TrailRunning Canada Issue 8

ISSUE 8

JOHN MUIR TRAIL EXPLORE FRONTENAC PROVINCIAL PARK

Envisions on the

BRUCE TRAIL

SKYRUNNING CANADA WIN AN ENTRY TO ULTRA TRAIL DU MONT ALBERT

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COVER: Sasha Brown and Brian McCurdy running Long Beach in Tofino, BC.

What’s

INSIDE

Photo credit: Brian McCurdy

THE NORTH FACE: COLLINGWOOD

by Scott Garrett

21 WIN AN ULTRA TRAIL DU MONT ALBERT ENTRY

A JOHN MUIR CHALLENGE

by Darren Gladeau

8

35 6

DESTINATION: FRONTENAC PROVINCIAL PARK

by Hannah Johnston

DANIEL DES ROSIERS: THE PASSION OF TRAIL

by Eric Baudouy

15 EDITORIAL

Meet Jonathan and Keith

4

TRAIL DOG: SEÑOR JACK

7

by Abi Moore

18

MAKING MOUNTAINS OUT OF MOLEHILLS

by Kent Keeler

REVIEWS

BOOK REVIEW: RUN GENTLY OUT THERE

BY JOHN MORELOCK

27

THIS SEASON’S...

GEAR ROUND-UP

28 34

ULTIMATE DIRECTION JENNY ULTRA VESTA PACK

20

LESSONS FROM A THROUGH-HIKER

by Linda Barton-Robbins

24

ENVISIONS ON THE BRUCE

by Ekaterina Solovieva

TrailRunningCanada.ca | 3

Meet Jonathan and Keith EDITORS Linda Barton-Robbins Gary Robbins DESIGN & LAYOUT Alex Whyte ADVERTISING & MARKETING Jonathan Schmidt CONTRIBUTORS Linda Barton-Robbins Eric Baudouy Scott Garrett Darren Gladeau Keith Iskiw Hannah Johnston Kent Keeler Abi Moore Kristin Ohm-Pedersen Ekaterina Solovieva Kelly Anne Wald

Have a comment or story?

Write or email us to: TrailRunning Canada 244 Woodhaven Drive Okotoks, AB T1S 1S8 run@trailrunner.ca TrailRunningCanada.ca Copyright 2014 TrailRunning Canada

Trail running has an incredible community and it is our hope in TrailRunning Canada to highlight many of these community members from race directors to elite runners to runners doing unique things and even trail dogs. In this issue, you’ll find profiles on several different people in our Canadian trail running community. We would also like to share with you the people behind the scenes here at TRC.

~ Linda Barton-Robbins

ambassador program, Facebook and Twitter pages.

Jonathan Schmidt grew up in Kitchener, Ontario enjoying every sport and outdoor activity he could find, including getting humbled at track and field events, leading him to think of others as the ‘real runners’.

Eventually his sister goaded him into running a marathon.

In 2007 he jumped into trail running with both feet while living in Calgary, Alberta by registering for the TransRockies 5-day Run with a good friend to raise money for charity.

Jonathan fell in love with trail running and wanted to combine it with his knowledge of the web. Soon thereafter came TrailRunning Canada and its website at trailrunningcanada.ca, complete with a quarterly magazine, Canadian trail

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Last issue, you met our current editors, Gary and Linda Robbins. Now, we’d like you to meet the man who started TrailRunning Canada and has brought life to this project, Jonathan Schmidt and the man who tirelessly and happily tests out tons of gear, Keith Iskiw.

Moving from Calgary to Lethbridge, Alberta Jonathan discovered the inspiration of running with some speedy middle-agers who hadn’t let age restrict their ability to run for hours up and down the prairie coulees.

He has enjoyed some local Lethbridge success on the trails at Lost Soul Ultra 50k and Coulee Cactus 30k and was further drawing into the overall grassroots nature of the sport.

Jonathan’s all-time favourite race is the still the Lost Soul Ultra 50k for its excellent race organization and atmosphere, undulating terrain, relentless heat and what he think is an ideal distance. Jonathan’s favourite race course is Heiko’s Hellish Half in Fernie, BC, which absolutely destroyed him, but at least the scenery was amazing!

Contributing writer and gear reviewer Keith Iskiw’s love affair with the trails started late in life after he picked up running to help lose some

EDITORIAL

weight before his wedding nine or so years ago.

After running his first half marathon and learning more about long distance trail races, his next logical step was to go straight to the 100 mile race distance.

That first attempt at 100 miles opened his eyes to the strange, challenging and fun adventure that is ultras and he was hooked ever since.

Over the past few years Keith has had some local success winning the Haliburton Forest 50 miler twice and a few podium finishes throughout the Ontario Ultra Series and beyond, but he is most proud of the opportunities he has had to help shape the culture and excitement surrounding trail running in Canada and shine the spotlight on the new races, unique characters and thriving communities our sport is creating right now.

Keith makes his home in Kingston, Ontario. You can follow his adventures his blog at thisultralife.com /\/

PHOTOS: BRANDON JOSEPH BAKER & TIM KEMPLE AT H L E T E : H A L K O E R N E R

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Daniel Des Rosiers: The Passion of Trail

by Eric Baudouy The day I was announced as the 2014 The North Face trail ambassador for Quebec and the Maritimes, I immediately thought of Dan Des Rosiers is the man many view as the main reference for trail running in Quebec. The day I was announced as the 2014 The North Face Trail Ambassador for Quebec and the Maritimes, it was therefore quite natural that I write a feature article about Dan Des Rosiers, a name I have thanked and cursed in the same breath.

I met Dan for the first time in 2013 with a proposal for Fitness United to become a sponsor at his signature event, the Ultimate XC. Coming across as quite intense and intimidating, Des Rosiers is in fact a genuinely nice guy who’s probably the most passionate race director on the trail running scene. We had an immediate connection.

Daniel Des Rosiers was born in Montreal some 50+ years ago and fell into the world of endurance sports by way of trail running and mountain biking. He used to race ultraendurance MTB races (24 hours) solo on single speed full rigid bikes, without any front or back suspension, as well as 24 hours orienteering races known as ROGAINE. Having orienteer-trained with U.S. Navy Seals, Des Rosiers is from the old school that pain is good for you. “I just liked it long and difficult,” explains Des Rosiers. “It always reminded me that at the end of the day--it’s all

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good. We are privileged to be so strong and healthy.”

The world of race directing fell into Des Rosiers’s lap by accident in 1999 when he was approached by Adventure Racing Canada to set up a course for an adventure race in his own backyard and training ground at Jay Peak in Vermont. His specific mandate was to deliver a course so difficult that no team would be able to finish.

Des Rosiers fulfilled his mandate. Not a single team finished. People in his local community were impressed.

The following year, he decided to set up the first ultra trail race in Jay, Vermont to attract business to the area. The Jay Challenge was inaugurated in 2000 with 12 participants and 140 volunteers. By 2005, the event had over 900 racers coming from 34 different states and 3 different countries including Des Rosiers’s good friend Roman Urbina, owner of the infamous Ruta De los Conquistadores in Costa Rica.

