Karen Landers

Team Running Free Markham

Age: 50

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