PEAKS-N-VALLEYS: FINDING THE BEAUTY IN BOTH
Peaks N Valleys is far more than producing and managing scenic and unforgettable events (although that’s a big part!). It’s about realizing potential, overcoming fear and sharing experiences and success with family and community. As runners, we can all relate to the ups and downs, the highs and lows, the triumphs and setbacks, both physically and mentally, as we work towards our finish lines. Getting to the finish line is definitely challenging, no doubt about it, but perhaps even more so, is the journey to the start line.
The journey for Peaks N Valleys was 20 years in the making. I have always been drawn to the excitement and adrenaline rush that comes with event planning. I have been involved in managing sporting events in various capacities from course marshal all the way to event and race director, providing for anywhere from 50-10,000 participants.
For years, I managed events and watched them come to life. I recall thinking on many occasions ‘I love this, why don’t I figure out how to do what I love all the time?’. I’ll tell you why….FEAR! Before the start of every race I have the same feeling, scared to death and afraid of not making it across the finish line. Moving to the Fraser Valley opened up an untapped oasis for outdoor adventure events so what was holding me back? The courage to take that first step across the starting line.
Then, right before Christmas 2017, our family was struck with tragedy when my mom was diagnosed, seemingly out of the blue, with terminal cancer. I spent much of the following months and a good part of the summer in Ontario with my family, by my mom’s side. I’m not sure if it’s what she said, or what she didn’t say, but either way, I suddenly realized life is SHORT. There is never a better time than now.
My mom passed away in the hospital a few weeks later, but left a legacy of hope and inspiration that a dream can become reality.
Conquering many peaks and valleys, both mentally and physically in life and in running, there is always an end goal in sight. This time though, the sight line looks different, the reward is not crossing the finish line, but rather the journey – a journey that will be full of beautiful ‘Peaks N Valleys’.
I am excited to create and share new adventures on the trails in and around Chilliwack and the surrounding ‘Peaks N Valleys’. These experiences are for everyone. They are about building community and bringing people together to share in the beauty, abundance and knowledge of our natural surroundings. I look forward to sharing in celebrations of nature’s splendour, hard work, determination, triumph, fun and community at each and every finish line!
