This ultrarunner is on fire (and she’s only getting started)

Edmonton-based Priscilla Forgie is making waves in the ultrarunning community as she smashes records and leaves men and women in her dust. After taking an outright win and several minutes off the course record at the Canadian Death Race’s Near Death Marathon earlier in the summer, she spent last weekend at the well-known Squamish 50, where she won the women’s 50-mile race as well as the 50/50 event, taking 47 minutes off the women’s  50/50 course record and placing third overall. We caught up to Forgie on Monday.

You’ve had a remarkable season! How long ago did you start running ultras? 

Thank you so much! I started running consistently after I signed up for my first road marathon in 2018. I ran two marathons before being coaxed onto the trails, and immediately fell in love. My first ultra was the 2019 Walk in the Park in Kamloops, B.C. Once I started the ultra distances and got to know the trail running community, I couldn’t get enough.

What does a training week for you look like? 

I take a pretty flexible approach with my training. Running is a very social activity for me, so I do most of my weekly runs with groups, and like to have fun with it. I usually make time for at least one solo run per week with some music, enjoying nature in the Edmonton river valley. I try to get out to the Rockies at least once every couple of weeks to get in some good elevation. It’s where I am the happiest.

What do you eat to fuel you to these super speedy times? 

I run mainly with Huma chia gels and Maurten, as they work best with my stomach. Ultrarunning truly is just a very long eating contest, and I am very diligent with stuffing my face during races–it doesn’t make for the best race photos!

What do you do when you’re not enjoying trails and racing?

Animals and the environment are definitely one of my biggest passions. I became vegetarian when I was 15, and vegan at 17. I volunteer at a sanctuary for agricultural animals just outside of Edmonton called FARRM.

In between work, friends and being in the mountains, I make sure to get out there to help around the farm and cuddle animals. Aside from the trails, it’s my other happy place; they are such intelligent and sweet creatures.

How do you recover after a race like Squamish 50?

Good nutritious food and lots of rest! I am a huge advocate of carb-loading before races, and I never forget to refuel afterward. My body is pretty broken down after this weekend, so I will be focused on healing my muscles over the next few weeks before toeing the line again.

Who is your support/crew? 

I have a lot of wonderful friends and a partner that have been super supportive. I ran with no crew at Squamish 50 and had no issues–the encouragement and support from the volunteers, spectators and other racers was fantastic.

What has been your favourite race or place to train so far? 

Any time I run on the B.C. trails I feel like I tap into a different part of myself–the big trees and lush forests make me feel so small and in a different world. I was blown away by Squamish 50–the trails were stunning, technical, and a blast to run. RD Gary Robbins was wonderful–you can just feel his energy and passion for the community.

What’s next on the racing list for you? 

My next race will be Ultra-Trail Harricana in three weeks–I am really looking forward to checking out the Quebec trails. Exploring new areas and different terrain is something that brings me so much joy.

The last race of the year will be Javelina Jundred at the end of October–it will be my first 100-miler and first desert race, so I am fully anticipating hanging out in the pain cave for a while! I am so excited to see what my body is capable of and to experience this awesome race I’ve heard so much about.