Ode to Ottawa
Well folks, here we are once again running out of another amazing Run for One Planet city stop. This time it was our nation’s capital, Ottawa. And Ottawa did not disappoint. Our time in the city by the river started after a late night run in the night before and the welcoming smile of our newest team member, Cristina Maiorino! She had us showered, fed and watered like your favorite Italian mother would
J This continued for the next 3 nights as she opened her “house in the middle of a move” to keep us feeling supported. Thanks Cristina and thanks for choosing us to share your brilliance with J
Wednesday, August 20th started with a very eager group of runners led by Sue Ducros @ lululemon. After a quick top up for some sweet Fall running gear, we took off on mass to run the 8 km to the top of Parliament Hill and a chance to speak to 300 noon time yoga enthusiasts and a group photo from a private jet up above to showcase the event!
Then came a sit down meeting with the Honorable Minister of Environment, John Baird. He even took the Action Challenge after we had a very positive talk about how Canadians are being inspired to take more action for our Planet. Thanks Minister Baird, for listening and engaging with us on our tour, its mission and for your support of our Legacy.
After a fun photo shoot with Bonnie and editor in chief, Mark Suttclif, of iRun Nation Magazine for their Fall Issue, Day 1 was rounded out with old friends, Mike and Bonnie Keefer and the rest of the crew out on their ranch.
Day 2 brought hot sun and a bio fuel fill up from Erin Hope and the friendly gang at Topia Bio Fuels. That afternoon we had another great event with Natalie and her parents at Pantry Plus in Orleans. Thanks to Natalie’s Mom for scooping the ice creamJ
Day 2 also brought yet another amazing gift of assistance to replace our “new but ailing bikes” we had been donated by Wallmart in London. We received a call from Adam, King of London team member, and were instructed to call Dave Morton at Bushtukah. He had heard our new rides were having difficulty on the rough road surfaces and generously donated a Trek Hybrid bike and a new lock to secure it with. We are seriously grateful to you Dave, for your donation to make sure we make the remaining 8,000 miles safely and intact!
Day 3 was another cooker of a day both in terms of events and sunshine. After getting a tune up from Chiropractor, Tim Picky, we were greeted like old friends by Mike and Janet and their crew at Rainbow Foods, another Health First partner extraordinaire. The silent auction, banner and carrot cake to take home will keep us happy and supported as we journey eastward towards Montreal.
Day 4 woke us up to another scorcher of a day and a date with MEC on Richmond Street. This was a great opportunity to connect with the friendly MEC staff and customers, as we had a prominent spot close to the front doors. Thanks MEC for this showcase, and for donating some run wear to us too!
The afternoon was spent trying another crafty way to out smell our toilet troubles. No, we didn’t try to out smell it like you might be thinking. We out smelled it by trying another tactic to rid us of the ugly stench which has been with us since the hot weather set in. Can you say scrub, scrub, scrub? That’s what Matt did. All parts were scrubbed and washed with a new hose that squirts water from different angles into the tank. Steph reorganized as she does best J The verdict isn’t quite in yet as we’ve only been back on the road for ½ a day and Vanessa hasn’t done her smell test yet. We’ll get back to you on the results of the poopie smelling pooper. Cross your fingers folks! This could be a long rest of the summer.
Until we have the poopie smelling pooper results in, how about taking the Action Challenge? Or better yet, send it to your WHOLE address book and let them know we are out here running our butts off to inspire action for our one and only Planet. If we can run a marathon a day, your address friends can choose to do one new thing for a healthier Earth. Just click and send ‘em a little note saying who sent it to them and why.
Help us reach a million. Your one action counts.