Gilli kills a fishy ! ha , ha

Now PETA is after her. Good luck.

I was promised a tropical holiday........

I still had a great time :) Thanks to the crew that took my sorry ass up there.

Sheepy's

Almost forgot to tell you guys about the farm experience, it is quite a dose of reality. Docking, there's something new. 95 little lambs had to be wrestled by me before having their little tails cut off. I know it sounds inhumane but the reason is actually to prevent the lamb from being eaten alive by flies later on in life as the flied are attracted to their dirty butts. I was constantly mocked by old man Clive and Gilly. I became known as the "sheep whisperer" as I tried to soothe the lamby's aura and align their shakra before this traumatic experience. Overall it was a new experience which I am always up for as well as a new appreciation for what it takes to maintain a large farm for a living. Enjoy the pics and videos, please note sheepies were harmed in the videos and parental guidance is advised. Come get me PETA.

Frickin Freezin Hobart

Classic, I decided to go to Australia and I get caught right in the middle of a cold snap. I was promised a tropical holiday, but mother nature had other plans. Hobart, Tasmania is one of the last spots in the world you can jump on a ship to Antarctica. Meeting Kelly, Dan and Benjamin lungs Forster for the first time was a great and very loud experience. Unfortunately my presence disrupted the poor wee man's routine and like me he howled when he had to go to bed. I managed to get in a few great long runs, so here are some great photos and videos (don't let the weather stop you, it returned to a balmy 20 deg C the day after I left).

Caving in New Zealnd

Super cool caves in the middle nowhere.

After a little rest we head down to the “café” for a little caving. A super sweet spot just south of the farm. We had to crawl through a 2-1/2 ft hole with water everywhere. We were about 5 to 40 meters underground, and the stalagmites were super cool! I am still having trouble walking from 6 weeks of hard racing. New Zealand is wicked!

SHEEPIES!

Ok I still have not found the shire yet, but I am still looking. I was staying in Pukekawa on a sheep farm. I have never really been around sheep, so this was a new thing from me. They are super cute, but loud.

The farm had so many little sheep and a great old horse named Mr. Blue! I tried to talk him into a riding for Salomon, he would be our first sponsored horse for Salomon. All he wanted is the carrot in my hand, silly Mr Blue !

New ZEALAND !

After racing rubble creek classic (finished 6th overall) and co- hosting the event with The Escape route and Salomon. I was super wiped. I was rushed down to Vancouver for a 14 hr flight to New Zealand. My legs were ok for the first hour of the flight. After that, it was a little bit of a struggle. Most people who know me, know I can’t sit still for too long or I go crazy! The flight was very long and after many movies and a few drinks, my legs were starting to cramp up. I can’t believe that I was unable to sleep for the whole flight. WTF!

Arriving in NZ was great. A new adventure was about to begin.

Winner of the month of pain !

It has been a wonderful long season of great racing. Lots of fun running trails and riding bikes with lots of wonderful people. I would like to like so many of you for supporting me at the races. Mostly the volunteers at ALL the races, for the countless hours they spend out there making these events possible.

My legs are sore and my mind feels a little worn down. It's really a life style that I love. Click here to see the Media exposure from the Month of pain.

Thanks for all the support this year, I could not have been able to race all year with out the support of you guys. Thanks again, and I look forward to seeing you this winter at the Salomon Biathlon events.

Munny

A third world country ?

I am in NEW Zealand !Looking for adventure ! Lots of storys. I will update soon,
I swear.

The Month of Pain is almost over, and I am trying hard not to completely suck ! Two more Big races in the Sea to Sky Corridor. This years Cheakamus Challenge features the finest course on the planet for 2008 that will make you realize why this race is the “King of the Classics race.

Race details click here . This years goal is under 4 hrs , well let's see about that! Legs are feeling heavy like rocks.

If you can make to the Start line, sign up. You'll have a good time out there and the best part is the finish line is at DUSTY'S bar. ahhhhh beer ......my weakness.

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Saturday September 20th 10:00AM – 4:00PM

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Roller SKI ?

Ok ,I know it looks very Euro. But, Roller Skiing has been around for years and is used by thousands former Olympic athlete's. As I head back into winter, I am really looking forward to the 4 World cups at the Whistler Olympic park. It's going to be crazy !

So I have been racing all month (7 races,)lots of Nordic planning and way too many meetings and no Bloggin'.

Maria Lundgren and I are hard at work putting together a great Nordic winter of fun. So with Nordic skiing in our minds. We headed to the "WOP" for a long pull up the road. Took a bit of time 50 mins, but we got there.

Roller skiing will help me keep up the technique of Skiing in the fall. People compare it to rollerblading and other skating sports but they are mistaken. Roller Skiing uses the exact same body movements as Skiing, a fact that has been confirmed by many scientists through the years. Roller Skiing is the way to keep on practicing your skills and Skiing strength in the off-season. Can't wait for the snow !

I am Nordic geek !

Let the Pain start !

