May 1st, Hoorah!

Good times, sunny weather, and snow free trails await thee!

AND so do the infamous Iron Knee and Tender Knee trail races...

These races epitomize what trail running in British Columbia is all about! Flowing over mountainous singletrack, through a beautifully lush rain forest, these races culminate at an ocean front finish line within the aptly named Panorama Park, sounds enticing doesn't it!

Featured Races

Iron Knee 25k / Tender Knee 12k
Sunday May 30th

   
 

Summer Solstice 25k / 42.2k
June 20th

Featured Gear


The North Face Hydrogen Vest
(The Perfect Spring Piece)

$99

Running Tip Of The Month

This is gonna be short, sweet, and to the point...ALWAYS leave an itinerary with a friend/family member/loved one.

We had our own North Shore rescue earlier this year of a very experienced trail runner. If people know where you're planning to run, and when to expect you back, you can ensure things won't get too bad if something goes awry while you're out there. Here's a great story out of Colorado from a few years back where one of the top female athletes in the sport, running on one of her favorite trails, was only found and saved thanks to her dog!

PLEASE PLAN AHEAD AND STAY SAFE OUT THERE!

Featured Athlete Of The Month


Dom Repta

RTNS: Tell us a bit about how you got started in trail running?

DR: I kind of just fell into running. My university squash coach happened to be an ultra runner. He did The Western States 100 miler back in 93. When he told me about what he did, I had the typical reaction...you are insane!!  But I started running with him for squash, and our 1 hour run would turn into a "wrong turn" and become a 2 hour run...It was also on the trails so I was hooked! He got me to do the Around the Bay 30 km road race. I bonked so bad at 28 km I had no idea where I was. That was my first race ever. My second a few months later was Haliburton 50 Miler Trail Race. I think this was in 1998. I happen to win it and I was hooked! I also happened to be in the right place at the right time and Montrail offered me sponsorship, so then I felt committed. It was fun.

RTNS: You were quite competitive for quite a few years. What were the highlights for you?

DR: Funny, if you asked me this question during the years I was racing at what used to be considered a high level, I would have said this race or that race, this performance or that one. But I was thinking about all the friends I have all over North America now and the beautiful places I have seen. The highlights really are the people and the places. Marathon des Sables in Morocco definitely takes the cake as an experience of a lifetime.

RTNS: Tell us a little about this new film XS-NRG?

DR: Well, I won't spoil the ending.  But, Dave Cressman, Ean Jackson and my brother Wade and I heard about this 180 km trail (I think 200 km) trail starting in Desolation Sound. We attempted it one summer and had a bunch of issues and we all had to pull the plug. We returned again the following year, determined to bag it in one go, even if it killed us. Our goal was 4 would start, and if 1 finished that was success.  A local film producer (Angus Mclellan)  followed us through training and the run itself. I never thought it would make it off the cutting floor but it did and apparently it's good! I am a bit anxious to see it though. My entire perspective on running has changed since then so we will see how foolish I look.

RTNS: How has having a family impacted your personal goals within the running scene?

DR: It definitely was difficult at first. Having my son Myles also coincided exactly when I got really burnt out from 10 years of racing. So I took a couple years off but I am back now with a completely different perspective. I do realize how much I missed it though now that I am back  I no longer run for the sole purpose of racing now. I run for the adventure and to just be in the mountains now. I feel like I will actually come back stronger with less training but a whole different attitude. My personal goals, as cliched as it sounds, is really only to have fun, keep challenging myself, and share war stories with my friends. 

RTNS: Favorite local trail(s)?

DR: Well, I will tell you the name of a trail that I think less than 10 trail runners on the North Shore know about. It is the MOST amazing trail I have ever seen over here. I call it Mecca...it's pretty top secret. It is the most vibrant green, pure rainforest, and steep and long. 

RTNS: Favorite RTNS event?

DR: You may laugh, but I actually MC'd My First Trail Race a few weeks back. I had a blast and seeing people finish the 5 km and 10 km was inspiring. I run ultras, and they still are a bit obscure. But the My First Trail Race can be accomplished by anyone, and I think that these type of trail races are really needed to keep our sport alive. I guarantee you one person that ran that race will do an ultra one day!

RTNS: Goals for 2010 and 2011?

DR: My 2010 goals are to just keep getting back into shape and get rid of my plantar fascitis. I also have 2 projects. One is a 180 km run in Kananaskis, and the other is Mt. Ranier's 98 mile Wonderland Trail. 

RTNS: Advice for all the new trail runners out there?

DR:

1) Put the watch away and forget about the time it takes to cover a certain distance. 

2) Definitely get a pair of trail shoes. It makes the world of difference. The North Shore trails are some of the most technical and demanding in the world, proper footwear is a must.

3) Get some friends to run with. When it's pouring rain you will need some one to help get you out the door!!

4) Challenge yourself. You can go longer than you think...Don't be afraid to walk the hills, sometimes you won't have a choice.

Good stuff Dommer! Thanks so much for the great tips...now tell us how to find that hidden trail!!