One week from today I will finally line up for the @squamish50 (52km + 2500m) and I am so excited because I believe I am actually capable and trained enough to finish in time.
Long story short I volunteer for the race in 2013 and was signed up to run it in 2014 but due to a broken bone (honestly can’t recall which one) I ended up with a DNS and also completely stopped running. I spent the next few years climbing mountains and thru-hiking before a series and health and life events had me plummeting into the worst shape of my life.
Overweight, exhausted and heartbroken over the fitness I had lost I finally had enough and started the hard journey of building back again.
I took so much patients and perseverance to build up my walking tolerance, speed and endurance over years before attempting my first run. Last summer I went on the occasional easy walk/run and I started to feel like myself again getting back into the alpine even if the hikes took everything out of me.
Finally November came around and I took a long break from the road to focus on fitness. In January I started working with a coach and in April I took my journey back on the road. Since then I’ve let creating videos totally fall by the wayside in favour of savouring time with Frank and training.
I am no longer the person you might think you knew and that is a big part of why it’s taking me so long to return to creating, but don’t worry i will be returning.
I played the long game, put in the work and now I’m reaping the rewards. Whatever happens come race day I’ve already won because I am once again someone who can enjoy spending hours running through the mountains. I am stronger and have more energy than any other time in the past 6 years. I eat whatever my body asks of me while watching the fat be replaced with muscle.
None of this has been easy, but all of it is worth it and the respect for myself I’ve regained is immeasurable. This is only the beginning and I’m not letting the foot off the gas anytime soon.
📷: snipets from my past 2 months of training
3 days agoravenmaven3
I know you are proud of yourself for what you have accomplished…. and you should be!
3 months agopoordirtyhappy
Good luck at the race. Just getting back into trail running myself. Been backpacking mostly. Shooting for my first 100 next year. Hopefully the Elkhorn crest 50m next summer too! Dnfed it a few years back. Time for redemption!
3 months agoapt2ventures
One of the things my partner and I often say is "Oxygen Mask" - as the flight attendants say repeatedly, you have to take care of yourself first. So happy that you are taking the time to take care of YOU!..and of course Frank. You are an amazing videographer and whenever you are ready to take us along on adventures, we'll be happy to come along virtually. Be well.❤️
3 months agorburns107
You’ve been doing great and putting in tons of work. can’t wait to see how you do! You’ve got this!
3 months agodaily_with_deb_
So happy for you to get yourself back . I want lie I do miss your videos ,but I'm stoked for the next chapter. Have fun run like the wind .
3 months agopensaaurora
So proud of you Amanda. We are always grateful for whatever aspects of your life you choose to share. Youre always inspiring.
3 months agothe.adventures.of.liz
I ran it in 2013! It’s such an amazing race. Glad you found your way back to it. You’ve done the hard part. Now enjoy the fun!!
3 months agoamgebb
You are a badass and your evolution just keeps continuing. Every chapter is a new one in this wild book of life. Thanks for sharing yours with us. Most of all, have an incredible race!!
3 months agosheilarenfro
👏👏 girl I wished I could have the will power to go by myself to the mountains ⛰️ I become a chicken 🐔 now so scared I think its due to high stress issues. But you inspire me. You have done so much. And you and Frank I just loved watching your videos. I just need to get out of my shell.
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