The Juan de Fuca trail is a spectacular hiking trail, stretching 47 kilometers along the winding coastline of Vancouver Island. Hikers typically complete the trail in three to six days, taking time to enjoy the scenery along the coast.
The Capital Regional District states that
"the most difficult section of the trail is found at the midpoint, between Chin Beach and Bear Beach. Aptly named the 11 hills, the trail ascends and descends hundreds of metres over seventeen small headlands before arriving at Bear Beach. Chin, Mystic and Sombrio Beaches have long stretches of sandy foreshore, perfect for beach walking and camping. Sombrio presents opportunities to watch surfers, especially during the shoulder season when ocean swells are higher. Glimpses of seals, sea lions and orcas are common along the oceanfront sections of the trail. Botanical beach is perhaps the most stunning section of the trail. Arriving here at low tide allows for exploration of hundreds of tide pools, thick with marine life, carved by water into wide sandstone ledges safe from the surf. The last few kilometres of the trail can be walked along these ledges, a natural platform between sea and land" (CRD, 2012).
I have completed several sections of the trail, but never the trail in its entirety. But instead of hiking the trail...I actually have a slightly different goal. For two years I have wanted to run the Juan de Fuca trail. I'm not sure exactly why...
I am in love with our B.C. coast, for one. The scenery is stunning and spending time along the ocean gives me the greatest sense of peace I have ever known. I also love trail running. This too excites my senses and calms my soul. I also find I am looking more and more to push myself in ways I have not done before. As an athlete (oooh, dare I use that word?! I feel like I am hardly an athlete.....athletic though?) I am growing and discovering there are challenges I can set and meet.
It was my brother who truly instigated this challenge. One day he announced he wanted to run the trail this summer. "So, are we doing this? Are you in?"
At first I was so resistant. I thought there is no way I could possibly be ready in time! I can't train as much as I need to while I'm finishing my degree. I was completely overwhelmed and I viewed this challenge as impossible. But if I can be more pessimistic, my brother is definitely more optimistic, and he fought my resistance with a wonderful analogy. "This is the same as MOVEment X 100 Days. 100 days seems like such a long time and that can be overwhelming, but there is no real failure, because even if you don't complete it, what are you losing? Lets just train for this thing. Take it one step at a time. If we can't finish the trail, at least we'll be in the best shape of our lives! What have we got to lose?" He concluded with "I'd rather try and fail. I'd rather live a life of oh wells than a life of what ifs."
.......and i was hooked.
We have a lot of planning to do in the coming months. We need to pick our running crew, set our timeline, and test our gear. We will also have a support crew to aid us along the way. And I need to get training!! I have never taken on a physical goal so large or so scary in my mind. But I know I have the most incredible support network around me, including accomplished ultra runners to guide my preparation, friends and family to inspire and support me, and a brother to motivate and believe in me. I also have the MOVEment community! What better way to map my journey than through MOVEment.
So, yes, I have another adventure...and I am not anticipating this to be an easy one.
But....
