10 random facts about me!

1. I get bored very easily. I need to find new challenges on a regular basis, otherwise I get kind of edgy, and I'm not very good at hiding it.

2. I don't go to the movies because I can't sit still for 1.5-2 hours... I'm OK if I watch movies at home, where I can just pause the movie for a while. I don't actually own a DVD player though.

3. I'm great at multi-tasking. In fact, I am unable to focus on just one thing... if I don't have a few things on the go - nothing gets done. Go figure!

4. I'm a huge coffee snob and I refuse to drink bad coffee. Its very easy to find great coffee in Victoria, but it has proven to be quite a challenge in Toronto...

5. I was actually planning on doing a bachelors degree in fine arts, and move into sports science after that. Why? I really don't know. I never went to art school, so I guess I came to my senses after all.

6. I'm really not a morning person. I think it has been getting worse since my retirement from the sport of triathlon (as an athlete). At least back then I was used to swimming at 5:30am... I'm usually OK if I have (good) coffee though :)

7. I'm not a big fan of spiders. I am not really scared of them, I just don't like them very much.

8. One of my favourite beers is Leff, even though I don't drink it (or at all) very often.

9. I always try and think 'out of the box' and do things a bit different than others. That essentially means that I take a lot of risks, some of which pay off, some that don't...

10. I don't like cleaning my bike. I used to do minor adjustments and clean it on a regular basis, but not anymore...

Ouch!

I spoke too soon... a few hours after my previous post, where I stated how happy I was I didn't fall while running on the slippery sidewalks of Toronto, I slipped towards the end of my afternoon run... I was trying to avoid a patch of ice, so I hopped to a spot that looked ice free (I know, a rookie mistake...) but instead of landing successfully on both feet, I landed pretty hard on my hip and right elbow. My hip is fine (I think) and there is a big gash in my elbow and it is black and blue... Ouch!

Its cold here!

My younger sister just moved to Toronto from Israel 3 weeks ago, and since I haven't seen her for about 4.5 years, I hopped on a plane forgetting that it is the worst possible time of the year to head to the east coast of Canada... during the winter! Its pretty cold here, and Im not used to it. My sister however, is very excited about all the snow; its a first for her :) My Newton runners don't seem to like the sliperry sidewalks very much and I am lucky I didn't fall flat on my behind yet ;) It makes me realize once again how lucky we are in Victoria. Even though it has been great to see my sister, some famlily and one of my best friends, I am looking forward to getting back to the west coast on Tuesday... where I have endless trails for running and I can bike outside without turning into an ice cube ;)

Just a thought...

Are elite athletes so great because of what they do, or despite of what they do...? Just something to think about... :)

Coaching mentoring program

I am not entirely sure why now, and why me, but I have been getting several enquiries from athletes who want give back to the sport and start coaching.

I believe coaching is the BEST profession, which is why I chose to take that path at a very young age (14 years old...). I recognize that as a coach, I take on great responsibility in helping athletes and I constantly seek opportunities to learn more, which is unfortunately a rare thing in multi-sport coaching. Too many coaches coach from their own personal experience, which is not a bad thing, but there is a need to remember that even though our systems are the same and as humans we will adapt to stress in the same way, there are many other things to take into account...

With that being said, due to demand, I will be starting a coaching mentoring program for interested individuals, who are dedicated and passionate about helping others achieve their goals. My goal is to provide ongoing mentoring and coaching opportunities for those who have a 'can do attitude', the willingness to listen, learn and think outside the box.

Email me if you are interested... :)

Noa

Long time no post...

This past week simply flew by... I have been reflecting about the previous season... and thinking about what I want to do this coming season. Here are my top 10 moments/events/things I am thankfull for/etc... for the 07/08 season, in no particular order :)

1. Going back to school for post graduate education in sports nutrition. It is one tough program, but I am enjoying it! Half way through... Graduation is in Dec 09, at the Olympic museum.

2. Quitting my job and having fun coaching full time (and doing bike fits, testing, consulting, etc, etc...).

3. Flying to China for the Olympic sport science and medicine conference.

4. My athletes doing very well this season. I will put together some stats for another post... Many accomplishments, podiums and personal bests were achieved :)

5. Playing around with the Retul bike fitting system... what can I say, Im a geek and I love numbers!

6. My athletes racing. When my athletes race - it is as if I am out there racing too... I experience the same emotions they do: the anxiety, anticipating and excitement before a race, the feeling you get when you are working really hard, and then the feeling of satisfaction and joy at the finish line... That will probably be in my top 10 moments for next year too!

7. Surrounding myself with a great team of coaches, athletes, physiotherapists and massage therapists. You are all awesome!!

8. My family and friends, helping me out when things got a bit tough. Thank you.

9. Learning my strengths, weaknesses and limits...

10. Having fun while doing what I absolutley love!