Finlayson Arm Double 100 k +28 k 2021 Race Report

Pre Race Start of the Double 100k+28 k 2021

Finlayson Arm Double 100km/30 km 2021

In 2019 I won a draw prize at the final event of the Vancouver Island trail race series. It was a Brooks coffee mug with a free entry to any distance of the Finlayson Arm trail race, including the Double. I remember thinking to myself “I will NEVER do that race!” Referring to the 100k and double. I did do the 28 km in 2017 as one of my first longer trail races and I really enjoyed it. I remember volunteering one year watching the 50 km runners, thinking how insane and hard that was. I had a couple of friends who I admired finishing the 50 km race. I never would have dreamed of doing the Double.

Andrew Barclay, the inventor of the Double, was the first one to have completed it in 2017. I couldn't believe it until I saw him running the 28km after finishing the 100km the day before. I thought he was crazy !

The reason I had said never, wasn't because the distance scared me, but more the technical aspect and elevation gain of the course. The Double consists of 100k and the 28k on the same weekend. Elevation gain of 7600 meters total. I think it is a home advantage knowing the course and what you're in for, but also a disadvantage knowing what you're in for. The course is not suited to my strengths, but I looked at it as a challenge.

Pre race start feeling nervous and excited !

The original plan for 2021 was to do Cascade Crest 100 miler in Washington. The race director kindly rolled our entry over from 2020 to 2022 due to the circumstances of our global pandemic. In the meantime I suggested to David we put ourselves on the waitlist for Fat Dog 120 this year, We got in but of course with all the unknowns of Covid 19, the race was cancelled June 3. I had a strong feeling it would be. It was disappointing to say the least. When I heard that Finlayson Arm, that originally had been cancelled was now a go I messaged Myke Labelle and asked if i could redeem my free entry. Since the 28K and 50k were already sold out, I opted for the more expensive entry - the Double. He messaged me right back with the code to enter. I was thrilled. As soon as I entered the code and hit send and thought “OMG what have I done!“ I messaged David Marlor and a few minutes later convinced him to enter too. After all we could train together, we know the course, lots of local support, I have a great coach to help me prepare and it would give us a goal to keep training.

Matt Cecil, my coach agreed the decision to train for the Double was a nice quick pivot after getting the news about Fat Dog. David and I planned the summer with some back country hiking trips including 3 days on the trails in Cape Scott on the May long weekend, the Sunshine Coast Trail – Northern section – on Canada Day weekend; this was 5 nights and 6 days of hiking 130 km with over 6000 meters of climbing while carrying 25-30 lb packs shortly after the heat dome. It was my longest hike to date. Followed by the northern section of the SCT 3 days over the August long weekend. In short we had a lot of hiking and climbing under our belts. We also did a 50 km night run preview on the course 3 weeks earlier as our last long run. Thank you to Andrew Barclay for organizing the Island Fat Ass event. There were a number of racers that attended and it was perfect preparation for the Double.

The weekend before the race David Marlor and I did one last 2 nights backcountry easy flat hiking trip on Forbidden Plateau. It was more of a trip to get the mind off racing and I was worried that we did too much hiking although it was slow. Still time on feet so close to the race. I also left my Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z hiking poles in the parking lot by mistake and didn't realize till we got home. Not to add more pre-race stress! Lisa Fehr kindly offered for me to use her poles, same as the ones I have. Thank you Lisa !

David Marlor and Pete Dumbleton finishing the 100 k - sprinting across the finish line .

Here's a replay of the Double :

Race week: I had a one hour long phone meeting with Matt to discuss race strategy and that really was the icing on the cake in terms of race preparation. I left feeling confident in my plan and excited and ready! In the days leading up I watched Matt Cecil's “Human Powered“ at least three times. I cried every time, it is so emotional. Watching it got me excited for the race and helped calm the pre-race jitters.

