Video: Heart of the Wild

What a fun and challenging project this was to share with Mark Matthews! We had no idea what we were doing but when the host of the film festival asked us to submit a short 3-5min film as part of their community set, we jumped in of course! Mark did such an amazing job shooting and editing this first film and my adventurous 8 year old co-star, Taeia, stole the show. It is a fun story and we hope it inspires you to keep playing and living young at heart.

Why?
Our goal was to make something light-hearted and fun that inspires you to get out, explore nature, and remember what it’s like to be a child. While relatively lower in quality than a professional film, it’s high in style, and that’s what counts. If you really think about it, any media, whether music, photography, or film, isn’t so much about what you’re seeing and hearing, but rather what you’re feeling.

How?
This idea for the film came about during a run. It was shot entirely with a GoPro and a stock Sony a6000 camera. Our lack of film making experience and equipment did not stop us from trying something completely new and challenging.

Who?

Mark Matthews- is a professional mountain biker from Vancouver Island. He’s developed a knack for highlighting exciting moments and inspiring others through his media projects and travels. However, he doesn’t consider himself a film maker and is usually in front of the lens, so this was a fun and challenging side project. You can find him on Instagram at @markymath.

Taeia Pendak- is a nature loving, artistic, yoga practicing 8-year old who loves everything to do with the outdoors. No "pretty" stone ever gets left behind and her ability to see beauty in everything is truly a gift.

Sarah Seads- is an adventure athlete, ultra-runner, global strength & endurance coach and a lover of all things wild. She is most at home when exploring and playing in nature and finds her bliss through connecting with the wilderness and sharing her adventures. Sarah’s mission in life is to spread stoke and inspire others to believe they are capable of reaching beyond the stars. You can catch her stoke over on Instagram at @wildseads
Where/When? 
Cumberland, BC February 2018

We hope you enjoy our little film!  Happy Trails!

Sean O'Brien 100k Race Report

PC: Howie Stern Photography​

Sean O Brien 100K

They don’t call it the SOB for nothin;)

My oh my, did that SOB take me on a wild ride! I ran the Sean O'Brien 100k in Malibu State Park, just about a week ago and since then I have been immersed in a ‘Blissology’ yoga and meditation retreat at 1440 Multiversity…and now the race feels like it was a hundred years ago! I must say, spending a week doing yoga and blissing out might just be the perfect post race recovery plan. I’m sold, that’s for sure! The day after the race, I drove up the California coast to Santa Cruz and so I had plenty of time to reflect and practice gratitude for each and every one of my 100kms in the Malibu trails. I write my race reports for me, to journal my experience so that I can learn and grow but I also write them for you. If you are reading this, I hope that you find what you need here today- inspiration, inside course info, racing knowledge or a good long run without having to get dirty hahaha. I will do my best to keep this one short (er) and sweet tho, because, really, I have a yoga class under a giant redwood tree to get to lol;) (OK- I just finished writing and have to warn you that this one is NOT in fact short but I like to think it is sweet lol. Warning! Proceed with a heavy dose of procrastination in mind!) And so…

4 Amazing, Short Trail Running Videos

Hello trail lovers!
Each week I look for inspiring adventure films to share with my Team ELM Online, and of course, to fill my cup and get me stoked for my own adventures;).  Every now and then a film comes along that sticks to your soul.  These 4 short films do that for me and I am sure that they will inspire you too.  There is no need to be a trail runner to feel the stoke that spreads from these...enjoy!

A Fine Line: Dave Macleod
Featuring my ultra buddy, Michael Tweedly, whom I had the pleasure of meeting on a long, bumpy bus ride back to Reykjavik following the Laugevagur ultra marathon in Iceland.


A Fine Line from Nevis Landscape Partnership on Vimeo.


Move. A (very) Short Film About Running: By Darcy Turenne
If you have't heard about Darcy yet, you will soon.  She is an uber talented film maker who is coming soon to a theatre near you.  Follow her for unique, inspiring content and stories that you won't forget.

MOVE - A (very) Short Film About Trail Running from Darcy Hennessey Turenne on Vimeo.


Wonderland:  By Salomon Running TV
Now you know why I play in the woods so much...see the forest through my eyes and the eyes of forest lovers:)  What a place to explore- this is a fun one;)




Trail Dog.  By Salomon Running TV
This is my all time favourite.  It fills me up and makes me cry every single time.  So simple.  But more powerful than you can imagine.  And the last line... soooooo good.




What are your favourite trail running films?  The ones that stick to your soul?  Thanks for sharing!
Happy Trails,
Sarah

What's Your Plan?

BIG goals, deserve GOOD plans!

Goals, dreams, passion, energy, excitement...all key ingredients in creation of performance and success!  But...what is the best recipe?  What are the steps to take, the moves to make and the cues of when to make them?  A training plan is like a recipe for your goals.  Without one, you are left flying by the seat of your pants, with a loaf of bread that didn't rise and wondering where it all went wrong;)

• Have you started training for a goal with enthusiasm, only to quickly feel the wheels come off and lose your focus and motivation?
• Are you unsure if you are doing the right training type, amount, intensity and frequency to reach your goal?
• Do you bounce around between ideas and plans, making things up as you go?
• Do you get injured, burnt out or frustrated with lack of results?

