2018 - A Running Year in Review

To make progress and reach your goals and ambitions in running, it's good to look back and assess come years end.  My 2018 review in 12 photos. What have you achieved this year and how will those experiences carry you into and shape your 2019?

Thank you as always to my loyal and valued sponsors, who have been beside me on the trails and road, from mountain tops to valley lows.  Hoka One One, Drymax Socks, CLIF bar, Sundog Eyewear, Flora Health, Stoked Oats and Suunto (Canada).

January with Vancouver Falcons Athletics Club coach John. Post trail intervals, reviewing the numbers.

  Photo: AMM

My 7th Chuckanut 50k finish. This race is an excellent test of training in March - you need to be proficient on technical terrain and hills, yet speed in the legs is invaluable too. 4th F.

Photo: Michelle Ford.

Run Ridge Run 20k or so in the snow, was more about staying upright than race times, but happy with a 2nd place finish and a solid effort on the trails.

Photo: Coast Mountain Trail Series.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Come April it was time to start Wednesday night training running with the Kneeknacker crew. Although I have not run the race for years, Wednesday nights are a great chance for a group run on some of North Vans finest and technical trails.

Photo: Salvador Miranda.

BMO Vancouver Marathon half marathon in 1:19:21 in early May. Stoked to get sub 1:20 - pushed hard on my level of fitness, a long way from a PB but a great race and training stimulus.

Photo: Catherine Wei.

PACE Trail Race Series Wild Horse Traverse 50k in Kelowna in June. Loved these trails, loved the event, stoked for the win.

Photo: Folk & Wild.

 

 

July in the Wasatch mountains of Utah - not a bad spot to volunteer at Speedgoat 50k and get some great hiking in.

Volunteering on home turf at Bucking Hell 50k. A busy day at the station as runners negotiated a tough course in hot weather.

Hiking in Cape Wrath, Scotland in August. Exploring on two feet is always fun - whatever the pace and weather.

 

 

October road trip to the Canadian Rockies. The weather was mild and the late fall colours perfect for this long run/ hike in Lake Louise, Alberta.

Band of Runners camp outside of LA in November was a highlight of my year. As a mentor it was wonderful to meet and guide some wonderful veterans on this trail camp weekend. I also completed a 2-day NOLS Wilderness First Aid course and learned a lot to stay safe on the trails.

Photo: Lisa Krantz.

December in Vancouver means rain which means a perfect time to tackle a XC race at Gunner Shaw 10k. A 25 second improvement on last year, and a masters female win. If you want to learn how to race, race XC.

Photo: Jan Heuninck.