Jumping not only on the Track, but for Jump Rope For Heart with St. Dunstan

This past year St. Dunstan Catholic School in Scarborough, Ontario CANADA has been my assigned school in the Adopt-An-Athlete program with the Canadian Olympic Committee. 

It has been an incredible experience.  I’ve had the opportunity to form special relationships with the students and teachers.  While they may boast that they are my fans, I am truly their fans!  Their energy, spirit and drive are very admirable. 

Recently, we came up with the idea to raise money for the Heart and Stroke Foundation via Jump Rope for Heart.  Jump Rope For Heart is a fundraising activity which teaches children the importance of physical activity, healthy eating and giving to others.  Heart disease and stroke are among the leading causes of death within Canada.  “The Heart and Stroke Foundation is a volunteer-based health charity, committed to eliminating heart disease and stroke, and reducing their impact through (1) the advancement of research and its application; (2) the promotion of healthy living; and (3) advocacy.”

As a child, Jump Rope for Heart was always my favourite fundraising activity in school.  It’s no wonder I’ve become a high jumper.  And while we were supporting a great cause, there is something about jumping.  You just can’t help smiling while jumping…. Yes, it sure feels good!

Having the opportunity to participate in it once again with the students of St. Dunstan was an incredible feeling.  I literally spent the whole day at St. Dunstan and the time went by fast.  By the time the bell rang at 3:30pm I couldn’t believe it was over. 

As promised to St. Dunstan, here is the video of the fabulous effort demonstrated with Jump Rope for Heart, and a special clip of the Ms. Watkin’s Grade 8 class!  Well done!

To find out more visit www.heartandstroke.ca

Want to support the Heart & Stroke Foundation and have a chance to win millions of dollars?  Enter the Heart and Stroke Foundation Lottery.  One in 3 have a chance to win!

PART II - SPORTS MATTER... The Benefits of Sports VS. Health & Education Concerns (Achtung Series)

Last week I charged that I would discuss the value of sports, our need to prioritize it and get behind hosting the Olympic Games in Canada instead of opposing it... This is a week of blogs completely dedicated to sports.  My hope - to have you take a second & different look at sports.  Up first on the choping block - The Value of Sports. (Tomorrow's Blog - Why Sports needs to be a priority in Canada)

Ask any Canadian and usually they will tell you education and healthcare are their top concerns when it comes to funding and politics.  Education concerns include literacy, problem-solving, making the grade and post-secondary education.  Conversely, healthcare is under the strain of the aging baby boomers and diseases such as Type II diabetes (once only seen in adults) rapidly being seen in kids at an alarming rate.  Saying our healthcare is stressed is in an understatement.  The number one cause of death in Canada is lifestyle related (i.e. cancer & heart disease)… Not age related!  Considered another way, people are expiring well BEFORE they are intended to and it is preventative! 

And in the midst of this you have athletes, sports organization and recreation requesting support from the government.  Not surprisingly, the average Canadian is not so eager to support sports when we can barely afford the demands of education and healthcare (Canadian’s priority).

However, I argue sports just may be the cornerstone and saving grace to education and healthcare concerns.  While many Canadians may be up in arms of supporting athletes and the participation of sports in Canada - activities which PREVENT the dependency on our healthcare system - wouldn’t it make more sense to be up in arms over people who choose to have a sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle crippling our health care system?

Likewise, what if I was to tell you that being involved in sports, taught youth transferable skills to academics and that they were more likely to achieve a higher level of education?  Wouldn’t it be a worthwhile endeavor to invest into?

It’s time that Canadians stop treating sports as just an extracurricular activity, and realize our future of free healthcare and formidable education is dependent on it.   Here is a glimpse at just a few of the benefits that sports offers (beyond the podium).

