Saturday, April 30, 2011

April 30, 2011 - running stats

Well, i am finally starting to pick up the pace. 188.8k for April, giving me my best month of the year. i had an amazing 16.4k tempo run today, with some great speed drills. i am really starting to come into form. planning a nice long slow distance run tomorrow morning as my official tune up for the big 3 marathons later in the month. looking forward to another amazing May!


Jan - 137.60 - 137.60
Feb - 044.10 - 181.70
Mar - 161.30 - 343.00
Apr - 188.80 - 524.20

April 29, 2011 - Time to Ride the Orange NDP Wave!


Well, after careful consideration, I have decided to break my political silence and I have officially joined the NDP Party of Canada AND the NDP Party of Newfoundland and Labrador. The NDP has shown their commitment towards advancing LGBT human rights and health care, while the other parties have remained silent and uninterested in the issue. As someone who cares deeply for this country, and for the rights of all Canadians to live a life free from discrimination or humiliation, i feel joining the NDP team at this time is the best way to help advance these issues.

Even more importantly, after years of the Chretien Liberal sponsorship scandal, to the Harper Proroguing and Contempt of Parliament; and after historic low voter turnouts, it is time to restore respect, dignity, integrity and credibility to the Canadian Parliamentary process. The NDP appears to be very serious about all of these things. I publicly urge all Canadians to take a serious look at the Federal NDP platform and take a serious look at your local candidate running for the NDP.

Jennifer

Monday, April 25, 2011

April 25, 2011 - how bout a running update?

Funny how this blog was originally created to chronicle my running. It's been a while since I had an actual running blog post, so here it is! It's been a good long weekend. I decided to set some major marathon running goals for the rest of 2011. I figure the only way to keep myself motivated is to set some high goals and chase after them. as always, I intend to push myself to the limit and reach heights few think I can. So here it is:

- 3 marathons in 14 days in May (Fredericton, Mississauga, and Halifax)
- 1 serious BQ marathon attempt in late august (Quebec City)
- at least 2 fall marathons, tying my annual max of 7 marathons

Obviously, the BQ will be the toughest. I have 4 months to try to regain the shapeIi was in back in summer 2008 when I was on the cusp of BQ numbers. Given the new rolling registration standard for next year, a 3.45.59 will not be good enough. I will need a 3.25.59 in order to guarantee a spot in Boston, so that will be the goal.

I officially started my training program with a solid long weekend. Friday featured a slow long distance run that lasted 2 hours and 50 minutes, covering a mere 23k, but it was the first long run I have had in 5 weeks. saturday and sunday featured tempo runs of 9k and 6k, and today was a series of speed drills - 3 times 2k, including one set at BQ pace (which I was actually amazed I could do!).

I'm definitely looking forward to the challenge of hitting these goals, and enjoying the side effects of training - losing weight and getting back into great shape!

Happy Easter!
Jenn

Sunday, April 24, 2011

April 23, 2011 - hate crime in Baltimore demonstrates the need for protection

Just as the State of Maryland is leaning towards NOT including human rights protection for trans people, a vicious hate crime attack by two cis women on a transwoman in McDonalds last week, highly illustrates the need for protection. A transwoman was minding her own business when she was brutally attacked by two young cis women. What makes this even worse is that McDonalds employees did nothing to stop the attack. In fact, one of the staff members turned on a video camera and could be overheard encouraging the attackers to escape before police arrived.

i have created a v-blog that discusses this issue. The good news is that trans advocates and allies all over the world are stepping up to the plate to raise concern about this. Eventually, the old boys club that runs most governments will start to get the message that society is no longer willing to tolerate discrimination against marginalized minorities.

Jenn

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

April 20, 2011 - Love4Gambia - The Halifax Marathon

On May 22, 2011, I will run my 29th career marathon, (which will be my third consecutive Halifax Bluenose Marathon, and my third marathon in as many weekends). Not only will this be a homecoming run for me, it will be the first time I have run a marathon as part of a Registered Charity.


