Bear mountain 30km

Training Update: Mud, Mist, and Milestones – 30km Trail Race Recap

On Saturday May 17th,

I ran a 30km trail race as a training run for my big goal this summer: completing the Squamish 50/50. I'm taking on this challenge as part of my Ultra’s for Ostomies fundraiser, supporting Ostomy Canada.

This race was never about chasing a personal best—it was about learning. I used it to test out my fueling plan, get a feel for the race atmosphere, and build confidence on tough terrain. The course was two 15km loops through beautiful forest trails.

I kept my fueling simple and consistent: two energy gels per lap, 2L of water, 2L of electrolyte mix, and two salt tablets throughout the run. It was a good test of how my stomach handled everything over time and how my energy held up, especially as the conditions got tougher.

The first loop was peaceful and surreal: overcast skies, quiet woods, and a mist hanging between the trees. Everything felt calm and steady. But as I crossed the halfway point, the weather shifted. Rain started falling—light at first, then steady, and by the second half of the second loop, it was pouring. The trails turned muddy and slick, making every step a little more cautious, a little more intentional. It was a reminder that things can change fast out there—and part of endurance is adapting and pushing through.

Despite the soaked shoes and slick climbs, I crossed the finish line with a smile and rang the finish line bell with a flourish. It was muddy. It was challenging. It was exactly the kind of day I needed.

Every one of these training runs is part of the larger journey—not just to the Squamish 50/50, but to raising awareness and support for people living with ostomies. Ultra’s for Ostomies is about showing what’s possible, about breaking stigma, and about pushing limits—on and off the trail.

Thanks for following along. Every kilometer I run brings us closer to our goal.

You can support the cause or learn more about the fundraiser here.