Karen Landers
Team Running Free Markham
Age: 49
Member Since: 2017
Occupation: Pharmacy Assistant
Home: New Liskeard, Northern Ontario
About Me: All I ever wanted to do was run a 5K! That was in 2011. Since then I've completed countless 5K and 10K races, 12 half marathons, two 30K races, three marathons, two 50K trail ultras, and one 50 miler. In 2013 I had some medical issues that nearly put a stop to my running; specialists suspected I either had a tumour or heart disease, but after much testing and finding the right doctors they finally determined it was Graves' Disease causing me to be hyperthyroid. I was very lucky and appreciate being able to run even more now that I am healthy and recovered. I may not be the fastest runner - in fact I am a proud middle-of-the-packer - but I am a passionate and supportive runner who loves nothing more than to set goals and to achieve them, preferably with friends!
Sports: Trail running, hiking/fast packing, cycling
Athletic Goals: 2025 Goals: 1 - Conquer the Crater 21K in July 2 - 50th birthday Ultra in October 3 - Fast pack the Ottawa Temiskaming Highland Trail from end to end, 141.2K
My most catastrophic racing experience was: Iron Girl Canada 2015, my third attempt at a sprint tri and the first time on a road bike with clips. The day was going amazingly well - the weather had affected the lake temperature overnight so they had to cancel the swim (I literally jumped up and down at the news as I am not a strong swimmer). The 2K run that replaced the swim was great - a nice little warmup before my 20K bike ride. Transition went well and I was cycling like a champ, feeling like a superstar - until I hit a nail and got a flat rear tire. I was prepared - I had everything I needed to change the tube. Everything except the knowledge of HOW to change the tube. Luckily a man out for his Sunday morning ride stopped and lent me a hand; he showed me how to fix the tire and then sent me on my way. I still managed to PB the course, though!
My most memorable racing experience was: June 21, 2020 - My first 50 miler, the Sunburn Solstice sunrise to sunset race, was cancelled due to Covid-19. My training was on track, so I plotted out a looped route at my home trail and ran it anyway! Throughout the day people came out to run segments with me, to bring me food, and to cheer me on. I completed 81.1K and it was the most incredible day of my life.
Favourite Racing Gear: Ultimate Direction Adventure Vesta hydration vest, and Topo Athletics shoes
Favourite Race: Conquer the Crater
Favourite Race Food: Oatmeal with hemp hearts, sunflower seeds, blueberries and maple syrup pre-long run, bacon, eggs, and Organika electrolytes post-long run; Tailwind, bacon and Xact chews during long runs
Athlete Website/Blog: www.instagram.com/karenlanders
Normally I am a Nathan Hydration Vest kinda gal, but this summer I was traveling to Mont Tremblant and wanted
Another “Luxury Item” that I can no longer live without: Julbo Aerolite Sunglasses. I have a very tiny head, and
This year I was a winner of the Brooks Lottery Item through Team Running Free. I took the opportunity to
These poles are one of my “luxury items” that I didn’t know I needed until I got them. When I
This summer was my opportunity the restock my collection of light and comfortable running shirts; I decided to order a
I don’t normally talk about my underwear, but this bra deserves a review! I purchased the Brooks Run Bra Drive
The 4th Annual Every Child Matters Race took place on Saturday, June 15th, 2024, and was another great success! Hosted
I like this hydration vest so much, I bought two of them! I am a sucker for a pretty hydration
I need to preface this review by stating that I am a sock snob. I am VERY picky about my
The city of Sudbury played host to the Xterra world-championship qualifying races the weekend of July 22nd and 23rd, 2023.
On July 15 Ville Marie Quebec hosted the 15th annual Festival des Saines Habitudes de Vie – a healthy lifestyle
Timiskaming First Nation (TFN) hosts their Every Child Matters 5K and 10K event in June in conjunction with Indigenous History
Several years ago I switched from running roads to running trails as I developed pain attributed to Morton’s Neuroma in
Get Active in Temiskaming is a nonprofit group that organizes a series of 6 themed run and walk events a
I was privileged to win the Kari Traa lottery item this year, and am so very glad I did! I
The Chilly Half Marathon is my go-to spring event; it was my first half marathon, and I have run it
5 Peaks Adventures, in Collaboration with Parks Canada, and the Rouge National Urban Park First Nations Advisory Circle, held the
When I was shopping for a hydration vest I asked a lot of ultra runner friends what style and brand
I started running in the Hoka One One Challenger ATR while training for my first ultra almost two years ago;
The Brooks Caldera 2 is a neutral trail running shoe with a 4mm drop and a weight of 8.5oz. Not
