Team Profiles
Mike Danskin
Hometown / Current Location
Victoria, BC / Calgary, AB
Why are you doing this for the CMHA?
I was originally inspired by people close to me but as I became more aware of MH in society it is clear how many areas of society MH affects and how important it is to raise awareness, educate, and inspire dialogue.
Role in 1 Day for the CMHA - Grand Canyon 2011?
Organizer and attempting the Double Crossing
Fundraising goal?
Team goal of $20000
Furthest distance run to date?
75km – West Coast Trail 2010
Previous favorite challenges or runs?
4 mountains 2009, West Coast Trail 2010, Tongariro Northern Circuit NZ, Skyline Trail Jasper, AB.
Footwear for the Grand Canyon?
Salomon XT Wings
Best food item for the challenge?
Homemade Beef Jerky
Item you won’t forget?
Vaseline!
Strategy for the heat?
Wear one of those goofy looking runner hats
Pre-run meal?
Whatever pasta is available the night before and oatmeal with yogurt and blueberries the morning of
Meal most likely to crave post-run?
As per usual – Poutine!
Favorite activities when not training to run 80km?
Hiking and Cooking/Eating
Any other exciting adventures on the horizon?
Would love to do a hike on the North Coast Trail or Nootka Island and possibly Aconcagua in 2013!
Hometown / Current Location
Newmarket, Ontario/Calgary, AB
Why are you doing this for the CMHA?
I have personally struggled with mental and emotional battles, and know the importance of having access to qualified and experienced support, education and guidance. To raise awareness and funds for others living in the shadows with mental and emotional conflict, participating in the 1 Day for the CMHA is a small gift to give back to a community in need.
Role in 1 Day for the CMHA - Grand Canyon 2011?
Survive - haha - complete R2R2R
Fundraising goal?
$3,000 ching ching!
Furthest distance run to date?
35km ish
Previous favorite challenges or runs?
Sinister 7, best moment of my life....Psych! :) Vegas full marathon and Alberta Challenge duathalon
Footwear for the Grand Canyon?
flip flops or runners, haven't decided yet.
Best food item for the challenge?
power balls...mmm...the coffee flavour...if only I knew how to make them...sigh...
Item you won’t forget?
Sunscreen
Strategy for the heat?
sunscreen SPF 100+
Pre-run meal?
tacos...I'm planning on gas powering myself down and up the canyon!
Meal most likely to crave post-run?
tacos and ice cream
Favorite activities when not training to run 80km?
biking, hiking, lounging, and listening to Mike sing me songs
Any other exciting adventures on the horizon?
Coast to Coast Mtn bike Scotland
Nick Brown
Hometown / Current Location
Christchurch, New Zealand
Why are you doing this for the CMHA?
Great challenge for a great cause, also in denial about my age and fitness.
Role in 1 Day for the CMHA - Grand Canyon 2011?
Role in 1 Day for the CMHA - Grand Canyon 2011?
The whole hog, R2R2R.
Fundraising goal?
Fundraising goal?
$2000
Furthest distance run to date?
Furthest distance run to date?
I have completed two off road Marathons
Previous favorite challenges or runs?
Previous favorite challenges or runs?
Motatapu off road Marathon, Queenstown, NZ
Footwear for the Grand Canyon?
Footwear for the Grand Canyon?
Nike off road shoes, red ones because they go faster!
Best food item for the challenge?
Best food item for the challenge?
Love my Beef Jerky
Item you won’t forget?
Item you won’t forget?
Camera and my water bottle!
Strategy for the heat?
Strategy for the heat?
Due to the altitude and heat we will encounter I have decided that training at sea level in the middle of winter will be incredibly beneficial....thoughts?
Pre-run meal?
Pre-run meal?
A good cooked breakfast
Meal most likely to crave post-run?
Meal most likely to crave post-run?
Doritos, chicken wings, and Beer!!
Favorite activities when not training to run 80km?
Favorite activities when not training to run 80km?
See question above!!
Any other exciting adventures on the horizon?