Friday Race Day: The race begins at Goldstream group campsite trailhead at Goldstream Provincial Park in Victoria, B.C. David and I planned to camp overnight after the 100k. The idea was we wouldn't have to get up as early on Sunday for the 28k, and maybe wouldn't be tempted not to show up at the start line. We got to Goldstream early around 2:30pm to set up the tent. We had loads of time to get our bags ready for the race and any last minute stresses out of the way. For me I was worried my new Ultraspire Lumen 200-800 on high beam waist belt (an early birthday gift from David), fully charged, would die in the night. I brought my backup Gemini headlight which is 200 lumens on low, 900 lumens on medium and 1500 lumens on full, and an extra spare battery just in case ((or as David said carrying around a generator). I decided the extra few grams was worth carrying for piece of mind.

I also carried 12 hours worth of Tailwind nutrition powder, half decaf for first 50 km and a few caffeinated in case I needed it. Fruit gummies and chocolate covered coffee beans in case I needed something to keep me awake at night. I also carried a vest and arm warmers in case it got cold. I started off with 1.5 litres of water plus 2 x 500 ml flasks of decaffeinated tailwind – for 200 calories per hour. I carried body glide in case I had any chafing issues and 2 masks - mandatory for the aid stations. Also brought a jumper knee strap, as my physio Jaymie McGowan, suggested in case my left knee acted up. I have hypermobility in the joint so sometimes gives me issues.

I was using an old version Ultimate Direction race vest that was falling apart at the seams. Louise Wallace, super-seamstress, repaired my zippers for me a couple weeks before the race, and it was as good as new!

Finishing the 100 k of the Double in 23 hours 57 seconds.

I had 2 drop bags – one for Rowntree that contained Lisa's hiking poles, an extra pair of Cascadia 15, dry compression socks in case I had foot issues after the river crossing.

Second box was for halfway Goldstream that contained a fresh pair of Cascadia 16, two pairs of dry compression socks, extra old pair and a new pair of Wonder Woman compression socks never worn before in case I felt risky, caffeinated Tailwind, extra fruit gummies, chocolate covered coffee beans, Garmin watch charger, extra jog bra, Merino wool shirt to change into, extra arm warmers, rain jacket, extra gloves, two extra buffs, and deep relief muscle joint balm for my neck and shoulders.

We dropped off our bags in the appropriate locations and waited for the 5pm start. Matt said there was no need for a warm up run before 100 km. In the pre-race meeting Myke Labelle provided race instructions around wearing masks into aid stations and immediate disqualification if one crosses the highway and not the Goldsteam river crossing, and jokingly told us swearing was not tolerated on the course. It was just after 5pm and we were off.

Immediately after the start, one kilometer into the race, we crossed the Goldstream river. The river was low this year, but I'm sure Myke moved a few rocks out of the way so that no one could avoid getting their feet wet. I had thought about and practiced taking my runners and socks off and crossing with my water proof Birkenstocks. It took my 3 minutes to do this and caused me too much anxiety so I decided not to do this on race day. One less stress to deal with and I usually don't have issues with wet feet and blisters so was confident in my decision.

Heading up the face of Finlayson, my legs were feeling strong on the climb. It was hot and I was drinking Tailwind and water, aiming for 200 calories per hour. Right on track. I cruised by Karen Laberee who was very strong and began to think maybe I was going too fast too early in the race. My goal was to keep it comfortable. I was so I trusted my instinct to keep going. Other racers were ahead and it was hard not to push it too early into the race.

