The 2019 Team Wolverine Athletics Ambassador Crew!
Lou O'BrienOriginally from Ireland, I came to Canada in 2012 very much a non-runner. After being given a free entry to a local race, in Whistler BC, where I live, I decided to give this running think a go and have never looked back.
Now, 6 years on I think it's fair to say I have fallen deep down the rabbit hole of trail running. Throughout my relatively short time as a runner, I have taken part in countless road and trail races, but after a repetitive strain injury during my training for the Vancouver BMO Marathon in 2016 I left the road behind in favour of the more fun/playful (and easy-on the body) option of trail! In 2017, along with another local runner I started We Run Whistler, a trail running group that has grown from strength to strength. It has been a driving force in our rapidly growing little running community and I couldn't be prouder of how much is has helped people to get involved in trail running and encouraged people to try new things. I myself attempted my first ultra distance last year with the Zion Ultra 50k in Utah, I then tackled the tough but oh-so-fun Puddle Jumper Classic in June, wow, that was one hell of an adventure! This year I will taken on my longest distance, and most challenge race yet, the Squamish 50 miler, but not before revisiting the awesome PJC, and dragging some friends along with me for the ride! Thanks again for choosing me as one of your ambassadors, I look forward to spreading the word on how awesome you guys are! |
Serene LeeMy name is Serene and coming from urban Singapore, I have been a road runner for a good 25 years of my life, having completed a few marathons. The highest hill in Singapore is, get ready for it, 164m high. Nothing much for a good challenge! Then I moved to Vancouver and found the magic in the mountains and on the trails.
It all started in 2016, with the Squamish 50, my first ever trail race. I needed a new challenge and after seeing runners while on a hike at Whistler, I was quite convinced I could run an ultra, on the trails, with zero experience. Ha! Go big or go home right?! With just 3 months of introduction and training on the trails, I finished the 50-miler with my husband, the last few to come in. It was not the prettiest but it was beyond gratifying! Covered in dirt and filth, torn and battered, yet I was in pure ecstasy. I have never felt anything like that and bam! I was completely hooked. Ever since that race, I went on to complete another 7 ultras with the 100K as my longest and new favorite distance. I hope to find success in my first 100-miler at Zion this year and dream of finishing a 200-miler before I get too old! The trails is where I find my happiness as I let go of all my worries and be in the present, surrounded by nature’s beauty. It is where I find my freedom as I dance freely over rocks and roots. It is where I feel alive as I conquer not that biggest climb but myself. It is also where I become stronger, in both body and mind. And a big shout out to the trail community who is so ever motivating, encouraging and supportive. I keep saying this: I meet the best people on the trails! I am truly blessed to call myself a trail runner and to have found a place in this absolutely delightful trail community. I sure look forward to meeting you out there soon! Interesting fact: Friends say I’m bear-repellant because they have never met a bear whenever I’m around, not even in densely bear-populated areas. Pssst, I’m dying to see one, just don’t tell my friends! |
|
|
Joseph McLean |
Mark Kennedy |
|
Raised in a solar powered shack in the wilderness, Joseph McLean is known for his ability to ramble over mountains, juggle children, and write words on the Internet, sometimes all at once. He lives with his wife & two rambunctious boys in Powell River BC, where he runs a computer store, several Facebook groups, and the occasional ultramarathon. He claims that his favourite distance is twenty to fifty freaking kilometres. Joseph has been running since 2009, when a bear spooked him; he shows no signs of stopping yet. “Running connects us to the places we live and play, makes fast friends out of random strangers, and teaches us improbable truths about ourselves. It is the best and the sweatiest way to see the world.
|
Trail running, the perfect environment to ignite my passion for fitness, athleticism, fun and community. Of all the sports I have participated in, this is the one that creates deep meaningful bonds, from a shared experience. Three and a half years ago I quit road running…tired of chasing something that I couldn’t find, until one fateful day, hiking up to Elfin Lakes with family.
A woman jogged past me as I wearily trudged up the mountain and sparked a fire in me; “People do that?” I asked. The reply; “Sure it’s called trail running.” Little did I know as I rushed to the store to by my first pair of trail runners, that I would find so much more than just the elation of gliding up mountainsides, to the most spectacular views BC has to offer. I found a massive community of wonderful people who’s only pleasure was to share the beauty and wonder of the trail. A community that shares in the victory of achievement, the dramatic vistas of the wild BC mountains and the laughter at the end of the trail, even through tired legs and dirty scuffed up shins…it’s hugs all around. I’m a Life Coach focused on removing mental and emotional blocks, mindfulness trainer, certified hypnotherapist and an avid trail runner. Come and join me on a Sunshine Coast adventure, we can share some joy. Or you can usually find me on Burnaby Mountain, singing a happy song as my feet dance on the roots and rocks. |