Photo: An important life lesson. Tyler Anderson

 A Few Benefits of Sports 

• Contribute significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
• Prevents healthcare expenditure
• Leads to fewer sick days, reduced turn-over and to increased productivity at work
• Leads to fewer sick days and to increased productivity at school
• A key component to preventing many illnesses and treating diseases
• Improves one’s psychological/mental wellness (i.e. depression)
• Improves the quality of one’s life
• Youth are less likely to engage in risky behavior
• Youth are less likely to join a gang
• Youth are less likely to experience teenage pregnancy
• More likely to be involved in physical activity and adopt a healthy lifestyle for one’s entire life if involved in sports during high school – THIS COULD BE THE KEY TO REDUCING HEALTHCARE COSTS IN THE FUTURE!
• More likely to adopt a healthy eating habits
• Linked to positive educational trajectories
• Makes school a more enjoyable experience
• More likely to achieve higher grades
• More likely to achieve a higher level of education
• Teaches transferable skills to academic learning
• Builds character  (i.e. perseverance, willingness to take risk, discipline… etc)
• Improves memory, observation, problems-solving, decision making, attitude, behaviour, and creativity
• Teaches the value of applying effort
• Teaches effective goal-setting
• Promotes will power
• Improves self-confidence
• Teaches students how to handle failures
• Teaches students resiliency
• Teaches the pursuit of excellence both on and off the field
• Teaches team work
• Teaches how to multitask
• Teaches how to effectively manage one’s time

• Teaches discipline
• Teaches how to support others
• Forges friendship
• More likely to engage in citizenship and social responsibility (giving back to the community)
• Stops wars – THAT’S PRETTY IMPRESSIVE (what else does that?)
• Supports cultural development of a country
• Exposes young athletes to cultures and varying world attitudes

• Appreciates diversity
• Does not discriminate

REFERENCES

Eccles, J. S., & Barber, B. L., 1999. Student council, volunteering, basketball, or marching band: What kind of extracurricular involvement matters? Journal of Adolescent Research. 14, 10-43.

Erin Hoops Basketball's Effect on Learning

Government of Canada

Guest, A & Schneider B., 2003. Adolescents' extracurricular participation in context: The mediating effects of schools, communities, and identity. Sociology of Education. 76, 89-109.  

Halstead, J. A., 1990. The Importance and Value of Sports. Ministry of Tourism and Recreation - Province of Ontario, Canada

Statistics Canada

Katz, N., 2001. Sports teams as a model for workplace teams: Lessons and liabilities. Academy of Management Executive. 15, 56-67.

The Value of Sport and Recreation. Governement of Western Australia - Department of Sport and Recreation.

THAT DISSERTATION

So, I’ve been busily working away on my dissertation and let me tell you it’s a process.  I mean there are times where I may kick into overdrive and start writing like it is nobody’s business and there are times where I will get stuck.  And when I truly get stuck, writing a sentence can feel incredibly difficult and painful.

When I first embarked on this dissertation journey, I was convinced I’d be able to plow through it.  I had heard the horror stories of writing.  In fact, I remember reading somewhere that only 46% of people who pursue a PhD actually graduate.  That’s some scary statistics.  I even read the many articles on “How to Write Your Dissertation,” and felt I’d be OKAY!  Well, who knew the grandness of my naivety?

A dissertation may mean becoming an expert on a research question that has not been explored before.  Ironically, the more I learn the more I realize how little I know.  Quite a contrast from when I graduated with my undergraduate degrees.

I’ve mentioned a few times how excited I am about my dissertation topic.  Yet, at the same time, I often find myself overly cautious.  Whether it is in my methodology or literature review, I want to make sure I’ve considered everything has close to perfection as I can.  Yet, I may doubt my efforts because I am not an experienced researcher like the amazing professors on my committee. 

Additionally, my dissertation involves qualitative analysis.  I’ve come from a background of hard science, whereby research is dominated by quantitative analysis.  Qualitative analysis is non-numerical in nature and is based more on attributes.  For example a focus group or an interview would be considered qualitative.  The responses of participants may be recorded, transcribed and coded into themes.  The process is iterative and progressive, as well as laborious.  Suddenly, multivariate equations in quantitative analysis seem like a joy. 

I guess the truth of the matter, is while one might write their dissertation on their own, we are not on our own.  Most PhD students writing their dissertation will share similar stories of challenges and joy involved.  And if you’re lucky you may have an amazing committee to help guide you in the process to ensure you produce scholarly research.

Like the road to the Olympic Games, it is a journey like no other!

Exploring,

Nicole

When It Comes To Competition Shouldn't We Train The Mind Like We Train The Body?

Each week on Facebook I post a "Random Question of the Day".  I have no idea where these questions come from… (My mind feels like it is going a mile a second and I guess from these idle thoughts pops a random question.. who knows?) 

Anywho, I’ve recently posted a couple of questions with regards to what makes a great athlete phenomenal….  (Incidentally, this is the premise of my dissertation.)  Not surprisingly, mental attributes such as confidence, focus, passion, resiliency and mental toughness were the responses mainly  provided.  Obviously, I’m in agreement with that, and there is strong literature support. 

