All Downhill From Here

CRR Grand Prix XC 8k March 2007 Photo courtesy of Kathy Taerum of the Calgary Roadrunners

I’m a mom with one offspring left in the nest and I work in downtown Calgary. I enjoy trail running and bike commuting. I avoid treadmills, splash through puddles, and love hurtling my body through space. Exercise is important to my health and size, especially in light of my weakness for chocolate.

Alberta Challenge Olympic Distance Triathlon 2009

I’m not a talented athlete, but I’m happier when I’m active. I started running as a New Year’s Resolution in 2000 at age 33. The fitness and confidence gained from running have encouraged me to try triathlon, swimming, road cycling, orienteering, and bike commuting.

My favourite trail races involve 8 – 16 km courses like the CRR Grand Prix series and Moose Mountain. I also enjoy 5 Peaks races.

I have completed a couple of half marathons, a sprint triathlon, an olympic triathlon, and one marathon. I volunteer with the Calgary Roadrunners.

I started bike commuting in the spring of 2010, and so far average over 100 bike commutes per year. I count one bike commute as both the rides to and from work, and currently my round trip commute is 10 km.

I’m a low-maintenance athlete. I rarely have more than two pairs of running shoes on the go at once. I don’t run with headphones. My wetsuit is borrowed and my bikes are second-hand.

When I’m not enjoying the great outdoors, I sometimes knit or play piano. I’m not very talented at those pursuits either, but they’re still rewarding. In 2008 I started knitting because my grandma told me to. I’m glad she did. Sometimes I knit stuff to wear on runs and bike rides. I recently acquired an old Lesage piano, so am trying to remember some of the lessons my mom paid for in my youth.

When I’m not parenting, working, biking, knitting, running or playing piano, one of my favourite places to be is cheering on racers on hills or at finish lines.