Aid #1- Rowntree – 11.1 km Approaching the aid station I put my mask on and was greeted by a volunteer with hand sanitizer. In pre-covid years racers would carry a reusable cup for water and other beverages, but for touchless point purposes the race used recyclable cups for water, coke, Gatorade etc. Jade Carter was the first person I recognized . Everyone looked different wearing a mask. I grabbed my (Lisa's) poles out of my drop bag as we were allowed poles from this point on. I refilled my flasks with decaf Tailwind and water and had a shot of Coke. I saw a port-a-pottie just outside the aid station so I decided to pee before heading back out. When I came out I started running up the road. A few moments later I heard someone yelling at me “Charlene your going the wrong way“ I didn't recognize the face with a mask on but the voice was Jason Ball. I yelled back ' Did I do something wrong“ thinking maybe i forgot to check out? I was embarrassed as I totally didn't notice the entrance to the trail all lit up and I was going off course . Thank you Jason for turning me around. That could have been bad. Note to race director- maybe putting a sign or something to point toward the course entrance to prevent this from happening again as I heard I was not the only one lol!

Onwards, running and power hiking up towards Jocelyn Hill where there was a surprise aid station, water only here. I bypassed this one. It was starting to get dark on the trails so I put my waist light on low beam. It was amazing how well it lit up the rocks and roots so well. I didn't need the Gemini headlamp I already had on my head as a backup. I was getting passed by a couple repetitivel . And feeling frustrated I couldn't keep up to them on the descents and the technical in the dark heading down into McKenzie bight. I was all alone at this point feeling lonely and a bit scared. I was thinking about David wishing I was with him and imagined he was probably close behind. Finally the climb up to Mt Work parking lot, my favourite part of the course. I alternated power hiking and running on the flat sections passing a couple of runners here, till I reached the top.

Aid #2-Ross – Durrance 23.2 km The entrance to the aid station was lit up like Christmas. I could hear people cheering and I ran the last few meters to the top, out of breathe to be greeted by Lois Wooly checking me in. It was nice to see her. I put my mask on and got sanitized upon entry, Andrew Barclay calmly asked what I needed and helped me fill my flasks with water, while added more Tailwind. By this point I switched to caffeine to keep awake through the night. I asked if he knew how David was doing? He hadn't seen him yet so didn't know. I filled up my bladder with 1 litre of water as it was near empty and had 2 shots of Coke while Liesel and John Cockburn held my poles for me. I didn't want to leave the party early, ABBAs “Dancing Queen” was beckoning me to stay. Get in, get what you need, get out Rule #1 of the aid station. I grabbed a piece of watermelon and ate as I walked out toward Mt Work. I noticed the couple who had left me in their dust literally were still mingling in the aid station. Good. Take your time, I don't want to see you guys again!

Hiking up Mount Work towards the summit was not my favorite section of the course, but I learned to love it. I had great visibility with my Ultraspire light. The leaders were now coming back on the Mt Work section and were flying! How do they do that? Bib #3, Elliot Brady, was looking strong as always. The guy doesn't wear a watch at all, amazing! I climbed steady toward the summit and decent into Munn Road aid station. The energy was electric as runners we cheered each other on, shouting words of encouragement “great job, you got this, keep moving“. There were quite a few ladies including Pauline Nielson in my age group. She's super fast and I knew no way in hell I'd ever catch her as she was probably a good 40 minutes in front of me I'm guessing.

Aid station #3-Munn road -28.2 km Christmas lights are a theme at this race as they were at every aid station giving it that festive feeling. I was checked in by Carla Steward and Dave Scott warmly welcomed me into the aid station. I didn't feel like I needed anything here, and didn't recognize Jerry Hughes, local hero in his mask working the aid station. I said “congrats on your big run!“ He had just finished some epic crazy run raising money for charity. I was surprised he wasn't racing the double, I'd put money on him to win it! Heading back up Mt Work assent I finally saw David running with Pete Dumbleton. They looked great and were having fun! I stopped for a quick second to kiss David good luck and kept going. By this point he may have been 20 minutes or so behind me. I felt a sense of relief to know he was doing well and had good company. I wished I had someone to run with too! I saw Karen Laberee again also looking strong. Onwards by myself. I heard and saw rustling in the bushes at the side of the trail. I was alone with the mice and beetles. It seemed to take forever to get up and over Mt Work and felt frustrating and slow, going as fast as I felt comfortable at night time.

