Banff, Cabot & West Coast Trails
After completing two challenges in April, the stakes are raised for the summer with longer distances and additional challenges.
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My original plan for May and the summer months (June-August) was simply The Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia, Canada. However, I couldn't figure out a way to make it last the entire summer. For some reason, I felt compelled to break the challenge into thirds, and sprinkle two, smaller mileage challenges in between. I think the arrival of the short distance medals in between the longer distance motivate me to not give up.
I kept going in circles about trying to finish The Cabot Trail challenge before our cruise, so I could pose with the medal in Sydney, Nova Scotia, the port of call closest to BT on Cape Breton Island, or pausing it, so I could log mileage in the city. I ultimately opted to focus on acquiring the medals before the trip, and worst case scenario, one of the smaller, summer challenges being completed during the trip.
Alternately, if all the Canada challenges are completed by departure in August, I'll start my Mexico challenges early.
Main Challenge | The Cabot Trail (185 miles)
The Cabot Trail Virtual Challenge will take you 185mi (298km) along the natural beauty of the Cape Breton Highlands in Nova Scotia, Canada.
OH, CANADA! Challenge Format
Goal: Finish all three challenges by end of July, so I can celebrate on my cruise with a multi-medal photo op, especially in Nova Scotia!
The Cabot Trail (185 miles) - split into three 62-mile segments over three months (May-July)
Banff (52 miles) - in between CT segments one and two
West Coast Trail (47 miles) - in between CT segments two and three
Frequency: Try to clear daily Fitness App foals for AppleWatch
Training Format: 5K (3.11 mi) & resume gym thrice weekly
Method: Indoor Treadmill (walk/jog) & outdoor walking
Side Quests | Canadian National Parks
The Banff Virtual Challenge takes you on a 52mi (84km) journey from Lake Louise to Banff. Along the way, explore majestic mountain vistas, sparkling blue lakes, and legendary hot pools in the heart of Banff National Park, Canada.
Banff National Park Action Plan (52Mi)
Pre-Challenge Mileage: April 27-30th (carry-in: ## miles)
Remaining Mileage: between segments one and two of the Cabot Trail
Goal: within three weeks (21 days)
The West Coast Trail Virtual Challenge takes you 47 mi (76 km) from Gordon River to Pachena Bay in Canada. Each time you complete a distance-based exercise such as running, walking, cycling, swimming, etc, you advance along the map of West Coast Trail.
West Coast Trail Action Plan (47Mi)
Training Window: between segments two and three of the Cabot Trail
Goal: within three weeks (21 days)
Caveat: must complete Banff before starting this challenge
In the event that all Canada challenges are completed by the end of July, I will likely wait to start the Mexico arc until I go on vacation in late August. Obviously, this could change depending on how I am feeling once August rolls around, but with two separate Orientation Weeks in August, I might need the rest before all the walking that we'll be doing on the cruise, around the ports, and in Old Quebec City and in Montreal.
MEXICO Challenges | Summer-to-Autumn 2024
Goal: Depending on when my Canada journey completes, I may start the Mexico challenges in August, so I can have the medal before the holiday, itself.
Status: Registered
Día de los Muertos (98 miles) - finish by October 15th
Chichén Itzá (96 miles) - finish by November 30th