Disclaimer: I received three Buff products to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!
This post is part 3 of 3 in my Live More Now series. Read my previous posts on Goals & Motivation and The Gear.
To recap, Buff sent me three products to help me go adventuring. My definition of adventuring since having a baby in October is simply leaving the house and getting outside. I missed the mountains and was ready to get motivated and moving more.
Family Walks
Walking has been a key activity for me in the past 8 months. It’s low impact, helps get the blood flowing, and aids in recovery. The fresh air and sunshine does wonders for both mine, my baby’s, and my dog’s moods and wellbeing. Plus it’s super easy and accessible. Well … in theory, anyway.
Getting out the door is more challenging with a diaper bag, stroller, poop bags, leash, water bottle, and clothing for every weather possibility. The walks themselves are much more cumbersome when you have a dog and a baby to mange too. My dog isn’t the best on a leash (oops) and we basically take up the whole sidewalk or path with our caravan.
Hadley loves our walks and proudly wears her Buff Dog Reflective Neckwear.
Race Volunteering
I love to volunteer for races but haven’t been able to as much the past year or so. But I decided it was time to get back at its I volunteered at a booth at the 5 Peaks Golden Ears Race in May with my little one.
It was a crisp, misty morning by the lake and I was glad to have thrown the Buff Adalwolf Hat in my car despite a warm forecast. I used it to keep my babe’s head warm until the sun came out later on.
My favourite part of these events is that I get to chat with so many running friends and their families. I also get to cheer them on and see them crush their goals!
Grouse Grind with Baby
I got really into the Grouse Grind the summer of 2016. It is a very popular and challenging trail for tourists and locals with 850 metres of elevation gain over about 3 km. I didn’t do it while pregnant in 2017 so I was itching to get back to it this summer … but this time carrying a baby.
When the trail finally opened for the summer, I got my annual locals pass which entitles you to unlimited download rides on the gondola (otherwise $15 per trip down). The trail is one-way (up) only, although there are alternatives if you want to hike down too.
Hiking down is more challenging on the technical terrain and I wouldn’t feel comfortable doing that with a baby strapped to me. Plus I don’t think my knees would like carrying the extra weight down such a steep grade.
I’m very familiar with the trail but I was nervous to find out how my body would feel doing it now while carrying an extra 17 lbs of baby. The Grouse Grind has an infamous history of search and rescue calls for people who can’t make it or have heart attacks. The main reason is that it is super accessible and people underestimate it or come unprepared. So I went with friends in case I needed help. The last thing I want to do is get me and my babe stuck halfway up a mountain.
Well I’m relieved to say we made it to the top! And it wasn’t so bad! It took us 2 hours which is almost twice as long as it took me pre-pregnancy, sans baby.
I sweated like crazy all over myself and my little one but luckily I brought a change of clothes for her. It was cooler at the top so we bundled up with our Buff Lightweight Merino Wool Hat and Adalwolf Hat.
Since then we’ve done it another two times. My fastest time this season is 1:38:14, as compared to my 2016 best was 45:24. But I never would have thought to do it with an extra 17 lbs!
I can’t tell you what a relief it is to be spending more time in the forest and starting to feel strong again. Thank you Buff for encouraging to set goals and Live More Now!
