The features a host of films that get you up close to the action, but sometimes its nice to meet the people doing the action face-to-face. Cue, Adam Campbells talk, An Ultra State of Mind, an intimate first-person account of how the award-winning local trail and mountain runner braves the elements and balances his day job as an articling law student. WE caught Campbell, on the run of course, in this email interview.
Ha, the more do it, the more I realize there is no general answer to that question. Each of my runs is done for its own reason: sometimes its out of obligation, like following a training program. Sometimes its out of necessity. For instance if Im late for the bus, but mostly its for the simple pleasure of covering incredible natural terrain under my own power. Im a physical person and Im most at ease when Im moving. My body feels better, my thoughts are more clear and I simply feel better about myself, which makes me a better person in other aspects of my life.
The Canadian 50-mile championships last year was the first 50-mile race that Id completed, so I still have a lot to learn. The most important aspect is to manage your emotions throughout the day and having key words, like form cues. In my case those are relaxed shoulders, thinking about my cadence and being tall. I also have cues to remind me to fuel. The key is to not let the highs get too high, nor to let the lows get too low. Its incredibly demanding to run for multiple hours, so you have to learn to accept what youre asking your body to do and take pleasure and strength from your surroundings. For instance, the race happened on a route that I was very familiar with, so when I started to have lulls, Id think back to other times Id struggled in training and remind myself that Id eventually come out of it. Id also try to appreciate my surroundings, thank people Id pass on the trail for cheering and focus on the process of what I needed to do to keep moving forward as quickly as possible.
I often feel like I dont balance them well at all. The scales are often tilting one direction or the other, but I find that they do complement each other, too. I process a lot of thoughts while running and the work helps me quiet my mind and forces me to rest my legs. I do give up a lot of other activities that sound like they may be fun. I dont socialize at nights much, I pass on hockey, soccer and ski trips, because I choose to go for a run instead. Its whats most fulfilling to me. Some people might consider it a sacrifice, but Ive always found that that puts too much of a negative spin on it. If youre passionate about something, in my case its mountain running, then you just find a way to make it work.
Adam Campbells talk kicks off Trail Running night at the VIMFF Feb. 16 at Pacific Cinematheque, 7pm. $18-$20 from VIMFF.org.
