Journey of Hope

Jen has suffered from asthma as a child and throughout her teen and young adult years. However, her life made a welcomed turn in 2001 when she learned to overcome her asthma. Armed with some running techniques from the help of a friend, she soon weaned off the constant reliance of an inhaler. Currently, through the support of her physician she is able to control her asthma and now considers herself to be an 'asthmatic' athlete. She challenged herself to participate in three ultramarathons 100 kilometers and longer. Click here to download the campaign brochure for more information.

Update #6 - Lost Soul Ultramarathon 160K (100 Miles)

Wayne Gaudet convincing Jen she made the right decision. On September 17, I finished my last ultramarathon for The Journey of Hope. I had been too sore to run since completion of the Death Race, seven weeks early. My ankles were tender as the sheaths (superior extensor retinaculum) wrapped around the tendons running along the front of my foot were severely aggravated. Once the pain eventually subsided after several physiotherapy appointments, I began to worry if I still had any fitness .

Sometimes your friends can talk you into just about anything. Wayne Gaudet (my race buddy from Blackfoot) somehow convinced me to change my registration from the 100K event to the 100 Mile event (160K) in the 11th hour. But the change of distance gave me a chance of a lifetime to complete the Alberta Triple. The Alberta Triple is achieved when a runner completes the three longest ultramarathons in Alberta (Blackfoot 100K, Death Race 125K and Lost Soul 160K). I knew in my heart I could complete 100K and wanted to try the longer distance. I figure if I did not attempt it, I would forever wonder if I was capable. I had nothing to loose and I told myself I only had to finish at least 100K to make the event a success. At least, I kept telling myself that, in order to remain calm and not panic about my ankle situation. The list of DNFs (runners that did not finish) on previous attempts of the Lost Soul 100 Miler is long. Some of the runners that have DNF are exceptional who have set ultramarathon records at Lost Soul in other years. The race is slated as “The Toughest Race in the Prairies”.

Mark Rosin & Jen at the start line. Lost Soul takes place on a 53K loop amongst coulees in the river valley in Lethbridge. The 50K runners do one lap, the 100K runners do almost two laps and the 160K runners do three laps. Visible for a large portion of the run, is a beautiful steel train trestle bridge known to the be longest and heaviest of its kind in the world, stretching over 5,500 feet across the river valley.

Prior to the race, each 100K and 160K participant is weighed and blood pressure checked. A nurse continues to monitor the weight and blood pressure of participants following each lap to determine if the runner is allowed to continue. If runners lose too much weight, they can be pulled from the course. Following the initial health check, I headed to Botanica, the hotel’s restaurant, for a serving of hot oatmeal and toast with some fellow runners.

The race began at 8am. The skies were cloudy and rain was imminent. There is a lot of bentonite clay in this area which can turn very slippery under copious amounts of precipitation. I started the race, hoping the rain wouldn’t go beyond a mild drizzle. I had been experiencing vision problems since doing the Raid the North adventure race in August and had to wear my glasses. It’s not fun running in the rain when you wear glasses. I definitely have a new appreciation for being able to wear contacts (usually).

There are four aid stations that I will access twice along the course including one at the finish to each lap. At the aid station, I can tap into my reserve of high protein Boost and refill my bladder with water or Gatorade as required. My supplies are all storied in small Rubbermaid contianers to protect the contents from the elements. The volunteers at the aid stations were simply amazing (so attentive) at helping me obtain my bins and refilling my bladders.

A quarter of the way into my second lap, the rain stopped but my glasses seemed to be fogged up. I thought it was my breath fogging up the lenses. Unfortunately, I was covered head to toe technical gear made of poly fabrics without a square of cotton to wipe my lenses. When I reached the Penequin aid station, I asked the volunteer if she would kindly wipe my glasses for me. She did. I put them back on. They were still fogged up. I asked her to look through them to see if they were clear. She confirmed that the glasses were clear and smudge free. I began to wonder what was happening to my vision.

