Ocean Sky

Ocean Sky from Alex Cherney on Vimeo.

Wow. This reminds me of where we really are...

Play this on the biggest screen you can, turn off the lights and get ready to be wowed...

Holy Lole

Happy Wednesday!
I have another gear review for you...

If you have seen me at all since late winter, then you have seen me wearing my teal Lole zippy...cause I have been living in it. I recently discovered this awesome Canadian clothing line at Lotuswear (ELM Sponsor) in Courtenay. They started carrying this womens active-wear line recently and now the store is filled with vibrant colours and funky styles. Learn more about this inspiring Montreal based company here...

Recently, I was invited to join the 'Lole & Friends' program as a Canadian fitness pro/lifestyle athlete and I am stoked to be affiliated with this fresh, fun company!

On to the review...

I wear this 'Essential' long sleeve zippy as a light layer on spring days, summer mornings... It is a light weight, nylon-elastane blend that feels super soft on the skin and helps to regulate temps via layering. I wear it while training clients, before/after my workouts and after work hours I have been living in it too. Nice long sleeves and long body so it doesn't ride up and feels cozy on a cool day. Not too hot, not too cold... Love it- what can I say?

I also picked up a pair of Lole 'Circuit' bottoms and have been living in these too. Same blend but a slightly heavier material, these are the perfect long short for cool-warm days when you are moving and shaking (frisbee or spontaneous yoga anyone?). They come just above the knee, have nice deep pockets and feel so soft on the skin. The wide, flat waist band keeps them secure on my hips without digging in. Flat seams and printed tags make these a super comfy fit. I have been living in these too! At work, after work AND in spring I was wearing these over my bike shorts on my mountain bike. They were excellent for biking on cooler days because they gave my legs some extra coverage but also were breathable. Another bonus: the nice close fit at the rear meant my shorts didn't get caught on my seat on the ride. I hate that about most of my baggy biking shorts! So, yes, another rave recommendation for these shorts!

Check out http://www.lolewomen.com/ca/en/ or go down to Lotuswear, Ryan Road, to see this awesome Canadian owned line. You might just find your new fave outfit...

Cheers and Happy Trails,
Sarah.

Juan de Fuca Solo 'Run'

Good times on the Juan de Fuca trail yesterday!
I have been itching to fit in a day on the JDF trail since my first fast pack in 2009. That time I enjoyed a fun day with a couple of buddies, Shawn and Michelle, exploring, making memories, taking photos and taking in the scenery. This year I couldn't seem to convince any buddies to join me on the trek so I faced my fears and went solo. It turned out to be a fabulous day- I had a great long run on one of the most beautiful west coast trails imaginable. 47kms (and 2000m elevation gain then loss) of single track, mud, roots, ladders, bridges, beaches, rivers, mud...did I mention mud?

Tacos de Pescado

The first time I had a fish taco I fell hard.

Smoked Salmon & Avocado Sushi with Ginger Mango Salsa

Oh Baby! Sushi is one of my fave meals and we have it on our menu at least every other week for sure. So fresh, so tasty and oh-so-good-for-you!

Thai Smoked Salmon Chowder

On Saturday, Brad came home with a BIG smile and a couple of BIG salmon from the sea:) Within minutes he had them prepped and ready to be frozen fresh or soaked in a sweet/salty bring for the smoker. First thing Sunday morning we loaded 20 pounds of fat fillets of white spring salmon into the 'Little Chief'. By supper time we were noshing on the tastiest smoked salmon you can imagine...

Smoked salmon is intense. We eat quite a bit of it (lucky for us) and so I am always looking for new ways to prepare it- wouldn't want to get sick of it now would we!

With the grey skies looming I was in the mood for chowder on Monday night, so I put together some of my favorite flavours to create a not-so-traditional salmon chowder.

Thai Smoked Salmon Chowder

(makes...a lot)

1tbs veg oil

1 onion diced

5 garlic cloves minced

2 tbs minced ginger

1 stick lemon grass- chopped into 2 inch pieces

2 carrots diced

1.5 cups new local baby potatoes diced

1 can coconut milk

6 cups vegetable stock

1-2 cups frozen corn

1.5 cups mushrooms diced

1.5-2 cups chopped smoked salmon

1 tsp sambal olek (hot sauce)

juice of 1 lime

1/2 cup each chopped cilantro & green onions

Saute onion, garlic, ginger, lemongrass in oil. Add all other ingredients up to stock. Simmer until spuds are just cooked. Add corn, mushrooms and salmon until cooked through. Remove from heat and add remaining ingredients- add more to taste.

