‘There’s nothing that’s impossible’: Halifax woman completes Canadian Death Race in Rocky Mountains
Most people would have said, “Nope, not for me,” as soon as they heard the title: Canadian Death Race.
But not Kimberley MacKenzie.
The Nova Scotia woman was among hundreds to sign up for the ultramarathon -- a race less than half the competitors finished.
Known as the Canadian Death Race, the 125-kilometre ultramarathon sends participants through the Rocky Mountains in Grande Cache, Alta. Between three mountain summits, one river crossing, and 17,000 feet of elevation change, the race isn’t for the faint of heart.
So how did MacKenzie do it?
“It took a lot of concentration and focus,” she said. “You run, walk, crawl, swim in some places. It’s rocky, it’s windy, it’s cold.”
The race, which began back in 2000, took place between July 31 and Aug. 1.
“My perception of the race, where I was at, what I was doing, I really felt alone,” MacKenzie explained. “That is when my mind started to say, ‘You have nothing to prove.’”
Despite the blisters on her feet and aching knees, hips, and back, she pointed out that it’s all mind over matter.
“You really need to take control of your mind and keep going to get around that mental barrier,” she said.
MacKenzie completed the five-leg ultramarathon with two-and-a-half minutes to spare -- a feat that proved too grueling for many of her competitors.
“I come out feeling stronger mentally, physically, and emotionally. I guess that would be why I chose to do it,” she said. “I am no one special. I am not above average, I am not extraordinary. But I hope anybody that sees this knows that there’s nothing that’s impossible if you set your mind to it.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
WATCH Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Here's what 'the hinge' move is, how to do it correctly
When you're picking something up from the floor or bending over to tie your shoe laces, you're performing "the hinge move," according to movement trainers.
Tips to make a house or apartment safe and accessible for older adults living at home
Here's a summary of tips from the U.S. National Institute on Aging and AARP, which offers a free room-by-room guide with practical suggestions for older adults living independently.
Here are some gardening questions, answers
When it comes to gardening, a lot of questions come up, including the best way to keep pets away from plants, maintaining your lawn and keeping the dandelions at bay.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.