Aid #4- Ross – Durrance -33.5 km Back into my favorite aid station. They're are all amazing but this one is extra special! Andrew helped me refill my water and I added more Tailwind and added more water to my bladder. This time I took some salty chips and ate them as I exited the aid station. I had to eat and run – the downhill was nice and I let momentum be my friend. I stopped for a quick pee before I crossed the bridge to start the climb back up Cascade. Those stairs were steep and brutal and I was grateful for my poles. Up the climb and I don't remember much. I saw another headlight ahead of me and before I knew it I was on he ground, tripped over a root. I landed on my left knee and it was gushing blood . I stopped to inspect the damage. It didn't look bad, just a minor flesh wound. It wasn't painful so it didn't concern me much. I wish I had brought my tiny first aid kit I always do on training runs but didn't today . Note to self.

Soon after I heard someone call my name. “you're moving well Charlene“. It was Darren Tannas. He asked if he could join me and I was like of course! Darren is a very accomplished ultrarunner, and is very unassuming. I was grateful to have company through the night section. Then my Ultrasipire light died! Luckily I had my Gemini ready to go so just turned it on as we hiked. I must have accidentally had the Ultraspire on high beam and burned down the battery quickly. I had good visibility, but not as good as the angle of the light seemed off? I was leading for a bit worried I was holding Darren up and tripped again this time somersaulting onto my left elbow and cut my middle finger. My whole left side was bloody! Darren said “nice save, I hope I didn't make you feel like you had to rush”. I didn't want to hold him up and another guy who was silently tagging along with us. Darren is quiet and doesn't talk a lot, which is nice, and took the lead for a while cruising at a nice pace of hiking the climbs and running the non technical. We bypassed the Jocelyn Hill secret aid station and kept going.

Aid #5- Rowntree -45.6 km – Into the aid station masked and sanitized Geoff large said to me “what happened to you? All bloody? Need first aid? I said “No I like looking bad ass. I'm okay not as bad as it looks. I'll get cleaned up at Goldstream where I planned to change”. Jade was happy to see Darren too. We filled up water and Tailwind and headed down the road into the dark. We were in good spirits and moving well and keeping light conversation. On to the dreaded FUBM trail created by Andrew Barley. A bypass we had to take since Bear Mountain wouldn't give Myke a permit to use the Canada Cup Trail on the original course. I had hiked this weeks prior on a training run in daylight. It is gnarly and slow and hard to hike with poles. Somehow it seemed less daunting at night. Not a runnable trail at all. After getting through that there's some technical sections that eventually took us to the campground.

Aid #6-Goldstream camp 52.5km- It was nice to hear cheering, and when Darren and I entered the campsite they started to play – Bon Jovi's “Livin on a Prayer“ “Oh we're half way there! We'll make it I swear!” Nailed it! In in under 11 hours. On the practice 52 km we finished in 11hr15 mins, I was feeling good, lots of energy in the tank.

Darren and I agreed to wait for each other. I grabbed my drop bag and changed as planned into my new Wonder Woman compression socks (broke the don't do anything new on race day rule) after body gliding my feet. I changed my shirt and jog bra that were soaked, 2 clean buffs, put my watch on charger to go, put muscle balm on my shoulders and wiped the blood off my knee and elbow, that had now dried, while I stuffed a few tater tots into my mouth and drank some chicken broth for the salt.

One of the volunteers offered to fill up my bladder with water as he said “I'm sure you have other things to do”. That was helpful. Refilled my Tailwind. I wanted 20 minutes max in the aid station and wanted to get going ASAP. As we exited the aid station I noticed Pauline and her partner sitting down in the aid station – not looking great . I was thinking “oh that's too bad. Maybe you went out too fast. I mean this in a friendly way because she's my competition. Darren waited as I went to the bathroom and were off on the 2nd lap. I tried not to think of what was ahead. Its over whelming to think we had to do all that again. Seriously. One section at a time.