Top with fresh cilantro and chives.

We have these crazy scapes looping around the tops of our garlic in the veg garden. So, I steamed up a few and popped them in the chowder bowls.

This chowder is great served with rice and a green salad as well. Mmmmmmmm...
Enjoy!

Burger Night

On the weekends I usually make 1 or 2 super big batch recipe's so that I can load up my freezer and make my life way easier when days are long and we are busy. So, this weekend I put 1 pizza in the freezer along with about 7 burritos before busting out a new big-batch veggie burger recipe to add to the kit.

Salmon & Avocado Burgers with Wasabi Mayo

I have just discovered the BEST SALMON BURGER EVER. Thank you Chatelaine:)

Roasted Potato Pizza

Last Thursday my buddy Arran mentioned the idea of sending her my weeky meal plan / recipes cause she was running out of ideas and needed some inspiration. Well...that got me thinking...maybe some of you are in need of a little menu planning inspiration.

Testing Testing...1...2...Plan B!

Hola!
This past weekend I got a second chance to complete the Squamish Test of Metal. This 67km epic mountain bike race has been running for at least 15 years and the 1000 spots sell out in about 20 minutes every year.

After learning that the Kusam Klimb had been cancelled early last week, I decided to make use of my TOM entry that I registered for back on January 1st. Not trained and not mentally prepared for the Test, but thinking it would be the best way to keep me off of my feet and out of trouble while my foot continued to heal, on Thursday I made the call to head to Squamish for the race.

Talk about switching gears mentally! Run run run...BIKE! And so, I lubed up my chain, checked my tire pressure and loaded up my bike on Friday to sail over to Squamish.

I got a bonus visit in with my buddies Allie and Darcy in Squamish and Darc was also racing for the first time in the Test. We had a fun visit and it was SO awesome to see my bud complete his first Test and his first EVER race of any kind! Darcy rocked it and I know he will be back for more...

Race morning we woke up to a steady spring rain and by 9am the deck was a pool of splashing raindrops. Nice. No shortage of mud on the trails today.

We made a quick visit to the local bikeshop for some extra fuel (always looking for the margarita flavor of Cliffe Shot Blocks which sell out everywhere and have 3 times the salt) and last minute items. Some local knowledge gave us a great idea to pick up a super light weight mud fender for the bottom tube to keep the mud-in-the-mouth-beaver-fever-issue to a minimum. Ended up being the best secret weapon ever! Thanks local guy!

The rain stopped just as we were getting warmed up and that is always a nice mental bonus:) I learned alot last year in my first Test and this year I was WAY more relaxed and less freaked out about the whole racing with 900+ other people thing.

In the mass start I moved up a bit to the back of the 3:45 to get in with racers who were of a similar climbing ability and avoid having to pass a hundred people on the uphills. I also learned to squeeze into the side of the chute rather than leave my bike right in the middle of the chaos and have to climb over and under metal and people to get to my bike.

My goal was to use the race to cross-train and get a good long workout in while giving my foot some time to rest. Same as last year, I planned to keep my heart rate in check, keep the intensity moderate and avoid any cramping, bonking or crashes. It worked out and I felt great the whole time.

Up Up Up for the first 15 minutes the climb was great and I was in a better position heading into the single track. Still the same rush hour traffic type of scene in the trails as last year but everyone was super mellow and calm about being tire to tire and waited patiently in their spots in the line. I was WAY more relaxed about being in a big pack/race line this year and I was able to just play and enjoy the ride this time.

Many unlucky racers lined the first bumpy section of trail and I saw at least 20 dudes fixing their flats and mechanicals in the first 20 minutes. Why oh why do you big boys run such light weight tires/tubes?

Cliffe and Rob's corners were a highlight on the first leg and I couldn't help but let out a few whoohooos on the way down. Best idea for a trail: series of swooping turns and banked corners that go for a mile under the power lines. Thanks to Cliffe and Rob who ever you are!

Out of the single track and onto the road for a haul up past the university, through the feed zone then to the base of 9 mile hill.

Passed and got passed by a few racers on this section, loaded up on eload to keep hydrated and avoid cramping. Went in to my 'bento box' / 'bike purse' for my anti-cramp Cliffe Blocks only to find that both packs (4 servings) had escaped and bounced right out of a little opening in the box!! Noooooo! All I had left was 1 gel and 1 homemade 'sarahbar' (eat more flavor:).