I noticed my vision dissipating during the tail end of the Raid the North adventure race I did in Nelson back in August. Since it was around 2am, I chalked it up to dew in the air. Two days after completing that event, my vision had blurred to the point that I could not read my computer monitor clearly at work. It took a few days to settle and I never figured out what happened. Now, in the midst of this race, my vision was progressively deteriorating once again. I decided to run to the next aid station (Pavan) only 6K away to see if the situation would change.

I knew when I reached Pavan the end of useful daylight would occur in about an hour. I asked the volunteers if they could find my friend Ian who had agreed to come down to Lethbridge to pace me on Lap 3. It was a long shot. He wasn't due to come into town for several hours. I wasn't sure if I could finish Lap 2 without a guide. I was nervous because the last 13K of the second lap would not only be in the dark with limited vision but traverse across steep terrain and thick brush. The aid station team agreed to attempt tracking him down, so I departed to complete the 12K south Pavan loop, praying I would travel far before the darkness crept in.

Night was drawing near and I starting to have a lot of difficulty spotting the flags. Some had reflective tape but not all. I couldn’t see beyond eight feet. Even though I had put on my head lamp, I realized I was getting lost over and over again. It was time to rethink my strategy and slow the pace until I could find another runner who would allow me trail closely behind them.

Ed & Dan - Guardian Angels It wasn’t long before two runners completing the 100K course came upon me. I explained my situation and they were so eager to help. It would be another 4K back to Pavan where I hoped to connect with Ian. Ed Johnson took the lead and Dan Chan decided it would be safest to sweep behind me. Soon there was a flood of lights and we were making keeping a great pace.

At Pavan, I was greeted by the race director, Dave Watson. He told me that he was unable to locate Ian. He indicated that while he could not pace for me, he was more than willing to run behind me to make sure I didn’t stray off course or fall off an embankment into the river. It was an amazing gesture from a fellow who obviously had a lot on his plate! Ed and Dan stepped up and said they would take care of me until we were back at start/finish area where I knew Ian would be awaiting me.

There was a volunteer at the Pavan aid station who heard about my condition. She came over to visit me and after a small chat, she noted that I was experiencing the same symptoms she had during a race. She told me I was dehydrated. I didn’t have cramped legs and didn’t feel thirsty. No usual symptoms. However, I knew she might be onto something. The temperatures were moderate, so I was drinking less. I was taking an anti-inflammatory which should be taken with plenty of water and I was consuming high protein Boost at a rate of 105g per lap. Protein requires a lot of water to aid in its digestion. I once read that an active individual should consider consuming 1g of protein for every pound of body weight per day. I weigh 138-140 lbs and had consumed 165g at the half way point. Immediately, I stopped drinking the Boost and began a regiment of consuming water every 10 minutes.

Ian hamming it up on the South Pavan Loop. Once I reached the start/finish area, I was elated. I had just finished my second lap (106K) and officially completed my Journey of Hope. Ian Lofthouse was eager waiting for me - ready to start pacing me on my third lap. He had this warm grin on his face and full of energy. My vision had started to improve and I was feeling emotionally strong. I felt with Ian by my side, I was definitely ready to finish the last lap.

Ian has been mentoring me for the last two years. We’ve completed many long training runs during that time and last year completed the Death Race together. He’s experienced and his resume of ultra running has been quite impressive. Even more impressive, is the fact that he frequently accompanies new ultra runners during events, setting aside his own personal goals in order to help others accomplish theirs. He’s become one of my dearest friends and I couldn’t imagine getting through this race without him.

Iris & Jen celebrating at the finish line. Ian kept a strong pace for me. We were walking a lot because my vision wasn’t restored enough to allow me to run through uneven terrain during the night. Once the sun arose, I continued to walk because my legs were no longer capable of running. Ian helped me at each of the aid stations and even had a timer set on his watch that helped me keep to my promise to drink a little every 10 minutes.

Finally, we approached the finish line - a shade under 28 hours. My friend Iris lavished me with chocolate, ice packs and the coolest massaging sandals (see photo). She's been an absolute inspiration - following an amazing comeback to endurance sports after recovery from her knee surgery. She decided it would be fun to come to Lethbridge to run the 50K and celebrate our finishes together.

