Chris Vajda

Team Running Free Alumni

Member Since: 2015

Occupation: Guy who drives around with a clip board.

Home: Mississauga

About Me: Being active is a way of life for me. The busier my life gets, and the more excuses my body gives me to just sit on the couch, the more I realize that to stop moving is to stop enjoying life!

Sports: Mountain biking Kayaking Trail running Beer drinking Poking at campfires

Athletic Goals: Stay young. Inspire the next generation. Most of all....Have fun!!!

My most catastrophic racing experience was: On my 2015 running of Storm the Trent, I started out that race strong!! Then I misread the map, took a wrong turn and ended up looking for a check point in the middle of a debris filled clear cut. After dragging my bike around for 20 minutes, I realized that I was not alone because I was way ahead but because I was not where I was supposed to be! By that time, I had dropped from a tight race for third place to just about dead last in my class. A tough reminder that adventure racing is not just about training your body. You also have to make sure you do not lose your mental focus at any time.

My most memorable racing experience was: My most memorable moment was taking part in the Bruce Peninsula Multi Sport Race, in 2016. I was privileged to participate in a 19 km trail run on native, private, crown, and provincial park land. The trail was by far the hardest 19 km run I had ever done but the breath taking scenery made it my most memorable! Please see my blog post for more information!

Favourite Racing Gear: I have tried lots of different types of shoes but Brooks shoes are my favourite footwear. My Adrenalines helped to carry me through the many training runs, for my first marathon. When I hit the trails, I depend on my Cascadias to keep my feet where I plant them and to protect my toes from rocks and sticks.

Favourite Race: Bruce Peninsula Multi Sport Race.

Favourite Race Food: My ectomorph body type demands lots of protein before and after exercise. During races, I have a hard time with eating so I depend on my gels. They give me all the energy I need, are easy to carry, and provide me with sodium to prevent muscle cramps These things can be hard on a stomach so I like to use them while I am training too. That way., my body is constantly exposed to them and maintains a tolerance. Very important to do this with any sports nutrition. No testing during races!!