Luckily my friend Allie was waiting in the feedzone and she had another 'sarahbar' for me as well as a swap for my empty water bottle. That would be enough to get me up 9 mile hill and back to the feedzone in about 1.25 hours.

9 mile hill...just a long, boring, gravel road climb. Would have loved to have my tunes for that hill this year. Instead I chatted with other racers while climbing past them, pushed my pedals around and around and endured the painful sounds of an iPod listening-but can't hear myself singing-racer who was nearby on the hill and belting out Tom Jones. Lot's of motivation to keep the pace up and keep picking off the boys one by one...

As I cruised along I was thinking it was good to be a girl or at least have a good leg strength : to body weight ratio for these big climbs...

I also remember thinking: 'where are all the other girls at?". I had only seen 1 woman and I was 2.5hours into the race. Crazy.

At the top of the road we got into an old quad track for some MORE climbing but this time it was a bit more interesting/technical so the time flew by. Before I knew it I was at the top after climbing for just under 1 hour. Exact same time as last year to this point on the course 2:45!

I am a climber not a descender and my fun was over when the hill changed directions. Time to hold on for the ride as I rattled and banged my way down the Ring Creek Rip. Not my favorite part of the race but at least I could hang on and rip it -I just let my bike go and it found its way to the bottom of that mess. It is an old logging road, rutted out like a river bed and filled with mini-boulders of all shapes and sizes. I took note of the first aid crew strategically placed on this section of trail and tried to put them out of my mind.

More sad racers with broken bike bits bordered this trail and I was thankful for being a girl again at this point...light body weight also has an advantage when placed on tires and tubes and bike bits...

Shaken from the vibrations that all 4 inches of my huge front suspension passed onto my body I pedaled my way to the infamous Powerhouse Plunge trail. My nemesis. This trail is a gnarly mess of sharp rocks at random angles, tight switchbacks and mini-drops that require speed, agility, balls and finesse to stay on top of the chaos and get any flow. I, sadly do not have any of these things going downhill.

And so, the dejavu began as I hopped on and off my bike to allow more skilled riders to pass. Sometimes I just ran the trail with my bike until riders came up behind me. It was faster to run than to get on and off every few seconds actually. I have heard of some riders that just get off and run their bikes down the entire trail to the end. If I don't get back to Squamish to ride that trail in a non-race environment then I might just try that strategy next race:)

I was inspired by the girls and kids (the 12 year old passed me on this section again) who rocked this trail and passed me by...

That trail is tough on the ego for sure- it is really only about 15 minutes of trail but it is the most demoralizing for me! Time to pull up my socks and get back to work on the final 30 minutes of the race. I popped out in the feedzone at the same time as last year 3:30 and grabbed one more energy bar for the final leg along with some salty pretzels and guzzled another bottle of eload.

Back into the single track I was suprised to find myself in another rush hour line up on the final leg of the race and I was stuck behind hard working but quickly burning out racers. These racers were slooooowing down and dragging me down with them when I wanted to rip it up! I was feeling amazing and had a tonne of energy left as I had been taking it easy during the race. Many had passed me on the downhill and now I had to figure out how to get by them in the Farside/Crumpet woods. A couple of uphill sections tossed the tired racers off their bikes and I was able to sneak by and pop out on the road a bit further ahead.

I had way too much energy left and stood up on the pedals to make a full on sprint to the finish - completely obnoxious but having a great time I passed a few more racers including a few girls before coming into the finish chute...only to get the same finish time as last year! Within a minute...how is that even possible over 67kms and one year?

4hours and 5 minutes and 4th place in my category was a bonus - If only I hadn't just had my birthday I would have snagged 1st place in my age category!

I reached my goal of feeling good, taking it easy and finishing in one cramp-free piece. I didn't feel my foot at all and I felt like I could have completed the race again at the finish. The same finish time as last year? Not bad, considering I didn't train for this race! My longest ride was about 2hours with my buddies about 4-6 weeks ago so I will take it!

Good times. If you want to step up your riding I definitely recommend that you try and enter this race for 2012. Very well organized, amazing volunteers and community support that you will not see anywhere else! The locals cheer you on and make you feel like you can do anything! Thank you Squamish!

I finally took off the arch support tape job that my physio put on me last Monday and I am cautiously optomistic that I will be able to ramp up my running mileage again this weekend...until that happens, stay tuned for more deets on my races for July...

Ride on,
Sarah.

Join Team ELM : Relay for Life this Weekend!

