July 5
The Spartan Sprint is a 5km run with 15 obstacles interspersed through out.
Jody took the day off work and came up to Edmonton with Liam, Jarom and myself. Both boys were participating. Robin was also in the race so the Stonemans met us in Edmonton.
We got lost going to the race and pulled in just shortly before our start time. It was a bit hectic getting our race packs, bibs on and into the starting corral. We all made it just in time for a quick picture and then we were off.
This race was a bit different for me because I didn't care about my results. Although it is chipped timed it is irrelevant. You can't compare your results against your previous year as each course and the conditions are so different. I had fun running, being with Jarom, Robin and my friend Carolyn (Liam ditched us from the start) and getting muddy. Here are some of the obstacles we had to do.
Bike Ride AKA MOST AMAZING THING I'VE EVER DONE
July 15-18
I've always loved riding my bike. I got my first two wheel bike when I was about 8. It had big handle bars and a banana seat.
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When I was in nursing school I bought a nice road bike, (thanks student loans) and put quite a few miles on it. I had the idea of riding my bike across Canada the summer after I was done nursing school. That idea was dashed when my bike got stolen. I used the insurance money to help pay for my last year of nursing school. Karma!
The dream of riding my bike across Canada has never left me so this months goal had long standing significance to me.
As the date for the ride got closer I got more and more nervous. This was a big deal! Did I have what it takes to ride for 4 days straight? What if I got a flat tire? What if I fell? I had butterflies in my stomach for days before my departure date.
Tuesday July 15
Okotoks to Chain Lake Provincial Park
Distance 75km
Jody drove me out to Okotoks, my starting spot. I got my bike off the van, helmet on and Jody watched me ride off.
I met Jody at the Chain Lake campground where he had the tent set up. We had supper and a walk and then sat to read for awhile. It was 630pm and I was falling asleep. I had to crawl into bed. I was so exhausted. Poor Jody sat up all by himself.
Wednesday July 16
Chain Lake Provincial Park to Blairmore
Distance 98km
During the night when I woke up I was secretly wishing that there was a severe rain storm or I would be so sore there was no way I could continue on. I was most nervous for today. It was the longest day and I would be on my own. I also knew I would probably start to get sore. When I woke up in the morning there wasn't a cloud in the sky and I felt really good so, I kissed Jody goodbye and left him and the campground at 8am.
Today my route took me from Chain Lake to Blairmore. I rode along highway 22 or Cowboy Trail. I first experienced this part of the country in 1993. I fell in love with it and it has become a favorite part of Alberta. Every time I drive through I go to my happy place.
This was such an amazing day for me. I was alone with my thoughts, I had an abundance of time on my hands, I was riding my bike, I was living a dream and I was in a beautiful place. I have a goal to finish the Book of Mormon before Taylor gets back from her mission so, while I was riding, I listened to hours of the Book of Mormon. Then I listened to some of my favorite talks by Sherri Dew, Henry. B Eyring, Elder M Russell and then I listened to my collection of church music and then the "relaxing' collection. At times I sang along at the top of my lungs. I had a day long spiritual feast.
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A life lessons I was reminded of today. While the fun of costing down the easy parts of our life is great it is made sweet by the hills we struggle to climb.
Blairmore to Fernie
Distance 70km
My sister met me early Thursday morning in Blairmore and rode the rest of the way with me. I only have one sister, she is 8 years older than I am and she is my hero. We have been blessed to be good friends and have had many fun times together. It was a blast riding with her. She's a gnarly biker and I had a hard time keeping up with her.
Fernie to Baynes Lake
Distance 47km
Today was a quick and easy ride into Baynes Lake. Our only challenge was getting through the tunnel in one piece.
We rounded the last corner to get into Karen's cabin and who do we see, her partner Dwight, on his recumbent bike. He was coming out to meet us.