Erin Poirier is a near-elite level distance runner. She is a three-time Boston Marathon finisher. She is also a registered nurse who works at Prince Andrew High School in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Erin is also the adult advisor for the school's Gay/Straight Alliance (GSA) group. Last year, Erin reached out to me and invited me to speak to the entire high school for an LGBT-awareness event. She also invited me to meet with the GSA group for a special brunch.


Erin is also on the Board of Directors for a Federally-registered charitable organization, the Nova Scotia Gambia Association. The mandate of this organization is to undertake initiatives that will help better the health care and human rights environments for the people of the Gambia, with a particular focus on youth. This summer, Erin is going to The Gambia to literally run across the country to raise money for this charity. She will cover 430km over 17 days in what will be very tough conditions, featuring extreme heat and extreme rain. Erin has been to The Gambia before and has donated her time and nursing skills to help the cause.


It will be an honour to not only run the marathon of my original home town, but to be a part of Erin's great team and help play a small role in making life better for those who live in the Gambia. As tough as life has been for me over the past few years in terms of financial situation, health care, and human rights, i can only image how much tougher it is for the people over there in the Gambia.


I have committed to raising at least $100 for this Charity. Whatever I don't raise, I will pay out of my own pocket. The main goal, however, is to raise as much money as possible. With this in mind, if you would like to make a donation, please visit the Jennifer McCreath Love4Gambia donation web site. Donations of $20 or more will get you an official tax credit receipt. You can donate via credit card at this secure website. If you would like to make a donation via cash or cheque, please e-mail me at jennifer.mccreath@yahoo.com for details.


Jenn

Monday, April 18, 2011

April 18, 2011 - Kent's Pond

Ahhh, you know spring is right around the corner when the tulip bulbs on pippy park hill start popping out. It was a tough day for me - the first Patriots Day since 2008 that i was not running the Boston Marathon. Probably the worst day of depression for me all year. But i managed to salvage some positives this evening with a lovely run after supper over to Kent's Pond - my first run over there this year. I had a sit on the dock and watched the ducks swim around as the sun set. It reminded me of why i love loving here and why i want to stay here as long as i can. If i can't run in Boston, then running around Kent's Pond is the perfect replacement. In fact, i can't think of anywhere else in the world i'd rather run. Can't wait for the water to warm up so i can swim in there again! I ran a slow and gently but steady 12.8k tonight, the best workday run i have had since surgery. the knee and foot only gave me minimal problems, so that is encouraging.

the other great news is that St John's Pride Inc. is finally starting to ramp up. A board meeting will occur next week, in which there is going to be a new addition to the team, as well as the appointment of officers (people who will take on specific work responsibilities). stjohnspride.org is up and running, but will be revamped next week with plenty of details for how people can get involved as planners, or sponsors. talks are ongoing with both provincial and municipal departments of tourism for involvement, so an exciting week ahead!

Jennifer

Sunday, April 17, 2011

April 17, 2011 - busy week!

wow, what a week. a good friend of mine won tickets at the last minute to a Jackson Browne concert, in a VIP box no less! that was quite fun - sitting in a corporate box eating free pizza and watching one of America's best 70s folk rockers do an intimate solo set, with just him, his piano, and his 19 guitars!

the other major highlight of the week was finally getting my new birth certificate, so i took a day off and travelled around the various government offices to register my sex change.. i now have a new drivers licence, new health card, and soon, a new passport classifying me as female, and that is really exciting!

the other really good news is that after sitting dormant for quite some time, St John's Pride Inc (www.stjohnspride.org) is finally ready to kick it up and get down to business. Although one of our Board of Directors has been uncooperative and uncommunicative (and sadly, we are likely going to take steps to replace him), others are on board and ready to go. Calls are already starting to come in from interested parties who want to be a part of Pride, including, amazingly enough, a rep from the Provincial Government's Department of Tourism! This is very very exciting stuff. In the near future, there will be a revamped website for Pride, as well as the launch of a Facebook group, and a yahoo group. I have also initiated contact with City Hall to look into getting a Flag Raising event, as well as start preliminary discussions for organizing the logistics of a Parade. It is not 100% confirmed yet, but Pride week in St. John's will likely be July 18-24.