Through the kindness of strangers and the kindness of friends, I completed the Journey. I learned so much about myself - during those quiet hours spent plodding alone through beautiful coulees and mountain ranges to sharing the trail along side old and new friends.

It is rare to be given the opportunity to achieve something so important that it consumes you but leaves you whole. I’m a different person now. I encourage everyone to start your own Journey and share yourself with others.

Update #5 - Endurance Radio Interview

Click the links below to access Jen's interview on asthma and endurance racing on Endurance Radio.

Update #4 - Canadian Death Race

The Canadian Death Race is an arduous event, taking participants over three mountain summits with over 17,000+ feet of elevation and a crossing at Hell’s Gate (via boat) at the confluence of the Smoky and Sulphur Rivers. It’s one tough race situated in Grande Cache, a quaint town surrounded by 21 mountains. The race is comprised of 5 segments or legs. Click here to read detail descriptions on each. Click here for final solo results. Additional race information can be accessed at www.canadiandeathrace.com.

This race is filled with rituals. The organizers dress up like ghouls and warn you of ill fate at the pre-race meeting the night prior. It might seem filled with pointless scare tactics but it is truly warranted. Lots of Jolly Rogers flags wave in the air and almost everyone is wearing paraphernalia with skulls on it. I’m sporting some Emily socks with cartoon skulls on them – not scary in the least.

On race day, we stand for the national anthem and ceremonially march from the Grande Cache hotel parking areas over to the start line to await 8am. The energy is obvious as 165 solo and 153 relay runners toe the line. Everyone looks amazing and keen – nifty hydration packs, slick sporty shades, big grins and fresh legs. Despite rain the night before, the forecast for the day is mid teens and overcast skies (my favourite running weather). We’re all wearing timing sticks strapped to one of our fingers called a “Sport Ident”. They are small timing chips that are placed into small boxes with round key holes at various places throughout the course. This will allow the organizers to track our progress accurately and allow people to follow the race on the Internet. I pray I don’t lose it. We use the same devices for orienteering and they are infamous for falling off. If you lose the chip, you’re disqualified and can not carry on. In addition, we must carry a special coin throughout the event. This coin is very important because it is payment for a boat ride across the river on the final leg. Without payment, the racer is not permitted to complete the course. The coin embodies the dark Greek myth of Charon, the ferryman of the dead. The myth states that upon passing into the realm of the dead, spirit travelers would have to pay for passage across the river Styx into Haddes. The price was one gold coin per soul. Those not possessing the fare were condemned to wander the banks of the Styx for eternity.

Leg 1 – Downtown Jaunt – 19K

It seems everyone in the town (residents and visitors alike) comes out to line the streets to cheer racers as they leave downtown to head towards the mountains - cowbells clang, people reach out to “low 5” the runners and signs everywhere impart good luck. After a short run along highway 40, we reach the trails. Messy trails. The rain has created large mud puddles. People are being dainty – trying to maneuver around the puddles to stay dry and runners are becoming bottlenecked. I’m wearing Gore-tex waterproof socks and I am becoming rather impatient. So I head off running through the puddles. In longer races, you have to keep your feet dry. Otherwise, your moleskin falls off, your feet prune up, blisters form and other nasty ailments can occur. People hear my “splooshes” and sounds of “oh” and “ooooo” can be heard. The leg is rolling and lots of great fun. I meet Russell, a Calgary acquaintance, along the way. It’s his first Death Race and he’s done lots of endurance sports before. He’s hoping this race goes well for him. Not long after, I meet up with my Okotok friends, Gary Glover (with me in the photo) and Wayne Gaudet. You may recall Wayne ran the entire last lap of Blackfoot with me and we finished together. He’s done lots of ultras but it’s his first Death Race. Gary has done it before, and he’s keeping a great pace. It’s easy to get lost in the moment and before long I’m at the first transition area under 2hrs. Terry is there flagging me over to help refill my hydration pack and snacks. It’s a quick transition but I realize just as I’m about to leave that I left the coin behind. It only takes a few minutes to retrieve it and I’m on my way again.

