Skyline 2.0

Two years ago, I ran the Skyline trail in Jasper with my brother-in-law. It was the longest time I’ve been on my feet, let alone run. Strangely enough, only months before I was lamenting about why anyone would want to run a hike. Isn’t it better to take your time and enjoy the views? Stop for lunch and relax?

Here I am, with a marathon and two ultras (60KM & 100KM) under my belt, tackling Skyline again, this time as a pedestrian 47KM trail run.

It’s hard to articulate what running means to me. It’s not even about running; it’s meditation, it’s therapy. It’s a feeling of complete freedom, unburdened from everything I experience. There were long stretches of pure joy during this run. It didn’t matter that my fee and hands were soaked, I was laughing and smiling. I was significantly faster despite poor conditions. I quickly realized how far I’ve come as a runner - and more important, a person - in the time since. Two years. This was a benchmark in more ways than one.

It was raining, muddy, and cloudy, so photos of the day offer little justice. You’ll just have to believe it when I say this is easily one of the most beautiful trails in Alberta. You peak at The Notch and traverse a ridge that offers endless views in all directions.

Here’s to Skyline 3.0. Wonder where I’ll be next year…