Ms. Hill has healed.
Right on cue.
Vernon ultra athlete Shanda Hill will begin one of the world's most challenging endurance races Thursday, May 1, as she will be the lone woman in the Brazil Ultra Tri Deca race.
This is Hill's first event since becoming the first and only woman to complete the inaugural South Africa Deca at the end of March, doing so while competing through unbearable pain due to a pulled muscle in her inner thigh.
"She is totally 100 per cent," said Hill's partner, Jacs Spence when asked how Hill was feeling as she and Spence prepared to jet to South America. "She has been working hard landscaping to make money in between races. She is ready to go."
The Brazil race consists of 10 full Iron-distance triathlons completed continuously. That includes 38 kilometres of swimming (2 and 1/4 lengths of Kalamalka Lake), 1,800 km of biking (Vernon to Winnipeg), and 422 km of running (Vernon to the Port Mann Bridge). There are no rest days or breaks. Once the race starts, it goes until the full distance is finished.
The event is held at Clube Aret锚 in B煤zios, Brazilm, a hot and humid coastal town nearly three hours east of Rio de Janeiro, known for its fast racing conditions. The entire course is contained within the club.
Athletes will swim in a 50-metre pool, bike on a private closed circuit, and run loops around the lake. The course is set at sea level and designed for speed. This is where records are broken.
What makes this event even more significant is the competition. Hill is once again the only female on the start line, racing against nine of the top male ultra-triathletes in the world.
"It is a strong field, and the pressure is real," said Spence, who will accompany Hill to Brazil, and will document her efforts on social media. "This is not just about endurance. It is about consistency, mental toughness, and the ability to perform day after day without a break.
"This race is massive not only because of the distance but because of the format. Sleep is limited. Nutrition has to be dialed in. Recovery happens while still moving. The slightest mistake can cost everything."
Hill is proud to represent Canada on the international stage again. You can send Hill your support on Facebook and Instagram, Shanda Hill Ultra Athlete.
The Vernon athlete receives sponsorship for her races from The Starting Block, Eve-Volve Wellness, and Rancho Vignola.
