Tales of Trails, Mountains and Rocky Roads

I consider myself one of the lucky ones in this world that has had the honour of living with and owning dogs, ever since the day I was born when we were the proud owners of a retired greyhound named Jacko. He was followed by a Manchester Terrier x Whippet named Tim who sadly left us at the tender age of 3, and then Patch, another young whippet cross that we had from Pat Wood of Animal Lifeline in Leek. Me and Jacko - Black Rock Sands, Porthmadog 1976! A couple of years later, I left home to work for the Youth Hostel Association in the Yorkshire Dales and Derbyshire where I spent a lot of time running and walking in the hills. I desperately missed having my own dog to walk and run with during this time and couldn't wait to get my own home where I could have as many dogs as the house would allow. Whilst historically, my family had always had a preference for the gentle natured whippet, I had an obsession with Border Collies who came across as sturdy, obedient and intell...

Back in early June,   I came across a new ultra that would start in nearby Canmore - a 50km race on Rocky Mountain trails that would take place early October. I had just done the Calgary Marathon and had the urge to get back in to my ultra running, so I entered the inaugural Grizzly Ultra 50km Trail Race, and planned out my races over the next few months to ensure I was in tip top shape to run well. I was initially hoping that it would help me to be considered for selection to the GB team at the World Trail Running Championships in Anglesey next year, and along with a small amount of prize money on offer, there were enough incentives to motivate me to train hard and run well. A month or so later, I had some exciting news and things were put on hold - I was expecting my first child in March next year - but by August I faced the devastating news that I had lost my baby which affected me physically, emotionally and mentally. The Grizzly had already become a non-starter having eas...