Hey Paddlers--
Just to be clear, there WILL still be a Women on the Edge dragon boat team for which you can sign up in the spring, no experience necessary and paddle in the North Shore Dragonboat festival the last weekend in July.
The new team we're creating is for those looking to "step it up a notch". We'll be meeting and keeping in touch starting this fall and setting fitness gaols as well as working on paddling form and technique. If this is for you, contact us soon!

Karen and Lisa
kedmand@msn.com
yogadevo@gmail.com

Off the Edge Dragon Boat Team

It happens every year, after the rush of the final heat, the murmurings begin that last day of July in Grand Marais at the Dragon Boat festival...What if we had a few practices...what if we worked together a bit more, could we win???
 

Ok, you competetive girls (and you know who you are!) let's cut the chatter and give it a go!!  Let's meet this fall to set some fitness goals, plan some fun cross training and work on a little paddling technique. We'll start this fall with some fitness goals and paddling technique exercises, keep in touch via e-mail and a meeting or two over the winter and spring (hopefully getting out on some water!) and next summer:  The North Shore Dragon Boat Festival in Grand Marais  AND Phalen Dragon Boat Festival in St. Paul!

 

Don't let the thought of one more time commitment scare you away.  This will be FUN!  We'll have things you can do individually and a few group activities, too! 

 

 

 We need 20 committed team mates. Please email Lisa Ender yogadevo@gmail.com or Karen Anderson  kedmand@msn.com by Sept 15 with any questions and we will let you know the secret location of the first meeting, where we'll have more details.  Even if you aren't sure, you could still come to the meeting to check it out!!!

 

 

Paddles up!

Lisa and Karen

North Shore Dragon Boat Festival 2011

Oh My Word, we had such a great time. 42 women, 2 teams, One Spirit. We hit the parade grounds all gussied up for a royal wedding as Princess Kate IS a Dragon Boater you know! We won the "Best in Parade" honors and this time we got a prize! Pie and Ice....scrapers! Yep, we won four pies from the pie place and they were DEEE licious !!

Now off to the races. There were 5 women's teams this year. Of course The Otters and the Birkies were there. And a new team, the BB's. They were formidable opponents! They were young and strong, but in the finals it was a 3 boat race. They edged us out by only .3 seconds. And the Otters were not that far ahead. They are totally beatable, wait til next year. Post race traditions were fully observed.... 

Hudson Bay Bound: Livin' the Dream: Downstream

Hudson Bay Bound: Livin' the Dream: Downstream

Hudson Bay Bound

Two young women bound for Hudson Bay, Check out their blog

Wednesdays Rock: Climbing With Women

Wednesdays Rock: Climbing With Women: "The experience of a guy who pretended he was a woman (Well, not really. He just put on a wig.) and went climbing with a bunch of women. I li..."

Women on the Edge Gone Wild!

New Adventure!!
Friday, August 26, 4:00 p.m. Sunday Aug 28
Learn fly fishing, dockside devotions, pontoon knee boarding and tubing, Yogadevotion, diving contests, yard games, ATV’S, exploration of Mud Hen Lake by kayak, all one hour away from your home! Prizes for the smallest and ugliest fish. All meals cooked on the campfire. What do you want for $99? Sign up and see what you get! Kellie Cardinal and Lisa Ender will host this event at Kellie’s cabin near Siren, Wisconsin.

Hey paddlers!! July 29 is approaching! There are only TWO spots left for this crazy-fun event!

Next meeting: July 14, 7pm at St. Andrews

paddles up!

A Royal Gathering!

Women on the Edge will hold the first meeting for the 2011 Dragon Boat Team this Thursday, April 28 at 7:00 in the Fireside Lounge in the Great Hall

That is the fact.

The freaky part is that the boat is already full and we are working on Team 2! I know, it's crazy.

Let that be an indicator to you, this event is fun. There is a sign up deadline of June 1, 

but if I were you and I just might be, I would either sign up now, or come Thursday and sign up.

This is royally nutz.

and Carole, what the heck?

2glass, we need you.

Kneisl, are you onboard? Angie, Pepper Anne? Texas?

Here are the details and some downright convincing propaganda

Friday, July 29-july 31,
Be a part of the St. Andrews WOTE Dragon Boat Race Team! Once again, Grand Marais, MN and the shores of Lake Superior will be the stage for the Dragon Boat Festival. No paddling or parade experience needed. We will camp in the Municipal Campground. An info/planning meeting for all interested women: Thurs. April 28th 7pm St. Andrew's Fireside Lounge. Your fee of $125 reserves your spot in the boat.
Click here to register.