Known as the Ultimate XC, the three-day event was a combination adventure race and triathlon. Day one was a 42 km kayak crossing of Lake Mephremagog from Magog, Quebec to Newport, Vermont.

Day two was a 50 km trail race designed to redefine the true nature of trail running.

Finally, day three ended with a 105 km mountain bike race still known today as the hardest MTB race ever put together. There was and still is no cash prize.

The Ultimate XC was originally held in the Pritchett Canyon in Moab, Utah. In 2008, due to logistical reasons, the Ultimate XC was moved to Quebec. After Val-David and Mont-Tremblant, the Festival Ultimate XC is now settling into its 3rd year in St-Donat as the must-attend trail race of the season. Due to low numbers of racers competing in the 3-day stage event and many challenges with local Sports Federations, the focus is now solely on the trail running portion. ultimatexc. com/trail-running.html Des Rosiers’s priority is to continue offering a quality and safe event. On race day, you will see Des Rosiers on site directing the show, and welcoming the athletes and newbies with equal enthusiasm.

He delivers the pre-race speech for each distance making sure that everyone understands the safety directives and guidelines.

Des Rosiers also worked on a planned Cambodia race which he abandoned due to the numerous landmines in the jungle bordering Vietnam.

I suspect this is why the toughest section of his Ultimate XC trail run is called “Vietnam.” A chest high river section, which armed with map and compass, he scouted himself. In fact, as Des Rosiers puts it, his courses are an extension of his personality. “They are not designed to attract crowds or sponsors but simply to allow me to share my passion for the sport.”

TRAIL RUNNERS

And passionate, he truly is.

Sébastien Côté, Race Director, Ultra-Trail Harricana of Canada sums it up pretty well: “You can either love or hate the character, but what doesn’t lie is the number of athletes who come back year after year to take part in the challenges proposed

by RD Des Rosiers.” Often perceived as tough and uncompromising, you have to dig a little deeper to discover a passionate race director with a dry sense of humor who takes great pleasure is seeing the athletes at the start of his events. In his own way, Des Rosiers has greatly contributed to the rising popularity of trail running in Quebec by creating memorable events.

Des Rosiers had already established himself as a successful business man in the world of finance and you can see it in the well-oiled machine that is The Ultimate XC. While he won’t reveal numbers, Des Rosiers is never out to make profit through his races, but rather gives back to the community. His philanthropic actions include fundraising and setting up out-of-province events for the University of Laval’s xcskiing team, volunteering at the Vermont 100 every year, and organizing athletic events to fundraise for Quebec city’s Maison Dauphine. He will also be setting up an aid station at

TRAIL DOG Quebec’s first 100 miler race in Bromont this October.

In addition, an invitational only 120 km will be staged at this year’s Ultimate XC to raise awareness about mental health and aid to people experiencing suicidal thoughts. The message on the event’s website is clear: “The 120 is not a fundraiser but rather an outreach to the cause. We should talk about it and not be ashamed. We must be strong and positive ambassadors for those who need us.”

Des Rosiers is also very involved in promoting sports activity for kids and more specifically, cross-country running. Des Rosiers is realistic that this cannot be fully accomplished without the schools’ collaboration.

Teachers need to lead the way and motivate kids to run and participate in events, but currently the focus is on offering a race for parents to sign up their kids. The Ultimate XC will top at 200 kids this year. “My dream is to have 1,000 kids racing on the same day.”

As I asked him about his long term plans and vision for trail running in Quebec, Des Rosiers delivered the closing thoughts for this article: “The future of trail running in Quebec is more in the hands of the new generation of Race Directors. My job was to share my passion and with the exploding number of trail races all over Quebec in the last 3 years, I would say that my job is pretty much done right now.” /\/

Eric Baudouy is TrailRunning Canada’s The North Face Trail Ambassador for Quebec.

Señor Jack Nacho Moore PARENTS: Abi & Mike Moore. Also known as Mom, (the woman who lets me on the bed), and Dad, (the man who tells me to get off the bed).

BORN: Not entirely sure, but it was hot and was just over a year ago. My parents tell people who question my Canadian authenticity that I came from New Mexico. And as a result they gave me the middle name of Nacho. Señor Jack Nacho Moore.

BREED: The lovely ladies from the Tobacco Valley Animal Shelter in Eureka, MT who rescued me from the unquestionable, decided I was a Heeler/Shepherd cross. All I know is that I can run faster than the lot of them and my legs are getting longer every day.

NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: It’s been one exciting year. Since becoming Canadian in May 2013, I’ve had to learn Human and English. I feel I’ve developed quite the extensive vocabulary. Noticeable words which evoke dramatic reactions from me are “running” and “skiing”, although I do find my blank “no hablo inglés” expression most useful, especially when requested to get off the bed. I have also become well accomplished at going from deep sleep to action ready in 0.5 seconds flat. No matter what I’m in the middle of, I’m ready.

FAVOURITE PLACES TO RUN: Anywhere. At the time of my interview, we are trapped in something called winter which I seem to love a lot more than my parents. I’m a street dog, turned powder hound! After reading Roxy’s interview in the last issue, I can only dream of what’s to come. Despite me displaying high energy at all times (another notable accomplishment), Mom and Dad are still protective of me running too hard until I’m older.

Pretty excited about setting some strong PB’s this spring, but fear my parents will slow me down considerably. Wish they had four legs.

FAVOURITE THINGS IN THE WORLD: This is a tough one. Running downhill single track ranks pretty high. Post running naps on the couch are the best way to finish off a day. And I’d never say no to a car ride – in fact I like to get in stranger’s vehicles and then refuse to budge (it makes my Mom mad, but the strangers tell me I’m cute so I’ll stick with it).

LEAST FAVOURITE THINGS IN THE WORLD: Not sure. I think I like pretty much everything so far, although the vacuum is questionable. I consider myself a good judge of character and have yet to meet a human whose face I don’t want to lick, especially those salty running ones.

SCHEDULE: It sounds as though there’s a big season ahead of the Moore family, judging by the number of times I hear the word “running”, (then freak out), not to mention the running shoe invasion in our front room, (I think they have a problem). Looking forwards to saying “hola” to many of you salty runners in the near future. Happy running!

TrailRunningCanada.ca | 7

TRAIL DESTINATIONS

A

JOHN CHALL

MUIR LENGE

by Darren Gladeau

It loomed before me like a giant white omnivore, eager to devour any creature who would dare challenge it. I approached with trepidation, each step taken carefully and with purpose.

This was my ultimate goal, the dreadful, yet majestic, queen of the Sierra Nevada, Mount Whitney.

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The journey began eleven days earlier in the Yosemite Valley of California, when I set out on the John Muir Trail segment of the Pacific Crest Trail, the latter stretching 4300 kilometers from Canada to Mexico. The John Muir, which comprises 356 kilometers of that length, winds through high, granite-framed passes and along turquoise lakes of immeasurable beauty, constantly gaining and losing elevation, then finally summiting Mount Whitney.