Any other exciting adventures on the horizon?
Medoc Marathon in France is a goal for next year. Marathon through the vineyards with a glass of wine every 2 miles....brilliant.
Lindsay Hewson
Hometown / Current Location
Victoria, BC / Smithers, BC
Why are you doing this for the CMHA?
As a nurse and a friend I see the many challenges people with mental illnesses, their friends and their family encounter. By increasing awareness through fundraisers and education in schools we can create an environment where people with mental illness are supported and able to contribute in our communities.
Role in 1 Day for the CMHA - Grand Canyon 2011?
Attempting the Double Crossing and I think I'll be on top of sun safety. I'd give myself the "pastey" label so I've got to watch out not to get scorched.
Fundraising goal?
$2000
Furthest distance run to date?
35km
Previous favorite challenges or runs?
Smithers round the mountain. Involves mountain biking and running, 12 hour endeavor. Will complete entire course mid Aug
Footwear for the Grand Canyon?
Brooks runners and toes socks
Best food item for the challenge?
Chips!
Item you won’t forget?
Chips!
Strategy for the heat?
Wet Bandana
Pre-run meal?
Eggs
Meal most likely to crave post-run?
Chips, Pizza and anything else I could get my hands on
Favorite activities when not training to run 80km?
Mountain biking and gardening
Any other exciting adventures on the horizon?
Ski marathon
Gary Fenwick
Hometown / Current Location
Born: Hanna AB
Hometown: Sechelt BC
Current Location: North Vancouver BC
Why are you doing this for the CMHA?
On the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) website it says that 1 in 5 Canadian adults under the age of 65 will have a mental health problem. It is obvious that there is a great need for a supportive association to help those suffering from mental illness in Canada. I support the CMHA for fulfilling that need.
Also, I feel a personal responsibility to fight against mental illness because my family has been affected. Our Uncle Ted suffered so seriously that he took his own life. Taking part in 1 Day for the CMHA Grand Canyon Challenge is my opportunity help put an end to mental illness.
Role in 1 Day for the CMHA – Grand Canyon 2011?
Shooting video of the run
Fundraising &
Running the Double Crossing
Fundraising goal?
$2500.00
Furthest distance run to date? Previous favorite challenges or runs?
I have some experience competing in challenging events as a competitive runner. Most recently I competed in the 5 hour 2011 Mind over Mountain Adventure Race on Burnaby Mountain. This race included kayaking, mountain biking and trail running.
Footwear for the Grand Canyon?
A good friend of mine recently recommended reading the book Born to Run by Chris McDougall. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who runs. I won’t go into details about the book but it has inspired me to reform my running style and choice of running shoe. For the Grand Canyon I will be wearing a pair of Adidas racing flats.
Best food item for the challenge?
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
Item you won’t forget?
Sunscreen and sunglasses.
Strategy for the heat?
Eat light and drink heavily
Wearing a hat that covers my neck and head
Starting early when it is still cool
Pre-run meal?
Pre run meal will be light, probably a salad or fruit to help with hydration.
Meal most likely to crave post-run?
After the run I will need to visit the local buffet.
Favorite activities when not training to run 80km?
Training to run 80km in one day takes up a lot of time. When I am not training I am filming with friends. We make videos about all of the great activities offered by the great outdoors.
Any other exciting adventures on the horizon?
There is always another great adventure to go on. Before the Grand Canyon CMHA Challenge I will be involved in a Swim for the Salmon on the Sunshine Coast, BC. I’ll be helping with creating awareness about the swim and as a support crew member.
John "Pops" Hewson
Hometown / Current Location
Victoria BC - "Gordon Head"
Why are you doing this for the CMHA?
‘cause my daughter is doing it !
Role in 1 Day for the CMHA – Grand Canyon 2011?
Hike South Rim, support group & cheerleader
Fundraising goal?
Make some bucks for the cause
Furthest distance run to date?
42 km marathon..h'mmmm..let's see that was in "81"...how about walk/run the last Garden City 10 km 2011
Previous favorite challenges or runs?
