Adventure Fun!

By: Magi Scallion

This week I had an amazing adventure – one that I would highly recommend for any person interested in a core workout combined with a run.

I met one of the national cross-country development ski teams in Deep Cove, BC to go for a paddle-board -> run -> paddle-board session. Cross country skiers are always keen to do a variety of cross training so it’s really fun to train with this group.

We started the day with a quick technique session on how to stand-up paddle. Most of us had done it before but it was great to have some tips from a guy who does it professionally – including some racing. It became evident that our core and shoulders were going to get a good work out – perfect for skiers!

We paddled approximately 30-minutes across the fjord – the water was like glass and it was absolutely beautiful. There was a little island next to our destination beach so we had a quick little race around the island. That was a lot of fun, even though nobody fell into the water.

From there we put on our running shoes and did a run that was just over an hour. We were all wondering why our legs were a bit sore and tired – then we realized that it was from the paddle boarding. Even though most of the paddle boarding is core and upper body, your legs are quite active the entire time from trying to balance on the board. Our calves were sore from pressing our toes into the board.

The run was pretty special – trail along the water to a nice lookout. It was an out-and-back on some hilly terrain. Lots of fun! I had my new Wave Precisions along for the ride. I prefer to run trail in the precisions – I like the low profile and how much you can “feel” the trail. Most of the trails around Vancouver/Whistler are pretty good for road shoes. I only pull out my Wave Ascend trail shoes when I’m going out in the mud or on trails that have lots of loose gravel or dust and I need the additional traction. The other bonus of the new Precisions is that if you’re upside down in the bushes, you’ll be easy to find!

The paddle back to the boat house was a bit less energetic as there was a head-wind and some waves… even better for the core? The sun was still out, though so it was hard to be tired or grumpy about the additional work.

In total we spent about 4 hours on the water/trail and had at least 2.5 hours of laughter! Now I’m trying to plan this adventure with some other friends – with a slightly longer paddle and a longer, beautiful ridge trail run.

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Born in Nova Scotia and emigrating to British Columbia via Ontario and Alberta, Magi has been running the entire way. Primarily defined as a cross country ski racer, Magi has competed nationally and internationally in that sport. The highlight of her career was competing in the World University Games and the World Cup races in Canada in 2007. Cross country skiers rely heavily on running for cross training and Magi has become an accomplished trail and mountain runner, representing Canada at the World Mountain Running Championships in 2005 and the winning numerous national championships medals.

Today Magi runs for fun… and it’s a lot of fun! Epic mountain runs, city cruises with friends, and more keep her happy and occupied outside of work and school.