Lost Soul Ultra 100K 2018 : 'The HB' Project

A HUGE thank you goes out to every single volunteer and race organizer who helped put on this amazing event.  I've said it before, I have never been to a race with as much SOUL as the Lost Soul Ultra and you should definitely check it out for yourself!

Always amazed and super stoked to be able to run 100kms!

100K.  Never easy. Always hard.  And always beautiful:).  Running 100K always blows my mind and the body never ceases to amaze me with its capacity to endure.  This was a special 100K journey for me for two main reasons...  A freak calf tear took me down at the end of June and my body rallied just in time to sneak in 2 real weeks of running before the race-  so it was a huge gift to be healed just in time to make it to the start line!  And...this race was a special project for me to experiment with my body and mind with the goal of finding a way beyond  'The Heart Burn', once and for all.  Come along for the ride if you want to get inside my brain and body for a 100k lol!  Warning, this will not a short race report, but it will be a long one!

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…

Video: Winter Freedom with Motion Heat

Finally conquering the cold with Motion Heat!

Hello friends!
I am super excited to announce that I have partnered with Motion Heat (Power In Motion) this year as an ambassador for this awesome Canadian company.  Motion Heat produces the heated gloves (and now vests!) that I have come to depend upon for my winter recreation.  Those who know me, know that I not only run a few degrees cold, but that I also live with a condition called Raynauds which effects the circulation in my hands.  

I am stoked to let you know that I have a special discount code available for my friends, family and followers- that's you!  If you or someone you know, wants to be warm in winter, then please head online using this link, and the discount code below, to order your very own heated gloves and/or vest.  This special 10% discount will only be available until February 15th, afterwards, I will have a 5% discount for you. 

Click here to order
Then use this Discount Code to save 10% off until February 15th, 2018!

10DISCOUNT_REFERRAL_LTD


A few years ago, I discovered the Motion Heat battery powered gloves, after an absolutely bone chilling mountain bike trip where winter came early and snow hit us by surprise.  As usual with cold conditions, my Raynauds kicked up and I temporarily lost use of my hands, then ended up in tears of pain when the circulation returned.  Those who live with Reynauds will understand.  It is not about 'being cold', it really is a debilitating condition that can dramatically impact your life, recreation and activity choices.  It can also lead to long term disability if not managed correctly.  After that trip, my good friends all pitched in to buy me the Motion Heat gloves because they were tired of watching me cry in pain on our adventures.  I am so lucky to have such sweet friends!  

These gloves have literally changed my life.  In the past, cold weather severely restricted the activities that I could participate in and the Raynauds created a fair amount of anxiety during winter recreation.  No more! 

I wrote this unbiased product review after trying out the gloves (years before partnering with Motion Heat) and now I am proud to represent this company because they produce awesome products that I truly believe in.  The new vest, is a game changer too!  Now I don't have to wear 3000 layers when I am coaching outdoors- I can just wear one shirt and one jacket like a regular person lol!

Check out the video clip below and stay tuned for the full video coming soon...

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

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.

Gear Review: 66 Audio BTS Wireless Headphones

How do these things even stay on?  Cool design!

This summer, 66 Audio asked it I would like to test drive their BTS wireless head phones.  Of course I would!  I love testing new gear and was excited to see how these wireless headphones would perform on my various adventures.  I have always been an ear bud person, so I will admit I was a bit skeptical about how I would enjoy the external style headphones.  Here is how my test drive went down...

Summitting The Golden Hinde in a Single Day

I had been there before...but had never reached the summit.  My last trip to the Golden Hinde was a 3 day, solo walk-about at a pace designed to clear my mind.  This time, the pace was set to try and get to the summit and back in a single day.  Of course, it had been done before by many adventurous (and impatient) fastpackers.  But, I hadn't ever heard of a woman's single day time...

"Hey!  Wanna go for the Hinde on August 27th?"  

...And so...

Team ELM Canada rocks the 55km Iceland Laugavegur Ultra Marathon!

TEAM ELM COMPLETES 55KM ULTRA MARATHON IN ICELAND

Eight local trail runners have just returned to the Comox Valley after completing the 55km Laugavegur Ultra Marathon in the wild Highlands of Iceland. ‘Team ELM Iceland’ trained for 5 months to prepare for the event and traveled to Iceland along with their Coach, Sarah Seads (owner of Equilibrium Lifestyle Management) for a week long adventure leading up to and including the race. Their results were impressive, considering all but two were attempting their first ultra marathon. Many of the runners, began their training at 8kms and with just 3-4 days of running per week, their race specific training plan helped them prepare effectively for the challenging 55km ultra.

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 4: Abbott Ridge

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 

Yup.  Money.

Run BC Project Day 4: Abbott Ridge Trail, Glacier National Park

The best day of all?  Oooooooh it is so hard to pick a favourite!  But Abbott Ridge really did knock my socks off...it was spec-freakin-tacular!

Distance: 13.6kms round trip
Elevation: 820m gain (it's a good steady up)
Terrain: Moderately steep dirt switchbacks to start with a good solid climb to the subalpine, then a rocky, uneven path up top. 
Map: Parks Canada
Trailhead: Illecillewaet Campground
Bring: Sunscreen, bear spray (grizzly country!), camera (and spare cards!) 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.

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.

#explorethevispine Port Alberni Inlet to Log Train Trail 37kms

 

Sun drenched bluffs and views that go on and on and on...

Thank you for joining me on the #explorethevispine challenge!  This year I will be running ultra sections of the Vancouver Island Spine Trail as a way to raise awareness, support and resources for VISTA, the amazing team behind this truly visionary, 700km trail.  Be sure to check out the #explorethevispine page on this blog to find out more and to learn how you can join me in supporting this great cause.

#explorethevispine Shawnigan Lake to Lake Cowichan 49kms

 

Sandra on the Kinsol Trestle

Thank you for joining me on the #explorethevispine challenge!  This year I will be running ultra sections of the Vancouver Island Spine Trail as a way to raise awareness, support and resources for VISTA, the amazing team behind this truly visionary, 700km trail.  Be sure to check out the #explorethevispine page on this blog to find out more and to learn how you can join me in supporting this great cause!