At 4421 meters Whitney is the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States. Supplies for this trip consisted of an ultra-light weight sleeping bag, tent, pad, and a bear canister to protect food. The latter was shipped to two resupply ranches further along the trail. Clothing was minimal, trail runners chosen over boots, and everything had at

least two purposes. The final base weight of all equipment was seventeen pounds. The plan was to hike an average of 30 kilometers each day for eleven days.

The big climb out of Yosemite Valley was treacherous and a challenge to any foot traveler.

I bypassed other hikers headed up to Half Dome for the day, then ascended 1000 meters to Tuolumne Meadows. This is one of the great meadows in the United States, a three kilometer jetgreen landscape, covered with wild flowers, a place of complete serenity, which fosters a peace of mind unlike any you have known.

Forty- four kilometers and twelve hours later I called it a day, with a stark realization that the real journey had only just begun.

The second day is through meadows and up into the

Sierra Nevada. It had been a low snow year, and the climbs over the next six passes at 3400 meters were easier with less snowpack. That proved to be all that would be easy for the rest of the way. The next several days brought heat exhaustion, multiple blisters on top of blisters, wild-life encounters, swarms of mosquitos, and complete isolation. Through all these twelve-hour hiking days; however, my mind remained focused on the most important things: elevation change, time, and camping goals.

Breaks were taken by crystalclear water running off granite rocks. I was awe-struck by the scene about me. Silence was broken only by the occasional shouts of greeting from walkers headed north, the opposite direction from that I was travelling. “Buena

Sierra”, hailed one, who explained that he has been on the trail for the past month.

He and others spoke with me about the challenges they faced, what I might expect ahead, and any dangers I may encounter. Then, parting with words of encouragement, they continued north, while I proceeded south toward Mount Whitney. By the time I reached my second and final food supply location, I got the first sense that I would actually make it to the end of the trail. My calorie intake had plummeted, but managing my minimal food consumption was all I needed now to realize my goal.

Further along the trail is Evolution Basin, a combination of creeks, meadows and lakes. The crown jewel of this area is Sapphire Lake, whose stark setting has often been described as “the most

beautiful place in the world.”

It sits in a granite bowl and is fed by rain- water cascading down snow-covered mountains.

The result was a pristine turquoise elegance, surrounded by white domes. When the sun reflects off it, the sheer brilliance is enough to warm every fiber of my aching body, and my soul as well. I next faced a grueling, fourhour ascent to Forrester Pass, at 4000 meters. This is a treacherous area. I had to finish the climb by traversing a slippery, fortyfoot ice and snow chute along a four foot narrow path. One misstep means sudden death on the rocks below. Next I descended into land surface that resembles the planet Mars, and set up camp. On the next day, the tenth overall, I passed Guitar Lake, named for its shape, below Mount Whitney. I sat on a ragged cliff, rewarded

myself with a long deep breath, then plunged into the icy, zero degree waters of the lake for a refreshing swim. As I dried off, my mind was already fixed on the last day of my trek, the steep ascent up Whitney.

My pack was light now, the only remaining food being a couple of nutrition bars, and my goal was in sight.

In the pre-dawn darkness of the following morning I fixed my headlamp to ascend the ridge below the mountain.

As I gained it, I was blinded by a blazing red ball in the east, framed by jagged granite walls, the oft referred to “blush of the snow-clad Sierra Nevada.” All I had the presence to do in the face of this God-like wonder of nature was to sink slowly to my knees in total submission, and say a silent prayer. When I recovered with the renewed strength this affords, I

TrailRunningCanada.ca | 11

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TrailRunningCanada.ca | 13

ascended to the 4421 meter peak of Whitney. From the top I viewed Death Valley and the Mojave Desert stretching out beneath me, a sight not unlike that encountered previously by astronauts, as their lunar vehicle approached the moon. I reflected on the extreme contrasts between where I was standing and the terrain below. Death Valley is North America’s driest place and currently the hottest place on earth. Bad Water Basin in the valley has the lowest elevation in the United States. The vertical drop from Whitney’s peak is twice the depth of the Grand Canyon.

I was seeing virtually all the space this planet earth has to offer from top to bottom, the entire scope of creation itself.

With this staggering revelation in mind, I marveled at what a wonderful and rewarding journey this had been. I was bursting with pride over what I accomplished.

After all, I traversed one of the most challenging trails in the world, and, in the process, conquered the monster called Whitney.

My life has been changed forever, and I will never doubt myself again. /\/

Darren Gladeau is an avid trail runner from Vancouver.

He has enjoyed unique adventures throughout his travels and hopes to share his love of the outdoors with his new daughter.

Photo credits: PG. 8-14 Darren Gladeau

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SOUTHERN ONTARIO

DESTINATION: FRONTENAC PROVINCIAL PARK

by Hannah Johnston

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Southern Ontario is not known for its topography. The border land’s proximity to the great lakes renders the region flat and windy, and the dense population can feel at times crowded and congested. Trail access can be tricky and a finding total solitude can seem, at times, impossible.

Frontenac Provincial Park is located 12 kilometers northeast of Sydenham, Ontario and 40 kilometers from Kingston. Open year round, the park boasts 5,200 hectares and over 100k of trails, backcountry camping, pristine lakes, and hoards of wildlife.

Where are runners to go if they’re looking for a jaunt with more excitement than their typical neighborhood trail, interurban trail or suburban sidewalk? Frontenac Provincial Park. The stunning park is located in the Frontenac Arch Biosphere, a granite bridge that connects the Canadian Shield with the Adirondack Mountains. Recognized in 2002 as one of six hundred ten UNESCO World Biosphere Reserves (sixteen of which are in Canada), the Frontenac Arch Biosphere is home to remarkable cultural, ecological, and wildlife diversity.

The stunning park is located in the Frontenac Arch Biosphere, a granite bridge that connects the Canadian Shield with the Adirondack Mountains.

Recognized in 2002 as one of six hundred ten UNESCO World Biosphere Reserves (sixteen of which are in Canada), the Frontenac Arch Biosphere is home to remarkable cultural, ecological, and wildlife diversity.

Trail construction is hugely diverse. The park offers a mixture of well-groomed rolling hills that double as backcountry ski and

snowshoe trails in the winter, such as Arkon Lake Loop and the Bufflehead Trail. It also offers strenuous and technical trails that traverse exposed Canadian Shield landscapes, like Slide Lake Loop along with windy single track that includes short punchy climbs which lead to views of beautiful lakes and bogs; log bridges that cross over roaring streams and beaver dams; and exposed rock that will have you scrambling at moments.

For runners in search of high mileage, the trails are easily connected through a series of loops and the park provides great signage at all major intersections.

The park is a beautiful destination at all times of the year. Summer visitors may opt for a post run swim in one of the park’s twentytwo lakes, and fall visitors will find that the deciduous trees in the mixed forest bear beautiful foliage. Winter running enthusiasts will undoubtedly cross snowy tracks left by deer, coyotes, and rabbits; and those visiting in the spring are likely to witness the abundant

emergence of ferns, the revival of grasses, and may encounter treacherous and slippery rocks!

