TOM CRAIK

Country/City: I was born in Scarborough, Ontario, lived there for a year or so, but grew up in Kelowna, BC  playing in the forest. I've lived and played in Vancouver/North Vancouver since 1997.

Date of birth / Age: I was born November 24th, 1973 and of course that means I'm 38.

Best results /records / adventure: Racing at all distances, so far up to 50k, is always a blast. I wheeze, go lactic, and constantly comparing my past with my present. As I have steadily improved over the last couple years, it makes me proud to log faster times through hard work. It makes me most proud and happy however, doing adventure runs with friends. Runs where the trail is unknown, long, and grueling. Runs like my 2007 circumnavigation of the base of Mount St. Helens a 2008 run from Rim to Rim to Rim in the Grand Canyon, and last years run of the West Coast Trail after which we swam across Gordon River because the boat guy never turned up (a very long story).

2012 Events Calendar / 2012 Objectives: I'm challenging this running season a bit differently than the past few. For one, my two focus races are 50 milers (Squamish 50 and Meet Your Maker) of which I've never attempted two in one year before. This being said, I know it's going to be VERY important to keep from injury. My thinking for this is to run lots and run lots for fun. Although I'll keep up my gym work and climbing routine, I'll cut out focused speed work that's any faster than a tempo. I desperately want each of my runs to feel like a get away and an adventure. Shorter races will be fun and I know I'll have lost speed for these, but I can handle that because it's right.

Why do you practice Trail Running? There really is nothing like the open-minded feeling I get from trail running. The trails seem to be the magic elixir that helps me leave the rest of my world behind. I always come out of the trees a bit mucky, smiling and mentally relaxed...even if I worked hard.

What are the various sports that you practice as a supplement to Trail Running? Growing up in Kelowna I was always outside playing. Most often it was unstructured free play in the woods on mountain bikes or up skiing at Big White, where I spent most of my time in the bumps and learning to telemark. There's also nothing like a muddy mountain bike race on fast switch-backs and technical downhill, or a long road ride to burn the quads a little. Anything outside to be honest. Just recently I picked up Cyclocross bike so that should be a fun addition to my fall lung burner season.

What is your best memory? After finishing the Grand Canyon run we boarded a bus back to our tent. In our stinky, sweaty clothes we chatted with a couple from someplace in the mid-USA. They'd been out on the view point I guess and wondered where we had come from. We told her we ran from rim to rim to rim and she was shocked. She turned to her husband, mouth hanging open, and told him what we'd done. He looked back at her, laughed, and said, "you're so gullible, honey. He's kidding you." We smiled, let it be, and were so proud of what we'd achieved. It's a must do trail run.

What/Where is your favorite Trail? I'm so lucky to live in North Vancouver where we can run technical, forested trails all year round. I'm sure I'm not alone when I say it's hard to choose a favorite. I suppose any trail where I can leave the sound of traffic and the hustle bustle of life behind. Specifically there's a trail near home that goes up through Lynn Valley, past Norvan Falls, and into Hanes Valley, behind Grouse Mountain. As the crow flies it's close, but you feel isolated and alone on a trail few people pass over. Once you reach the top, you have a gorgeous view of Vancouver and Georgia Straight, and the luxury of a cold beer and nachos.

What is the best advice which you could give to Trail Runners? Go out the door with no expectations. Explore like a kid. Let it be free and unstructured. Lose the watch and enjoy the mud, rocks, roots, and...the unknown ahead.

Follow my Adventures and thoughts...
Twitter:@tomcraik
http://www.tomsrunnow.blogspot.com/