It took just over two months to do it, but Alberta ultramarathon runner Dave Proctor now holds the record for the fastest time ever to run across Canada.
A 41-year-old man from Okotoks, Alta. He was overwhelmed with emotion when he arrived at his Zero in Victoria, Columbia, British Columbia on Thursday and finished his 7,159km run that started at St. Johns NL 67 days and 10 hours ahead of him. was
“I feel a great sense of accomplishment,” said Proctor. “While driving across Canada, I really had no idea how fast and big this thing was.”
“To those who have come to see me on this trip, the fact that people believe in me so much warms your heart and makes you want to come see them. increase.”
Proctor broke the previous Cross-Canada speed record of 72 days and 10 hours set by Al Howie in 1991, averaging about 105 kilometers per day.
It was a physically grueling journey that involved climbing Everest five times, wearing 12 different running shoes, and burning over 9,000 calories a day.
Running took a toll on his body, but it was also the biggest mental challenge he had to overcome so far.
“Every step was painful, but it was also important to be consistent and true to yourself,” Proctor said.
“There was a voice inside me that said, ‘Hey, you really should stop and rest another day,’ but I never heard it. I didn’t believe my lies.” I was here and I was fine, so I’m in trouble.”
This was the ultrarunner’s second attempt to complete the Canadian crossing. In 2018, Proctor departed in the opposite direction, dipping his trademark cowboy hat into the Pacific Ocean and departing Victoria.
After 32 days of running, a ruptured disc in his back stopped him near Winnipeg, putting his dream on hold.
The thirst for redemption will be stronger than ever in the years to come as Proctor overcomes past failures and becomes an even more resilient athlete while on the trail.
He described the first 14 days of his recent Cross Canada challenge as the toughest, but once he got the hang of it, nothing stopped him.
“Canadian Shield is no joke,” said Proctor. “The toughest days were either in northern Ontario or Newfoundland, because it’s very hilly, rocky and steep.
“I have seen the most beautiful countries in the world and I encourage all Canadians to do exactly the same,” he added.
“Don’t do it. Get in the car and drive or go see parts of the country you’ve never seen,” Proctor said. increase.”
“I’m proud of him”
Proctor’s girlfriend Lana Reden told CTV News that she stays by his side and often sees both sides of Dave.
“One Dave was this car that was on the highway, and the other Dave was this broken soul who got into the SUV at the end of the 107km day and could barely walk,” she said. Told.
“I am so proud of him and completely blown away by his resilience and commitment to running every day. I know, but I don’t think I really understood or believed it…as much as I do now.”
Another close friend is ultrarunner Matt Shepard, who lives in Valleyview, Alta. I was also inspired by Proctor’s incredible work.
Shepherd met Proctor at the Terry Fox Memorial in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and rode with him for nine days to Brandon, MB.
“It’s almost like a robot, because Dave wakes up at the same time and does the exact same thing. He eats the exact same breakfast, so the routine is like, minute by minute,” Shepard said. .
“Just because he didn’t do it the first time doesn’t mean he was going to give up. He got better because he practiced and learned where his mistakes were and got better with each try.” ”
Myron Tetlow also had the opportunity to run alongside Proctor as he passed through the Canmore area. Joy-stricken to see one of his great friends achieve his lifelong goal.
“Dave has probably dreamed of this for at least 10 years,” Tetlow said.
“He had to have incredible mental fortitude throughout this run. is incredibly exciting.”
man with many records
Dave Proctor is no stranger to setting long-distance running records and is world-renowned for his talent in running shoes.
He currently holds the Canadian records for longest distance run in 24, 48 and 72 hours and the world record for longest distance run on a treadmill in 12 hours.
This latest cross-country run is the pinnacle of his running career, but Proctor vows to take a well-deserved break for now as he enjoys his favorite cup of coffee in bed.
Now that we’ve seen this incredible run from the rear, he has just one final message to those who have supported him along the way.
“Whatever the goal is, be it physical, school, mental, or whatever, persistence and the ability and willingness to stick to it no matter what.” Proctor said.
“Take only one nail, stick to that dream, and always be on the lookout. Years, even decades later, with enough effort, anything can be achieved.”
This latest cross-country run is the pinnacle of his running career, but Proctor vows to take a well-deserved break for now as he enjoys his favorite cup of coffee in bed.
Now that we’ve seen this incredible run from the rear, he has just one final message to those who have supported him along the way.
“Whatever the goal is, be it physical, school, mental, or whatever, persistence and the ability and willingness to stick to it no matter what.” Proctor said.
“Take only one nail, stick to that dream, and always be on the lookout. Years, even decades later, with enough effort, anything can be achieved.”
Comments
Post a Comment