Here are some comments from last year

What a strong, crazy, fun bunch of women! The positive energy was vibrant, making me wish we could do this every month...if only MN winters didn't last so long and families weren't such a strong draw. Many thanks for all the love and good times. Great name for us Mary, "Girls with the Dragon Tattoos", very edgy!

I wanted to express my thanks for the absolutely WONderful weekend I had with you all. You were warm and inviting and darn fun to play with! And let me reiterate others' expressed sentiments when I say that I came out of this weekend having a new sense of personal accomplishment, as well as the enjoyment of sharing that communal experience with such great women. And yes, I'm wearing my tattoo proudly for all to see (and ask me about)!!
I do have a lot of photos and will forward some to you as I get them downloaded.
Thank you all again. I loved it

Thanks Lisa and all else, everyone had their place in making for a great time in the wonderous north. We are already talking about joining in again next year! "Sweet Pea"


Hey, Girls with the Dragon Tatoos- It was great to be paddlin' with you all up in the land we love! THANK YOU, organizers and cooks! Has the popcorn salad recipe been posted?
Peace, Mary Straiton
I wanted to tell you that all of my bookclub/college friends told me - multiple times - how much they loved being a part of Women on the Edge. They were thrilled to meet so many women in an atmosphere of such openness and acceptance.

"Also, so rejuvenating to be out with such lovely surroundings. Not to mention the extraordinary company. Looking forward to next year." - Sweet Pea

"As much as I hate using psycho-babble buzzwords, I came away from this experience feeling quite 'empowered' as a woman, and as an individual that can accomplish something difficult if I really try hard (and don't pass out)." - Jan

Tomorrow

Come on up to the Great Hall at St. Andrew's. Troy from Gateway Cycle will give us a little info on preparing our bikes for spring riding and then we ride. Meet up at 9 am.

Lisa

Paddles Update

Ok, Boat number one is full. On to Boat number 2. I would suggest to hurry up and decide. It's a boatload of fun you know.

DRAGONBOAT DATES UPDATE

Hey Paddlers! It has come to our attention that in a few places (the registration page, the brochure) we put in the wrong dates for this trip so here it is: Women on the Edge Dragonboat team weekend is: Fri. July 29-Sun July 31 The boat is now more than 1/2 full--don't miss out!!!!!

Did I Mention?

The Dragon Boat is half full, but the team won't be complete until YOU sign up! For once, put your event on the calendar in ink, let everything else fall around it.click here, it's easy. Click here.

Women on the Ledge- Basic Outdoor Rock-climbing

Sunday, May 1 10:30 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.
$55
Climb into summer with an introductory rock climbing lesson at Taylor’s Falls. We will meet at St. Andrew’s and car pool to this destination climbing location on the beautiful St. Croix. Bring a lunch. All safety equipment and expert instruction will be provided by Vertical Endeavors. Please click here to register before April 20.

WoWie

There are nine in the boat so far! Don't miss the boat, sign up at this link. On the registration form you may see some wrong dates, please disregard those. The event date is..July 30th- Aug 1.

North Shore Dragon Boat Festival

Friday, July 30 – Sunday, Aug 1,
Be a part of the St. Andrews WOTE Dragon Boat Race Team! Once again, Grand Marais, MN and the shores of Lake Superior will be the stage for the Dragon Boat Festival. No paddling or parade experience needed. We will camp in the Municipal Campground. An info/planning meeting for all interested women: Thurs. April 28th 7pm St. Andrew's Fireside Lounge. Your fee of $125 reserves your spot in the boat.
Click here to register.

Here are some comments from last year

What a strong, crazy, fun bunch of women! The positive energy was vibrant, making me wish we could do this every month...if only MN winters didn't last so long and families weren't such a strong draw. Many thanks for all the love and good times. Great name for us Mary, "Girls with the Dragon Tattoos", very edgy!

I wanted to express my thanks for the absolutely WONderful weekend I had with you all. You were warm and inviting and darn fun to play with! And let me reiterate others' expressed sentiments when I say that I came out of this weekend having a new sense of personal accomplishment, as well as the enjoyment of sharing that communal experience with such great women. And yes, I'm wearing my tattoo proudly for all to see (and ask me about)!!
I do have a lot of photos and will forward some to you as I get them downloaded.
Thank you all again. I loved it

Thanks Lisa and all else, everyone had their place in making for a great time in the wonderous north. We are already talking about joining in again next year! "Sweet Pea"


Hey, Girls with the Dragon Tatoos- It was great to be paddlin' with you all up in the land we love! THANK YOU, organizers and cooks! Has the popcorn salad recipe been posted?
Peace, Mary Straiton
I wanted to tell you that all of my bookclub/college friends told me - multiple times - how much they loved being a part of Women on the Edge. They were thrilled to meet so many women in an atmosphere of such openness and acceptance.

