This awesome pic was taken on our romantic Valentine’s Day celebration last year. Yes you guessed it, Actif Epica, but that’s just what we do.

Last year we did the 57 k together and are taking it up a notch this year for the 115 k. We live on 80 acres south of Brandon and keep busy with gardening, our kelpies, bees and are currently building a short bike course because we have the land and the time (editor’s note: Cool!). 

We often travel (or used to and will again in the future) and throw in an adventure or event usually as an ultra. Together we have done Canadian Death Race, Dead Horse 50, Superior, Pick Your Poison, and Monteverde to name a few. 

The photo is from 2017, my first Epica/first winter ultra. I have participated in 2 Epica’s, 1 finish 1 dnf 
3 attempts at Tuscobia 160 / 3 dnf
1 attempt at Arrowhead 135 / 1 Finish.
My left knee is at a point now that doing ultras or running of any distance is behind me now. Transitioning to cycling. Actif Epica 2021 will be my first Fat Bike event (200km) but 6th winter ultra.

I’m Matt and when it comes to long-distance running I’ve done it all, you name it: DNS, DNF, and I’ve even finished a few (including some proud DFLs). Last night for dinner I had broccoli and cheddar soup with homemade buttermilk biscuits and it was delicious. Excited and grateful for a chance to run Schapansky Road for the third straight February this year (115km run). Editor’s note: What’s with the great meals these racers are having? I’ve been shamed 🙂

Events:  Running since competing as a Bison in X-Country and Track and Field in 2004.  Proudest running accomplishments include winning the MB Full Marathon twice, MB Half Marathon once, completing an Ironman, running the full Manitario trail a couple times, and placing 4th in the National 54km Trail Championships in Kimberly BC last summer at 11 months post-partum.  
Job: Occupational Therapist
Hobbies: Outdoor sports, hiking, cottage time, spending time with family, travelling, adventures with the dog, fishing, waterslides, and eating popcorn.
Family:  I have an awesome husband and am blessed with a 2-year-old and 5-year-old which I sometimes struggle to keep up with! 🤣
Pets: Copper, a 7-year-old lab who may not show enthusiasm but loves running trails and hiking adventures.
Favorite Running Shoes:  Asics for Road Running and Workouts.  Adidas or 361 for Racing.  LaSportiva for the Trails.
What I ate last night:  Venison, quinoa salad, a croissant, and 2 bowls of Captain Crunch cereal for dessert (post 17-mile tempo)… sorry kiddos (I ate their weekend cereal!)  Also, popcorn as a bedtime snack.. always popcorn!  Yum. (Editor’s note: Your last evening’s food was waaaaaay better than ours :))

Gina is doing our 60km run.

55 yrs old, married, 3 daughters, from Minneapolis M, 200k bike