“First it was learning how to be in a wheelchair, then how to walk with a walker, then ski poles, then a cane. Every one of those obstacles is like a climbing problem. You have to learn how to do the moves, where to put the gear, and methodically think about it. If it’s a challenging route, it takes time. You don’t just get it on your first try. When you do get it, you ask ‘what’s next?’

If I could hike up the back of Ha Ling peak with a cane, stand on top and feel that wind on my face, that would be a win. That would be my greatest accomplishment.”

- Ryan T.
Canmore, Alberta Canada

Read more about Ryan's recovery after his climbing accident and his determination to walk.

"I believe we have a responsibility to take care of our bodies, and for me, exercise is part of that responsibility. My gear goes in every bag I pack, and I always have a few pairs of running shoes on the go at one time. Running requires no membership and has no timetable. It can fit into any time that you have to give to it.  I have gone from training for a marathon with a running club to commuting to work to an afternoon trip around the neighbourhood. There is potential and satisfaction in each of these routines. 

But I am not saying that running is easy or comes easy to me. It is work. Hard work. I have never been a particularly sporty person and was never very good at ball games in school. In the early days, running was about fitting fitness in my life. It is now not a question of if I will run and more when I will run.  It is fine to have a slow day or a slow year because there is an appealing challenge in improving. Running is not a straight line – the fitness is fleeting and the journey is a lifetime long. Often, the greatest challenge is being disciplined enough to put down whatever else you are doing and get out the door."

- Julie S.
New Zealand