Into Goldstream water crossing and almost made it without getting my feet wet, but one of the rocks was a bit of a stretch. Oh well! Wet feet didn't bother me before. Darren was feeling good and was ahead of me. I was struggling to keep up, but I could see his headlight in front and that's all that mattered. We got through that section quickly and were soon climbing up Finlayson in the dark. It was tricky and a bit scary climbing the face with poles, I put the straps around my wrists and climbed on my hands and knees in places, fearing I'd drop Lisa's poles over he edge or worse me fall over. I could see Darren's headlight disappear into the blackness, he was pushing it. We met up at the top and it was starting to get light out now.

Aid #7-Rowntree -63.6km - We were aiming to get into Rowntree by 7am and arrived 5 mins ahead of schedule. Before I knew it Darren went quiet and dry heaved on the side of the trail. I asked “are you okay” he said “I think I need to lay down for a minute” He said he was bonking. He took in a gel and I offered him a salt tab. He said “go ahead I'll be okay, I just need to rest a minute. You should go ahead”. I replied “I'm not going to leave you here”. I was worried- he was not okay. No one was in sight. After a few minutes Darren made a quick recovery and was back to his normal self . Thank goodness! We continued along. I was feeling relieved and reminded him to eat and drink and me the same . I said we only have 30 km to go! Lets keep working together. Darren was insisting for me to go on ahead as I was running the sections I could and hiking the hills. I enjoyed his company. We saw the leaders coming back towards us as we descended into McKenzie Bight. The leader looked so young. I saw Greg Lariviere who was trying to do the 100k, 50 and 28 k. He had to make it back for the 50k start, but as it was past 7am he have missed it ! I noticed his knee was bandaged so must have fallen. Elliot was looking strong as always and smiling. First female came along, we cheered her on looking strong she said “this course is beating me up“. Happy to hear she was hurting too. As we approached the climb out of Mckenzie Bight I had to decide to go. I climbed steady up the hill and looked back but I didn't see Darren in sight.

Aid #8-Ross – Durrance 75.5 km I asked Andrew as he helped me refill Tailwind and water if I should wait for Darren. He said “no you should go. This is a race. He will be okay”. Decision made although I did feel bad, but my goal was to get up and over Mt Work as quickly as possible. It was drizzling now, but it was warm and I was in climbing mode. It was a slog up the hill, now the fresh 50 km runners were flying by like I was standing still. We cheered each other on. Getting to the summit I ran into Markus Pirker. He was volunteering . He hiked with me and I was telling him about a hot spot on my foot – serves me right for wearing new socks . He suggested stopping at Munn aid station to change my sock before it got worse. It wasn't bad but he reminded me I have 28k to run tomorrow. Right! In the meantime I had passed another female 100k runner and we chatted a bit and I wanted to stay with her.

As we got down the hill into Munn aid I had to make a decision.

Aid #9-Munn road 80.7 km. I decided to stop and check my foot. Markus helped me pull off my sock and I reapplied body glide and changed into an old sock. In the meantime Katie Quest had just entered and exited the aid station and now I had to go chase them down. I didn't want to be alone. The competitive nature in me kicked it. I caught and passed Katie (I didn't know till later that was Katie because she was wearing pink on lap 1). As i passed I said “good job', keep it up”. Climbing up Mt Work I saw David and Pete again looking strong. David offered me the car key and asked if I could bring his hoodie to the finish line. Okay. I grabbed the key, quick kiss and we departed on our separate ways. I was taking is slow as the rocks at the summit were slippery after the ran. Julie Desramaux and Jennie Springings bounced down the mountain in the 50k. A few minutes later I ran into Rumon Carter also doing the 50k. I asked him how he was doing and we ran and chatted a bit . I said “you should go ahead of me“. He did . A few minutes later he was “taking a social moment” to chat with some friends down the trail and that was the last I saw of him.

