Abi Moore took first place at the Sinister Seven 148 km Ultra Race July 6 and 7 in the Crowsnest Pass.
Moore ran 5, 250 meters elevation gain in seven stages in a time of 19 hours, two minutes and 33 seconds. Last year was Moore’s first year distance running.
“I didn’t know what to expect last year,” said Moore. With more racing experience, not resting as much in between stages and cooler temperatures this year, Moore was able to improve her time from 21 hours and 11 minutes in 2012. Plus, she reached stage five, which meant climbing Crowsnest Mountain section in daylight. She started it at dusk last year.
“I stopped enough to refuel and catch my breath. Mentally I find it tough to stop because the longer I stop, the tougher it is for my body to get going again.” In total she rested 42 minutes.
“The pros are the really crazy people who don’t even stop at the transition/refuel areas. Mental strength is required more than physical strength to a certain extent.”
Moore’s favourite part of the race was “At the end of each leg knowing I was going to see my friends and family. As a soloist you really get the support and cheers of the team members as you come into the transition areas. There are more than a thousand racers with support teams cheering.
“I felt terrible during the race; you never feel good. During the race I felt the highest highs and the lowest lows.” Moore is still recovering but was biking last weekend and doing yoga and swimming.
What keeps Moore going in such a tough sport? “The accomplishment of it. It’s addictive. Definitely I forget the pain afterwards, except losing my toenails.” Moore has lost all but three of her toenails after the Sinister 7.
“It’s quite amazing at what you can do. I couldn’t do this if I didn’t train. Train enough and you can do it. It’s not luck or body design, it’s mentally getting yourself to do it.”
Moore’s training runs vary from one to five hours, averaging 10 to 12 hours a week.
Moore’s next big challenge will be the 80 km Medium Acre race in Whistler on the September long weekend.