fall. He was puzzled but did not question me.  He walked me to the gate where two volunteers were standing, I asked the older gentleman to hold my hand. He said do you want something to drink, I said yes water but let’s get my medal first :) . I got the medal, smiled and thanked the volunteers for a job well done.  He got me to the table where the water was and I grabbed two cups and one more. I told him thank you, I’m good. I felt good after drinking and I thought I must have been dehydrated badly. But after 5 minutes I felt sick again, this time severe nausea and I stood close by a garbage bin hoping not to get sick. I kept drinking and gradually the dizziness vanished. I attributed it to dehydration.  A few times when I started to walk or switch direction, my legs were wobbly and would cave in under my body. I attributed it to being dehydrated again and over exhaustion.

I must say the recovery food after the race was great! But the highlight for me was my photo up with the Canadian marathon record holder, Lanni Marchant! 

Inspirational

Then I was happy to see Andrew! He was one of the digital champs who has been really supportive and making us laugh throughout the harsh winter months and keeping us motivated. We hugged and walked around to find the others. I just casually mentioned that I got a bit dizzy but did not disclose to him the whole drama! As a matter of fact I did not talk about it to anyone at all as I was embarrassed and also this was a time of celebration. I wanted to hug and just chat with my friends.

Andrew Chak - TYS10K Digital Champion

We saw several other digital champs and it was wonderful to connect with them in person. I am really happy with the Canadian Running Series for bringing the people and communities together. I didn’t get a chance to meet everyone but I’m sure we will meet at some point.

From top corner left: 

Laurie Ann March , Jodi Lewchuk , John Paul Hernandez , and Andrew Chak. 

Monday morning came around and I reached for coffee and that severe dizziness and overwhelming feeling hit me again. I called my family doctor and got in that afternoon. I told her about the polar vortex symptoms that were similar. I told her I know there was the medication factor, Wind chill of -30 and hypothermia factor, but the wobbly feet, slurred speech, dizziness, everything was replicated on Sunday.  She ordered some blood tests and an ECG. The next day she called me and said Mahnaz your iron is extremely low. Apparently the normal level for iron is 80 mmol/L and mine is 18! I need to take iron supplements twice a day for three months.

As a child I was anemic and I had to take iron supplements. Over the years, I did not have any problems. But since I have increased the intensity and duration of my multiple physical activities, the iron reservoir is being depleted very fast.  After reading from a few medical sources online I realized how mistakenly I had attributed all my iron deficiency symptoms to a variety of other things. I need to stop blaming everything on being pre-menopausal!

If you are a runner and have had any of these symptoms, do a blood test first to rule out iron deficiency.

A tingling, "pins and needles" sensation in the hands or feet

Lost sense of touch

A wobbly gait and difficulty walking

Clumsiness and stiffness of the arms and legs

Easy fatigue and loss of energy

Unusually rapid heartbeat, particularly with exercise

Shortness of breath and headache, particularly with exercise

Difficulty concentrating

Dizziness

Pale skin

Leg cramps

Insomnia

What did my first 10K race teach me?

*As my train was heading back to London and the sun was setting down, I reflected on my day thinking how special TYS10K had been! I had received my first ever medal from Canadian Running Series. You have to be in my shoes to understand the magnitude of my experience. When I got home, I hugged my ninja and said I have something for you. I pulled the medal out of my bag and put it around his neck. He smiled with his big brown eyes shining and gave me a big hug.  The medal is symbolic. He’s going to remember this moment for the rest of his life. He got his mama bear’s first medal and it was very special. He will remember that his mama did not give up despite facing many obstacles in her life.

Perseverance

 *I crossed the finish line with time of 52.15.6 and I know I could have done a sub 50 were it not for my mishap! I will be back with more fire and experience under my belt. 

Overall Placed: 1858/5684

Female: 464/3129

Age group: 42/259

5K split: 25:08

*I got a definite confirmation that I’m clumsy and can’t drink at the stations properly. I even choke on my own saliva. Hydration belt is a must!

*Regardless of the distance, I will carry my electrolytes (Nuun) with me at all times. 

*Goodbye pouch! 

*Have my iron level tested regularly and be in top shape for my upcoming races.

*The short video of me at 5K split showed me that I need to tweak my cadence!

* I did post this funny picture on my Instagram before the race letting people know that I look too serious and can’t smile while running. And what do you know? I browse through my race pics and I’m wearing that not flattering, awkward, I’m dying look! I need to work on looking more graceful while having a strong run. 

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Maybe I can study Krista Duchene and Lanni Merchant. I have to spend a lot of time in front of the mirror.

Strong women looking fantastic while running! 

*TYS10K is an awesome race and everyone should run it at least once if not more.

 *The Canadian Running Series people are amazing professionals who do a marvelous job with the venue. They have wonderful group of volunteers who yelled out my name while I was trying not fall over! They gave me strength. And I’m sorry I did not even look at you or wave at you, or smile at you. But know that you cheering me on meant a world to me and from the bottom of my heart I say thank you. Much love to all of you.

