Grind for Shelter 2010 – Grouse Grind Ascent Record Broken For Charity | Vancouver Real Estate Blog

For the second time in as many years, I broke a Grouse Grind record. On June 28th, 2010 my goal was to climb the Grouse Grind 14 times. Starting at 6:30am and not stopping until 11:00pm I achieved my goal thereby setting another world record.

courtesy of Vancouver Sun

=> Donate to the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation <=

1. 6:40 41:06
2. 7:46 40:33
3. 8:43 42:38
4. 9:42 44:04
5. 10:43 47:27
6. 11:42 53:10
7. 13:01 50:49
8. 14:14 52:33
9. 15:36 51:34
10. 16:42 55:43
11. 18:00 59:45
12. 19:16 58:28
13. 20:59 57:14
14. 22:15 57:44

AVG: 50:55

There were some tweaks that I made from my experiences in the previous years. I trained more specifically for the event, I took nutrition more seriously and I had better organization prior to as well as during the event. These changes, along with determination, perseverance and incredible support allowed me to achieve my physical goal (and I’m really happy that I not only managed to reach 14 grinds in one day, but also that I kept them ALL under 1 hour).

courtesy Vancouver Sun

It wasn’t easy, by any means. There were countless times when I doubted myself, when my body began to fail me…and when I simply wanted to give up. Around the 5th Grind I began to have severe cramps. They reminded me of the beginnings of the debilitating cramps that I had had the year before, but due to better nutrition they didn’t get as bad (at one point in 2009, I was curled up in a ball unable to move).

courtesy Vancouver Sun

There was something that was worse than cramps. After the 10th Grind I was excreting blood. Lots of blood…but I kept going. I still had my wits about me, and I was so close to my goal that I wouldn’t let that deter me. There were so many people watching me…so many people willing me to succeed…that I really don’t believe I had any other choice other than to reach my goal.

=> Donate to the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation <=

There were also many memorable moments on the trail. Early in the day, there was a large crowd of young school children climbing the grind. A few of them recognized me from the news, and word quickly spread amongst them. Soon enough, at least 50 of them were cheering me on (although, I also overheard one of them telling his friend that I was never going to make it).

courtesy Vancouver Sun

The support from friends and family cannot be underestimated. I have so much to thank them for. The core of that group were Bess Durey, Crystal Reinitz, Bjoern Ossenbrink and my mother. Without the help and support of these four people, I could not have achieved what I set out to do. They were all instrumental in their own ways.

Post Grind for Shelter Celebration

On the day of the event, there was also a large group of Grouse Grinders that came to show their support. Many of them even climbed one or more Grinds with me during the day….keeping the repetitive task from becoming boring (and helping to ensure my safety as darkness came on). Amongst them, I would like to thank Jason Chong, Vicki Mann, Amy Tso, Oliver Bibby, Michael Frewin, Ryan Dietrich, Eric Wan and Matt Collinge. Thanks to all of you!

courtesy Vancouver Sun

While the physical achievement is certainly gratifying, it was not the primary goal. Setting a new Grouse Grind record was simply a tool to raise money and awareness for a great and meaningful cause; the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. This fantastic organization is the largest source of public funding for women’s shelters and violence prevention programs in Canada.

Aside from reaching the top of Grouse Mountain 14 times in one day, my goal was to try and raise $15,000 for them. So far, I have fallen short in my goal having raised $6,300 as of July 3rd, 2010. There is still time and opportunity to donate to the cause if you are able to.

Contact Sebastian, Vancouver Realtor or send me a quick email.