Prepare for the Salomon Valley to Peak Race in Whistler
On September 5th, 2015, British Columbia, Canada is going be introduced to a trail race that’s a completely different kind of animal. It’s famously said “the Summit is only the half-way point“, but what if it didn’t have to be? What if the summit was the end? Salomon has created this in Whistler with the Salomon Valley to Peak trail running race, a 23km/14.3M long run that gains over 1609m’s/5280ft from the Valley floor to the very top of Whistler Peak. To put that elevation another way, it’s almost exactly like climbing a vertical mile into the sky. This is going to be intense and epic! Here’s some of my tips on how to prepare yourself for a feat like this. The Secret to Running up Mountains What’s the secret to training for an uphill race like Salomon Valley to Peak? The secret is that there is no secret at all. You just need to put in the miles, get breathless and learn to love feeling a little uncomfortable. There are a few top tips though that can definitely help you to get the most out of race day and really have fun out there. Run Hills Let’s be honest, running uphill is hard work, but it is what makes you a stronger runner. Think of running uphill in terms of perceived effort rather than pace. What this means is that you won’t be trying to run up the hill at the same pace that you can run on flat trail, instead slow your pace down to a point that allows you continue running at a regulated heart rate. If you push uphill too fast your heart rate will spike, that’s just something you won’t be able to maintain for long. Learn to power hike/walk Yes you read that right, walking is definitely allowed! This isn’t your everyday walking pace though. This is a hiking pace with a bit of oomph behind it. It’s all about power and stride. If the hill is too steep or sustained for you to continue running, oftentimes it is more efficient to power up those hills in hiking mode. When you are out training on your long hills, throw some power hiking into your routine with emphasis on the power. Pump your arms, straighten your back and take short steps to ensure you are using the big glute muscles to propel you up the hill. Run Technical Trail Trail running often involves technical terrain, roots, rocks and twisty trail, and the Salomon Valley to Peak race is no different. Be prepared for this type of trail by training on it. Practice running up and...
“Spring Rush” Trail Race Recap
Every time I have ever driven through the Kelowna area, gazing at the dry, sagebrush covered hillsides, I have dreamt of running there. So I was pretty stoked to get the chance to run “Spring Rush” on April 25 in Kelowna. Not only is the race named after me (you may have to fact check that with the race director), but the race would wind through the very hills I have long dreamt of running. The event is located a ten minute drive from Bear Creek Provincial Park, which came in very handy for camping the night before. With such a short drive from the start line it meant I didn’t need to get up too early on race day. When I arrived at the start line the morning of, the tents were just being set up. Despite the flurry of activity I wanted to take a minute to meet Rene Unser, the race director, as I have seen so much of her through social media and have heard so many wonderful things about her. She said hello with a big warm hug and was bubbling with excitement! All I could notice was the huge smile on her face and how eager she was to share her local trails with everyone that day. This race was tough, tougher than I thought it was going to be. I am not sure what I was expecting, in fact I didn’t actually research much about the actual course before running it. There was a quick glance of the elevation profile, but apart from that I was just so stoked to run the race that I didn’t pay much attention to anything else. I had no knowledge of when the big hill was coming or of the endless switchback descents. Everything was a surprise and in the end I kind of liked it that way. If you are reading this though you probably want to know a little bit about the course, so I’ll share some of it with you. The course is flowy, runnable, dreamy singletrack. But don’t let that fool you, there is some serious climbing to be done on these trails and it is the runnable nature of the trail that makes this race tough. When you are used to technical uphill running, like I am on the west coast, you get used to slowing down a lot. This terrain, however kept you running, even when it was steep. You are convinced that since the path under your feet is not technical there is no reason to slow down, so you push harder. Then there was “the monster climb”. This is the part of...
Instameet at the Sea to Sky Gondola
I am getting very excited, in less than two weeks I’ll be hosting my first Instameet. There are already some fantastic folks from Instagram signed up ready to have fun on the trails. Everyone is welcome! Come hit the trails with us, have some laughs and take some photos along the way. If you want to join in the fun please make sure to email me at [email protected] so that I can make sure to keep in touch and update everyone on possible changes. I am also stoked to announce that the Instameet is being supported by Hammer Nutrtion Canada, Ra Energy, Arc’teryx and the Sea to Sky Gondola!! Come hang out! When: 9:00am May 2, 2026 (rain or shine) Where: Sea to Sky Gondola, Squamish, BC (Basecamp). We will be hiking the Sea to Summit trail to the lodge at the top to take in the views. Don’t forget to bring your $10 download fee for the Gondola ride down. Why: To spend time on the beautiful local trails and have some fun! How: Run, Hike, Skip….it doesn’t matter, let’s all get moving together on the trails! Who: Everyone is welcome! Special Info: The Sea to Sky Gondola has offered a bag drop for our group, so bring a change of clothes and they will deliver it to the top for you! Once at the top we will be able to enjoy a complimentary beverage from the cafe in the lodge or on the balcony and take in the views over the Howe Sound. See you all out...
