Partner running has been a great thing for me to because I see it as you have a drill sergeant next to you, yelling to run faster and push yourself. But also a cheerleader to motivate you, to let you know that we are doing good. It’s like having a hype man at a concert to pump up the crowd, instead it’s you. Adrenaline kicks in and as much as you are dying and breathing like you have asthma, you at least know you are being pushed more.

So I introduce you to my hype man, Diezel my Siberian Husky.

Team Tech Pro

James signed us up for Sinister 7 2011 in December of 2010 and became our hardcore team captain!  Our 7 team members included – Dave, Leanne, Michelle, Grant, Shayne, James & myself Jolene.   You would think when developing a running team to tackle 12km to 35km each of rugged challenging terrain with a combined total of 125km you would choose people who were runners…. hahaha funny joke

Some of us started training in January.  Michelle and I ran the Calgary 1/2 marathon at the end of May 2011.  Leanne had been to the Death Race before.  Shayne starting racking up the mileage in Fort St John.  James & I hiked Heart Mountain, Yamnuska, and Ha Ling on week nights with Grant & Michelle.

Were we ready?

The anticipation grew as the July weekend drew closer.  We drove down to the Crowsnest Pass area on Friday night for the pre race meeting and meal.  After a very entertaining talk by the parks & wildlife official we headed back to our awesome little house in Coleman.

Michelle starting leg 1

Leg 1 – The Frank Slide 16.5km.  502m up and 329m down.  Michelle started us out on at the start line @ 7:00am which crossed the slide debris and ran up to the base of Hastings Ridge.

Grant off on leg 2

Leg 2 – Hasting Ridge 16km. 937m up and 1100m down.  Grant did the grueling climb up the ridge and dropped back down into Blairmore.  After a short detour off trail Grant rocked his leg of the journey.

Shayne reving up to start leg 3

Leg 3 – Willoughby Ridge 35km. 1327m up and 1327m down. Shayne took on the most difficult leg of the relay.  Thank you Shayne!!!

Jolene finishing leg 4

Leg 4 – Iron Ridge 32km. 1004m up and 822m down.  I did this super fun leg which took me from Blairmore to the base of Crowsnest Mt.

Leg 5 – The Seven Sisters 22.7km. 1022m up and 657m down.  Leanne did this leg which challenges even the toughest.  It was wet, muddy, snowy, and getting dark as she climbed across the 7 sisters.

Leanne rocking leg 5

Leg 6 – Crowsnest Mountain 13.8km. 121m up and 465m down.  James killed it on this leg in the dark finishing in the top 10.

James pumped for leg 6

Leg 7 – Wedge Mountain 12km. 317m up and 494m down. Dave started this leg with a steep ugly climb and then cruised through Coleman and into Blairmore to the finish line.

Our team finished 40th out of 116 mixed teams in 18hr 37min!  No too shabby for team of new runners.