“Oh.
Canada?
… really?”
That was our response a while back when we learned Wanetta Beal was training for a big bike across this big country of ours, and, true to form, today (Tuesday) at 10 a.m., those close to the local personal trainer, lifestyle coach, mentor and motivational speaker, will be holding an official public send-off for her out front of One On One Fitness on the Alberni Highway at the Coombs Junction, which she runs with her husband Grai Beal.
The long distance runner and Ironman competitor “wants to give people across Canada a raw deal.”
The 38-year-old and fellow athlete and good friend Brad Holmes are cycling from Coombs to St. John’s Newfoundland. The duo will do the entire marathon on a 100 per cent vegan raw food diet.
Making the trip to make sure the two runners are fed the right fuel are Tayla Beal and Liz Forrest from Rawthentic Eatery in Qualicum Beach.
“We want to educate people about health and nutrition,” said Wanetta. “We want to let them know what’s possible when you fuel your body with the right foods — and we’re telling our stories.”
Beal says they expect to arrive in St. Johns by August 8.
Immediately after completing the drive back home, she goes to Penticton to compete in back-to-back Ironman competitions.
“She’s a crazy woman,” Grai said with a smile. “I’m super-proud of her and I know she’ll do it — no worries, and I’m really looking forward to watching her do the back-to-back Ironmans … that’s amazing.”
“I’ve had huge support from my sponsors, its been unbelievable,” Wanetta said of the support she’s received, pointing to Wayne at PetroCan in Parksville who did the brakes, front and back and got her vehicle ready for the long trip, “plus he gave me a thousand dollars in PetroCan gas cards … that is so awesome.”
RBC gave her $1,500 to help cover expenses and Avina is providing the raw food and raw supplements.
Not making the trip but in Wanetta’s corner is longtime friend Nina Hill, 67.
Nina rode was with her for the ride from Mexico to Alaska, the ride from Banff to Oceanside, and the Tour de Rockettes (same route as the Tour de Rock).
“I think it’s wonderful,” Nina said. “I’m really glad to see her do it … she needs that. She’s ambitious, she’s healthy and she needs to be challenged.”
“Plus it’s on my bucket list,” Wanetta chimed in.
As it is the couple’s diet consists of about 80 per cent raw food and 20 per cent cooked, so going 100 per cent vegan isn’t that much of a stretch.
Wanetta and Grai will be be talking through Skype every day, and Grai will take some time off down the road to hook up with her in Saskatchewan, and will be there at the finish line and for the drive home.
It’s been a long journey for Wanetta, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder nearly 20 years ago. She was put on medication and hospitalized three times.
Weight gain and irritable bowel syndrome were just two of the side effects. Then two things occurred. In 2002 she learned about nutrition and raw food. Along with switching to a mostly raw food vegan diet, she began to take whole food, live supplements.
“In less than six months I was off all my meds. I was functioning normally.”
Around about that same time she was introduced to The Pursuit of Excellence, a personal development program that changed the way she looked at the world.
She says she not only became healthier in her body, but also emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
Beyond the message she hopes to send, all the money she raises is going to sponsor 100 people in The Pursuit of Excellence program.
Spirits were high and anticipation (and relief) in the air with the big day fast approaching when The News stopped in at One on One Fitness last week.
“Five more sleeps — I have it on my phone,” panned media girl Morgan Black.
You can follow Wanetta’s journey on Facebook at ridingrawacrosscanada.