Lost Soul Ultra 100K Race Report

Well that was a wild ride! 

I've got a 100k hangover but I wanted to jot down my race report while it is still fresh in my foggy brain:).  Spending the weekend eating in bed haha so I've got lot's of time to write.  Here goes!

Getting High in Colorado: Trans Rockies Run 2017 Race Report

Team ELM TRR 2017! L-R: Marion Bryan, Lynn Swift,  Erika Spearmann, Lisa Perry, Crystal Mather and Coach Sarah

These girls tho. I am so honoured and proud and beyond grateful to have shared this journey with these amazing, strong, resilient women. Big mountains and thin air are no match for these big hearts and magic smiles. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey and to support you as your coach and friend. My heart is full of love and you have inspired me more than you will ever know.💕Way to kick ass up high with those strong sea level legs, girls! You da best!

Team @elm_health rocks 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

The Cumby 23k Race Report

This is going to be a quick and dirty race report (for real!)- because the sun is shining and there are more adventures to be had!

And we're off!  Great shot of the 23k race start from Kathy Campbell

The Cumby 23k Trail Run

http://thecumby.ca

How to attach poles to Salomon Vest

What's in my pack?

What's in my running pack? from Sarah Seads on Vimeo.
 

Zion 50K 2017 Race Report

"She believed she could.  So she did."

It is hard to believe that a year has passed since I was last in the desert, to run 50k. And yet, so much has happened this past year that the Grand Canyon Ultra feels like an eternity away. A year ago, I was just beginning to recover from my crash and whiplash and the timing just wasn’t right for a 50k run. I spontaneously combusted and dropped at the first aid station after running only 5kms and then limping on one leg another 15kms, to get myself out. First time for everything, including a DNF.

12th annual Perseverance Trail Run!

 

Image: Lorenz Jimenez Photography

Story: Magic in the Mountains

Magic in the Mountains

Originally printed in Comox Valley Collective, Spring 2016 issue 

An endless coastline, mild climate, and constant ocean breeze are all part of life on Vancouver Island. Most visitors come to Canada’s lush West Coast isle to stroll the beaches, play in the surf, and get a taste of Island time.

But Vancouver Island hides a wild secret far away from its sandy shores.

Perseverance Trail Run: 2 Months to Go!

Image Dave Prothero

Registration is filling up for the 12th annual Perseverance Trail Run, taking place on Sunday, October 23rd in the Village of Cumberland! This years race will once again feature two classic trail run courses: A 3k Cross Country Romp and an 11k Mountain Run. The 3k XC Romp showcases the protected Cumberland Community Forest trails including a few ups and downs, twists and turns and maybe even a little water. This course is perfect for those looking to sample cross country running, including walkers and the little ones. The 11k Mountain Run is for those looking for a running challenge complete with steep climbs, flowing descents, technical single-track and breathtaking vistas. If you are ready to challenge your trail running stamina, this course will surely take you to new 'heights'.

Run BC Project 2016 Day 5: Nakusp Hot Springs Trail

Day 1: Keystone Standard Basin Trail: Revelstoke

Day 2: Asulkan Valley Trail: Glacier National Park
Day 3: Iceline Trail: Yoho National Park
Day 4: Abbott Ridge Trail: Glacier National Park
Day 5: Nakusp Hotsprings Trail 

Nakusp Hot Springs trail is 50 shades of green.

Run BC Project Day 5: Nakusp Hot springs Trail

Distance: Entire trail from parking to Nakusp Hot springs is 8.5kms one way.  We ran out and back for time, but you could run one way, out to the Hot springs ($ required to enter this facility fyi) and set up a shuttle scenario, or run out have a soak and then run back.  Would be an awesome bike ride as well.
Elevation: Map says 100m gain (hahah!) we ran 5.2kms each way and racked up 300m on our out and back. 
Terrain: Undulating forest path.  No major climbs or technical terrain.  Shaded forest all the way.
Map: Nakusp Trails

Bring: Bear spray (grizzly country!), camera, bathing suit and $ for the hot springs and emergency communication device such as the Delorme inReach (no cell service).

Run BC Project 2016 Day 3: Iceline Trail

 Day 1: Keystone Standard Basin Trail: Revelstoke

Day 2: Asulkan Valley Trail: Glacier National Park
Day 3: Iceline Trail: Yoho National Park
Day 4: Abbott Ridge Trail: Glacier National Park
Day 5: Nakusp Hotsprings Trail 

Woah Nelly!  Now this is a trail to write home about;).  Billed as the 'most beautiful trail in the Rockies' by many who have visited the area, we had to go and see for ourselves...

Taking in the awesome view of Takakkaw falls.

