Written by Madison (@runwithmadison)
There is something so special about looking back at a summer through the places you’ve been, the trails you’ve travelled, and the days that challenged you in ways you didn’t expect. This summer trail season was full of big objectives, long days, beautiful places, and plenty of moments where the plan changed along the way. From pushing myself on the Grouse Grind to exploring alpine terrain across British Columbia and the Rockies, this summer reminded me why I love spending time outside in the first place. It’s important to reflect and realize that not every adventure needs a finish line. Sometimes, the best days are simply the ones where you come home tired, happy, and already thinking about where you might go next.
Starting Close to Home
One of the highlights of my summer was returning to the Grouse Grind for the Multi Grouse Grind Challenge. I completed 15 Grinds, spending hours moving uphill and getting very familiar with those stairs! The challenge was physically demanding, but it was also a reminder of how much I enjoy having something difficult to work toward. There is something uniquely rewarding about doing the same climb over and over again and finding a way to keep moving when your legs are tired. In the end, I completed 15 Grinds in 18 hours and placed third overall in the female division! The North Shore also gave me plenty of opportunities to explore closer to home. I spent time on the Baden-Powell Trail, exploring many areas along it, as well as exploring the peaks around Mount Seymour and making my way through some of the incredible terrain that is practically in our backyard. In addition, I ventured up to Norvan Falls and into Hanes Valley, moving through beautiful and challenging terrain. And then there was the Howe Sound Crest Trail. I went not only from south to north but also north to south this summer. Both ways provided their own challenging terrain. I attempted to run from Porteau Cove to Deep Cove, but due to extreme heat, I had to call it a day 8 km before Deep Cove. A moment of living and learning. The HSCT is the kind of route that reminds you how quickly a seemingly simple day in the mountains can become a serious undertaking. Long distances, elevation, changing weather, technical terrain, and remoteness all require respect.
These adventures reinforced one of the biggest lessons of my season: mountain confidence should never become mountain complacency. The more time I spend outside, the more I understand how important it is to respect the environment I’m entering. Also, I often forget that you don’t have to travel far to have an incredible day outside.
Chasing Alpine Days
As the season continued, I started venturing farther into the mountains, spending time on the Manning Park Skyline Trail, taking in the incredible alpine landscape and enjoying the opportunity to simply move through the mountains. Another adventure we conquered was driving to Whistler and hiking up to Wedgemount Lake. This was one of those classic alpine days that makes all the effort worthwhile. The climb to the lake is steep, but reaching the turquoise water surrounded by towering peaks is an incredible reward. I also got the opportunity to explore Mount Cook, adding another challenging objective to a summer that seemed to constantly be pushing me into new terrain.
One of my favourite parts of mountain adventures is that the objective is only one piece of the experience. Route planning, weather, terrain, timing, navigation, food, water, and gear all matter. The mountains have a way of reminding you that preparation isn’t about taking the adventure out of the experience; it is what allows you to enjoy the experience safely and confidently.
Adventures in the Rockies
This summer also took me into the Rockies, where the scale of the landscape was completely different. I spent time exploring Lake O’Hara and tackling Mount Temple, two adventures that required plenty of preparation but delivered some unforgettable mountain scenery. There is something humbling about being surrounded by enormous peaks. Even after spending years in the mountains, I still find myself stopping to take it all in. The Rockies also reminded me that bigger objectives require bigger preparation. Knowing the route, understanding the terrain and conditions, carrying the right layers and emergency equipment, and having enough food and water are all part of being responsible in the mountains. The goal isn’t simply to reach the summit. It’s to make good decisions throughout the entire day.
Black Tusk and the Sea to Sky
Closer to home, Black Tusk was another standout adventure. The Sea to Sky is one of those places where it can be easy to underestimate just how much terrain you’re covering. The scenery changes constantly, and the farther you move into the mountains, the more you appreciate having the right equipment and a solid plan. These are the days when I am especially grateful for gear that I trust. I don’t want my gear to be the focus of an adventure, but I do want to know that when the weather changes, the terrain gets rough, or the day becomes longer than expected, my equipment is going to do its job. That is one of the reasons I value a more intentional approach to gear. I would rather have a smaller collection of things that I know well, take care of, repair when possible, and use for years.
100 Kilometres
Finally, this season wasn’t only about climbing mountains. I also took on VAN 100 km, putting together a 100 km day that required a completely different kind of preparation. Long-distance running has taught me a lot about patience. You can’t rush 100 kilometres. You have to constantly assess how you’re feeling, eat before you’re hungry, drink before you’re thirsty, and make decisions based on the reality of the day rather than what you hoped the day would look like. That mindset carries over directly into the mountains. Whether I’m running a trail or climbing a peak, I’m learning to pay attention to what my body and the environment are telling me instead of letting the objective dictate every decision.
What I Learned This Season
Looking back, the biggest takeaway from this summer isn’t a particular summit, distance, or number of kilometres. It is that adventure looks different every time. Sometimes it is 15 Grouse Grinds. Sometimes it is standing beside an alpine lake. Sometimes it is a summit you’ve been dreaming about. Sometimes it is running 100 kilometres. And sometimes it is simply heading out for a long day with friends and seeing where the trail takes you. This season also reinforced how important preparation, stewardship, and intentional gear choices are to the way I want to spend time outside. I want my gear to support my adventures rather than define them. I want to buy thoughtfully, use what I own for as long as possible, repair things when I can, and take care of the places that make these experiences possible. That means packing out what I bring in, picking up garbage when I find it, staying on appropriate trails, respecting wildlife, and remembering that I am a visitor in these landscapes.
Looking Ahead
As summer comes to an end, I’m already excited for whatever comes next. There will always be another summit, another trail, another race, or another adventure to chase. But this season has reminded me that I don’t need to constantly be searching for something bigger. I want to keep exploring. I want to keep learning. I want to keep challenging myself. But most importantly, I want to keep finding reasons to spend time outside. And I can’t wait to see where the next season takes me.