UPrise Performance - Hawaiian Trail Running Retreat
“I am so honoured to be part of your journey.” These are the words I heard from lead coach Paul Romero as we traversed our way through the Waipio Valley trails on my third day in Hawaii. Up and down along a narrow trail that weaved it’s way through the tropical jungle forest. The clouds were closing in and you could feel a mist that was threatening a downpour. Even though our group of nine women, oppressed by the humid heat, wished for the rain to come to refresh us, we pushed on passing small waterfalls and made our way to the next viewpoint of curving coastline and crashing waves. Just being on such beautiful trails, with such passionate and supportive people was an experience I won’t soon forget. This was just one of the moments I remember from my time at the UPrise Ladies Hawaiian Trail Running Retreat. The weekend was filled to the brim with notable memories and take-away’s that I know are going to make me a better, healthier and stronger athlete over the coming months. You do not arrive at this camp to be given an agenda of running to do or to be given a training plan. Instead they provide you with a completely holistic, whole body, approach. They want to improve how you are as an athlete from the inside out. What you put into your body is just as important as what you are trying to get your body to do. Their goal is be able to simplify your approach by providing you with the necessary tools you need. As Paul said during one of our Nutrtion 101 sessions “I have spent countless hours doing the research to give you the information you need. That’s what I am here for, to make it easy for you.” Nutrition, mobility, strength - these are the building blocks. The most notable aspect of the camp was how all encompassing it was. They have the tools knowledge and skills to provide you with more than a training plan. They provide you with all the information you need to adapt and improve your lifestyle to become an overall better athlete.; to get the most out of your body,your skills and mental strength. Being part of a group of women who are all striving to become better and increase their abilities as athletes is an extremely motivating and inspiring atmosphere. Not only do you feed off the energy from the group but you are led by a world class Coach, Paul Romero, and Physiotherapist, Annemarie Alf of Olympus Movement and Mobility, that that are also incredible athletes themselves. They...
Arc’teryx Women’s Ski Camp Review
I have owned skis for a few seasons now but with only a handful of days spent inbounds at resorts and an equal amount trying to backcountry ski, I have to admit that there has been more frustration with the sport than there has been love for it. So the decision to sign up for a ski camp was easy, but which one would I choose? A few months ago I discovered the 2 day Arc’teryx Women’s Ski Camp being held at Whistler Blackcomb. I will confess though that the thought of participating in an all women’s camp wasn’t appealing to me and all women events are typically something I try to avoid for fear that they may be too “pink”. Would the atmosphere be overly girly - an estrogen charged atmosphere of emotion and snack breaks filled with chocolate and group hugs? But they did advertise that you would leave with “more confidence guaranteed”. I had nothing to lose, so I signed up. The weeks went by and when the camp weekend finally rolled in I was excited to see what it offered. I arrived at the meetup point, Merlin’s at the base of Blackcomb which would also serve as our Après ski location, and found the room packed. I was amazed at how many women showed up, clearly not everyone is as apprehensive as I am about all women’s environments. That first morning we were given the opportunity to meet each other, provided with coffee, tea and a healthy breakfast spread that included yogurt, granola, seeds & berries (a very nice touch) and we separated into groups based on our self-designated ability levels. Despite the large turnout, each group maxed out with a 6 to 1 ratio of clients to guides and some even as low as 2 to 1. Our first day was spent on Blackcomb mountain and our group coach, Connie Baker, immediately sent us down a slope to assess our abilities. Right away Connie was able to critique my technique and provide me with advice and tips on how to improve. Within a few hours, I was already starting to feel more confident and feeling a vast improvement from all of my other previous days on the hill. Connie was there watching each of us individually as we skied each run and provided feedback. I was so impressed with how much individual instruction we received. We spent hours sessioning specific moves until they felt natural. Connie was patient, funny and very dedicated in her teaching and by the end of the second day on Whistler mountain our group of 5 women were all skiing more confidently. Not...