"Also, so rejuvenating to be out with such lovely surroundings. Not to mention the extraordinary company. Looking forward to next year." - Sweet Pea

"As much as I hate using psycho-babble buzzwords, I came away from this experience feeling quite 'empowered' as a woman, and as an individual that can accomplish something difficult if I really try hard (and don't pass out)." - Jan

Training/How-To : New Balance - StumbleUpon

Training/How-To : New Balance - StumbleUpon

Dragon Boat Fever!!

It's starting to build!
Once again, Women on the Edge will be participating in the North Shore Dragon Boat Festival in Grand Marais, MN July 29-31.

Online registration is open click here

We'd love to fill two boats again and registering early will assure your place in one!
First meeting for this fun event will be Thurs. April 28th 7pm.

More info. to come!
Don't miss the boat!

Carrin, Lisa, Karen

Sacred ritual

Sacred ritual

Women on Wheels! Bike Clinic and Ride

Saturday, April 23, 9:00 a.m.
Learn basic bike maintenance for Troy of Gateway Cycle. He will show us how to get our bikes ready for spring riding and how to change a flat tire! I hope I never use that skill, but a gal should be prepared. Then, We will ride!

Running Values

By Our Readers on February 15, 2011 | Ann Mehl, Running

Inspiration for marathoners and those just beginning
from Ann Mehl, annmehl.com

Over the span of 15 years, I have run more than 40 marathons – NYC, Boston, Chicago, Marine Corps (my favorite), the Washington, D.C., Berlin, Stockholm, Quebec City, St. Louis, God’s Country Marathon in Pennsylvania, the New Jersey Shore and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in San Diego, to name but a few.

Running grants me confidence and a positive outlook on everything. Even on my worst days, I gain inner strength and personal satisfaction simply from trying. Any single marathon is a triumph. Each time I line up for a new race, I feel nervous. But it is the feeling of accomplishment that I receive after having completed the event that keeps me coming back for more. Whatever your own personal marathon, I believe that the same mind-set I use in prepping for long-distance-running events may speak to you as well. These are not rules, but more a set of values to keep in mind when you’re setting out to accomplish any worthwhile goal.

1. Stretch. Not much happens of any significance when we’re in our comfort zone. Had I not dared to stretch myself beyond the one-mile distance, I may have never known my full potential. I ran my first marathon in Boston in 1993 to prove to myself that I am strong and capable. The marathon taught me that I could achieve anything when I put my heart and mind into something. Stretch yourself. Surprise yourself. Do one thing each day that scares you.
2. Make the time. Whether you want to run a marathon or write a book, it all begins with carving out the necessary time. We all have the same 24 hours in a day. So why do some people seem to do accomplish so much more? They do it by giving themselves the time. Create a short, achievable list of priorities, and then make the time.
3. Pay attention to the inner voice. It is your constant traveling companion, and it can be your greatest friend or worst enemy. Snag any limiting voice when it surfaces, and identify that it is your fear talking. Learn to identify negative self-talk patterns and replace them with more constructive inner dialogue. Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, either way you are usually right, to paraphrase Henry Ford.
4. Just show up. According to Woody Allen, 80 percent of success is just showing up. That means you can’t run a race if you don’t make it to the start line. Don’t be too easily swayed by your moods. Even when you don’t initially feel like doing something, just taking the very first step will usually help you get in (and stay in) the mood.
5. Tune out the noise. Modern living is full of noise – literally and figuratively. Too much of it, and it can distract you from what you need to accomplish. Learn to quiet down your internal and external environment to the point where you can truly hear yourself. It will help you to stay focused and conserve precious energy.
6. Take in the view. When I am running, I often have to remind myself to take in the view. A new city, changing seasons – there’s a lot to enjoy. Doing this helps me to stay in the moment and distracts me from whatever temporary discomfort I may feel. It also provides an energy booster when I look up and smile or talk to someone. Same as in life, as in running. As the saying goes, life is a journey, not a destination.
7. Sometimes you’ll stumble. False starts are central to the process of running. So you miss a day’s training or you go nuts on dessert. Big deal! Start over again tomorrow. Perfectionism only causes stress and anxiety and will eventually lead to burnout.
8. Buddy up. No man is an island, as John Donne once noted. Develop and nurture a healthy network of friends and partners who will support you in your endeavors. You will need them when the going gets tough. I believe that we carry one another in spirit. When someone falls down, go back and help them up. You may be able to do it all on your own, but you don’t have to. Model yourself after others if it will help you to move forward.
9. Laugh. Don’t take life, running, or yourself too seriously. And there’s a lot to laugh at (especially in the marathon!). One good belly laugh a day is essential for optimal mental and physical health.
10. Run your own race. Ultimately, only you decide how you will run the race. Nobody else can run it for you. Learn to listen to and trust your own intuition. You may take the counsel of those you trust, but don’t be afraid to disregard it if you feel you know better. Dare to listen to the beat of your own drummer. Nobody knows you better than you do.