However, if many people value the mental attributes of athletes why isn’t this area worked on in training as much as the physical elements are?  It seems asinine to expect psychological excellence to just exist without refinement.  Doesn’t it stand to reason that even the most advanced mentally tough athlete would benefit from working on this area in addition to the physical elements?

Often, the athletes that seek sports psychology consultation are those when their performances have gotten unbarably bad.  I’ve worked with athletes’ weeks before a major championship.  At this point, they are desperate and the balance of their season is dependent on this one day looming ahead.

I believe psychological skills training is something which should be incorporated through the course of one’s training.  In the coming weeks I’ll blog more on the various factors – such as improving one’s self-confidence, goal-setting and distraction control.  Perhaps, at the very least it may encourage people to consider a proactive approach to psychological excellence.

Supporter of Psychological Skills Training,

Nicole

 

From Spikes to Books - The Juggling Act of Academics & Athletics

I had a professor once tell me, “Nicole, doing a PhD is like the Olympics of academics.  You are also an athlete training for the Olympic Games.  Don’t underestimate these challenges combined.”

I think when I began my doctoral studies I was naive about its demands.  Indeed, in many ways it is the Olympics of academics.  I’ve never worked harder academically, as I have with my doctoral studies.  Ironically, the more I learn, the more I realize how little I know. 

I’m currently in the final stages of my studies - My Dissertation.  The dissertation can be considered the masterpiece product for a doctoral student.  Building off of theories, concepts and previous studies, I’m exploring something that has never been studied before.  This can be challenging and exciting at the same time. 

The process is continuous – staying up to date with the latest research revealed, writing, editing, writing, editing, analysis, reading, re-reading, pondering concepts and theories, interpreting data and so on…. It’s easy to get stuck in the process and grow tired of your research.  Fortunately my passion for my dissertation topic has kept me from growing tired of it; however, I’ve certainly been stuck numerous times. 

But, I’m not just a full-time student. I am also a professional Track & Field athlete… that is my job.  There are times when I come home from practice, completely exhausted and wanting to just pass out on the couch.  But, instead I hurriedly shower, eat dinner and rush off to the library to work on my academics to the wee hours in the morning.

Ironically, in spite of being an elite athlete, where diet and sleep are important components, I’ve had to compromise on sleep through the years.  My sleep normality would be a nightmare for most athletes.  The worse it has ever been was in 2007, when I was averaging 4 hours sleep a night. 

As I travel and compete around the world, my studies are always close at hands. Even in my competition bag, ready to be read and/or worked on immediately following my cool down.

I think I have one gear and that’s GO!!!!  But, it works for me.  Obviously I love academics and athletics.  And one without the other would feel foreign to me.

The Olympian Nerd,

Nicole

Writing that DISSERTATION...

 So here I am at the coffee shop (my usual location) working away on my dissertation, and stopping to take a quick study break (to write this blog). 

I am currently reviewing recent research, pondering over my methods, while also considering what I have already written in my Chapter 2.  It’s a process that seems like it could go on forever, and if I’m not careful I can easily get caught up searching for research minimally related to mine, instead of writing.   My problem is I LOVE reading and exploring what has been researched and written…  I am also passionate about my dissertation topic, which seems to only amplify my perfectionist ways…  This can be a good and bad thing… but definitely tacks on a lot of time to the completion of my dissertation.

 My PhD study has been atypical in the sense that I’ve had to balance my job as a professional athlete, while also being a doctoral student.  As one of my dissertation committee members once mentioned to me, a PhD is like the Olympics of academics.  It’s A LOT of work.  I can attest that this is the hardest I have ever worked academically.  Currently, I’m trying to be re-embedded in my research as I was prior to the holidays.  I’m learning, when you’ve written over a hundred pages and you still have much writing to do, any break taken can cost you some serious time, getting caught up to speed with what you’ve already written….( Ughh… right about now I am regretting taking a break during the Christmas holidays)

The pursuit of a PhD varies across programs.  At my school, Michigan State University, I refer to my program as a very traditional program.  There are courses one must complete, research, a comprehensive exam, dissertation proposal and the defense of a dissertation.  The time frame can range from 4 to 8 years to complete… You better be passionate about what you’re studying or this process can be grueling.  Less than half of students ever actually complete their PhD.  It is intense and not for the faint at heart.  I am currently at the step before defending my dissertation, and I have an AMAZING dissertation committee that pushes me to provide a paramount dissertation.   I barely see the light at the end of the tunnel, but it is enough to remind me that what I’m doing is so worth it.  