Daily entry and parking costs are $10.75. Although nearby Kingston, Ontario offers many road-running meet-ups, prepare for a selfguided adventure within Frontenac. You can pick up a free newsprint maps at the entrance included in the Friends of Frontenac complimentary publication.

For those intending to return with regularity, the park sells more durable versions of the same map at the registration desk. Season and annual passes can also be purchased from the park office. Maps provide trail ratings ranging from easy to difficulty as well as distances of each trail loop. Runners unfamiliar with the area will find the ratings provide helpful insight for route planning.

Park staff is also incredibly helpful and on the off-chance you should pass a hiker or an occupied campsite, you will be met with a quiet salutation by others enjoying the beauty and calm of the park.

The parking lot located at the southwestern end of Big Salmon Lake is a great starting point.

Located centrally, this parking lot provides easier access to the more remote areas in Frontenac Provincial Park.

Unfortunately, the lot and access road are closed in the winter; however, for those wishing to explore the park’s northern reaches during colder months, the road can be traveled on foot. For runners who prefer to spend all of their time on single track, you can opt for the flowing and easy-going Corridor Trail where single track parallels the access road and is relatively welltravelled year round.

There is only one formal running race held within the park’s boundaries. Local ultra-runner and coach Derrick Spafford of Spafford

Health and Adventure, also sponsored by La Sportiva, Suunto, and Clif Bar, organizes a winter snowshoe series, which includes Frontenac Snowshoe Race. healthandadventure.com/ races/dion-frontenac-parksnowshoe-race Sydenham boasts the delicious Mill Street Café and Gallery for lunch (desertlakegardens.com), perfect for a post-run meal and for those willing to travel a little further, Kingston offers a wide selection of food options and other activities at all hours of the day.

If you live in Southern Ontario or if you find yourself visiting, explore Frontenac. You won’t regret it. /\/

Hannah Johnston is a geographer, mountain biker, and trail runner. She splits her time between Kingston, Ontario and Chester County, Pennsylvania.

Photo credits: PG. 15, 16 (top), 17 Derrick Spafford PG. 16 (bottom) Scally Event Photography

TrailRunningCanada.ca | 17

MAKING MOUNTAINS OUT OF MOLEHILLS

Vertical Training on a Horizontal Landscape

TRAIL FITNESS

by Kent Keeler I, like many Canadians, live far from the nearest mountain.

If we lived places purely for the love of beautiful alpine landscapes, our population density would be jammed up towards the west coast, but for other reasons we are spread widely across much flatter terrain. This can cause frustration, concern, and even panic for a lowland trail runner that wants to run on higher reaching paths. Whether for a race, or a destination running adventure, we are lured to the routes with big elevation gains and don’t want to be denied because of a lack of training. Fortunately there are solutions.

Many of us are familiar with “hill repeats.” This is a simple concept where you find the biggest hill that you have access to, and run up and down it over and over, and over and over. Sounds fun right?

It can be relatively effective at building up your climbing strength and endurance, but also brutally mind numbing.

Us trail runners seek the ever changing scenery that off-road running brings, and running the same stretch like a broken record sounds agonizing. No one said this would be easy. Fortunately, I have a couple of tips to reduce mental fatigue that can come quicker than the physical.

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First, its called a “repeat,” but try to mix it up. I live in an area featuring the Niagara Escarpment and as the main hill in town, it makes up for its mere tens of metres of vertical gain with hundreds of kilometres of distance.

This means I can pick a route using different roads that go up and down the hill at various different locations and link up the climbs. At least then the “repeats” are changing. In the winter I choose a road route where I can run a street parallel to the bottom of the escarpment, and then every time I come to a road going up, I take it to the top and back down.

Another thing I try to do is to find a short trail loop with a big climb or two and just do laps on it. This is very similar to a standard repeat, but at least breaks up the monotony with some nice trail running. This also more closely mimics a race situation where you will have a series of climbs and descents with flat ground in between.

A very important mental aspect is to be sure you set a goal as part of your hill workout and stick to it. If you want to run the hill 10 times, it can be easy to cut that down a few reps once you get out there. Pick up 10 little stones at the bottom of the hill and

OTHER HILL CLIMBING SUBSTITUTES Sometimes even finding a short hill in your own great outdoors can be difficult.

If weather, terrain, or other circumstances are limiting factors, try some of these: • Exercises like squats, lunges, and calf raises can increase strength in the legs to help push up those long climbs. Plyometric exercises like box jumps are also great for this.

• Adding resistance to a flat run by dragging a tire can provide your legs with the power they need to work against gravity and drag your body uphill • Try increasing the incline on your treadmill workouts. You can do intervals at a specific incline, or by increasing the elevation every few minutes.

put them in your pocket.

Every time you reach the top, drop a stone. Don’t give up until your pockets are empty.

assisted recovery, make sure you run it to condition your body for the kind of pounding that a descent can give.

Finally, don’t neglect the downhill part of these workouts. In my first 50 miler I remember being completely caught off guard at how badly the descents beat up my legs. Rather than treating the run back down to the start as a time to do some gravity

Hopefully some of these tips will help you get out and make the most of the limited topography your local running provides. In no time you’ll be ready to conquer whatever far flung mountain race your heart desires! /\/

Kent Keeler is mostly a proud father of two kids, but also a trail and ultra runner from Niagara Falls, Ontario. He created, and still writes for runbikerace.com and can be found on twitter @runbikeraceblog Photo credits: PG. 19 Kent Keeler

LESSONS FROM A THROUGH-HIKER TRAIL STORIES

by Linda Barton-Robbins Heather Anderson, whose trail name is Anish, is the current Fastest Known Time – SelfSupported record holder on the entire Pacific Crest Trail, a trail which runs from Mexico to Canada for about 2650 miles or 4265 kilometres. It took her 60 days, 17 hours and 12 minutes.

I’ve known Heather through the trail running scene for a few years and I’ve always marveled at how strong she hikes. She looks like she is merely walking away when I’m running behind her. When she told me she was going to attempt this record, I was happy to offer a ride to her from Manning Park, BC and when the time came, I joined her boyfriend, Kevin Douglas on a hike up to the monument that would greet her as she crossed the border into Canada.

On the evening of August 7th, I was dozing in a small tent with my dog, Roxy when I heard a strange noise. Was it human? A bird? A cougar?

I glanced at my watch to see if it made sense that it might be Heather: 11:42.

Less than 20 minutes later, I heard Heather calling for Kevin and by the time I got out of the tent, she had fallen into his arms. They were a tangle of limbs and tears on the ground together. While she ate some vegetables I’d brought for her, she rapidly spoke about how she’d run the last few miles and how her body had gone numb.

She was so happy and so

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amped up after over 60 days of hiking alone. It took some time before she was calm enough to go to bed.