Meanwhile, i have had a couple of good runs this week, although my patellar tendon has flared up to the point where i have had to limit my running.

More soon!

Jennifer

Sunday, April 10, 2011

April 10, 2011 - feeling better, at least in most body parts!

Well, i have had three really good days in a row, in terms of mood and energy. i have had great sleeps, i have not had violent mood swings, and i have been really excited and happy about life. This is a complete opposite from where i was earlier this past week.

Perhaps it has been the fun and exciting events of the weekend. I hung out with a friend and her kids and attended an excellent high school musical drama event - Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory. I also have a visit to the movie theatre to see Hop, a cute story about the Easter Bunny family, and how a young bunny would rather be a rock star, then take over daddy's job!

well, the bad news is a strange development of what appears to be Illiotibial Band Syndrome - a common injury for leg endurance athletes. Only problem though, is that i have not really been an endurance athlete as of late. Perhaps the challenges of negotiating 8k of hills every day in st. john's, even if i walk them more than i run, has been enough to tweak this tendon. oh well, guess i can add another thing to the list for the next family doc visit. Hmmm, i guess i also have an excuse to take it easy this week!

Jenn

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

April 6, 2011 rough day

yikes, the chemical mixture that is known as my daily bowl of pills seems to have gotten the best of me. the latest addition has been the infamous potential breast-enhancinmg hormone known as progesterone.

for three weeks now, i have been taking a synthetic progesterone, known as a progestin. although rarely prescribed to trasnswomen in Canada, it's use seems quite common in the USA. Cue my recent trip down south. It was not just a marathon run. it was a medical visit.

synthetic is much cheaper than nartural, but it comes with side effects - specifically, depression, mood swings, and fatigue. they have all hit quite hard. luckily, the drug is also working its magic on my breasts, which is why i knew i needed to start taking it.

although some doctors try to pretend that it adds no value, the majority of first-hand reports from transwomen around the world do state thast adding a progesterone into the hormone regime will turn the cone-shaped breasts into regular-looking breasts, as well as increase the maturity of nipple and areolas.

well, for those of you keeping score, you can add my name to ther list of those who do cite positive breast development with this product.

but i am quite disappointed that the doctor that i went to see, decided to put me on a synthetic instead of a natural (progestin vs prometrium). these additional side affects are brutal, plus there is increased risks to blood clots, high blood pressure, weight gain, and severe depression. oh well, it is what it is. now comes the challenge of trying to convince my local Canadian doctors to give this a go.

proof that transsexuals will go to great lengths to transition, this bottle of pills literally cost me a thousand dollars, if you factor in the travel costs to get to the usa to see a doctor. hopefully, i won't have to go back there every 3 months1 that would be expensive.

but yah, c'mon doctors, it's time to get up with the times. sure, elder ciswomen who take P may have seem more problems that benefits, but we are trans people. you can't base conclusions about how a drug would affect us unless you specifically study us.

anyway, i have upped my anti deporessant upon the advice of one of my docs, so hopefully that will get me feeling more energetic and less like a zombie!

Jenn

April 5, 2011 update

crazy week so far. sadly, i will not be running in the election as i would put myself in conflict of interest and have to resign from my current job or ask and take an unpaid leave of absence.

ok, for you quasi-spammers who have been e-mailing me strange questions about my 'business' you'll have to be a little more specific, and much more personable, if you wish to receive a reply. i'm busy enough a it is.

in other news, i have been advised that my current temp assignment has been extended for another fiscal year, and even more exciting, steps are going to be taken to apply for reclassification, so i may get a slight bump up in wage, which would be really nice.

