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Trail Blazer

“Sometimes you just have to wander down the path less taken.”

This week’s blog is about a Canadian runner who took on a 220K challenge and got to see a good chunk of the East Coast.

Caroline during her East Coast Trail run. Photo: Rudy Riedlsperger
Caroline during her East Coast Trail run. Photo: Rudy Riedlsperger

Caroline

Born in the UK, Caroline came to Canada and has lived and worked in Portugal Cove – St Philip’s, N.L., for the past 10 years with her children. She ran track in high school but only started competing in road running and triathlon 13 years ago. To survive the harsh winters and still stay fit Caroline cross-country skis.

The harsh climate and long winters must have done something to the new Canadian. Not only did she start running more and competing but got into longer and more difficult races. After signing up for the Canadian Death Race, aptly named for its not-so-easy mountainous course, she also ran a 50K trail race on a section of the East Coast Trail. I think she was hooked on trail and on punishment.

The East Coast Trail

The East Coast Trail runs along the shores of the Avalon Peninsula in Newfoundland and Labrador. Having trained on the trail, Caroline attempted to run the whole thing last year but stopped just 28 km short of the end. Undaunted, Caroline returned this year and completed the 220-km rough and winding trail in just over 34 hours, taking almost an hour off the previous record.

Personal bests
Marathon 2:48
10k 35:29

Caroline hanging out with her family post-run. Photo: Rudy Riedlsperger
Caroline hanging out with her family post-run. Photo: Rudy Riedlsperger

I heard about Caroline’s accomplishment and tracked her down to ask a few questions.

What appealed to you about the East Coast Trail?

I liked the idea of a challenge right here on my doorstep. The East Coast Trail is a rugged and beautiful trail, often along spectacular cliff tops. We frequently see icebergs, whales, moose, foxes, bald eagles, otters and seals from the trail. With a stunning long distance trail here on the Avalon it seemed obvious to try and run it.

Did you intend to go for a record or was the distance and completing the trail the goal?

The goal was to try for the fastest known time, although I was determined on the second attempt to complete the trail however long it took.

Any other running goals for 2015?

My son, his friend and I are going to try to beat our previous run time across the Lewis Hills and the Blow Me Down Mountains in western Newfoundland. I am going to run the local Huffin Puffin Marathon which has a new course this year and the East Coast Trail 50K ultra. Later in the fall I would like to run a scenic 100-mile race but I haven’t picked one out yet.

We often fly off to distant races around the world for adventure when there are unexplored trails waiting for us at home.

See you on the roads or in the blogosphere.

Do you have a running story to tell?
Runningwriter@hotmail.com

You can also catch me on Twitter @NoelPaine or on my personal blog.

 

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