When it comes to the Grouse Grind, North Vancouver's Sarah-Jane Tomlinson is unstoppable.
Tomlinson was the firstplace women's finisher in June's day-long Multi Grouse Grind Challenge, completing 13 ascents, two off the mark of first-place men's finisher Idar Karlsen, 69, who completed 15.
In August, she spent seven days fundraising and successfully broke West Vancouver resident Jason Chong's record of 57 climbs completed in a week, doing 58, in support of B.C. Children's Hospital, she says.
Rather than rest on her laurels and revel in her success, Tomlinson, 47, set a new goal for herself at the beginning of September, aiming to break the record of the most Grouse Grinds completed in a month, which currently sits at 167. The record is also held by Chong, according to Tomlinson. "I wanted to take on the challenge as I felt I failed in my fundraising efforts doing my 58 Grinds in a week. This time I had cards and flyers printed. I still also had the goal of raising more funds than last year, $5,500," she says.
As of Thursday, Tomlinson, who works for First Yacht Services Inc. in an admin position, had completed 110 ascents and raised almost $5,000 for B.C. Children's Hospital as part of her initiative, dubbed the September Grouse Grind Challenge.
"My goal was to reach 168. I realized after my first week I was unlikely to make it, but I never gave up trying. Every night I would do the figures and think if I can only make up blah blah number I will be back on track. As of today I have completed 110 Grinds. I am hoping I can at least complete 150 by the end of the month.. .. Eight a day for the rest of the month," she says.
Tomlinson is also serving as a Grind for Kids ambassador. Through her actions she hopes to lead by example and encourage other community members to get involved in the annual campaign in support of B.C. Children's Hospital.
Since May, Tomlinson has completed 322 ascents for the Grind for Kids program, beating her 256 figure for last year.
To support Tomlinson, visit grindforkids.com/tag/sarah-jane-tomlinson.
