Run the World, Episode 2: Howe Sound Crest Trail

Episode 2: Howe Sound Crest Trail, just outside of Vancouver, Canada
Distance: 29km
Elevation Change: Depends on the direction you travel. The extra challenging way is from Porteau Cove to Cypress, and offers 2,600 meters of elevation gain. (That’s a whopping 8,530 feet!) The *slightly* easier, still very challenging way, is Cypress to Porteau Cove, offering 1,830 meters of elevation gain! (Still 6,000 feet!)

In Run the World series, RunGo’s team of run-loving employees will take you on a tour of their favorite runs around the world. Each run will feature a different region, with tons of photos to get you motivated and a link to RunGo’s route, so you can follow the run with voice navigation. Whether it’s road or trail, it will be something to add to your running bucket list. 

Why You’ll Love it

This run is a true classic, a runner’s and hiker’s favorite near to RunGo’s home base in beautiful Vancouver, BC. The point-to-point run takes you along a ridge with panoramic views of British Columbia’s Howe Sound. Run in-between the iconic, granite Lions, gallop past alpine lakes and through technical rock scree, and feel challenged with both great climbs up and down and technical trail underfoot. When you’re not stunned by the view overhead, you’ll be entertained with the challenging terrain – rocks, routes, and nearby cliffs!

Cautions

Beware of trying this in winter, unless you’re trained in winter travel. We advise traveling the route once you’re sure it’s free of snow – August and September are great times to go run it. Because you’ll be up on a ridge, this run is best during a day with good weather. Also, be aware that this is a point to point route, we recommend having two cars for the trip – one at each end – as there isn’t any public transportation in this area. Finally, don’t be surprised if this takes you a full 8 hours to run – much of it is very technical and almost hiking pace!

More great photos can be found on the Trails BC website!

RunGo Route to Follow: Howe Sound Crest Trail 29k

Happy trails!

Run the World, Episode 1: Ship’s Stern Circuit

Marathon & Beyond has teamed up with the RunGo team, a group of run-loving employees who would like to share with you some of their favorite runs around the world. Each run in the “Run the World” series, will feature a different region, with tons of photos to get you motivated and a link to RunGo’s route, so you can follow the run with voice navigation. Whether it’s road or trail, it will be something to add to your running bucket list. 

Episode 1: Ship’s Stern Circuit, Lamington National Park, Australia
Distance: 21km
Elevation Change: 1576 meter cumulative elevation change

Why You’ll Love it

This run takes you through one of the most beautiful rainforests we’ve ever seen. Discover waterfalls, open views of lush, cascading valleys, and be treated to soft, rolling terrain that keeps you feeling fresh. What’s more, Lamington National Park treats you with a temperature that is much cooler than the Gold Coast’s typical scorching temperatures. 

Cautions

Beware of leeches! These little critters are harmless though, and good motivation to run faster!

RunGo Route to Follow: Ship’s Stern Circuit 

Happy trails! 

Alicia, from the RunGo team

The idea that brought this runner back from ruin

by Elinor Fish

Elinor Fish is a writer, coach, ultrarunner and expert in mindful running and natural running form. She is dedicated to helping people improve their health and reduce stress through a sustainable running practice. Elinor’s articles and ideas have been featured in Runner’s World, Los Angeles Times, Yoga Journal, SHAPE, Women, Endurance, Trail Runner, Running Times and many others.

After successfully completing Colorado’s infamous Leadville Trail 100 several years ago, I was on cloud nine, dreaming about my next big endurance challenge. While my imagination soared, my body plummeted into depths of exhaustion I’d never before experienced.

I couldn’t seem to recover from Leadville, and almost a year after the race was over, I still struggled to run for even an hour, and soon even that energy dried up. I was exhausted all the time, barely making it through the workweek so I could spend weekends in bed. Sleepless, lethargic and starting to feel depressed, I knew something was seriously wrong, and that I didn’t want to treat with a prescription.

Seeking solutions, I delved deeply into studying what it true health looks like and what factors most greatly influences our well-being.

What I learned changed the way I view running forever.
Continue reading » The idea that brought this runner back from ruin

Trail Running Conference in Estes Park, Colorado

Marathon & Beyond is pleased to be a part of the second annual Trail Running Conference in Estes Park, Colorado, October 9-11, 2014. The first day of the conference is dedicated to trail race directors, with days two and three devoted to trail runners. The event is located at the historic Stanley Hotel, in the majestic mountain town of Estes Park, Colorado.

The event will include expert speaker panels and round table sessions; group runs with guest star athletes; interactive workshops on subjects including uphill and downhill running technique, stretching and flexibility; and an expo with trail-related manufacturers and vendors with opportunities to demo trail gear.

Sponsors include Marathon & Beyond magazine, Trail Runner magazine, VFuel, Boulder Running Company, New Balance, and Colorado Life magazine.

The Conference also features a prize draw, raising funds and awareness for ATRA (American Trail Running Association), with prizes from Balega, Icespike, Colorado Runner Magazine, Trans Rockies Run 3, SkyRunner Series, Mizuno, Colorado Life Magazine, Ultimate Direction, & Skratch Labs.

The inaugural 2013 Conference attracted nearly 100 attendees. Organizers expect more than 200 trail runners and race directors for the 2014 event!

A trail running film festival is also planned during the Conference, featuring films dedicated to trail running shown at a local theater in Estes Park.

Come and join in a 3-day celebration of trail running in the USA!

Registration is open for both trail race directors and trail runners – see details at http://estestrailascent.com/