Kevin and Heather set up their tent together. I crawled back into my own tent and tried not to eavesdrop as they continued to talk, both of them having so much to say to one another, having spent two months a part, save a few hours when Kevin had surprised her on the trail. At one point I heard Heather ask Kevin to retrieve something she’d left outside of the tent.

I thought to myself how wonderful it must feel to know she no longer had to do everything for herself any more. She had two months of doing every single little thing on her own.

Our hike back to Manning Park the next morning was extremely educational. I had a million questions and she was very willing to share with me what she had learned during this feat. There were a few things that stuck with me more than others and a few things that I feel translate well not only to hiking or trail running, but also to life.

YOU ARE A MACHINE. After eleven days of hiking, Heather said she became a machine. She knew she had to hike 30 to 50 miles per day, so she made a decision not to give in to the luxury of pain. Pain became part of her process and routine. You will undoubtedly experience pain during any lengthy endeavor.

Do your best to deal with it and assess whether it is an injury that will prevent you from moving on or if is pain you can accept and push through in order to reach your goal.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. While pain was certainly unavoidable, that didn’t mean she ignored it or allowed it to get worse. She took care of cuts and blisters to prevent them from becoming game-changing issues. Five minutes of sitting down and performing self-care could make her feel better and translate into a saving of hours, or in her case, days of dealing with pain.

EAT. EAT. EAT. Heather never got sick of eating anything. As runners, we’ve all experienced that point in a race when we can’t imagine eating anything else. Gels make us gag and we turn down even our favourite foods. Heather made the decision that food was fuel and set a timer to go off at regular intervals at which time she would eat whatever she had available.

This sometimes made for interesting meals of Oreos and nut butter wrapped in tortillas for dinner, but it kept her on her calories. At one stage of her hike, Heather became exceptionally tired and weak and began to think she couldn’t go on. She reassessed her food intake and made it a point to take in more calories and more protein. This turned her

around physically and she was able to continue. Food solves everything.

ALWAYS HAVE A SENSE OF WONDER. When Heather was 12 years old, she was afraid of the woods behind her house, yet she would go out for walks with her dog and her dad’s hammer for protection because she wanted to see what it would be like.

Now she is a very practiced hiker and with that practice comes a level of certainty and confidence. Yet she maintains an understanding that she can still learn more.

She’s hiked long trails many times and learns more each time she goes out and she becomes stronger. There is not an arrogance about her, but rather a curiosity and willingness to put herself out there in order to experience life to the fullest. Heather set out for record on the PCT because she was curious to see if she could do it. That was her only motivation.

Push your limits to see what you can do and be open to learning more about yourself and what the world out there has to offer to you. /\/

Linda Barton-Robbins is based out of North Vancouver, BC. She is the co-editor of TrailRunning Canada.

THE NORTH FACE:

COLLINGWOOD

by Scott Garrett

Every trail run begins with an expectation, a plan, and a destination. Every trail runner knows better than to cling to the plan too much, because every run is as much about the undoing of all expectation, as it is about the journey.

The week’s end ‘Long Run’ is forever occupying our weeks daily thoughts.

The trail runner plans the company, the geography, the gear, the fuel, the shoes and the merriment to bring along on the long run. That’s Monday’s thought. With Tuesday’s dawn, the weather forecast changes and the favorite coat must change or the trail section becomes flooded and impassable. On Wednesday, chaos erupts and the company changes as life’s commitments arise.

Thursday perhaps shares a secret sniffle and worries of an old ache might pose a threat. By Friday, all is settling in quiet trail dust, as plans re-emerge and the stars offer the runner in you one last restful sleep. If only you could simmer down your pure senseless, near-giddy excitement for tomorrow’s exposed trail under foot.

Such was the theme leading up to a planned The North Face Endurance Challenge Collingwood course previewing trail run in April of 2014. I invited a few of my like-minded running friends to join in on a trail exploration

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to see what surprises lay in wait on July 12, 2014 at the inaugural TNFEC event in the scenic towns of Collingwood and Blue Mountain.

Our journey began fashionably late, as any trail run could, at 9:15am with introductions and optimistic outlooks. Our small group of accomplished trail runners included David Carroll, ultra runner and author of “Ultra”; Cody Gilles, ultra runner and the current Bruce Trail End to End record holder; RhondaMarie Avery, legally blind runner and the 2014 Bruce Trail hopeful finisher; and myself, Scott Garrett, trail runner and adventurer of the every day.

On this early morning in April, our car ride from Barrie to Collingwood provided snow squalls, reduced visibility and a temperature of -3C. For me this meant adding a The North Face base layer and running hat instead of the running cap. Once prepared, we began our trek on parts of the Bruce Trail and ski hills that collectively will grace our paths along the race course for the

TNF Endurance Challenge.

However, in mid-July, the terrain will be embraced within a summer cocoon and not the winter wonderland that swarmed around us on our visit.

Every runner seems to have a keen sense of their home

trails, however, even the avid map reader is bound to experience some confusion with the as yet un-footed trail. After a quick study of the course map, akin to the cramming session of your high school english literature exam, the longing

for movement started our steps onto the horizon. The feeling of pure potential hung in the air. There is always a moment when every trail runner is forever grateful for the well-marked course during an event.

Participants will travel through the beautiful area of Blue Mountain, along the scenic caves, along blazed sections of the Bruce Trail, and up and down a few of the select ski hills along the way. Cody Gilles was quick to point out that Blue Mountain is the half-way point along the Bruce Trail. Here on the course you will enjoy scenic views of Blue Mountain Ski Club, Osler Bluffs Ski Club, Georgian Bay, and overlook the Georgian Bay Golf Club.

Our small group meandered through most of this terrain with laughter and appreciation for the sun above offering what little warmth it would. The Bruce Trail blazes, typically at eye

sight level, were found just above the snow line. Our feet, oftentimes, were found thigh deep sunken into the same forgiving snow. The trees were each surrounded by “tree wells” sharing the height of what remained of this winters accumulation.

Although the terrain at times prevented much more than a slow march under conditions, our resolve to continue forward and soak every second in, remained.

Hollow ice bridges resounded underfoot as we traversed around well cambered switchback like trails. The ski hills, still operational, totted a promise of the summer’s intense leg work-out ahead and a realization that TNFEC Collingwood would indeed be challenging.

truly matters. To be out upon those majestic hills, on such a gorgeous day, is such an unbelievable blessing. This feeling right here, lost among the feelings of inescapable freedom and boundless energy, is exactly why we crave the race. It is why we travel far and wide to take part. Having The North Face offer a race in our Ontarian back yard is an amazing way to experience both the thrill of racing, and the connectedness from being around so many other trail runners in one event.

among the great views, you can plan on a wonderful sense of community among participants and you couldn’t pick a better destination for a mid-summer’s long run experience.

Should you consider joining in on the Inaugural The North Face Endurance Challenge, you can expect to be faced with some amazing challenges hidden

Several cross country skiers accused us of missing something on our feet, and all the while I knew: what a runner brings to a run in their headspace is all that

Scott Garrett is Trail Running Canada’s The North Face Trail Ambassador for Ontario.

