Belinda Kissack

Today, I read an article about Whelks (a marine snail) from my UBC alumni magazine “Synergy”. The article discussed how bioengineers were studying the whelk because it has this ability to create an incredibly strong material that is used to house each of its eggs. Bioengineers hope to learn about the material created by the whelk so that they can learn to create a material with similar properties. Part of the process in creating this egg capsule is that after the capsule is released, the whelk begins to massage it in 10 minute increments for one hour using it’s foot. (In case you didn’t know, they don’t have hands). One of the interesting findings about the egg capsule material produced by the whelk is this. Scientists found that when they studied the strength of this material when it is first released and prior to its massage, it has no strength. They also found that the egg capsule never develops this strength unless it receives this massage. When I read about these amazing creatures, my first thought was I have a friend who would love to read this article and my second thought was “How can a simple sea snail have such advanced needs?” I thought only “higher life” forms required touch. Human beings that are deprived of touch will also fail to thrive. Who knew that we had this in common with Sea Snails?

Belinda Kissack is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Canadian Certified Counsellor who every now and then (particularly on snowy days) reflects back on her early sciences training. She offers relationship coaching and counselling in the Cowichan Valley.

June 9, 2008

I am happy to say that I ran my marthon last week and survived. I was very happy with my results as well. We had fantastic weather and a very flat course. There were camber issues at mile 13 which resulted in a sore IT band for me. I finally found the muscle causing the cramp 4 miles later and was then able to massage it intermittently. At mile 19 there were oysters to sample which I decided to try. I had been suffering from a lack of salt and reasoned that the oysters and cocktail sauce would likely help out my twitching muscles. The formula was perfect, until i had another sip of water which threw off my body chemistry again. I have learned from others that when the muscles on the verge of cramping to slow down which i did. I managed to stick to my 9 and 1 minute run and walk breaks. However, as I slowed down I only allowed myself to stop once per mile which was more like a 12 and 1. But that’s okay. I was happy to persevere and felt confident given the little amount of training that I did. In the weeks leading up to the race, I told myself that I would not do another marathon, but after experiencing perfect race conditions and a great race venue, I just might do another one. But not before I race my sprint triathlon in Qualicum coming up at the end of the month.

Belinda Kissack is a Registered Clinical Counsellor in the Cowichan Valley and trains for running races and triathlons in her free time.