I Did Something Insane for the Fifth Time

Strive-Fitness-and-Therapy-Winnipeg-MB-blog-2

Sep 10, 2023

Health & Wellness

I can’t walk today, my feet are destroyed, I cramped in every foreseeable muscle in my legs; hamstrings, quads, and groin, and did it all “For the Kids” as we say.

I just completed the 65km (40 mile for our American friends) Mantario Trail with 1,348 meters of elevation. With no aid stations, no way out once you’re in, and only reading the odd sign and Inukshuk left behind by other travelers, 10 of us completed The Mantario Trail Challenge in support of CanU kids.

Every year “I’m never doing that again” is the talk of camp that night, but I’ll share a few reasons why people do insanity over and over again.

1. Massive Commitment

Don’t think it, Ink It: Once you put your name where your mouth is, it’s game on. You are in. Your family and friends know, you’re expected to raise at least $2,000 as a challenger, and it makes it much harder to back out with the September Challenge Date looming in front of you.

Commitment during the Summer: At Strive we see summer time as the hardest time for people to stay in shape and keep regular routine and training. Being a new business owner, I knew I could easily slip into working long hours, summer weekends of fun, and lose track of my health and fitness. Knowing this challenge was on the horizon, I committed to biking to work once a week, training with the 5:45am morning crew on Thursdays, and running 1-3 times a week in preparation. This year, I chose not to consume alcohol for 2 months prior and to the shagrin of a gift card to Winnipeg’s beautiful Langside Grocery, and a road trip through Nashville, Alabama, Jacksonville, and Miami, I stuck to my word.

2. Special Community

A horrible day, for a great cause, with incredible people. I’ve been telling everyone about the Starbucks book regarding them aiming to be your third place. We all have to work, and spend time dealing with the raising of our families. However, we also need a third place to unload our thoughts, relax, speak freely, and share our experiences. I’m lucky to have a lot of third places in my life including SlowPitch and basketball teams, the Mantario Challenger Group, and at Strive on the days it doesn’t feel like work.

3. Be Apart of Something Bigger Than Yourself

I don’t believe in training for longer than 2 hours. So if you’re going to decide to do this, make sure you’re raising funds for a good cause. I’m extremely grateful for those who helped me raise $5,000 this year and who have allowed me to raise over $15,000 (doubled by Winnipeg Foundation to $30,000) during my 5 Mantario Challenges to support youth scholarships in our community.

Tips for those looking to do Mantario

Fuel! This year I ran with Salt Sticks, Nuun Tabs, Honey Stinger Waffles, and Fruit Snacks. Next year I need to carry magnesium tabs.
Drink Water! We carry 2-500ml bottles on the front, and 1-2.5L bladder on the back. We also have the ability to fill up at 5 lakes on the trail. Bring water sanitization tabs! These take 30 minutes to filter, and have been sold out at Cabela’s for 4 months! Thank you Tammy Berrington for hooking everyone up! I also added Tap Endurance to the mix this year.
Quark Shoes and Urban Trail has been the secret Mecca for trail gear (shoes and packs) in Winnipeg. Reach out if you’re looking for the best, and I’ll direct you.
Be safe! We saw a bear on the trail and challengers carry bear bangers or bear spray, and know how to use them.