Relay For Life 2011 Comox Valley
June 24-25, 7pm to 7am
Vanier Track

HELLO FRIENDS OF ELM!

The annual Relay for Life is taking place this coming weekend and we are looking for participants to join our Team and help us support this worthy cause! We only need a few hours of your time to make this weekends Relay a success: a minimum of 1 hour on the track this coming weekend and a few moments to collect donations from your family or friends this week. Can you join Team ELM?

This event could change your life! Join with thousands who have decided to fight back at an event that celebrates cancer survivors and honours loved ones who haven’t survived. There will be laughter and fun, joy and sorrow but mostly, conviction that cancer can be kicked out of our lives and communities — if we act together.

The money raised will be invested in cancer research to save lives; deliver trusted information and caring support to people living with cancer and cancer prevention initiatives.


Team ELM page: http://www.relaybc.ca/comoxvalley/teamelm

There is a Join Our Team link just under the welcome note. If you cannot join our team, we would be grateful if you could take a moment to make a small donation online. Please help us support the Canadian Cancer Society and the many thousands of Canadians who will need our help this year.


What is Relay for Life all about? The Canadian Cancer Society has produced this video about Relay:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0sCnsKv9Fw


Thanks for the support! Please contact Nicole or myself if you have any questions or if you can join Team ELM!


Nicole, Team ELM Captain msnicolewarrington@gmail.com

Sarah Seads elmhealth@shaw.ca

Karma Kontest & Comox Klimb

READ ON FOR CONTEST GIVE-AWAY DETAILS BELOW!!!

Karma...what you do comes back to you...hmmmm....

It has been a crazy couple of weeks of highs and lows for me with a cranky body that is getting back at me for not giving it the rest it deserves...72 hours didn't quite cut it lol...

After stressing about whether or not to run Kusam this weekend and pulling out all the stops to try and super-heal my bod or bow out something crazy happened...

Kusam Klimb was cancelled due to avalanche risks and a nasty set of cornice overhangs looming along the route. Smart call but sad times for all of the racers and for the town itself. Mother nature spoiled the skiiers this year but record breaking snow isn't good for summer hiking routes...so...Kusam will have to wait until 2012...

Up down up down...up...Test of Metal...hmmm...

Back on January first I got caught up in the Test of Metal online registration frenzie and ended up snagging a spot in the Squamish bike race (sold out in 22mins). But then later in the winter I decided to focus on running with a new goal in the back of my mind for late July...more on that later...and an ELM Kusam Klimb roadtrip was born! But, alas it was never meant to be...

So....for me...I am going to rest my foot from running for another weekend and do some cross-training in Squamish at the Test! Should be more than painful and I KNOW my bum is going to be very sore as i have not exactly been training for this much time on my seat...

So...for ELM Kusam Klimbers...You have worked so hard and mentally prepared yourself for the Grusam Kusam this spring!! You must try out those legs...

I have mapped out a great Comox Klimb alternative to the Kusam for you to tackle this weekend...it will get you the same distance or a bit more. Although nothing compares to the vertical you get on the Klimb it is a close second with many beautiful views. I am going to give out the map tonight at Adventure Running... Cumberland 5:30pm...Klimb at your OWN RISK...

Let me know if you want to know the route I have in mind...

NOW...ARE YOU FEELING LUCKY??

Thanks to Karma and Lee at Lotuswear I am giving away a FREE Karma zippy! This hot technical zip up is super soft, super warm and super comfy. The colour will knock your socks off and inspire you to run, jump and climb higher! Womens size medium only!

WANT TO TRY AND WIN IT??

Here is what you have to do...

READ the details about Karma below...READ the skill testing questions at the end of this blog and EMAIL ELM with your answers and Karma in the subject line. Got it? Here goes....

KARMA - Karma is a Canadian owned company that manufactures its apparel in Vancouver. Karma gives its customer the inspiration to move and feel great about life. The cothing makes it easy to feel healthy and confident in any yoga practice or activity a person may choose.

Inspired by both traditional and modern yoga culture, Karma has been at the forefront of fashionable activewear design for over a decade. Using only the finest performance knit, their special blend of nylon and Spandex gently wicks moisture away while artfully adjusting to the size and unique body shape of the woman wearing it. Ensuring the best fit and comfort it's customers have ever experienced.

The Karma line features clean lines, subtle logos and hidden features along with a uniquely flattering fit in a variety of styles that are appropriate for all ages and body types. In addition to our popular performance knit and cotton blends, we have also added chitosante (crabshell based) and bamboo fabrics to their collection.