Aid #10- Ross Durrance I stopped briefly to fill up one flask of water and Tailwind, grabbed coke and exited the aid station. I saw the girl in the 100k I was trying to catch and ran hard down the trail, letting momentum take me. It felt so good. My quads were sore, I didn't care I just wanted to make up some time here. The climb up the stairs out of Mckenzie Bight was slow and painful. It was basically a hike from there on. I would coax myself to run the flats and downhills and hike the hills. I was feeling grumpy. Hearing a 50k runner singing out loud badly I wanted to tell her to “Shut the fuck up” a low blood sugar moment. I had a Snickers bar and ate half and felt better immediately. It was hiking mode to Rowntree.

Aid #11 Rowntree 98.1 km – I stopped for coke and water and grabbed some pretzels – couldn't do Tailwind anymore. I saw Lana and Jason Ball and they sent me off with words of encouragement. I ate as I walked down the trail. I felt as though I was losing motivation here. Couldn't wait to get to FUMB trail again! I fumbled through there cursing under my breath. Now it was muddy and slippery and with poles made it harder. It was better at nighttime as I couldn't see.

On the home stretch. Two girls running ahead in the 100k. I kept looking at my watch. My goal of getting under 23 hours was disappearing. I said to them “common lets go, finish line is right there“. The girls took off with me a few meters behind finishing in 23:00:54.

Mike Suminski could give Steve King a run for his money as an announcer. The guy knows stats on everyone! “You are an ultra runner!“

I was in a daze but happy to finish. I walked to the car to change as it was raining. I ran into Kyle Weagant who was carrying his new baby boy Kieran. He said to me “So when did you drop Darren?“ I felt so bad. I said “I didn't he told me to go. Do you know how he's doing”. Kyle informed me he was okay and still on course! I changed and headed back to the finish line and saw Darren finishing. I was happy he made it and thanked him for keeping me motivated through the night. It really helped to push each other.

David and Pete were finishing and sprinting down the finish chute; a replay of his Fat Dog 120 finish in 2019 for David. They both looked great! We sat in the rain, I had forgotten David’s hoodie in the car. Enjoyed a beer and Beyond burger. We actually ate two burgers each . Still have the 28 km tomorrow. We drove home and had showers and I had a CB2 anti inflammatory bomb bath (I highly recommend – Reflexology experience in cook street village sells them). I tried to foam roll my legs but they were too sore. We drove back to the campsite and crawled into the tent 10 pm, exhausted and fell asleep to the sound of the rain.

Feeling like Wonder Woman on the Double - 28 km .

Sunday 6:30am My alarm went off. I tried to sit up but it was like rigor mortis had set in. I had the thought “what if i just lay here in the tent and didn't race“. But then I wouldn't get the finishing hoodie!

David was up and seemed good. I crawled out of the tent and could barely walk. My Achilles were so tight. I remember AB saying once you get going things will loosen up. I got the jetboil going and made some strong coffee, ate a Superhero muffin, changed into run gear and went to get our timing chip and listen to the race meeting. The 28k runners were sprinting around warming up. I was so envious of their fresh legs. Lisa Fehr was racing the 28k too so the three of us started together.

8am – 28 km race start It was slow going as we started at the back of the pack and it was mostly a hike to the Goldstream water crossing. I had to stop and fix my water hose as no water was coming out. Lisa Fehr pulled us around Goldstream. It was painful on the downhills, my quads were screaming, hang in there its almost over! David was running strong and my goal was to stay with him.

Stopping for a Kodak moment - on the home stretch !

As we climbed up the Holmes Peak, Lisa had fallen back. David kept a strong pace and I hung on. We hiked the hills and ran the downhills. I was hurting. I could see Pauline Nielsen at least 10 minutes ahead; no hope of catching her as she is too fast. Adrenaline was kicking in. How am I doing this? I didn't question, just ran. As we got to Jocelyn Hill I was feeling good – and felt like we were moving well passing the slower 28k runners and cheering them on.

