Achi news desk-
It’s not uncommon to see runners following Calgary’s trails, whether they’re training for races, or moving their bodies and getting some fresh air. But, for some people, running is an integral part of their identity.
Meet elite runners Dave Proctor, Evan Birch and Melissa Boisvenue, each forging their own path through physical and emotional landscapes as they face trauma, loss and mental health struggles, while pushing the boundaries of human endurance.
Here are their stories:
The fastest man to run across Canada
Dave Proctor, a name synonymous with pushing the boundaries of human endurance, has become an inspiration to many.
It’s been almost two years since Proctor broke the Trans-Canada speed run record, covering over 100 km every day for 67 consecutive days. Heat blisters, a broken foot and even a concussion marked his journey, but he persevered through it all.
“This was my calling,” Proctor reflects. “I needed to do something bold and scary, something that got me out of bed in the morning.”
However, the results of physical and mental effort were not as intense. After completing his cross-country run, Proctor found himself dealing with the aftermath: hospitalization, anti-depressants and thoughts he describes as “not right. “
Yet, from this dark period a different strength emerged, one rooted in therapy, introspection and the love of his family — especially his young son, Sam, who is battling a rare disease of the name relapsing encephalopathy with cerebellar ataxia (RECA).
“You tend to run over people who can’t,” Proctor shares. “He struggles with basic movement, feeding himself, getting dressed in the morning.”
Proctor said he recognizes that true strength is embracing one’s worthiness, a personal “superpower” that lies within each of us.
His journey has served as a beacon of hope for many, showing that even in the face of adversity, we can find the strength to rise again.
As Proctor continues to pursue his dreams, he said he carries with him the support of his loved ones and the unwavering belief that, regardless of the obstacles, he is worthy of whatever lies ahead.
He is now the published author of the book Not bound and an in-demand speaker, supported by his partner Lana Ledene. As he continues to recover from major back surgery, there is no telling what distances and courses Proctor will tackle next.
Former 911 dispatcher finds solace in running while
Evan Birch trains for The Speed Project, starting in Santa Monica and ending at the Las Vegas welcome sign.
Global News
Evan Birch, once a dedicated 911 dispatcher, found himself in a situation where every call could mean the difference between life and death. But what he didn’t anticipate was that one day he would need to save his own life and mental health.
Birch, who spent years helping others on their worst days, found himself battling PTSD, anxiety and depression after decades of service. Panic attacks, sleepless nights and night terrors became part of his daily struggle, leading him to a point where he could no longer find solace in the very thing that once brought him joy: running.
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However, Birch said he refuses to let his struggles define him. Instead, he sought help and underwent intensive therapy to address his trauma head-on. Through this journey, he said he learned to embrace restlessness, face his demons and rediscover his love for running.
“I was running from a place of hurt, shame, guilt and avoidance,” says Birch, looking back. “I had to decide to run from a place of value, self-love, acceptance and do it for joy.”
Now, Birch is preparing for his next challenge – “The Speed Project” – a grueling 482-km run across the desert from Santa Monica, Cali., to Las Vegas.
With each step, Birch aims to raise awareness and money for mental health, break a path on difficult conversations and save lives in a different way. The money raised will go directly to Bigger Than The Trail, an organization that uses trail running as a platform to advocate for mental health.
“I’m not running away from my problems anymore. I run towards them,” says Birch.
As Birch embarks on this journey, he carries not only his determination but also the support of loved ones encouraging him every step of the way.
This story of resilience and redemption reminds us that sometimes the hardest battles we face are those within ourselves. But with courage, perseverance, and the support of others, healing is possible. You can contribute towards Evan’s run on his website.
Running through grief, finding strength
Since losing her child to a rare heart condition, Melissa Boisvenue has turned to trail running as an outlet to process her grief.
Global News
Four years ago, Melissa Boisvenue took her first steps on a journey that would redefine her life. Armed with an old pair of running shoes and a sense of determination, she ventured out for her first run in a decade.
“I don’t even think I went a kilometer without stopping and gassing,” Boisvenue said.
And yet, amidst the struggle, she said she found comfort. Running became her lifeline, a way to connect with nature and breathe in moments of openness.
Today, Boisvenue is preparing for her third attempt at a 100 mile race in the Crowsnest Pass. Thirty hours of winding paths, intense temperatures and the surrounding darkness of the night await her. But with each step, she carries more than just her own weight.
“An ugly leg makes her try harder, go for more. It’s quite inspiring to be honest,” shares her husband Codey McIntyre.
Boisvenue’s journey to run an ultramarathon did not stem from a desire for a physical challenge alone.
Four years ago, in the midst of the excitement of pregnancy, she received devastating news: her unborn daughter had a rare heart condition.
The loss of “Baby Goo Goo,” as the Boisvenue, Indiana, girl lovingly called her unborn sister, plunged the family into darkness.
“Everything was going black. When he ran, he opened up that black space a little bit more,” McIntyre said.
Through the agony of grief, Boisvenue found solace in running. It became a lifeline, a way to navigate the darkness and reconnect with her body.
“It’s a time where it gives you such mental clarity to feel your grief in such an authentic, raw way,” Boisvenue said.
Since that fateful day, Boisvenue said she pushed herself to new limits, racing ultramarathons and always carrying the memory of her lost daughter with her.
“What a wonderful opportunity it is to have a strong capable body, mind, to carry me this far,” he said.
But her journey is not just a personal victory. It’s about showing her two daughters that they too can conquer mountains, not just with their legs but with their hearts.
“You have to be brave enough to try,” Boisvenue said.
In every step, Boisvenue carries the weight of her grief and the strength of her love, proving that even in the darkest times, light can be found in the rhythm of running.