Oh, and if you’re wondering what my dissertation topic is, it’s “Good to great in athletics; how and why some athletes make the leap and others don’t.”

Getting back to my dissertation writing,

Nicole

The University of Michigan vs. Michigan State University

“You’re a traitor! How can you have done your undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan and now you’re doing your PhD at Michigan State University?” says the customs agents to me most times as I cross the border into the USA.

Michigan State University and the University of Michigan are 100km/ 60 miles away from each other, and are both in the Big Ten Conference. The rivalry between these two schools seems to extend to even border control. It seems that most people in Michigan favours either the University of Michigan or Michigan State University, but never both. And being that I am both a Wolverine and a Spartan, opens me up to random comments, head shaking and the constant question why? On one occasion the customs agent said to me “You suck! Yah, I said it and there is nothing you can do about it.” I’d like to believe he was joking.

When I was looking at graduate schools I literally looked at every school across the world offering Sports Psychology. For my interest area, Michigan State University was the best match. Now being someone who bleeds maize and blue, it was initially tough to be on the green and white campus. I mean for 4 years I competed as a student-athlete for the University of Michigan. I’d have such pride as I’d put on my maize and blue uniform and stepped on the track to compete. I set conference, stadiums and school records as a student-athlete there, that still remain in place today! And I credit much of my development into a world-class athlete and thirst for academics to the University of Michigan. So, to cross over to the land of Spartans was definitely a difficult adjustment, initially. Ironically, I currently train at the University of Michigan with my coach James Henry and study at Michigan State University.

The truth is Michigan State University is equally a phenomenal school. I have experienced incredible support, leadership and guidance at Michigan State University. Moreover, being a professional athlete and a PhD student (along with the personal problems of life) is not an easy task to juggle. There are classes, conferences and publications I’ve missed out on because of my athletics. But, my school and advisor, Dr. Feltz, have managed to always understand, while still demanding erudite work. The bar of excellence is constantly being raised. Likewise, I’m surrounded by phenomenal professors and students that you can’t help but want to produce amazing research.

Yes, I am a Spartan but I am also a Wolverine,

In the company of greatness,

Nicole

The Student Athlete Balance

     I can actually say this week I finally I worked myself into exhaustion.   To recover and recharge I’ve invoked a weekend of doing the nothing.  Its noon and I’m literally laying in bed in my PJ’s blogging.  If it weren’t for my Dad’s birthday today, I’d probably try and lay in bed all day.  My days are long and my nights are short.  These days, I am up by 7am and shamefully in bed after 2am.  But, that’s about to change after this weekend!  I’m returning to an optimal sleeping pattern.

     The cause of my sleep deprivation can be linked to my need to be a superhero.  I’m currently, working on my dissertation (at an important phase of the process)  while simultaneously training at a world class level.  However, the work I’ve been doing in both areas have been quite time consuming.  I’ve finally completed the first 3 chapters of my dissertation (in their entirety) and I’m finally exiting this GP phase of training and entering max strength + power conversion phase… Thank GOD!!!!  I must be crazy!  Two years ago when I was completing my comprehensive exam while also preparing to qualify for the Olympic Games, I thought I experienced self inflicted torture.  Seems like I’ve been getting a taste of that lately!  I can honestly say, up to that point in my life I had never worked so hard academically.

     A comprehensive exam is essentially a series of written and oral exams on one’s subject area, whereby, a student must demonstrate a deepened understand of the material.  My doctoral program is a traditional format.  In my case I had 4 written exams in the area of statistics, goal & motivation, sports psychology and coaching & motor development.  The breadths of these exams were infinite, with no guided direction but simply the requirement of understanding the research and knowledge that encompassed each area.  Once I was able to survive the written examination, I than had a 2 hour oral exam conducted by my 5 committee professors, where any question related to each subject area could be asked.  I think I aged by 20 years in the process…. If you fail your comprehensive exams, you are only allowed one more time to journey through the grueling process or you literally fail out of the program.   For those of us who successfully make it through this process, we now adorn the title of PhD Candidate.  The final step for completion is your dissertation.  I’m now in this phase of my study. 

