Running the Rockies

By: Magi Scallion

I went for a superb run today at Nipika Mountain Resort. Nipika is huddled about 3 hours west and south of Calgary on the western edge of the Rocky Mountains. Nipika borders Kootenay National Park and also the Cross River Recreation Site (BC)… needless to say the running rails in the area are second to none. One of my goal runs for next summer is in to and out of Assiniboine lodge from this side of the mountains – it’s about a 40 km run, in a loop, through some of the most beautiful terrain around.

With that epic on my mind I set out today with my running buddies Lyle Wilson (owner, Nipika Mountain Resort), Laurin Duncan (Organizer, Rocky Mountain Soap Company Women’s Run) and, of course, Titan and Rufus our four-legged companions.

We started out with a 4 km jaunt through some of Nipika’s flatter, riverside trails, before we climbed up an old mining road toward the Yearling Canyon. We stopped to drink in the view and take a few quick pictures at the top of the climb, before heading back down and to the warmth of Nipika. The climb was not terribly challenging but we chose to “ski walk” (or power walk) up the hill, rather than run, to keep the effort minimal. It was quite cold (-12C when we started) so we didn’t want to get too sweaty and then cold when we’re running downhill.

The entire loop was about 1.5 hours and a great way to spend a mid-day on a Sunday! Nipika is always a fantastic place to go for a run and if Lyle (or I) am around we’d love to show you the best trails!

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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.