Leg 2 – Flood & Grand Mountain Slugfest – 27K

This leg is technical. I remember in 2002, I ran the leg as part of a relay team. There was almost 2 feet of snow on the top following an odd snowstorm that August. It’s clearly the toughest leg in the race and I’m happy to manage it near the beginning of the event. I need to traverse over two peaks and the elevation gain on this leg alone is 6,000 ft. I have trekking poles which help save some energy and reduce impact on the knees by up to 20% on steep descents. I’m fairing well until I reach the final descent off Grand Mountain. It’s very steep with loose gravel. Normally, you can run it fast (though probably a little out of control). However, the consequences on your quads are huge. Traditionally, this is the leg that forces soloists out of competition. They might get through Leg 3, but don’t have the strength left in their quads for the ascent on Leg 4 – it’s all over. I know this and I start to descend slowly and it costs me lots of time. My ankles hadn’t fully recovered before this event either – one more reason to hold back. By the time I reach the bottom, I’m tired and have to trek most of the way back into town for the next transition. I need to eat lots to recover and redress my feet – more moleskin and clear duct tape. Terry’s circling around me – refilling my Gatorade, providing me swell snacks and wet face cloth for my face. Oh Nelly – I felt awesome leaving the transition with Terry spurting out encouragement.

Leg 3 – Old Mine Road – 19K

The leg was been shortened this year to move up the transition area to a safer area. The race has grown substantially over the years and the previous end point can not accommodate all the vehicles, support and relay runners. Hands down – this is the easiest section in the whole race. It continually drops in elevation to meet the Smoky River. I run almost the entire distance and make up most of my lost time from the previous transition. Near the end, a relay runner informs me there is another female soloist only 5 minutes behind. I block it out quickly. There is over 60K left in the race and a lot can happen (I hold the position and slowly start to pass other soloists).

Leg 4 – Hamel Assault – 38K

I grab my poles again for another 6,500 feet ascent up Mount Hamel. I’ve always dreamed of moving up in the world but as we know it’s never easy to do. It’s a steady grind to the top and I’m managing a steady pace of fast trekking. Well, I think it feels fast. I pass several soloists but several more relay runners pass me. Before I reach the top, I stop to put on a toque. A female relay runner, comes over to assist. She helps take items from my pack and stows away my empty can of Boost. She’s calling me hon and dear. It’s comforting really – like it’s my mom on top of the mountain there with me. I head up to the final ridge. We have to go out and grab a pray flag and bring it back along the ridge. It’s symbolic – an achievement and the last mountain to climb. I know the descent on the back side will be fast and almost 12K long. It’s not as steep as Grande – so I can run the whole way. I pass a soloist lying on the side of the trail on his back. He’s quads are cramped from the descent. He says he’s ok and he’ll be able to run again soon. I pass a quad about 20 minutes later and ask if they can head up to check on him. The trail levels out about half way down and leads to an aid station at Ambler Loop. I have a drop bag there with Boost, a headlamp and clear lens glasses. However, before I descend again, I have to do a 5K loop. During my ascent down a gravel road to the base of the mountain, I meet up with Kevin Logeman, a runner from Bowmanville, Ontario. He’s entertaining and we share training stories. My mind is able to move off the race for awhile. Before reaching the bottom, the daylight disappears. It becomes difficult to read and negotiate the small trail to transition. I’m tired and the thought of hot soup and only 22K to go runs through my mind over and over and over….