There are seven chances to bust your lungs and legs this month in the Month of Pain — in Whistler !

the West Side Wheel Up on Sept. 6,

the Squamish Loop the Lakes trail run on Sept. 7,

the Soo Valley Rumble on Sept. 13,

the Terry Fox Run on Sept. 14,

the Cheakamus Challenge Fall Classic bike race on Sept. 20,

the Whistler Spirit Run on Sept. 27 and 28, the Rubble Creek Classic on Sept. 28.

West Side Wheel Up — Sept. 6
This is the 15th anniversary for this event, which was held originally to celebrate the end of summer and the lesser-ridden west side trails. It’s a fun mountain bike ride and fundraiser for the B.C. Disabled Ski Team, starting in Function Junction before following Lower Sprout, Beaver Lake, Upper and Lower Beaver Pass, Bob’s ReBob and the full length of A River Runs Through It to finish at Rainbow Park. Registration starts at the entrance to Function Junction at 10 a.m., and the race starts at noon.

Cost is $25, including food, refreshments, and a raffle ticket to a draw that includes a season pass.

Loop the Lakes — Sept. 7
This run takes place around Alice Lake Provincial Park trails in Squamish, with eight and 15 km courses available. This is the fourth year for the event, which raises money for the Squamish Emergency Program, Squamish Off Road Cycing Association, and Squamish Trails Society. The shorter race takes place mainly on park roads and wider trails, while the long course includes some singletrack mountain bike trails and is more technical. Registration is $25 ($20 before Aug. 29) or $30 for the long course. More information and registration is available online at www.loopthelakes.com. It’s also the fourth event in the Sea to Sky Trail Running Series (www.s2srun.com).

Soo Valley Rumble — Sept. 13
Hosted by WORCA this is the second year for this event. This was super hard event! and I remember being very thankful after I was done last year. This is challenging point-to-point mountain bike race.

Terry Fox Run — Sept. 14
The Whistler edition of the 2008 Terry Fox Run will be similar to last year, with the race starting and finishing at Meadow Park. Registration is by donation, and all proceeds will go to the Terry Fox Foundation to fund cancer research and support people with cancer. There are 5 km and 10 km courses, and participants can run, walk and ride along the Valley Trail. Registration is at 9 a.m. and the race starts at 10 a.m.

Cheakamus Challenge — Sept. 20
The 24th annual Cheakamus Challenge is an epic bike ride from the Squamish Airport in Brackendale to Whistler, following backroads through the Cheakamus Canyon and as much singletrack as possible. The main event is roughly 71 km, although a shorter course measuring 40 km is available. Most of the singletrack is in Whistler, including Trash, Tunnel Vision and Big Timber. The new section of the Sea to Sky Trail in the Brandywine area may also be added if it’s completed, similar to the section that was added to last year’s Cheakamus Challenge. Registration and more information is online at www.cheakamuschallenge.com. If you register before September the fee is $70, which includes food and draw prizes. The short course is $50. After Sept. 1 the price goes up another $5, and on race day it’s another $10.

Whistler Spirit Run — Sept. 27-28
This is a new event, and is being organized by the Callaghan Valley Sport and Cultural Society, a non-profit group that is committed to staging sporting and cultural events at Whistler Olympic Park. www.whistlerspiritrun.com.

Rubble Creek Classic — Sept. 28
This is one of the most scenic long-distance trail runs in Sea to Sky, if not the west coast. Competitors start at the entrance to the Cheakamus Lake trail and run up to the Helm Creek Flats, behind Black Tusk on the cinder flats, and down about 12 km on the Rubble Creek trail to the Garibaldi Lake parking lot about 15 km south of Whistler. The distance is about 24 km, and includes close to 1,000 metres of sometimes technical climbing followed by a knee-clobbering 1,300 metres of descending.
Registration for this event is limited to just 80 runners, so early registration is recommended. The cost is $39, plus a $3 entry fee. Online entry closes at midnight on Sept. 18. All participants get a technical running shirt, and proceeds go to Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Visit www.rubblecreekclassic.com for registration and more details.

Vail to Beaver Creek - LAST DAY 35 km

Last day , a little sad because I still wanted to keep running. I love sharing the good times with amazing people in the running community. Did not sleep well , as the tent city was beside the interstate. Ah ! nothing like the sweet sound of the interstate to help you sleep. Half way through the night I rolled onto my Hydration pack which leaked all the water everywhere and onto my sleeping bag. I figured if I can't sleep , might as well be wet and the same time. Long night of coldness.

Last stage... this final stage an it will had the highest elevation gain. I can't wait for my legs to leave everything out there, I made sure of that. Bring the pain to my tired legs,. the pain will already be there anyway ! Vail offers wicked views and nice single track in some really cool ridge lines and meadows. It has everything a runner wanted. I can see why so many great runners come from the area. There are some sweet downhill with over grown trails heading into Beaver Creek. Cold beers were waiting me at the end. Can't wait for next year.

Prerace Food Coffee Fresh fruit Pancakes,Race Food: Two Nuun tablets mixed with Carbo 1200 in Hydration system.