See above
Footwear for the Grand Canyon?
Shoes
Best food item for the challenge?
Beans and wieners
Item you won’t forget?
Sunscreen
Strategy for the heat?
Survive!
Pre-run meal?
Food
Meal most likely to crave post-run?
More Food!
Favorite activities when not training to run 80km?
What you say........... 80km????.............oh that's for Lindsay
Any other exciting adventures on the horizon?
Return home in 1 piece
Kirsten Hagen - Injured...
Hometown / Current Location
Victoria, BC
Why are you doing this for the CMHA?
Because the money is going towards a great cause that is under funded
and often low profile due to the stigma attached to it. Most people
know someone affected by a mental health disease yet don't know who to
talk to or where to find support for those suffering. My hope is to
not only raise money, but to use this event as a means of opening the
doors to conversation.
Role in 1 Day for the CMHA - Grand Canyon 2011?
Attempting double crossing.
Fundraising goal?
$2000.00
Furthest distance run to date?
42KM
Previous favorite challenges or runs?
Seattle Rock'n'Roll Marathon
Footwear for the Grand Canyon?
Currently trialing Brooks Cascadia . . . not 100% sold.
Best food item for the challenge?
Lara bars, fig newtons, dried fruit and some dark chocolate
Item you won’t forget?
Camera
Victoria, BC
Why are you doing this for the CMHA?
Because the money is going towards a great cause that is under funded
and often low profile due to the stigma attached to it. Most people
know someone affected by a mental health disease yet don't know who to
talk to or where to find support for those suffering. My hope is to
not only raise money, but to use this event as a means of opening the
doors to conversation.
Role in 1 Day for the CMHA - Grand Canyon 2011?
Attempting double crossing.
Fundraising goal?
$2000.00
Furthest distance run to date?
42KM
Previous favorite challenges or runs?
Seattle Rock'n'Roll Marathon
Footwear for the Grand Canyon?
Currently trialing Brooks Cascadia . . . not 100% sold.
Best food item for the challenge?
Lara bars, fig newtons, dried fruit and some dark chocolate
Item you won’t forget?
Camera
Strategy for the heat?
Fine balance of electrolytes and water and a white hat
Pre-run meal?
Dinner - Anything with chicken (and some carbs - obviously)
Breakfast - Steel cut oats/almond milk and fruit
Meal most likely to crave post-run?
Cider on my way to bed and a big ass breakfast.
Favorite activities when not training to run 80km?
Training to run 42kms
Any other exciting adventures on the horizon?
Boston Marathon
Dinner - Anything with chicken (and some carbs - obviously)
Breakfast - Steel cut oats/almond milk and fruit
Meal most likely to crave post-run?
Cider on my way to bed and a big ass breakfast.
Favorite activities when not training to run 80km?
Training to run 42kms
Any other exciting adventures on the horizon?
Boston Marathon
Sean McLean - Unable to Attend...
Hometown / Current Location
Calgary, AB
Why are you doing this for the CMHA?
MH affects many Canadians. This is a wonderful opportunity to support a fantastic cause.
Role in 1 Day for the CMHA - Grand Canyon 2011?
Participant - Either South Rim or Single Crossing
Fundraising goal?
$1000
Furthest distance run to date?
10km
Previous favorite challenges or runs?
This is new to me. I like to chase basketball and golf balls around. Not sure how I will do without something to chase!
Footwear for the Grand Canyon?
Barefoot.
Best food item for the challenge?
Disco Danskin’s Beef Jerky!
Item you won’t forget?
Body Glide! No chaffing for this cowboy!
Strategy for the heat?
Finish before noon, hydrate and think of home!
Pre-run meal?
Fettuccini Fiorentina if I can find it the night before. Banana, yogurt and granola the morning of.
Meal most likely to crave post-run?
Pizza and Chocolate Ice cream....and I will have earned it!
Favorite activities when not training to run 80km?
Couch potato – very ironic.
Any other exciting adventures on the horizon?
Raising three young children....that is the best adventure!