When you register online for the event please use the Promo Code SG10 and receive a 10% discount on your race entry fee. Hope to see you there, happy trails!/\/ For more information: thenorthface.com/en_CA/ endurance-challenge/ ontario-ca-trail

Photo credits: PG. 21-23 Scott Garrett

TrailRunningCanada.ca | 23

ENVISIONS ON THE BRUCE:

HOW TO RUN 890+ KILOMETERS 10 MINUTES AT A TIME

by Ekaterina Solovieva Have you ever had a goal?

A goal so big it made your heart hurt, and your soul tremble? A BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal)?

Well, Rhonda-Marie Avery has such a goal - she wants to run the entire length of The Bruce Trail, spanning over 890 kilometers in 20 days.

I first met Avery at the Salomon Toronto store gettogether where sponsored athletes come together to chat over a plate of nachos, or possibly a pint of beer. It may be the only time we see each other in clean outfits.

The rest of the time the hair is back, the running tights are on, and bright Salomon trail shoes are laced up tight.

Avery looks up and smiles as we are introduced. Then she proceeds to almost spill her beer and laughs at her own awkwardness lightly, just like I have done many times in the past. Yet, as we all get up to walk across the street, she takes out a pair of dark glasses, and holds on to someone’s elbow. And it dawns on me. “Is she... is she blind?” I ask a fellow runner right next to me.

While the retina of most people contains two types of photoreceptor cells - rods and cones, Avery’s retina only has rods. Rods are responsible for night and

24 | Issue 8: 2014

peripheral vision, as well as motion detection, while cones are responsible for eye’s color sensitivity and visual acuity.

As a result, Avery only has 8% vision, cannot see colour, and must rely on her night vision to get around.

Avery is also an ultra runner. A mother. A friend.

A sister. Optimistic. Smiley.

And stubborn. Incredibly stubborn. A sure way to get her to do something is to tell her she can’t do it. Yet, what she is attempting to do in August of this year will be a challenge even for her.

The Bruce Trail, Canada’s oldest and longest marked foot path, runs along the Escarpment from Niagara to Tobermory. The trail is protected and maintained by The Bruce Trail Conservancy a charitable organization, and one of Ontario’s largest land trusts, preserving over 8,000 acres of land. This year, Avery will become the first disabled runner to run the entire 890km.

HOW?

Ten minutes at a time. You can do anything for ten minutes. “Ten minutes until I will let myself walk again.

Ten minutes until I have to start running again. Ten minutes until the race starts.

Ten minutes off my last PB time on this course. Ten minutes for the next mile.

Ten minutes to the next aid station,” Avery muses on her blog. “Ten minutes until I see my tent again, my crew again, civilization again. Ten minutes I might lose my mind in. Ten minutes to change the world. Longest ten minutes ever. Don’t give up.”

This adventure will take many minutes. Minutes of training, minutes of thinking, minutes of planning, minutes of doubting, and, most importantly, minutes and hours and days and weeks and months of outpouring of support. From relatives and loved ones, from friends and strangers.

WHY?

The biggest question behind any crazy goal is why. Why do this? Why plan, strategize and obsess for months? Why recruit friends and strangers

for help? Why canvass and fundraise? Why run, and run, and run, and then, run some more, for days?

In conjunction with Achilles Canada, Avery wants to bring awareness to persons with disability, the world’s largest minority group, focusing on athletes with disabilities.

Achilles Canada is a nonprofit organization that encourages people with various disabilities to participate in running and other athletics. Their mission statement is “to empower you, through running or walking, to take control of your health, to increase your self-confidence, to become more involved in the mainstream world, and to reach your full potential.”

Starting on August 4th, 2014, Avery, accompanied by two guide runners, will travel at least the distance of a full marathon (42.2km) per day along the Bruce Trail with the goal of completing the distance in 20 days.

On August 23rd, Avery hopes to cover the last 5km of the trail as part of a public walk where all are welcome to join in and help her complete this adventure.

“Each day is bringing us closer to the end,” says Avery in her blog. “Each day we are setting out to show the world that disabled athletes are out there, trying, investing, training, focusing, and looking forward to the next ten minutes. Every minute is a gift. Whether or not it was wrapped in beautiful paper and bows, or mud and twigs it’s still a gift.”

The ability to run and the ability to walk is a privilege. We hope to see you there. On the Bruce Trail. Walking. Running. Ten minutes at a time. /\/ You can learn more about this project at envisionsonthebruce.blogspot.ca You can learn more about Achilles Canada at: achillescanada.ca

Ekaterina Solovieva is a Toronto-based obstacle racer and a health coach for Precision Nutrition. She writes about the sport of obstacle racing, training, awesome gear and all things extreme at solovieva.com.

Photo credits: PG. 24-25 Scott Garrett

TrailRunningCanada.ca | 25

Camping at Guitar Lake along the John Muir Trail.

Photo courtesy Darren Gladeau

26

Book Review: Run Gently Out There by John Morelock

by Kristin Ohm-Pedersen

REVIEWS

More than anything else, John Morelock’s Run Gently Out There is an ode to nature and the trails therein. Partly a mash-up of his column in UltraRunning Magazine and partly a series of anecdotal tales, each vignette provides the reader with insight into Morelock’s decades-long running career. Morelock waxes poetic on his running encounters: from the thesaurus-like list of the various shades of gray in the clouds (I think it was somewhere around 50), to the haunting hoots of great owls hidden in the canopy above, to running in awe of the giant redwoods surrounding him during his third marathon, to the new friends and old he has met along the way, to planning routes based on star-gazing opportunities.

Most of the book takes place in the Pacific Northwest, and as such a number of the trails and races were familiar to me. It was interesting to read another runner’s account of the local running scene and read how it has evolved; Morelock took up running the year before I was born. A number of the races mentioned are now defunct and new ones have taken their place, illustrating the changing face of our sport.

Gone are the fast road ultra marathons; taking their place are gnarly, elevationescalating trail beasts. It isn’t always the time with which

you finish, but that you cross the start and finish lines.

Unlike other ultra running books on the shelves these days, Run Gently Out There does not come riddled with recipes nor does it offer much in the way of tangible training advice. Quite simply, Run Gently Out There is a love story between one man and his mountains.

Morelock’s great affinity and affection comes alive

in his oft-repeated stories and inadvertent nature and geological lessons. Here is a man whose religion is running. /\/

Kristin Ohm-Pedersen is an avid reader and ultra runner based in North Vancouver.

In her five years of running ultras she has completed over 20 races. In those same five years she read over 250 books!

THIS SEASON’S GEAR REVIEWS START NOW

>>

THIS SEASON’S...

PACKS

by Keith Iskiw

OSPREY REV

Form fitting, expandable and comfortable, the Rev series of packs designed to give endurance athletes everything they need for a day to day adventure pack.

PROS: This pack is all about the little things. separate section for your bladder, lots of pockets and a myriad of straps to dial in your comfort. A strap-mounted media pocket gives you full access to your phone without slowing down.