KARMA KONTEST QUESTIONS:

Which ELM Sponsor carries Karma clothing in Courtenay?

Where is Karma clothing made?

Email ELM with your answers today! elmhealth@shaw.ca

Good luck!

Sarah.

Magic: Stages of Healing

72 hours of magic to be exact.

The body is an amazing machine and the re-construction that occurs in the 72 hours following and injury are phenomenal. Here is your athletic therapy lesson for the day...

Avocado crazy

Do you ever think about what food you would choose if you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life?

My sister Dani, always says 'tomatoes!' without a doubt in her voice. For me it is always a toss up between avocados and mangos...I could live on a deserted island with either and be happy as can be. But there had better be a lime tree...

Right now both avocados and mangos are perfectly ripe for the picking at nearly every grocery store. Sure, they don't fit into my 100 mile diet- I know I know - but I eat as much locally as I can to balance out my tropical food addiction. The other option is way worse- flying to Mexico or Nica for my fix would create a pretty big footprint:).

Forgive me for my weakness and perhaps you will even join me...here are my fave avocado snacks right now:

MOMAR Burnaby Race Report

Team ELM takes an early CP at our pre-race dinner...one step ahead! Congrats to ELMers Vicky, Lynn, Kathy, Jenn, Chris and theCourtenay crew on an awesome race!

Salomon Trail Runner Review

Happy Friday Friends!

I should be doing admin work on the computer right now. No scratch that- what I should be doing is playing outside in that sunshine! But, instead, I am procrastinating my tedius small business owner tasks and doing a shoe review instead!

Those who run with me know I am a Salomon trail runner through and through. There are many fantastic trail runners on the market but Salomons fit me just like Cinderella's slipper. And that is really what it is all about- choosing a shoe that: A fits you perfectly and B delivers the goods for the demands you place on it.

I probably started wearing Salomons years ago for the cool toggle-style-quick-lace system:) when I picked up my first pair of XA Pros. Today I have 3 different pairs of Salomons on the go and I thought I would give my thoughts on how they compare on the trails.

Props go to Marc at Valhalla Pure, Courtenay, for giving me a stellar deal on my Salomons and inviting me to trail test the newest shoe in the family: Crossmax.

#1 Crossmax (neutral). This is the first neutral option trail runner put out by Salomon which is perfect for my foot type. You can get them with medial posting for additional pronation control if you like.
What Salomon says:
High mileage training shoe for neutral runners who want one shoe from door to trail.

What I say

These felt like slippers when I put them on and I just knew I had to have them.

Lightest of the 3 styles- feels super fast on non-technical trails.

Socklike fit- ohsocomfy and very low-profile/minimalist feel.

Great forefoot cush that feels great on the pavement and easy to moderately technical trails

Low profile tread- not as agressive as the wings or XA pros

Less stable than the wings or XA pros-feels like you are standing higher up in the shoe with a shallower cup depth.

In summary these are perfect for a fast trail race on low to moderate technical terrain, casual trail runners and those who want one shoe they can run in safely on the road and in the trails. I have been wearing them everyday to work with my clients and teaching my outdoor Bootcamp classes in addition to less technical trail runs. LOVE them.

#2Wings (available in Gortex or regular)
What Salmon says:
Lighter for 2011, this top of the line trail running shoe balances cushioning and agility via Salomon's ACS system.

What I say:

Super all round cushioning in the sole and uppers- great for those prone to injury/impact. Can feel sloppy to someone who isn't used to all the cushioning.

Warm/weather resistant/great winter trail runner. Hot in the summer. Heaviest of the 3.

Aggresive tread- like putting your 'big girl' tires on your mt bike in the muck of winter.

Excellent responsiveness in uber-technical terrain. Low set heel cup combined with sturdy uppers and wicked tread make this a tie with the XA pros for technical terrain.

In summary these are my go-to trail runners for everything and anything. I prefer doing hi-mileage runs in these as they keep my feet and body happy with the extra cush- without compromising on agility/function. LOVE them.

#3 XAPros (available in Gortex or regular)

What Salomon says:
Agile, durable and stable on the most demanding trails, the XA Pro 3D Ultra 2 gets a streamlined profile and improved durability thanks to a new outsole geometry.

What I say
All the same benefits as the Wings but without the same level of cushioning.