Submitted by Ann Mehl. Ann is a certified Life & Career Coach through the Life Purpose Institute and Martha Beck’s NorthStar program. Learn more about Ann at

www.annmehl.com or contact her at ann.mehl@gmail.com for a free consultation

Friends of WI Interstate State Park

This looks like fun!


 Candlelight Night at the park is this Saturday, February 12 from 6:00-9:00PM. You can ski, snowshoe, or walk on trails by candlelight. Chili, Hot Dogs & Refreshments will be available at the Ice Age Center

Women on the Edge Sea Kayak, White Water Raft and Hiking Adventure

Friday, June 3, 5 p.m. – Sunday, June 5, 5 p.m.
$160
We’ll arrive at Jay Cooke State Park on Friday evening, settle into camper cabins and take a expedition of our beautiful surroundings. On Saturday we experience the adrenaline rush of whitewater rafting. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy a thrilling adventure on this remote, scenic, whitewater stretch of the St. Louis River. Later we will hike the Jay Cooke park trails which link up to the Willard Munger State Trail, checkout the wild flowers and experience the swinging suspension bridge high above the raging St. Louis River, with options to visit the historic cemetery and the gorge at Thomson Dam. We’ll worship under the stars Saturday evening. Sunday we will embark on a flat-water sea kayaking adventure on pristine Lake Carlton. A non refundable deposit of $50 is due upon registration, balance of $110 is due by May 7, 2011. Click here to register. Call Carrin Mahmood at 651-762-9119 for more information

Lisa,

Thank you so much for organizing this trip. I am so glad I was able to be a part of it. I feel both renewed and empowered by the experience. It was a blast!

Please pass along my thanks to Carin and Karen. The three of you make a wonderful team. I look forward to joining you on future adventures!

Sincerely,

Natalie Hoppe

Couch to 5k will follow this program

Check it out, click here

Thank you YMCA Camp Menogyn

We had a fabulous time.

Perfect conditions for Women on the Edge dogsled ski and snowshoe trip!

Kindred sisterhood: On the Edge everyday

I work out at my local "Y" on a regular basis and happen to go at a time of day when many of the "Silver Sneakers" members are there. These older folks are there faithfully and usually stay after their exercise time is through for some camaraderie and conversation around the tables in the Commons area. More often than not, their discussions are peppered with laughter.

In the locker room with the older women, many in their 70's and 80's, I'm always struck by their resilience and tenacity. Those old bodies show a history, tell the stories of lives that haven't always been easy. There are missing breasts, scars from surgeries, canes, walkers, glasses, gnarled joints and yet, here they are. They bolster each other, listen, share stories. They keep showing up, keep laughing, keep moving forward.

These are true "women on the edge", in fact we all are! Life is tough and no one is given a free pass to avoid what is unpleasant or difficult, but what God has given us are the gifts of compassion for others and an amazing strength of spirit. Exercising those gifts, along with a healthy dose of laughter, can do wonders to help ourselves and each other keep on moving down this path of life.

Karen Anderson

PLAY IN THE SNOW!!!

C'mon, you know you want to! Join us on Jan. 20th at Camp Menogyn on the Gunflint Trail for a weekend of good company, hearty food, lovely (indoor) accomodations and a wonderland of snow. You'll feel your senses wake up and come alive again!! This is your year--sign up now!

Still Trying to shred

We are cancelling the Jan. 9th "Women on the Edge" snowboard event due to lack of participation for the 9th, but I found a new, even better, DEAL on Trollhaugen's website (see below for details).  I think two or three women from St. Andrew's might go on 1/16.  If you've ever thought about giving snowboarding a try, this is a super cheap way to try it and it would be fun to do with a group of WOMEN.  (And if you're worried about your wrists, wear wrist-guards.  I do!  Same ones you use for roller-blading.)

 

Link: http://www.trollhaugen.com/news.php?nID=60   $15 for Lift, Lesson, and Rental - By reservation only, Limited Space Available!  Ages 10+.  Lift Ticket becomes valid after lesson completion.  All those who complete the session will receive a voucher for a lift ticket, lesson, and rental for only $25.  This program is for beginners only.

 

What a bargain!  (Lift ticket alone normally costs $41.)  I can't go 1/8 or 1/29, but I will definitely be at Trollhaugen on 1/16.  This is filling up fast, even since just this morning.  Please pre-register yourself with Trollhaugen's website or phone # (not thru me or St. Andrew's) and let me know you're going.

Michelle