First One…

I remember my first one… do you?  It was October 2001 in Kelowna.  The air was crisp that day, a balmy four degrees Celsius outside and I felt ready to get the job done.  I was getting ready to run the Okanagan Marathon… my first foray into the distance.  Back in December of 2000 IContinue reading “First One…”

Choose Your Own Adventure

Growing up, I loved a series of books called Choose Your Own Adventure. If you are between thirty-five- and forty-five-years old right now, you probably read these too when you were in elementary school. Each book had a different theme, but at the end of every few pages you had to make a choice andContinue reading “Choose Your Own Adventure”

Why Trailing Is So Important Right Now…

The term self-isolation make me feel very uncomfortable.  This isn’t because I do not think it is important… but it creates a sense that you do not have control of things in your life and that you need to limit yourself to regain that control.  Now at this time, self-isolation is mandatory for anyone thatContinue reading “Why Trailing Is So Important Right Now…”

Her name is Rio…

I love classic rock. There is nothing else I would rather listen to. Well, maybe anything 80’s or early ’90’s. Actually there is some good old school rap out there as well. And don’t forget the classics of the ’60’s and ’70’s. Come to think about it, today’s music is pretty good too for theContinue reading “Her name is Rio…”

For Miles And Miles… A Community Like No Other

The majority of people that are “trailing” are competitive to a certain degree; of this there is no doubt. However, it has been well documented just how inclusive, supportive and non-competitive activities such as trail running are. Sure, there will always be your elite competitors that make the rest of us, even on our bestContinue reading “For Miles And Miles… A Community Like No Other”

Rocks, Roots, Elevation and Enlightenment…

It is 4:30am on a Thursday morning this past fall and I am about to step out the door into the black, damp abyss that I call my neighbourhood. It has been raining all night and I can see the once beautiful fall leaves now covering the ground before me. What am I doing leavingContinue reading “Rocks, Roots, Elevation and Enlightenment…”

Hills of the Prairies… this is the Blackfoot Ultra

I have been out on course for two hours and fourteen minutes. It is definitely not the fastest that I have ever run this course, but I overall I am pleased with the outcome. I had hoped to run the 25km course in under two hours and fifteen minutes, so I am right on trackContinue reading “Hills of the Prairies… this is the Blackfoot Ultra”

When Hypothermia Sets In…

It is about 12kms into the 50km Canadian River Valley Revenge and I see Eric climb out of the ravine looking strong.  Surprisingly, he is the first runner through on the snowy single track and is followed about a minute later by a pack of three runners, all with frosty toques and icy beards.  TheContinue reading “When Hypothermia Sets In…”

A 50km Trail Race in the Dead of Winter…

It is 5:00 am on a Thursday a few weeks ago and as I stumble downstairs with my eyes half open, wondering if I put my shirt on backwards or my slippers on the proper feet, I am greeted by a cheery voice.  “Morning Dad!” Am I hearing things? That couldn’t possibly be Eric upContinue reading “A 50km Trail Race in the Dead of Winter…”

Wait, did the bearspray get packed?

I am five kilometres into my final leg at the Blackspur Ultra this past August.  Dusk has set and its about to get quite dark once the trail drops back into the trees.  I look down at my watch and notice the battery icon is flashing. Crap. I forgot to get Eric’s watch after IContinue reading “Wait, did the bearspray get packed?”