Leg 5 – Jet Boat Ride Home – 22K

Kevin and I decide to run the last leg together. Well - actually the majority of the leg will be trekking – I know it. It’s dark and the trail is laced with roots. My leg feel heavier too and my ankles are tender. If you try to run – it’s too easy to catch your foot on an obstacle and twist something. There’s also a lot of elevation gain and drop. It’s a short leg and I start to feel confident that I’ll be done well before the 19hr mark. Only a few kilometers in the leg, I soon realize that goal will take the back burner. Previously, the first section of the leg was a gravel road about 8K to the boat launch along the Smoky River. It’s a dusty road but easy to run along. This year, the organizers replaced this section with a “Centennial Leg” – a grueling, undulating narrow path through the forest. I’d gain lots of elevation only to be dropped back down into a creek drainage. I’d climb again and drop into another drainage. We did this several times. It was gnarly and it took a longer than expected to reach the boat at Hell’s Gate. There was an aid station there with loads of treats – chocolate bars, chips, Gatorade. I was happy again. Snacking on some Doritos (the food of athletes????), I meander down to the shore to meet the grim reaper and surrender my coin. This year a jet boat replaced the former rafts and it took very little time to be dropped off on the other shore (only 15K to the finish). However, we were in a canyon and we need to ascent out of it before heading back into town. I kept my poles for this leg as well. If you didn’t have poles, you’d be close to hands and knees crawling up these steep ascents. They seem to go forever before the course flattens out. We wind through the trees for another hour before popping onto a gravel road that leads us into town. The clock ticks past 19hrs. It’s evident that last year’s time will not be beat. It’s ok. We just came through thicker mud and a harder course. This is Kevin’s first Death Race and he’s elated to be nearing the finish. He trained on small ski hills in Toronto and he’s never done anything this tough before. We run through the finish line – lots of cheers and flashbulbs! I’m happy – 19hrs16mins – good for a third female placing and 13 overall. Gary and Wayne finish not far behind. And what about Russ from Leg One? He makes it too – just under the 24hr cutoff time. Fantastic! All finishers are forever known as Death Racers in the camp culture of ultramarathoners. Only 50% of the soloists are able to cross the finish line this year. A real heartbreak I’m sure.

I’m hobbling around this week. This race has definitely taken its toll. My hips feel like they are squeezed in a vise and my ankles – well let’s just say they feel more like cankles. I know in time this pain will all settle down but until then I’m avoiding stairs at all costs! HAHAHA I’m excited to be nearing the end of my journey. My next race is the Lost Souls 100K race in Lethbridge on September 17. Please come and cheer if you can. I’d love to have lots of people there to promote the Journey – it’s the Canadian 100 Mile Championship as well – and top runners will be there hoping to claim the title.

Update #3 - Vulcan Show 'n Shine Fundraiser

The other day, Doug Williams (blue car below) called to tell me that himself along with a few friends were having a fundraiser for the Journey of Hope at the annual Show 'n Shine in Vulcan, Alberta. Local artist, Kim Fortin (standing on left) painted custom artwork on the hood from a Ford pickup (circ. 1980-1985) and they were planning to sell raffle tickets at the event. Complete strangers calling me to support the Journey and The Lung Association?!?! Incredible! I was a little tearful over these words from Kim:

"What you are doing is more important than many people realize and we are only too pleased to be able to support you!".

On July 16, I decided to head down to the event and meet all the wonderful people involved in the fundraiser. Thanks to everyone who bought tickets and helped coordinate the fundraiser which raised $435.00 for the Journey. It was a real honour when they let me draw the winning ticket during the big demolition derby event.

Special thanks to the following folks:

Paul & Kim Fortin - WOG 2001 Ltd.

Doug Williams - Practical Operations

Mark Smith & Steve Gorzita - Mark's Autobody

Jake Daniells - Daniells Maintenance

Richard Roberts - Lethbridge Refrigeration

Wayne & Tina Kiemle - Vulcan Hotel

The two trucks are Paul and Doug head to head - poised for action!

Update #2 - Blackfoot Ultramarathon

I’ve had a lot of specific inquiries about how the Blackfoot Ultramarathon went on May 28. To tell the truth, I was very nervous and rather worried about the event. I honestly believed that I would not be able to run due to a severe cold and nagging area behind my right knee. However, as a last ditch attempt to get myself to the start line – I purchased some Buckley’s (on the advice of a friend) and I went to both my massage therapist and physiotherapist for some last minute intervention before heading off to Edmonton.

