Two years ago, Carol Walinga decided to get in shape, and started working out under the direction of a personal trainer.
Her personal trainer was putting together a team for the city's Miner's Mayhem obstacle race, and Walinga agreed to join — rather reluctantly, she admits.
“I cursed her the whole way, and I completed it,” said the 52-year-old mother of two teenage boys. “It was such an accomplishment.”
Last year, Walinga took part in the boot camps held by the race's organizers before the event to help participants prepare, and on race day, her time was 19 minutes faster than the year before.
“Three years ago, I would have never imagined myself doing something like this,” said Walinga, who's gone on to do obstacle races in other communities. “I love them. They're so much fun, and the people are so wonderful.”
Miner's Mayhem returns to Adanac Ski Hill for a sixth year June 17. It's 6.5 kilometres long, and this year features more mining-themed obstacles than ever before — 17 in total.
You can enter the race either as an individual or as a team of five.
Groups entering the race are given a single timing chip as they tackle the course together and cross the finish line as a team, promoting the spirit of mine rescue, where “no miner is left behind.”
As demonstrated by Walinga's story, it's possible for people with varying fitness levels to take part. One-hour boot camp sessions at Adanac Ski Hill for aspiring participants are available in May and early June.
Race co-director Jessica Sheppard-Baxter said 600 people took part in the event last year, and she's hoping to beat that number this year.
“We put on a pretty enjoyable event every year,” she said. “People have fun doing it. The hill is really hard to get up, and it's pretty daunting, but you get up to the top, and you have such a sense of accomplishment.
“I think people really like that thrill and challenge. They keep coming back and telling their friends how much fun they had, and it makes everyone else interested in it.”
This year, proceeds from Miner's Mayhem go to support Muscular Dystrophy Canada, the charity supported nationally and locally by career and volunteer firefighters.
Event details and registration are now available at Adventure365 at 444 Barrydowne Road and online at www.theminersmayhem.com.
Participants who register prior to the early bird deadline of March 19 at 5 p.m. will get a free, two-week Miner's Mayhem training boot camp at Adanac Ski Hill and $55 off a pair of any in-stock regular or sale priced running shoes.
