Coming up “The Cut” in North Vancouver there is a sign that reads “Squamish 64 km." To most people, this sign is just another traffic sign but to me, an ultra-marathon runner, it means adventure. I stared at that sign every time I passed it, for years, and it was only a matter of time before I laced up my runners and made my way, on foot, to Squamish.
I started my journey from Nelson Creek which is roughly 44km from Squamish. It was a blue bird day and I was stoked to be taking on this adventure, solo, just me and the open road. People would say I was “crazy” for doing something like this but there is something totally meditative about running along the highway, next to beautiful Howe Sound. The 4 ½-hour run was filled with many magical moments, mesmerizing views, and although I wasn’t on a mountain summit, I still felt on top of the world. I enjoyed a delicious coffee with a good friend at The Zephyr Café afterwards. It was just the perfect way to wrap-up the run. I even scored a ride home with my boyfriend’s family as they were conveniently driving down from a ski day in Whistler!
The following year I was craving another self-propelled journey up Howe Sound. It was a beautiful day and I was meeting a friend for lunch in Squamish that afternoon. I glanced over at my full suspension mountain bike and although I knew it would be a bit of a slog, it would do the trick. Because biking is all about the coffee, I made sure to stop at the Lions Bay Café for a morning glory muffin and a cup of Joe. When I did the run I ran on the opposite side of the road (against traffic) and this time I was going with traffic. This definitely made this outing feel unique.
This view along the Sea to Sky Highway never gets old. It doesn’t matter if I am driving, biking, or running, it seems to pull me in and capture me. I love it.
— Nicola Gildersleeve
