As told to Sinead Mulhern
I started running in elementary school. For two months, we had this challenge before school and during lunch to run as many laps around the playing field as we could. I had a real knack for it. As a kid, I could just go and go and go. Four laps of the yard added up to one kilometre. I ran 350 kilometres at the age of 12. I was hooked. Now here I am in Chamonix, France preparing to run one of the most daring ultra races in the world. What can I say? Sometimes the hobbies you take to as a child plant the seed for becoming who you are as an adult.
The determined girl I was on the playground translated into the real world. I grew up and spent nine years in national defense serving with the Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry (3PPCLI). My duties ranged from rifleman, to machine gunner, to ammunition and support. I was interested in running and fitness then too.
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In 2000, I was serving in Bosnia when my section signed me up for a half-marathon (on the road). Yes, I was fit but even still, it was kind of a joke. I had the last laugh though. My competitive side took over and I won the female division. That was the start of something as I ran two more half-marathons serving my tour. I placed first and second among my contingent. In the early 2000s, I was serving in Afghanistan. Things were taking a turn for me. I sustained a traumatic knee injury during my time serving. I needed multiple reconstructive surgeries between 2002 and 2005. I’m lucky that my knee was my only injury. While medical professionals may have thought my running days were over, I disagreed. The mind is a powerful thing and I was determined.
I went back to school for a Chemical Technology Diploma in 2008. By 2012, I was back running although I ran exclusively on the road until that year. Around then, I was looking into getting into Ironmans but someone told me that if I really wanted a challenge, I should get off the road and try the Canadian Death Race. I took to the trails and then after, I immediately told myself I would never do that again. Ever.
I guess I was wrong though. In terms of my running achievements now, the list is long: Canadian Forces Mountain Man 2005 (tied female first place), Boston Marathon Finisher (2012, 2014; 2017), Leadville Trail 100 (2014), Ironman Frankfurt (2015), Fat Dog 120 (2015), Blackfoot Ultra 100K female second place (2016), Sinister 7 (2016), Revelstoke Trailstoke Trifecta Overall Female first place (2016), Lost Souls 100km (2012, 2014, 2016), Geoff Roes Alaska Mountain Running Camp (2017). I’ve come a long way since counting the laps on the playground…
Today I wait in Chamonix for the start of the 2017 Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc. It’s the godfather of ultras and I’m so excited to be here. You get a chance to see some of the most beautiful peaks in the world while running through three countries. You challenge yourself to elevation and make your way up massive climbs. At the end of it all, we begin in festivities of the world summit represented by 98 countries. I mean, who wouldn’t want to step up to that start line? I’m just going to be ecstatic when I complete it.
I may not be able to put in the same mileage as a lot of ultra runners. My right knee just doesn’t function the way it used to. But I’m a committed person. I put in time on my bike and focus on the fundamentals of CrossFit training to become the best athlete I can be. You work with what you’ve got. Running used to be about completing four laps to run a kilometre, now I’m taking on mountain ranges in Europe. I’m so excited for UTMB.