Jenn

Saturday, April 2, 2011

April 2, 2011 - Running of a Different Type? The Animal Alliance Environment Voters Party of Canada

Well, most of you reading this are probably unaware that there are 19 officially registered federal political parties in Canada at this time. One of them is the Animal Alliance Environment Voters Party of Canada. They were founded in 2005 by people associated with two existing organizations: Animal Alliance of Canada, and Environment Voters, two non-profit organizations, as a way to be involved directly in the political system and make governments adopt policies that protect the environment and animals. Political laws restrict the amount of political advocacy work that third party organizations may undertake during elections, so these two organizations decided to make this move.

Now, is it ethical for a political party to exist who has no clear intention of winning the election, nor any serious thoughts of even winning political seats? Well, look at the Bloc Quebecois. They also have no intention of winning the election. Their main reason for existing is to promote Quebec separation from Canada. Animal rights and taking care of the environment are two things that have always been close to my heart. I was recently in communication with party leader Elizabeth White, and she seems quite keen to the idea of having me run as a candidate for this party in the election.

So, what's in it for me? Well, obviously, as Bill Siksay pointed out during the third reading in the House of Bill C-389, it is a shame that not one openly transsexual or transgendered person has ever been elected into the House. Not that I suspect that I would have even the faintest hope of winning a seat, should I run in the election for this party, but for me, this would be a great chance to demonstrate trans visibility in the election process.

Now, some may question my priorities in terms of running. is this really about animal and environmental issues? or is this a cheap way to attempt to get some media for trans rights? Well, if I wanted to run exclusively for trans rights, I would do so as an independent candidate. For me to run with the endorsement of a sanctioned political party, would not primarily position me as trans candidate, but a human being (who just so happens to be trans) who stands for what the party is trying to accomplish. This is also a great opportunity for at least one political party to show that they are not afraid or ashamed to embrace transpeople, not only into their political party, but to endorse at least one of them as a candidate.

We need more LGBT people to get involved in Canadian politics. Specifically, we need more transpeople to get involved. Running for parliament under any political stripe would likely bring some public attention to me, and hence, to the trans community as a whole. This would be a great opportunity for me to demonstrate to the world that at least some transpeople are quite open and interested in the betterment of our country. I could demonstrate that I am an articulate, well-spoken, and well-educated person, who is capable of forming rational political stances with analytical visioning and explanations and problem-solving suggestions.

From a personal perspective, there are many pros and cons to running in the election; and more pros and cons to running for this party. I have lots to think about over the next week, as the April 11 deadline approaches for the submission of candidacy applications. I am going to be actively seeking feedback from the st. john's animal and environmental rights community, as well as the global trans community, with regards to this potential idea.

Jenn

March 31, 2011 - ABC!!!

Well, Steven Harper was in town today to launch his campaign. He spoke to a small private audience at the Delta hotel. But the bigger story, was the bigger crowd that gathered outside the Delta to protest his appearance and to support the concept of voting for anybody but him! This impromptu group was put together at the last minute by a group of labour union and student movements.


My two main concerns with the Harper Conservative Government philosophies are their lack of respect for the human rights of trans people, and secondly, and much more importantly, is their lack of respect for the integrity of the Canadian parliamentary system and Canadians. Harper has frequently broken rules, including laws, and has laughed it off stating that Canadians don 't care. He broke more election promises than any other politician that I can remember. He has operated like a dictator when he only had a minority parliament, which meant that he needed to find ways to cooperate with other political parties. He failed. In fact, he became the first political party to ever be held in Contempt of Parliament, a major shame and disgrace, not only for himself, but for the entire country.


International media outlets all over the world have caught on and Canada has lost their reputation as being a caring country that takes an interest in making the world a better place. Canada has even recently been denounced by Amnesty International for our lack of Human Rights.


I am proud to say that I participated in the "ABC" (anybody but Conservative) protest today. Although I was merely a participant, and not an organizer or keynote speaker, I was lucky enough to be captured on photos and videos th at made several major news outlets here, including 6 o'clock newscasts by NTV and CBC.


Some great amateur video footage was captured here at these two sites:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTpkVUiPedA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwLahhavy4Y


A great audio slideshow has been put together here by the Independent:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6DXQ8VE7qs&


It is definitely time for change. Now comes the fun part: deciding which of the other political parties to support!