CONS: I wish the compression straps on the back of the pack wrap to body so that the whole unit could be compactacted more.

WEIGHT: 4oz; 10oz with reservoir MSRP: $130 ospreypacks.com/en/product/endurance__trail_fitness/ rev_12?tab=specifications

SALOMON S-LAB ADVANCED SKIN HYDRO 5 SET This update of the popular S-LAB skin set added front hydration with soft flasks and a vest like feel for unsurpassed freedom of movement.

PROS: Soft flasks are the greatest thing for someone that uses packs for hydration, Salomon’s version for this pack are some of the best available. The packs overall design and fit make it a great choice for long ultras that require the need to carry gear and food.

CONS: The packs vest like fit does not allow much room for micro managing the comfort. Take care and ensure you have the right size!

WEIGHT: 8.9oz MSRP: $160 USD salomon.com/caus/product/s-lab-advanced-skin-hydro-5set.html

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ULTRASPIRE ALPHA Compact and lightweight, the Alpha allows access to what you need, when you need it. Highly breathable and contoured for an impressively comfortable feel.

PROS: The magnetic closures on the packs large pocket, allowing access from both the left and right is genius. The mesh used in the pack is light and breathes extremely well making this a great pack for the summer months.

CONS: The mesh did cause some minor irritation when left to bare skin so make sure you purchase the proper size to avoid loose fitting.

WEIGHT: 12.3oz MSRP: $130 healthandadventure.com/sha-online-store/ultraspire/

NATHAN ELEVATION 2L Nathans take on the ultra endurance race vest has plenty of storage capacity and a unique three-way harness to allow maximum freedom of movement.

PROS: The capacity of this pack is astonishing! Large gear compartment as well as a few smaller ones for personal kit and still room for a 2L bladder. The hardness system was good allowing plenty of lateral movement without constriction.

CONS: I found that the pack was only useful when I had plenty of gear for longer trips. The less gear I had the sloppier the pack felt even though I tried to collapse the pack with all the straps.

WEIGHT: 14.1oz MSRP: $150 nathansports.com/hydration/race-vests/elevation

ULTIMATE DIRECTION JENNY VESTA PACK A running pack ergonomically designed to fit women. Holds two 10 ounce water bottles positioned in the front that sit higher on the chest, plus two larger pockets in the lower front.

The main compartment can hold a 70 oz or 2 L bladder, extra gear and includes trekking pole loops.

PROS: Fits super snug and secure. Pack does not bounce or rub using the bottles or bladder. Comes with an extra hair elastic in the back pocket.

CONS: Although the pack is designed to accommodate a bladder, it does not have a great option to secure the hydration hose in the front, other than a small loop.

WEIGHT: 11oz MSRP: $115 ultimatedirection.com/p-612-ultra-vesta. aspx?category=jenny-collection

For an extended review of the Ultimate Direction Jenny Vesta Pack please see page 34.

TrailRunningCanada.ca | 29

THIS SEASON’S...

ECCO BIOM ULTRA QUEST A solid built trail/hiking cross shoe.

PROS: Comfortable uppers, and some decent, but not great traction.

CONS: Not enough flexibility! Hard plastic foot plate creates more of a hiker than a runner.

WEIGHT: 12oz MSRP: $190 (since discounted to $130 - old model) eccocanada.com/ecco-biom-ultra-quest-gtx84001458086-en.html

PATAGONIA TSALI 3.0 An ultralight, go anywhere, do anything trail shoe.

PROS: Secure upper thanks to a unique lacing system and the cushioning and sole makes this a supple ride.

CONS: Would have like to see a bit more toe protection and a more aggressive tread design.

WEIGHT: 10.4oz MSRP: $110 patagonia.com/us/product/mens-tsali-3?p=79079-0

MONTRAIL FLUID FLEX II Minimal shoe with a 4mm offset and a grippy micro-lug outsole. Promises a close to the ground feel.

PROS: Light and very flexible. Has the minimal feel to it, but also a fairly aggressive trail tread.

CONS: As with many minimalist shoes out there, durability is questionable.

WEIGHT: 6.9oz MSRP: $100 montrail.com/womens-fluidflex-ii-GL2157.html

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TRAIL SHOES SALOMON SENSE PRO Part of the City Trail ethos Salomon is focusing on, the Sense Pro is a runner’s best friends when perhaps only a park is available!

PROS: Having much of the same DNA of the race specific Sense line, this shoe impresses with the fact that it will run much like those other shoes on any terrain and is significantly cheaper!

CONS: These shoe don’t offer much in terms of protection so keep it off the technical stuff.

WEIGHT: 8.5oz MSRP: $129 mec.ca/product/5034-970/salomon-sense-pro-running-shoes-mens

HOKA ONE ONE STINSON TRAIL Features an oversized HOKA ONE ONE (HIP) CMEVA midsole providing a combination of performance and stability. A late stage Meta-Rocker, and hi-abrasion rubber outsole with a breathable upper material.

PROS: Great for long runs on hard packed dirt trails and rail trail conditions. Come with an extra inner sole and lace replacements.

CONS: Expensive and limited resellers in Canada.

WEIGHT: 10oz MSRP: $180 hokaoneone.com/women/stinson-trail/20109032. html#start=7&cgid=women

ALTRA OLYMPUS Max-cushioned, trail trainer that allows your foot to expand on impact giving you an efficient and secure foot fall every time.

PROS: Zero drop and ample cushioning make this an exception training shoe that will offer cushioning and protection.

CONS: As with all zero drop shoes these take some getting use too as the achilles can get sore from prolong runs out of the box.

WEIGHT: 11oz MSRP: $130 USD altrarunning.com/fitness/en/Altra/Men/olympus-men

TrailRunningCanada.ca | 31

THIS SEASON’S...

JACKETS MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR DRYRUNNER JACKET The water and wind resistant DryRunner jacket uses MHW patented Wick.Q™ EVAP technology to help keep you dry on the inside as much as its other tech does on the outside.

PROS: Comfortable and lightweight this jacket will feel close but not tight to the body. The high collar does a good job keeping the cold out and the elastic wrist and tight but not constricting.

CONS: Would like to see a hooded version of this jacket.

WEIGHT: 7.1oz MSRP: $129 mountainhardwear.ca/Men%27s-DryRunner%E2%84%A2-Jacket/ OM5840,default,pd.html?colorID=742

OUTDOOR RESEARCH HELIUM HYBRID Protection and breathability where you need it most.

Lightweight, compact and ready for adventure.

PROS: Having only the shoulders and hood water resistant allows this jacket to breath better than most. It also makes it lighter than others tested.

CONS: You want to have a full on rainproof jacket for the wettest conditions as it provides modest protection from rain.

WEIGHT: 5.7oz MSRP: $145 outdoorresearch.ca/ca_en/catalog/product/view/id/41164/ category/2208/

32 | Issue 8: 2014

SALOMON BONATTI WP JACKET A packable, lightweight and waterproof jacket for when weather can’t slow you down.

PROS: Clever design in the hood that uses elastic band to hold the hood in place during high wind or pace.