Run BC Project Day 3:  Iceline Trail, Yoho National Park

Day 3 of the Run BC Project saw us driving to Yoho National Park from our accomodation at  Kicking Horse mountain in Golden. There are some beautiful homes to rent on the mountain as well as an awesome restaurant to enjoy in town - 1122 (how is this fantastic gem in this wee town?).  You MUST go for post a post adventure stub and grub if you are in the area.

Distance: 20kms - loop (many options for out and backs, view points or shorter loops as well)
Elevation: 900m approximately
Terrain: Steep forested switchbacks (if you go clockwise) at the start, rocky traverse in the middle (exposed/no shade), sweet flowy singletrack along a river at the end of the loop (back in the shade).
Water: Many rivers flow across the trail from the Emerald glacier on the traverse.
Bring: Sunscreen (exposed up top!), bear spray (grizzly country!), camera (and spare cards!) and emergency communication device such as the Delorme inReach (no cell service).
Map:
Trailhead: Whiskey Jack Hostel, park at the Takakkaw Falls parking lot and walk back down the main road about .5kms to the Hostel to find the trailhead.  No parking allowed at the hostel fyi.

Run BC Project 2016 Day 2: Asulkan Valley Trail

Day 1: Keystone Standard Basin Trail: Revelstoke

Day 2: Asulkan Valley Trail: Glacier National Park
Day 3: Iceline Trail: Yoho National Park
Day 4: Abbott Ridge Trail: Glacier National Park
Day 5: Nakusp Hotsprings Trail 

The valley feels enchanted. There is magic in the atmosphere."

- Cartographer and explorer, Arthur O. Wheeler, 1905.

Run BC Crew running the rocky spines of Glacier National Park

Run BC Project Day 2: Asulkan Valley Trail, Glacier National Park

Distance 14kms round trip, 7kms one way to the Asulkan Cabin lookout
Elevation: start at 1245m-top out at 2114m, with about 900m of climbing/descending
Terrain: Non technical, with a section of ridge spine travel that will knock your socks off.  Light to moderate incline for the first 4kms with a good 'stiff' climb and the majority of elevation crammed into the final 3kms to the cabin.
Pack: Bear spray (Grizzly central and the park rangers had an up to date sighting/trail closure map at the entrance the week we were there), camera, sunscreen (exposed), communication device (Delorme inReach) trekking poles if you need them for a short section on steep, loose terrain.
Map: Parks Canada

Run BC Project 2016 Day 1: Keystone Standard Basin Trail

Livin the dream at Run BC2 with this rad crew of ladies!

Woweeee!  I just got home from an amazing week running and playing in some of BC's most spectacular single track with the 2016 edition of the Run BC Project and my heart (and SD cards) are full to the brim.  I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend a week in the wilderness with such a fantastic group of ladies, enjoying the beauty that our province has to offer and celebrating the gifts of health and life.  After 2 weeks of epic scenery in Iceland, Run BC was a gorgeous reminder that our province has just as much relentless beauty and out of this world terrain as the 'land of ice'.  Thanks to Jen Segger of Challenge by Choice Coaching in Squamish for organizing such a great trip and to Icebreaker for sponsoring the adventure with an amazing kit of beautiful clothing for all of the ladies.  Yes, I know how lucky I am!

Day 1: Keystone Standard Basin Trail: Revelstoke

Day 2: Asulkan Valley Trail: Glacier National Park
Day 3: Iceline Trail: Yoho National Park
Day 4: Abbott Ridge Trail: Glacier National Park
Day 5: Nakusp Hotsprings Trail

I will post trip reports for each of the trails that we explored on this year's adventure along with my favourite images of each day.  Be sure to check out my trip report from last years Run BC Project as well!

Laugavegur Ultra Marathon

Wow.  I know that I say that a lot but I'll say it again, wow!  I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to travel to Iceland for the 55km Laugavegur Ultra Marathon with such a rad group of ELM peeps.  I am a very proud coach after watching Team ELM progress through their training, persevere in the face of obstacles and reach the start line of this spectacular race.  I am so stoked to have had the chance to support them on their ultra journey and beyond grateful that they stepped up to join me for this once in a lifetime adventure.

Team ELM is headed to Iceland for the Laugavegur Ultra Marathon!

Image c/o Laugavegur Ultra Marathon

  TEAM ELM HEADING TO ICELAND

Local Kinesiologist and running coach, Sarah Seads of Equilibrium Lifestyle Management, is headed to Iceland this July with a Team of 8 local runners to complete the rugged Laugavegur 55km Ultra Marathon.

Grand Canyon Ultra: You Gotta Know When to Hold Em'...

Deep thoughts from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon

I'd love to share a long winded and inspiring race tale from the Grand Canyon Ultra with you but...this will be my shortest ever race report.  You will have to read Kim's Flying Phalanges blog for that-as she had the best race of her life! Yay Kim you rocked that 50mile course! You so earned that.

Here goes mine:

12 miles.  That's how far I made it.

2 hours 40 minutes.  That's how long I limped along on the course to reach aid.
30 minutes.  That's how long I ran before I knew my race was over.

The end.