Author: chelky21

Hey there, fellow runners!

Today, I want to share a personal journey that completely transformed my life – how I fell head over heels in love with running. It all started when my friend Su, who is an avid runner herself, mentioned a race called Seawheeze. Now, let me tell you, I had never even thought about putting on a pair of running shoes before, let alone participating in a race. But something in Su’s eyes sparked my curiosity, and little did I know, this mere suggestion would ignite a passion within me that would change everything. So, join me as I recount the beginnings of my running adventure, and how it unfolded into a remarkable journey of self-discovery, growth, and pure exhilaration. Let’s dive in.

Seawheeze is a half marathon held annually in Vancouver, put on by Lululemon. Seawheeze has 10,000 runners & you get in by lottery! Su is an accomplished ultra runner & she kept bugging me to put my name in for the lottery. So February of 2019, I did just that. Well low & behold, I got into Seawheeze. I’m like oh crap, now I have to start training! I hated gym growing up & had never played sports.

I basically trained myself. I did research online & just started running. I signed up for several 5km & 10km runs. Then August of 2019 I completed my first 1/2 marathon & I was hooked. I became addicted to running.

November of 2019 I completed my 2nd 1/2 marathon, in Las Vegas. It was so much fun. It’s called the Rock N Roll 1/2 marathon. It’s one of the few times the strip is shut down. Las Vegas gets very hot during the day, so this run is at night time. It’s a very cool experience. I actually paced this race! https://www.facebook.com/597755122/videos/10162608441190123/

Then the pandemic hit in 2020, which pretty much brought all group activities to a stop. I’ll be honest, I didn’t run at all that year or the next. Then in 2022 things started opening back up. I signed up for the Banff Half Marathon. The course was beautiful, simply stunning! I didn’t get the best time, I was too busy taking photos & petting dogs.

Fast Forward to 2023 and everything is back to pretty much normal! I decided to take running really serious this year. Since January 2023, I’ve lost 35 pounds. For once in my life, I’m finally comfortable with who I am. I still have about 25 more pounds to lose, to meet my weight loss goal. I also hired a running coach. Typically I run 4 to 5 days a week. Along with doing strength training & yoga several times a week. The photo below is with my running coach Jacob.

In February of 2023, I did the Rock N Roll Las Vegas 1/2 Marathon again. Then May of 2023 I did Vancouver 1/2 Marathon & the Calgary 1/2 Marathon. Then June of 2023 I did the Banff 1/2 Marathon again. Today I finished my 5th 1/2 marathon of this year, in Edmonton. I have two more races left in the season for this year. In September I’m doing the Edmonton Police Foundation 1/2 marathon & the Michelob Ultra Night 10km Run.

In conclusion, it’s truly difficult to express the profound impact that running has had on my life. Beyond the physical benefits, it has become an essential tool for maintaining my mental health and finding solace amidst life’s chaos. The feeling of freedom and empowerment that accompanies each step is simply unmatched. Running has become more than a hobby; it has become a love affair.

So, I invite you, to reflect on what you love about running and share it with others. Whether it’s the adrenaline rush, the sense of accomplishment, or the opportunity to explore new places, let us celebrate the joys that running brings. And while we’re at it, why not dream big and share your bucket list race? Let’s inspire each other to chase our running dreams and embrace the countless joys that lie ahead. Lace up those shoes and let’s hit the pavement together!

In today’s digital age, storytelling has taken on a whole new dimension. With the rise of technology and the widespread use of digital platforms, the way stories are told and consumed has significantly evolved. In this infographic, we will explore how digital changes storytelling and its impact on engagement, accessibility, and creativity.

Enhanced Engagement:
Digital platforms offer a plethora of interactive features that enhance audience engagement. From immersive storytelling techniques to interactive elements like quizzes, polls, and comments, digital storytelling allows the reader to become an active participant in the narrative. This real-time engagement fosters a sense of connection and involvement, creating a more compelling and memorable experience.

Increased Accessibility:
Gone are the days when stories were limited to books or physical media. Digital platforms have made stories accessible to anyone with an internet connection. This accessibility has not only democratized storytelling but has also opened up avenues for marginalized voices to share their stories. Digital storytelling transcends geographical boundaries, enabling people from different backgrounds to connect and appreciate diverse narratives.