Post race Food: Fries, with Buffalo sausages , lots of Nuun/water.

Dinner: What ever I got get my legs fingers on, lots of post race beers !!!!!!!
Positive highs: Running in the high alpine, working hard on the climb. Left everything out there on a hot day. Legs feel great !

Lows: Last Day !

Stage 5 Red Cliff to Vail , 38 km.

I already knew that this would be the hardest section of the race. A very long hill climb followed by a technical single track on the to Vail. 38 km to Vail going again over 11, 000. I took it easy at the start, I wanted to work my legs into today stage. Climbing the back side of Vail was awesome. It was a very cold start, my legs needed time to warm up. So I took it easy at the start. Once I got up into the Alpine I was really enjoying myself. I am so luckly to be able to run this well and not worry about anything. Thanks Salomon for sending me here!

Prerace Food Coffee, Fresh fruit , bagel with peanut butter. Two Advils.

Race Food: Two Nuun tablets mixed with Carbo 1200 in Hydration system.

Post race Food: Peanut butter and honey, lots of Nuun/water. Chips and salsa with ice tea.

Dinner: 2 steaks, potatoes, salad , 3 brownies
Positive highs: Running in the high alpine, working hard , feeling the legs burn, Running in creeks. Now this is a race.

Lows: Running a long logging road into Vail, not very fun. Drinking non - flat coke. Don't try it running down hill. It came out my nose burning.

Stage 4 Camp Hale to Red Cliff 23 km here we come

77 km down and still lots more to go, I can't wait! I will say it again , and AGAIN ! The key to racing is eating. No matter what. After a bit of a late night ........thanks Kev, for the great story by the fire. I need to get food in, today because the body is going to be working hard.

The starting line was a little cold and the gravel road would soon turn into a very, very steep climb into the high alpine. Nothing is better than working your ass off to get high over a ridge. All the top teams were crossing the ridge line once I hit the top of Hornsilver Mountain. It was great to see some racing, finally ! I can't complain , even though I was racing in the Unclassified. Oh well ! I could be at a office Job. The Downhill was great running straight through creek crossing up to your knee. The water was super cold. Which helped take the sting out of my sore quads, that have been working so hard over the last couple of days.

Prerace Food Coffee Fresh fruit Pancakes,
Race Food: Two Nuun tablets mixed with Carbo 1200 in Hydration system.
Post race Food: Peanut butter and honey, lots of Nuun/water. 3 fish Taco at Mango's with 1 beer.
Dinner: Mexican Buffet ! Yipppee ! I am in heaven, 4 large fish Tacos.
Positive highs: Running in the high alpine, working hard on the climb. Finally able to shake a few demons away.
Lows: nothing , it was an amazing day of running !!!!!!!


Up next stage 5, more running ! Wicked .

Stage 3: Leadville to Camp Hale 40 km

Alot of runners are walking around funny, sore legs are being seen from the less experince d runners at breakfast. Even though the elevation gain today is not big it's still 3, 000 feet at over 10,000 feet. Realy long and hot day. We will be heading to Nova guides 40 km ahead on some great terrain.

Prerace food:Orange Juice & Cranberry JuiceCoffee, Potato & Cheddar Quiche
Race food : Raid revo pack and two Nuun tablet. Clif bloks and watermelon from one of the Check points with flat coke.
Post race food: Can of tuna, flat coke, Nuun tablet,
Dinner : Salad, Spaghetti with sauce Chicken Entree, Rice Pilaf. Two Burgers with lots of Nuun. 4- beers (it's my weakness)
Positive high : Ran well in the heat. Great single track on the continental divide trail.
Lows: lets' just say there was lots of emotion on the trail. I realizie that there has been a serious miss unterstanding in my partners abilities. Having to drop as a unclassifed racer. I can still start everyday, but it means nothing. mmmmmmmm........not happy !!!!!

Stage 2 : From Clear Creek to Twin Lakes

This morning we had a beautiful moring sun was out. After a great breakfast from the gourmet cowboys and a 30 minutes ride with some 1960 school buses up a logging road top the start line at clear creek -felt like i was going rafting. Today was going to be another short stage, my partner and I agreed that towing would be best to tackle with 14k with a steep climb up to more than 4000m and then a long descent down to Twin Lakes on some sweet single track. The last 3ks were almost flat and crossing over creeks, that was definitely better than the first one. Click on the Video below to see the Start line

Gore tex and Salomon team were setting all the post race camp goods to welcome us and get us some lunch.

Prerace food: Coffee , very small eggs, fruit and bagel.
Race food : Raid revo pack from Salomon with hydration system and two Nuun tablet mixed with 2 liters of water.
Post race food: 2 Italian subs from the Salomon Guys - thanks KJ and Josh. Follwed by a BLT with fries, lots of water with Nuun.

Dinner: Greek salad, Breast Chicken with Lasagna. lots of food as I said !

Positive high : Running over a sweet pass. Placed 8th overall in the GC again.
Lows: Not getting on the poduim. Dealing with inexperienced running. Mentally and physically having a parter break down.