The race was held in the Blackfoot Islet Lake area about 45 minutes east of Edmonton near the phenomenal Elk Island National Park. The race consists of 4 loops around a 25k trail. The trails are rolling and wide – ideal for cross country skiing in the winter. The trail passes alongside several marshes, a long dusty road, and a beautiful lake dotted with the nicest small islands. Aid stations with fruit, bars, water and electrolytic drinks were positioned at 5K, 11K, and 21K. There were volunteers there to help fill your bladders and bottles, offer words of encouragement and help you with any other tasks required. The race began at 5am with the temperature sitting at a chilly 2 degrees C.

During my first lap, my leg loosened up and stopped bothering me. I was running alongside some friends from Calgary and the conversation kept my mind off things. After an hour, I felt really strong and the cold wasn’t really wasn’t an issue aside from slightly increasing my general fatigue. I started to run alongside a very “fast” female. I was amazed at how she would run up every hill as I walked them. After about 15 minutes, I discovered she was running only one loop. Opps! Perhaps I was running too fast? The first lap done – 2:30. A ten minute check stop to refuel with Boast and canned tuna before I headed off for a solo lap. Done in 2:40 followed by another 10 minute transition to change my footwear, and redress my feet with more moleskin and duct tape (amazing blister preventer). I had completed 50K and realized for the first time that I would make the 14hr cut-off time. I was initially prepared to continue until I finished the course – whether it was 14hr or 24hr. I didn’t care if it meant I wouldn’t officially finish the course – because I was doing this for the Journey.

By the third lap, the temperature was started to soar past 20C and my pace had slowed. It took 3 hours to finish. I was worried about losing a lot of electrolytes to sweating and drank lots of Gatorade and took electrolyte tablets called e-Load. By the end of the third lap, my friend Wayne from Okotoks, AB and I meet and decided to run the last lap together and push and encourage each other. I’m glad we did. The last loop in the direct sun was daunting and relentless. Around the 19K mark (on each lap), there was an advertisement for Dairy Queen depicting yummy sundaes in all the favourite flavours – strawberry, caramel and sweet chocolate. It thought seemed particular cruel of someone to post such a sign – particularly on the last lap with the heat and the fact that 6K would take us 45 minutes to finish the race. Wayne was good at egging me on – driving a fast pace to finish the lap in 3:08. We bounded across the finish like we were out for one hour not eleven. Then discovered that there really were Dairy Queen dilly bars at the finish!

When the results were tabulated, I was elated to discovered that I had finish the course in the allotted time and set a new female course record by 2hr 7min. I truly believe “mind-over-matter” got me to the end. There’s no way, in my physical state, I could have accomplished such a task on pure physical fitness. Knowing the race was about helping others kept me chugging along. Race results are now available at www.blackfootultra.com.

The next event is the Canadian Death Race on July 30 in Grande Cache, AB. The elevation is severe (3 mountains, 13,000 feet of elevation) over 125K. My predicted finish will be 17-20 hours.

Thanks again for all the kind words and support! There were many volunteers who helped me at each aid station as well as my dear friends, the Big Rock Runners, from Okotoks - Jos who provided transition support and Wayne for accompanying and encouraging me on the last lap. The organizers, Marie-Andree & Gary, provided a fantastic race! Special thanks to Geoff Cuskelly (physiotherapist) and Cecilia Torres (massage therapist) for the fine adjustments leading up to race day. They are two amazing practitioners who specifically help endurance athletes work through the pains and aches that come along with long hours of training. And to my friend and trainer, Ian Lofthouse, for showing me the ropes! Thank you to the Calgary Roadrunners, who sponsored me and my fellow teammates (Lindsey McLaren 25K, Bruce Dalton 50K and Mike Melnick 80K) - winners of the Ultra Team category for the fastest combined time (photo above).

Update #1 - Journey of Hope Kickoff

Thanks to the many friends who helped me kick off the Journey of Hope on May 14! The support has been phenomenal. Your encouraging words and pledges have been so overwhelming. Thank you so much for helping me complete this Journey of Hope. You inspire me through the long training runs and I'll be thinking of you and the people we are trying to help as the kilometers count down!

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