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Back from his September 11 liver transplant Steve Matusch is already out with the gang. We walked a brisk 8k today

 

Mattawa, Ontario, Canada
www.naturesharmony.ca/events/run-off-the-grid-2

Boasting itself as Northern Ontario’s “longest, toughest and most remote trail run,” this race runs through creek crossings, gravel pits, rocky sections and a sand dune. Held at the end of summer, the autumn colors of the Laurentian Mountains can be seen in the distance. Says one runner, “I haven’t been that dirty and intentionally gone in mud holes that deep since I was a kid … what a rejuvenating feeling!” Finishers receive hand-crafted medallions, while first-place male and female winners receive hand-carved wood trophies.

There were many entries from the Sudbury area, Entries ranged from the 12.5 k all the way to the 50k

Below are 2 inspiring stories from the day

 

ALL-TIME PROUDEST RUNNING MOMENT... EVER!!!

by Kristofer Cacciotti

Took the 25km eco-challenge head on - my farthest distance on record - and put up a monster time (for me)!

I got out of the gate hot, and held first for the first 13.5km, when I was passed by a trio of dudes (who clearly knew what they were doing), swooped by me, and were gone into the woods ahead. At this point, I went straight into race management.

I'm a man on a mission, but I am certainly not rolling solo. There's a crack squad of badass mofos behind me that have my back every step of the way!

First and foremost is Lesley Ann - my biggest fan, my strongest supporter, and the undeniable cornerstone to everything that I do. Nothing I do would be possible without your understanding, support, and sacrifice. I love you deeply and appreciate you more than words can describe.

Next are the kiddoes! Zoey gives me "power up" kisses before every single race, which supercharge me, and then Evvy provides a tailwind at my back throughout the entire race. Whenever I'm staring at a wall, I think of Everett and everything he has overcome, and I instantly gain access to a new gear that allows me to pull out of the darkness and keep blasting forward.

Physically, it would be impossible for me to do any of this without Kim Brouzes and the entire ACTIVE THERAPY + team. Shoulder, back, legs, recovery, repair, protection, and everything in between. Kimmy - you keep me running in tip top shape, always ready to perform at peak levels.

Mad love to Dennis Legault - my coach, friend, and brother-in-arms - who is always pushing me to the max, and holds me accountable to the same ridiculous standards he sets for himself. You've completely changed my fitness mindset, and have injected a spark and a love for the game that I didn't previously have.

It's hard to push yourself, but it gets hella easier when there's a stampede running behind you!!! Hahahahahaa. Love to the entire APEX WARRIOR family for all of the support, inspiration, competition, and good vibes that make training to my max something that I not only enjoy, but look forward to and NEED!

And thank you to each and every one of you for cheering me on, sending me love, messaging me to make sure I wake up on time, checking in on me, sending words of encouragement, and every other way you guys hit me up with love and support. Your support means the world to me!

One man is strong, but an army is STRONGER. Thank you!!!

A roadtrip for the books with Dennis Legault, Richard Bradley, Anthea Bradley, and the last minute addition of MaNdy LyNn.

 

18 weeks of training. The Run Off-The-Grid 50km ultramarathon is done.

by Krystel Houle

My goal was to finish strong. I was nervous leading up to the race, about all the things that could go wrong. Putting all sorts of pressure on myself to do well in a distance I'd never completed, on a trail that was relentless.

Then 48hrs before race time, I started receiving words of encouragement, pep talks, advice and well wishes from soooo so many of you. You all reminded me that no matter what happens, my efforts in training were enough to inspire you. That just to finish would be an accomplishment. That while things could go wrong, so many things could also go right.

-It rained, making the trail more difficult and slowing down my time (so what, everyone was running the same trail as me)
-I hyperextended my knee around km 18, causing pain that got progressively worse, and swelling that prevented me from bending it (necessary to run) without extreme pain (I learned how deep into that pain cave I can go and still crawl out on my own)
-I was on my lady times, which I'd trained for, but ended up starting a day early, making my heavy day Friday instead of race day (that's a win)
-Because of the previous point, I didn't have to make a couple of anticipated bathroom stops. In fact, I didn't have to make any pit stops at all. My stomach didn't turn on me and my bladder held strong (which for a mid-thirties mom of 4 is a massive win)
-My feet and shoes were covered in sand and mud due to the varied terrain and swampy areas. They were drenched thanks to the creek crossings, which I was happy to jump into. The ice cold water provided great relief to my sore feet. So I decided to keep the same pair of shoes on for the whole race.
-Because of the last two points, no pit stops and no stopping to change my shoes, I didn't waste any valuable minutes that I needed to complete the race before the final cut-off.

I came in later than expected, limping along side my kids who were cheering me on so hard, towards a group of people who were nothing but encouraging.

I finished 19th out of 24 racers in 8:24:31. I still can't bend my knee, but it was so worth it.

What started off as me having a goal to complete an ultra before I turn 35 and thinking I'd be suffering all on my own turned into a group adventure.

I need to thank my kids for training with me when they could, tolerating my time away when they couldn't, and being my biggest cheerleaders.

Denis Houle for your constant support and taking over some of my parenting duties on my longer training days.

Denis again and Brandon Lefebvre for your ears and your input for the better part of this year.

Katie Jorgensen , Julie Fox and Dennis Legault for being amazing training partners.

Jeffrey and Dennis for all of your coaching, wise words, and encouragement - you were both indispensable.

Julie for handing me advil at the finish line, providing mid race support, and enabling these goals of mine.

Julie , Jacob Richard , Dennis , Kristofer Cacciotti , Anthea Bradley , Richard Bradley and MaNdy LyNn for coming to Mattawa and running this trail for yourselves. Just you being there running your own races was inspiring. Seeing your cameras on me throughout the day and hearing you cheer warmed my heart. When I doubted myself, you guys wouldn't let me. You all rocked your own races and were standing at the finish line waiting anxiously for me, hoping I'd make that cut-off.

Jacob ran the 12.5k and rocked it, finishing in 2:11:01. He was so pumped up, Zoé and Logan decided next year they're running it with him!

I also want to thank everybody who took the time to wish me luck and talk to me about the race leading up to it. Those of you who took the time to text me before the race. It meant so much that you were thinking of me on your Saturday, especially those who know just what to say (Martin Dubuc)

I finished in dramatic fashion (shocking, I know - the only way I know how) with 5:29 to spare

I'm so proud of myself.

 

All Results Here