These are fast and furious trail shoes that feel much harder under your feet compared to the other two. Trail specific with minimal cushioning can feel abusive on a body that doesn't tolerate high levels of impact. Perfect for those who can handle the force and want to get that 'grip it and rip it' feeling under their feet. Ultimate fast & technical racing shoe.

Lightweight , very breathable and the most cool of the 3 in summer. The non-gortex version dry super fast. The mesh fills up with dust so your toes will get dirty however!

Super agressive tread will literally pull you up the mountains.

Summary- ideal race shoe or perfect shoe for anyone that can handle the impact of limited cushioning. LOVE them.

What trail runners are you loving? I would love to hear your reviews too!

PS ELM Members dont' forget:: Next Weds, May 25th is our semi-annual after hours shopping night at Valhalla! Great deals so you can pick up your own pair of Salomons:)

Happy Trails!

Sarah.

Chocolate or Vanilla?

My new favorite island

Hellooooo!
This past weekend I made an escape over to Saturna Island for a girls get-away filled with good food, fun fitness and great friends:) 9 of us in total spent the weekend in a beautiful log cabin, weaving old Rapattack fire fighting tales, creating new memories, feasting on great food and kicking up dirt all around the island.

50% of the island is National Park and that means fantastic forest lands, protected trail networks and unspoiled vistas. The highlight was a long ridge trail on a crazy side slope that hovered hundreds of metres above the coast below. Herds of deer and wild goats dotted the hill side that was covered in a lush green grass & wildflower carpet. Amazing. One of the most beautiful/breathtaking trails I have ever been on in my life. Belly flipping steep and views to die for. The only problem is it wasn't long enough! I could have followed that trail for days...

Instead I rode it the first day (15k loop with a steep climb up before hitting the ridge trail) with a few of the girls (so fun and freaky at the same time) then fast packed a great 10k route along the coast for a modified brick workout:) Then on Saturday I got up ridiculously early and ran back up to the ridge trail a couple of times for a good loooong solo 4hour run. After that it was on to the winery for a tasting and tour followed by a nap! Perfect day:)

Here are some pics from the Island...

Lisa and I at the summit!
Awesome single track...

Scrambling with the girls on the rocky, coast trail...

Crazy spring orchids...

Lighthouse point just after sunrise on Sunday morning...


Wonder where my sneakers will take me next...

SS

Gear that moves me

Time to kick up some dirt! ELM's popular off road clinics kick off this month:

Adventure Running 1::3 begins tonight at 5:30pm- and this session includes a detailed training program to prepare racers for the Kusam Klimb on June 18th

Off Road Half Marathon training begins May 14th and runs for 14-weeks on Sunday mornings leading up to the Log Train Trail or other race of your liking:)

I am getting geared up for my first Adventure Race of the season- MOMAR Burnaby!! I am not a super huge consumer but there are a few key items that I use day in and day out and I am always thankful to have them with me on my big adventures. Props go out to my favorite gear that moves me::

Team ELM Rocks!

YEAH TEAM ELM!
It was a busy race weekend with ELM'ers kickin it all over the place!

Down in Victoria TEAM ELM raced the new course in the TC10K and they did amazing! The team was made up of ELM clinic participants- many doing the 10k distance for the very first time. They had amazing race tales...and...TEAM ELM came 5th in the Club Category- bonus!

Up in the Valley TEAM ELM gaver on the Snow to Surf Relay once again- 4th year and 4th podium finish we took GOLD again this year! We had a clean race (with 8 legs that is the biggest challenge), got to eat chocolate medals and we had our fastest overall time yet! For those who have not yet experienced this massive team event here is a quick outline for ya:

Leg 1: Uphill run in ski boots up a snowy run (I think this part takes longer than the ski!) followed by a downhill ski - Deb Rolston!

Leg2: XC ski - Lo Superstar Lanning!

Leg3: 6k Downhill Run down the mountain road- Kathy Campbell!

Leg4: Another 6k downhill Run down the mountain road with 1k off road - Lynn Swift stand in!

Leg5: 14k mountain bike ride (first 6k on the road:() to Comox Lake- Me!

Leg6: Kayak across Comox Lake to Cumberland - Janine Martin!

Leg7: Road bike through Cumberland, back to Courtenay via Royston - Audrey Erlandson!

Leg8: Run to the Courtenay Marina and Canoe to Comox- Lyse Fortin and Rani Johns!

Way too much fun!

Can't wait until next year...might need to find another relay event before then cause it is way too much fun!



What next? MOMAR! Then Kusam!!

Woohooo!

SS