For starters, I have partnered up with my husband this year. In the last two years my husband and son have played a very large role in crew support, driving all over Europe to meet us at aid stations and finish lines. Cleaning my laundry. Escorting our bags and pretty much assisting us in any and every way we needed during the race. This year, Trent will get to enjoy the Alps in a totally different way as he gets to run thru it. We have done two other stage races together. One was in 2005 (Raid Thai - 5 day trail running race in Thailand) and 2010 (BC Bike Race - 8 day MTB race on Vancouver Island/Sunshine Coast), so it has been awhile since we have teamed up and I am really excited about it.
The 2013 route is also different. TAR actually alternates between Western and Eastern routes every year. Not only that but they change some of the stage towns and course. So although I am returning to run the West route this year, there are at least 6 new stages and/or stage towns I have never seen or experienced.
St. Anton, Austria will be our 3rd hosting town. This small community was the host of the Alpine World Ski Champions in 2001. |
Scuol Switzerland - our 5th stage town in the heart of the Swiss Alps |
Another really great enhancement to this year is that I have the opportunity and honor to coach a group of 10 athletes from Kelowna as they journey towards the race this year. It is great to have such a tight knit group to train with and travel with this year. For me, it is about so much more than just my race this year... It is about my involvement to get these athletes trained and prepared for the daunting (but epic) task they have in-front of them... only a short 120'sh days away. I feel very fortunate.
Kelowna Cycle has been supporting me and P.A.C.E. for many years. I love being associated with this local bike shop. They too care about the community, charities and are also passionate about helping people stay healthy and enjoy cycling.
Trent and I cycling on the Washington Pass
A new sponsor for me this year is Salomon. I feel very honored to be part of the Salomon Team and I am excited to represent a brand who's values I support and embody myself. "This company was born in the French Alps in 1947 and continues to carry the passion for the mountains into all their products and mountain sports." Salomon has a real team feel and I am excited to hopefully meet and run with some of my fellow team mates this year.
In terms of my training, I have changed things up a bit this year and put more ultras into my calendar leading up to TAR. Trent and I are also taking the TAR crew to Lake Louise for a training weekend and Trent and I are plan on hitting the road for some training in the mountains this summer. The most important thing for me is that my training keeps me happy and healthy. I am very lucky to coach athletes and have such a diversity of amazing people to run with here in Kelowna. When I look back at my year, I want my stories to be about more than just stats. I want to make memories filled with people, adventure and fun and focus on getting to TAR injury free so I can maximize my experience in the Alps once again.
In terms of my training, I have changed things up a bit this year and put more ultras into my calendar leading up to TAR. Trent and I are also taking the TAR crew to Lake Louise for a training weekend and Trent and I are plan on hitting the road for some training in the mountains this summer. The most important thing for me is that my training keeps me happy and healthy. I am very lucky to coach athletes and have such a diversity of amazing people to run with here in Kelowna. When I look back at my year, I want my stories to be about more than just stats. I want to make memories filled with people, adventure and fun and focus on getting to TAR injury free so I can maximize my experience in the Alps once again.
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