     Probably the one question I get regularly is “how much longer do you have to go till your done?”  The answer is – I don’t know!  I’m hoping sometime between September and October, however, I’m wise enough to know that sometimes research where you are depending on subjects can be merciless and can derail your plans.  At times it seems like an endless process – there is always something to do… and there is so much writing and reading involved.   I’ve chosen to explore “how athletes make the leap from good to great in athletics.”  We all know the Tiger Woods and the Roger Federas who have always been phenomenal.  But, I’m interested in how a Joe Blow who has been average for most of their career all of a suddenly become a Michael Jordan…. And more impressively when they are a mature athlete.   It’s a pretty exciting topic and the first of its kind, but certainly not an easy study. 

     I’m extremely fortunate with the support I have at Michigan State University from my advisor Dr. Deb Feltz to my committee members and the College of Education.  Being a professional athlete while simultaneously being a PhD student has required some flexibility and adaptability of the program to my needs.  While I may complain of sleep deprivation as one minor side effect to this dual pursuit, it is so worth it!  I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.  I am able to benefit from my own knowledge ON and off the track.  And in the end, I’m creating a future for myself that will sustain me long after my track career has ended.

Education may be the greatest Power any superhero can have,

Nicole

Books & Spikes -- Back to the grind…

It’s a Saturday and I’m parked at the coffee shop with my close friend Erica doing homework. This is a familiar sight. Usually after practices, I hurry/rush home to shower, eat dinner and head to one of our various favorite coffee shops to get some work done. Admittedly, my transition back to school has been a little slow. The last time I delved so heavy in my studies was back in May, and now I’m trying to get the wheels in motion.

I feel very fortunate of my situation. I have an amazing advisor (Dr. Deb Feltz) and Dissertation Committee. They’ve been understanding of my athletic pursuits and incredibly supportive. Only recently, have I come to realize how fortunate I am.

A few weeks ago I attended the AthletesCAN forum, and talking with peer athletes in other sports, I really came to understand their difficulties of dually pursuing school and sport (especially for winter and team sport athletes). Where my competitive season is mainly during the summer months, when school is out, many other sports have a competitive season that runs during the months that school is in session. So, athletes who must travel across the world preparing for World Cup and such are not so able to pursue school jointly. And for those who are, they may have to stretch their time to graduating over a much longer period.

It is a difficult road for one to pursue their passion in sport and want to pursue academics, especially if the program is not supportive! Sometimes this can rob sports of incredible athletes, and schools of phenomenal students. Moreover, for the athlete that chooses to pursue their passion of sport (only offered during this short window of their life) they can be penalized when they try to transition into the real world. Minimal work experience and education can leave alternatives limited.

Sometimes I think some people do not recognize amateur sports (especially at the elite level) as a job. But, it is! Athletes are out there training similar to the hours of most jobs, while required to perform A+ when called upon. To be successful in our jobs as athletes we must be diligent, committed, have good time management, with the ability to focus and multitask. We are hard workers and don’t know the meaning of giving up. We breathe resiliency and knowing how to perform under high stress, all the while being viewed under a microscope by arm chair critics. Definitely, transferable skills in any realm of life. Are these not valuable qualities?

And yes, while I may be a doctoral student, I really am of the position that school isn’t for everyone. There are different ways one can learn. The important thing is that you are learning, continually through life. And all the degrees in the world do not make you a better person, especially if you lack virtuous qualities… at least I believe.

The flexibility in my program, has allowed me to take courses at a convenient pace. While I may not have as many publications as my peers, my contribution and progression through my degree are accounted on other merits. I’m never given more than I can handle, and at times when I am perhaps too overzealous, I have an advisor who does a reality check with me. I am grateful, and realize I’m in a rare situation. Thank you Michigan State University and the Department of Kinesiology!

Student-Athlete,
Nicole

The balancing act of school and athletics

In addition to pursuing the Olympic dream, I’m also pursuing a doctorate degree in Sports Psychology at Michigan Sate University. I have just passed my comprehensive exams. This makes me officially a doctorate candidate. This is a huge milestone for any doctoral program.

The exams tested my knowledge in sports psychology and 3 other subject areas, determining my eligibility to continue onto my dissertation. I can honestly say I’ve never worked so hard academically. My exams involved a series of 4 written exams and a 2 hour oral exam, spanning 6 weeks. Just about any question was fair game.

Preparation for the comprehensive exams took months. The process was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. My brain was on fire and I felt like I aged 20 years in the process. But, I survived.

It has been challenging at times to dually pursue athletics and a PhD. But, it’s also been a blessing, since the roads to success are similar for both areas. In fact, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Upwards and Onwards,
Nicole