Asher Vanderplas (left), alongside friends and competitors, embraces the challenges of a rain-soaked provincials course, finishing with a strong performance and a time of 20:49 in the Intermediate Boys category. Submitted photo.
Nicholas L. M. Allen
Nov 13, 2024
Local runner’s hard work and resilience earned him a place at Alberta’s top competition.
For local runner Asher Vanderplas, the journey to the Alberta Cross Country provincials was more than a race—it was a testament to perseverance and dedication. After overcoming a concussion in 2023 that derailed his running season and set him back physically, Vanderplas spent the past year training twice as hard, determined to qualify for provincials and represent his school.
“The journey to qualifying was definitely a challenging part of my life,” said Vanderplas, “I had to balance everything and face tough competition. Coming back from a concussion meant I’d lost a lot of progress, but I put in the work and did my best to get back to where I was.”
Starting cross country in 2022, Vanderplas initially turned to the sport as a way to clear his mind. While the first races presented some hurdles, he quickly found a supportive community and realized his own potential.
“By the time of my first race, I realized how great the community was around it and how naturally good I actually was,” he recalled, “So, I decided to keep going and make it a part of my life.”
In the Intermediate Boys category at provincials, Vanderplas placed 62nd with a net time of 20:49, maintaining an impressive 4:10 per kilometre pace across the muddy, rain-soaked course.
To prepare for provincials, Vanderplas employed a rigorous training method he calls “2 20s,” which combines 200-meter sprints up a hill with 20 reps of three body-weight exercises. This demanding routine, he explained, helped him build the physical and mental strength needed for competing at the highest level.
“Every race I attended, my friends and family were there cheering me on, congratulating me no matter the result,” he said, “They’ve been my biggest supporters throughout my entire journey, and I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere close to where I am now without them.”
Despite the provincials’ challenging conditions, Vanderplas said the atmosphere was up-lifting.
“Instead of everyone being super competitive, we were all joking around and making the most of our time. Everyone there was awesome—some of the best people I’ve ever met,” he said.
Reflecting on his journey, Vanderplas offered advice for anyone looking to achieve a goal: “You have to challenge yourself first. If you really want something, focus on pushing yourself harder than what you’re able to. A higher placement or faster time doesn’t matter if you don’t go beyond your own limits.”