Matt stopped us for a quick photo before decent. We got into Rowntree and stopped for a Coke and then powered down the hill. When we hit the pavement my legs were out of control and I had to tell myself to slow down in fear of cramping up. As we slogged through FUMB one last time it didn't seem bad without poles. As we hit the final section I knew we'd made it. I was filled with emotion and choking back tears. As we hit the finish David said “lets sprint“. We did! OMG at least it felt like we did.

Finished in 5:30! Myke handed me a finisher hoodie and a plague 3rd female in The Double 100 + 30 km in 28 hours and 30 minutes . I didn't know what 3rd meant, 3rd in my age group? I think there were only 3. Then it hit me 3rd overall female. I couldn't hold back the tears now. I was exhausted, emotional and cried with relief that it was over. Mission accomplished! I never would have dreamed to finish in 3rd place in the Double. I said to Myke Labelle “I'll be happy to volunteer next year“ he replied “why was it that bad?“

David finishing the Double in 29:28:35 and Charlene 3rd female 28:33:31

I feel grateful that we were able to have a race this year. It made me and I'm sure others realize how much we missed our running community and racing. Ultra running is symbolic if this past year and a half, sure feels like haven't reached the finish line yet.

From a racer's perspective the course was very well marked, all three aid stations provided first class service, the post race food and beer were awesome as usual, music selection at aid stations and at the finish line perfect! If you like running through the night and all day ..this is the perfect race for you!

Big thank you again to Myke Labelle and his amazing team of volunteers who make these events possible, the incredible aid station support, Lori Herron, Jodi Mucha and Adrian Walton, Kathy Mc Rae, Suzanne and Steve Mandy , Kent Ainscough and Trish Lee .Sorry If I missed anyone.

Andrew Barclay- for helping fill my bottles , 4 times through at Durrance aid station.

Jason Ball- for turning me around at Rowntree back on course and for his incredible enthusiasm cheering at the aid stations.

Lisa Fehr- for lending me your poles and for pulling me around the Goldstream loop in the 28 km.

Markus Pirker – helping me take my shoe and sock off at Munn road aid.

Jade Carter and Geoff Large - proving great entertainment and made me laugh at Rowntree.

Liesel Rieger-Mitchell for your kind support during the race and taking photos and videos.

Jonathan Foweraker for sending me race photos.

Darren Tannis for keeping me company through the night section. Best running partner you could ask for during an ultra.

Matt Cecil, the best coach I can honestly say and I've had a few in my day. Incredible coaching! Goes the extra mile for his athletes! And thank you for the incredible race day photos !

David Marlor – for keeping me motivated to train and for new hiking adventures that gave us the strength to finish this race .Best training partner in the world ! I love you to the moon and back !

My team of health professionals Jaymie McGowan at Fix, Alain Schmitz RAC and Dr. Bob Mabee DC – Wildwood health and performance, James Cook Kinesiologist BSc. Kin Synergy ( currently at UBC for Physiotherapy ), for keeping me strong and injury free !

Kristen Yarker MSc. RD- for your amazing sports nutrition consulting .

I'm really excited for 2022 – could be a big year with CCC 100 miler and Fat dog 120 miler next August 3 weeks apart. Not sure how that's going to work. If you have any suggestions please let me know!

One week following the Double, I never would have imagined. I received a text from David saying that he was having a heart- attack ! I feel grateful beyond words that he is okay and had the sense to call 911 for the ambulance to take him to the hospital. Long story short- he had a blockage of a major artery, and a stent was put in . It is totally a genetic cause, high cholesterol runs in his family. I am forever grateful to the paramedics ,Royal Jubilee Hospital ER , Dr. Simon Robinson and Dr. Christopher Franco - Cardiologist, all the nurses and health care assistants, nurses on the CCU Cardiac Care Unit .Thank you for saving his life . You never know what’s around the corner , life is short, live life to it’s fullest everyday !