Expanded Creativity:
Digital platforms have unleashed boundless creativity in storytelling. With the integration of multimedia elements such as videos, animations, and sound effects, storytellers now have a wide array of tools at their fingertips. This convergence of different media allows for a more immersive and visually appealing storytelling experience. Additionally, advancements in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have enabled storytellers to create entirely new worlds, further capturing the audience’s imagination.

Conclusion:
Digital changes storytelling in remarkable ways. From enhanced engagement to increased accessibility and expanded creativity, the digital era has transformed the way stories are shared and experienced. As technology continues to evolve, so too will the possibilities for storytelling. Whether through social media, interactive websites, or emerging technologies, we can expect storytelling to continue to evolve and captivate audiences in ways we could have never imagined.

Remember, the power of storytelling lies in its ability to inspire, entertain, and evoke emotions. Embrace the digital changes in storytelling, and let your imagination take flight!

I chose to tell the story about Marley our Rottweiler came into our lives, at a difficult time. It’s a heart warming story of Jake who was lonely after losing his best friend Tito. And Marley who needed to be rescued, from a local animal shelter.

From reading one of the required readings for this module, I learned about the elements of the story. Whether you’re writing a novel or crafting a tweet, all story telling shares the same common elements: Setting, Character, Plot, Conflict & Arc. In my Live Tweet, I covered all of these topics.

Live Tweeting was fun & exciting to do. It’s not something I have done before. It gave me a different perspective on how to tweet. I’m going to Las Vegas in October, to attend the P!NK Concert & I’m going to use what I learned in this module, to live tweet during the show!

The heart warming story of Jake & Marley #EXSM3989 pic.twitter.com/uNTythycXA

— SaraTheCulinaryCanuck (@Sara_Meier609) July 17, 2023

Fievel Goes West – This was one of my most favourite movies as a child. I still have a stuffed Fievel, that my Grandparents got me on a trip.

Introduction:

In this blog entry, I will delve into one of my favorite stories, “An American Tail: Fievel Goes West,” a heartwarming animated movie that captivated audiences with its memorable characters, engaging plot, and expert storytelling techniques. Drawing upon the principles and concepts learned from this week’s module video and required readings, I will explore why this story has remained etched in my memory.

Engaging Characters:

“An American Tail: Fievel Goes West” revolves around the Mousekewitz family, particularly Fievel, the brave young mouse who embarks on a thrilling adventure in the Wild West. From the outset, the characters are introduced in a way that immediately captures the audience’s attention. Fievel is portrayed as a relatable protagonist, with his dreams, fears, and unwavering determination to protect his family. The antagonist, Cat R. Waul, is expertly crafted as an oily con artist, adding a layer of suspense and intrigue to the narrative.

Compelling Plot:

The story begins with the Mousekewitz family’s decision to move to the West, lured by the promise of a cat-free existence. However, little do they know that they are falling into a trap set by the cunning Cat R. Waul. This plot twist immediately creates tension and propels the story forward, leaving the audience eager to see how Fievel will outsmart the devious villain and save his family.

Storytelling Principles:

One storytelling principle that stands out in “An American Tail: Fievel Goes West” is the effective use of suspense. Throughout the movie, the filmmakers skillfully build anticipation through well-paced action sequences, unexpected plot twists, and moments of peril that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This not only creates an engaging viewing experience but also enhances the emotional impact of the story.

Another principle that shines through in this film is the theme of resilience. Fievel and his family encounter numerous obstacles and setbacks, but they never lose hope or give up. This resilience resonates with the audience, inspiring them to persevere in their own lives, even in the face of adversity.

Memorable Moments:

“An American Tail: Fievel Goes West” is filled with memorable moments that leave a lasting impression. One such scene is when Fievel, disguised as a cowboy, confronts Cat R. Waul who is intent on his own sinster plan.

Here’s a clip to the movie: https://youtu.be/1XC0REIj_F0

Fun Fact: Premiering at the Kennedy Center on November 17, 1991, An American Tail: Fievel Goes West began its American theatrical run on November 22. This was the same day Walt Disney Pictures‘ Beauty and the Beast(1991) was distributed, making it the third instance of two animated films being released on the same date. Fievel Goes West was promoted with a wide array of tie-ins and started in the top ten at the box office. The film grossed $22 million in the United States against a budget of $16 million. Some film journalists and executives attributed this to having to compete with the Disney film.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/An_American_Tail:_Fievel_Goes_West

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0101329/

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/american_tail_fievel_goes_west