The next Running for the Gate adventure is just 4 sleeps away! So it’s probably a good time to introduce you to the crew!

Over the next few weeks you are going to see way too many photos of our cute little mugs … so having a little fun here with our introductions using Anime versions of us. Thanks ChatGPT!

Brande aka Doctor Boots

Brande (that’s me!) is an experienced long distance path hiker with over 2,000 clocked between all her solo and group hikes. Brande’s first long distance hike was solo in 2008 on the West Highland Way in Scotland and she was hooked! She hails originally from Alberta, Canada but lives in Vancouver, British Columbia with her hubby and their land shark (Jack Russel) named Bella Bean Pup Pup.

With some long distance path kilometers under her belt, Brande offers the following advice about this amazing adventure: You have nothing else to do today but walk to your destination – it’s not a race, it’s a goal. So take your time, take the breaks, take the photos, take deep breath and slow the world down.

Shar aka Early Bear

Shar is addicted to long distance path adventures and particularly loves the ones with big climbs. Her joy is the hard work to get to amazing views! Shar’s first long distance path was in 2013 (Great Glen Way in Scotland with me!) and it lit a fire to do ALL the walks and bag as many Munros and Wainwrights that she can (aka touch the trig on top of the mountains in Scotland and England)! She lives in Canmore, Alberta with her hubby, 2 fantastic teen boys and 2 adorable, also a bit crazy, dogs Mac and Otis.

Thinking back on her long distance path experience, Shar has the following advice to share: embrace the prep and enjoy the process of it! The lead up to the adventure is an adventure in itself! Do research but also do some fun fact finding and have those great conversations about different things that your travel partners pre-discovered about the trail and the areas you are about to visit!

Shar is the one who chose the Coast to Coast Path for this adventure (if it’s awful Shar, you will never hear the end of it). She had the honour of choosing our path away from home because this walk is actually all about celebrating her 50th and our dad’s 70th!

Hai (trail name TBD)

Hailey is a natural at anything she puts her mind to (from smarts to athletics) and while she has not had a chance to get long distance paths on the list of accomplishments – she is made for this kind of adventure. She summited Kilimanjaro in 2015 (with me!) and loved the experience of getting to a new destination each day with just the power of her own two feet and two poles. Hailey lives in Alberta with her hubster and their three young kiddos (who this Auntie thinks are the most adorable and most entertaining ever!)

Dad aka Steve (trail name TBD)

Steve (Dad, Daddio, Captain) is 70 this year and we are hiking to celebrate his bday. He is the quiet hero of our amazingly loud and dramatic family. Dad lives in Alberta with our Ma, and is the father of 7 crazy kiddos (oldest is almost 50 Shar and youngest is 19). The chance for us 3 daughters to get this much Dad time with so many of us crazy kids about is an absolute treat! Now let’s just hope we can keep up with this guy – he enjoys long runs, regular time at the gym and healthy eating. Bar is high!

I am excited to discover the trail names this long distance adventure will whisper into the hiking realm for Dad and Hai. And to see what their advice would be to other mere mortals who take up this amazing hobby as we approach our finish line. We will see!

Just 4 sleeps! Wow!

Brande