 Moving Forward 

Focus

My next race is Ottawa half marathon! @nomadicrunner45

Complimentary Tickets

It all started when I received two complimentary tickets to the London Lightning game back in 2012. My son (I call him Ninja) and I went to our first basketball game.  We were not what you would call hard core fans. We did not watch or follow basketball at all. But that night was a turning point for both of us. We liked being with the crowd and cheering for the home team – London Lightning!  My son was impressed by how high the players could jump and dunk the ball. He had tried basketball through Spectrum with the City of London but had not really shown an interest. That year we attended a few more games and that was it.

 March 2012

The change came around October 2013 when Gabe Freeman followed me back on Twitter. I started noticing how involved he was in the community.  Through him, I learned more about the whole team and the London Lightning organization as a whole.  They had a very strong presence in the community and were constantly working on building relationship within the community and giving back.

I had gotten tickets for the game and when I mentioned on Twitter that we were going to be there, Gabe replied by saying to make sure to bring my son to the concourse to meet the players.  We attended the game but took a wrong turn and ended up outside.

November 2013

The next game, still being clueless as to where to meet the players , we went around and back to the stands and waived at Gabe asking if ninja could have his picture taken with him. He graciously said yes. 

Gabe Freeman with Ninja

As we headed out, we saw the line up and the players.  My son had a great time that night. This was his first time meeting sports’ celebrities and they were all so tall and he was impressed just being there and shaking hands with them. He was in awe!  He got lots of autographs on his London Lightning T-shirt and individual photos with the players. The players were super-friendly, smiling, shaking hands or hi-fiving kids and were just genuinely engaged with their fans. As a parent, I was so happy for my son to have such a positive experience in his life. We were bonding in many new ways and he was learning through observation and new experiences.

 

                

                          

                         

                                                    

London Lightning has thousands of loyal fans who have been with the team much longer than my ninja and I have been.  I’m sure every fan has contributed and shown their support in countless ways.

I made an effort to find all the players’ Twitter accounts. The London Lightning social media coordinator was very helpful to tweet all those who did have an account.  I followed them.  Social media is a powerful tool for the athletes to stay connected with fans, to promote themselves and their work, and to grow their network in many ways. The least I could do was to follow them. I noticed that most fans use the major London Lightning account to wish the team good luck which is great for the organization. But I realized what was missing.

A bit of background about my social media and sports:  I have blogged previously about my creative marketing approach that brought swimming events to Facebook and had three major groups with members from around the world. One group naturally was dedicated to Usain Bolt since I’m a hard core fan of the Athletics. 

I decided to put to work my social media enthusiasm and my creativity to make a contribution to the basketball team. The athletes were not getting much tweets pre- game to get additional support and encouragement from the fans. There were mostly general congratulatory tweets on the main London Lightning account but not much to the individual players. I had learned from my previous experience with the sport of swimming that sending positive messages and wishing them good luck was really important to the psyche of the athletes.

I started tweeting messages of good luck, support, congratulations, and at times motivational quotes using their individual twitter handles. And since there were lots of changes in the roster I needed to stay up to date.  After each game, while ninja was getting autographs I would introduce myself, welcome them to London, and ask them if they had a Twitter account and I would make sure to follow them right away.

I was glad to see more fans tweeting to individual players.  A comparison of how fans were tweeting in 2013 to 2014 clearly shows a shift of increased individual tweets to the players’ pre and post games. Hell, I even started to watch the game online and tweet about it which I’m sure drove my Tweeps insane!  

We started going to more games. My son adores the team and whenever we can, we watch the game in person or through live stream. We will always support the team as they support the people in the community. My son feels proud displaying his London Lightning stuff in his room. He wore his signed London Lightning T-shirt to school to talk about all the signatures he got. He may not play basketball, but he’s learning a lot from the whole culture of going to the game. 

                                

Ninja loves math and is fascinated by the players' stats. 

He interacts with other fans and high fives them. He discusses the game and expresses himself confidently. 

Thank you for giving Ninja a chance to be on the court!

I use examples from the game to teach him real life lessons. For example, when Zane Johnson walked away after getting hit in the face a few times by the Windsor player I told him “Did you see what a gentleman he was? He’s strong and he can certainly hit back, but he chose to walk way. Who do you think is the stronger person?  The one who hit or the one who walked away?”  We saw Garrett Williamson having a solemn look after the team had lost and a fan wanted to take their picture taken with him. He put his biggest smile on. I never forget that. Thank you for smiling when you were hurting inside. I told my son sometimes we need to show strength and smile even though it’s much easier to be angry. I also remember Maurice Bolden asking us how we were doing. “You guys doing alright?” he said. He showed genuine interest and cared to ask his fans how they were doing. Thank you for being you.

Ninja hanging out with the team on Kids Day.

We love our team and support London Lightning as they have supported the community and continue to do so.  We want all the players to know that ninja and I are and always will be their fans. We have met many great fans and have made new friends. My son and I are creating wonderful new memories, we’re bonding, we’re sharing,  we’re better together just by coming to the game. 

Ninja needs a few more pictures to complete his collection! See you Saturday night!

We Are Lightning.

Next time you're offered a pair of complimentary tickets to any game, grab it! 

Update: March 30th, 2014:

Some photos after our BIG WIN last night!

                        

                       

                             

Surprise photo of the night!? Coach Michael Ray Richardson! 

Get to know your team here!