CONS: Like all waterproof jackets high exertion will leave you damp.

WEIGHT: 7.4oz MSRP: $175 salomon.com/caus/product/bonatti-wp-jacket-m.html

ARC’TERYX INCENDO HOODY A water resistant, lightweight and form fitting make this a great windy, rainy jacket to have on hand.

PROS: The body molding Incendo has all the good characteristics of a great running jacket like lightweight, tight fitting hoody and elastic wrist to keep the weather out!

CONS: The close to the body fit can mean a somewhat constricted feel when running.

WEIGHT: 4.8oz MSRP: $150 arcteryx.com/product.aspx?language=EN&gender=Mens&mo del=Incendo-Hoody

PATAGONIA HOUDINI Ultra-lightweight running jacket that packs into its own palmsized chest pocket and can clip to your hydration pack. Highly wind-resistant nylon ripstop fabric with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish and a low profile adjustable hood.

PROS: Weighs nothing. Is truly wind resistant. Quick pull tab adjustments on the hood and jacket hem make a perfect fit in windy conditions.

CONS: Very minimal water resistant. No reflective markings.

WEIGHT: 3.6oz MSRP: $119 patagonia.com/ca/product/womens-houdini-jacketwindbreaker?p=24145-0

TrailRunningCanada.ca | 33

Ultimate Direction Jenny Ultra Vesta Pack

by Kelly Anne Wald Almost everyone has a preferred method of carrying their stuff for a run. I’m a backpack person, I like my hands to be free for any steep climbing fun and I try not to use aid stations unless I really need to stop. Recently I’ve been running with the Ultra Vesta from the Jenny Collection

by Ultimate Direction. There were two features about this pack that caught my interest.

The first was that the pack is specifically designed to fit a woman’s body, the second is that the pack was designed to carry water two ways.

Right away I noticed that the pack fit and felt good, for me specifically in the lower front pockets that wrap around to the side slightly instead of digging into my lower rib cage.

I also found the shoulder straps sit in a more centered position, stopping the pack from swaying with movement.

Playing around with the pack over a couple runs, I continued to find all kinds of neat features. It holds a 2L bladder that you can secure by a bungee cord system inside the pack. Then there’s a separate compartment large enough to stuff buffs or another layer, plus there is another bungee cord system on the outside of the pack for a jacket. Add another smaller zip pocket for ID and keys, and this is where you will find a spiffy extra hair tie by UD. I loved this. There are two rope loops for trekking poles, which I was happy to see.

So far this pack will be able to carry all the mandatory gear required for some of my mountain races I have planned this year, yet the pack still has that minimal feel to it.

The two top front pockets come with 300ml water bottles, on a test run I used two of the 600ml UD bottles and the pockets held up fine. I’ve used this pack for both a long run needing all the extras and a shorter run needing just enough water.

The two front lower pockets are big, they hold a lot, and one is a zipper pocket, which is great for memory collectors like me who like to take pictures on the run and almost always bring my phone. I was able to stuff several gels, a pack of chews and handful of salts into one packet alone. Another cool feature I really liked on this pack is the elastic wraps that secure the extra straps for the front and side adjustments. There are some reflective markings on the back, I’d be keen to see some more on the front.

Overall I’m really happy with this pack. I do get the impression a lot of thought was put into this pack to make it so multifunctional.

It has a comfortable snug fit, minimal feel and lots of different options for carrying gear and fuel making it my go to pack for all kinds of running days./\/

Kelly Anne Wald is a trail and ultra runner from Barrie, Ontario.

34 | Issue 8: 2014

WIN AN ENTRY TO CANADA’S FIRST EVER SKYRUNNING RACES After nearly 20 years of European racing, and following the recent introduction of the races into the United States, the prestigious international competition of mountain racing, known as Skyrunning, will be coming to Canada for the first time. The Ultra Trail du Mont Albert – Canadian Skyrunning Festival is pleased to be an integral part of the Skyrunner® Series in Canada. In the true spirit of trail running and Skyrunning, the races will be held in the Parc National de la Gaspésie, in the breathtaking Chic Choc Mountains of the Gaspe Peninsula, Quebec, the weekend of June 27th to June 29th 2014.

The International Skyrunning Federation (ISF) and the newly established Canadian Skyrunning Association (CSA) have sanctioned four races to be held in the Gaspésie during the weekend festival.

The Ultra Trail du Mont Albert® Canadian Skyrunning Festival is comprised of: Vertical Kilometer® (VK) du Mont Albert, 1000m ascent over 5km – field limit of 500 Skyrace® du Mont Albert, 22km, 1500m ascent – field limit of 300 Skymaraton® du Mont Jacques Cartier, 42km, 2000m ascent – field limit of 250 Ultra Skymaraton® du Mont Albert, 100km, 5500m ascent – field limit of 200

activities, will bring together the best of Europe and North America in a lively and friendly atmosphere” The Ultra Trail du Mont Albert® Canadian Skyrunning Festival donates a portion of every race entry to benefit the many great efforts of the non-profit Impossible 2 Possible.

CONTEST DETAILS: The Ultra Trail du Mont Albert is offering 2 entries per race distance: Vertical Kilometer (5km), Skyrace (22km), Skymarathon (42km) and Ultra Skymarathon (100km).

The race venue will offer events totaling of over 169km of pure trail running with over 20,000m of combined elevation change.

Spread over three days, participants will be able to participate in multiple events, with the most adventurous having the ability to run consecutively the VK, the Ultra Skymarathon and the Skymarathon. The featured event, the Ultra Skymarathon, will be run either solo, or in teams of two, three or four.

The top finishers in each event, both male and female, will not only accumulate points toward the national series championships but they will also take home their share of prize money. The winners of the Canadian National Skyrunner Series in each of the three disciplines will be awarded travel, free entry and accommodation to the first races on the 2015 Skyrunner® World Series calendar.

Produced by Land’s End Expedition Racing, under the direction of Race Director Matt Nelson and Managing Director José Nicolas, the “Ultra Trail du Mont Albert” promises a weekend festival of trail running with a uniquely European feel and the distinct hospitality for which the region is well known.

In keeping with the European roots of the event, the central hospitality area – the SkyVillage®, sponsored by Runners United™ - will be located at the base of Mount Albert near the National Parc Headquarters. From this area, runners and spectators alike will have access to the start and finish of every event* as well as a wide variety of vendors, food services and entertainment.

Runners United™ will also host a 2km Skykids race on Saturday afternoon. Nicolas went on to say, “our SkyVillage®, the heart of festivities and race

Visit trailrunner.ca/contest and fill out the submission form. Winners will be notified via email. Winners will receive one free entry to the race of their choice determined via their submission. Once winners are determined, they will be put in contact with the race directors to confirm their entries.

We ask that winners provide a race report and/or photos of their experience within three weeks upon completion of their participation. Your story will be featured on trailrunningcanada.ca!

Contest ends June 15, 2014.

Winners will be announced

by June 20, 2014.

TrailRunningCanada.ca | 35