Dec 09
29
A look back into 2009
I’ve had a brilliant year filled with many incredible experiences, adventures, awe-inspiring friends & family and some super sponsors. I’m going to attempt to convey through words and pictures some of the highlights of my 2009.
My 2009 started off with a bang with me flying to Costa Rica for the 5th Edition of the Coastal Challenge and an almost 3 week vacation there afterwards. It was wicked!
Coastal Challenge
Costa Rica 2009
After getting back from Costa Rica I took things easy for a bit and then started gearing up for some more running with the 20th Annual TC10K and then the 2009 Elk/Beaver Ultras ACU 50 Mile National Championship which I ended up DNF’ing at.
I took another little break after my DNF and then re-focused on a couple of new projects; Packman and my ‘300km for the kids’ run and Jen Segger’s ‘Vancouver Island Quest’ and a couple of GutBuster runs.
I knew going into both of the big adventures that I’d need to seriously step up my training regime. So after hearing and reading about CrossFit I started looking around Victoria for a CrossFit Box and found Crossfit Zone. I honestly cannot rave enough about the effects CrossFit has had on my strength and conditioning or the effect that the family/community at Crossfit Zone has had in my life – in one word “monumental”.
The ‘VI Quest’ came first running from August 24th to 28th. It was an epic 4 day journey from the Cape Scott Lighthouse to Mile Zero in Victoria. I had the distinct honour of crewing for Jen during all her biking legs and the priveledge of running two of the trail legs with her; the Cape Scott Trail and the West Coast Trail.
The Vancouver Island Quest
During the week of October 5th to 11th Packman and I ran our ‘300km for the kids’ challenge. 7 days of 42.2 (a total of 300km in seven days) running the Royal Victoria Marathon route every day. We are Brothers.
300km for the Kids
I took a couple weeks off after the ‘300km’ run and just kicked back. Relaxed with friends & family, enjoyed some social gatherings, worked out some at Crossfit Zone and indulged in life.
The beginning of November brought on some more crewing fun with Matthias and I supporting Packman during his 6th place overall finish at Haney to Harrison. I truly enjoy crewing, it is an immense pleasure to be a part of someone elses challenge and take part in their experiences.
My running year ended with the 6th Annual Dave Smart Tribute Beer Mile where I was able to run a personal best time of 9:06 drinking Vancouver Island Brewery’s Hermann’s Dark Lager.
6th Annual Dave Smart Tribute Beer Mile
I’d be remiss in not mentioning Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Victoria… this organization has been a significant component in my life for a number of years and one that I attempt to give back to as often as possible. I’ve been fortunate enough to have been able to co-organized a number of fundraisers and promotional events for them throughout 2009 including a few events at Crossfit Zone and the Annual Share a Little Magic Christmas Gala. We are still working on the numbers but over the past year I think we will have raised just under $10,000 for BBBS!
Crossfit Zone
Share a Little Magic Gala
As I said I have had a brilliant year… and I have many people to thank for it!
Of course and as always a gargantuan THANK YOU to my friends and family for everything!
I also want to single out and thank some that have helped me and T out tremendously this year.
Crossfit Zone
Frontrunners
7Systems
The Mackay Family
The Skrivanos Family
The Ladies
Jen & Norm
Uncle Jimmy
Dad & Lorrie
ACME Supplies
and
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria
And one last one from me to my wonderful daughter without whom I would not be who I am today…
