Check out some of the members from the Canada Goose team who will taking on the challenge while supporting Camp Oochigeas.

Victor Cheng – National Sales Manager Canada

How long have you been running?
3 years

Why did you choose the Sporting Life 10k?
I know a lot of people that are running in the event.  Also, I am hoping to beat my time from last year.

What are your goals for the run?
Under 43.30 minutes

What is your running routine?
I try to run once or twice a week.  Unfortunately, I injured my ankle 2 weeks ago and I haven’t been out.

Any tips for anyone who is interested in running?
Read “Born to Run” for inspiration.

Kevin Spreekmeester –Vice President of Marketing

How long have you been running?
2.5 years

Why did you choose the Sporting Life 10k?
It was going to be my first 10k after two years of 5ks. I thought it would be great to run with friends from work.

What are your goals for the run?
Not to be last!

What is your running routine?
When I’m training I run 4 times a week. When I’m not, I just run 3 times a week, year round. I love winter runs. I look for programs online that meet my needs and then I get fanatic about following them. I also pay close attention to nutrition – messing up only when there’s a bottle of Laphroaig in front of me.

Any tips for anyone who is interested in running?
It can take a while to really get into. It hurts too. It’s not a sport that is easy on the body. If you’re going to run, know that it’s going to hurt and be ready to battle through. But when you are past the point of forming a habit, it is a great stress reliever.

Geoff Yohn – Product Development Manager

How long have you been running?
I have been running on a consistent basis for about 4 years.

Why did you choose the Sporting Life 10k?
It’s a good run to kick off the race season and test your endurance for the longer races which happen later in the year.

What are your goals for the run?
To enjoy the race, not get injured and achieve my goal time.

What is your running routine?
I normally run about 3 times a week.

Any tips for anyone who is interested in running?
Make sure you wear a proper pair of shoes as this will help avoid injuries.

Caitlin Low – Marketing Coordinator

How long have you been running?
Epp… I just started at the end of February.

Why did you choose the Sporting Life 10k?
I wanted to give myself a goal and to prove to myself that I could enjoy running if I try. I was always one of those people who “hated running” but once I got it in to it, I started to really enjoy it.

What are your goals for the run?
To finish without puking (or stopping), ha-ha.

What is your running routine?
I try and aim to get out there 3 times a week, Monday to Friday I do mini-runs (anywhere from 5-8k) and either on Saturday or Sunday I have been trying to run around 10k… I need to catch up for all those years that I kept putting running off.

Any tips for anyone who is interested in running?
Just get out there and try it. Also, fight through the urge to quit, you’ll feel great knowing that you kept at it.

Spencer Orr – Vice President Design and Merchandising

How long have you been running?
5 years and this is my 4^th sporting life 10k

Why did you choose the Sporting Life 10k?
It’s pretty cool to run down Yonge Street with thousands of other runners. It’s over before you know it and it’s a great incentive to get into shape early in the race season.    

What are your goals for the run?
To have fun and not throw-up.

What is your running routine?
A lot of my runs are done late at night around High Park.  I also try to run home from work whenever I can, but cycling has been the priority this season.

Any tips for anyone who is interested in running?
Start small and get an event on your calendar. Buy a good pair of shoes and work on a good playlist.  

Sean Murray – Data Coordinator

How long have you been running?
I started running for last year’s Sporting life 10k, so just over a year now.

Why did you choose the Sporting Life 10k?
I really enjoyed it last year. It’s for a good cause, the atmosphere is really good and its downhill! It’s a good way to kick off the summer.

What are your goals for the run?
Finish in one piece…I would like to improve on my time in lasts year’s run.

What is your running routine?
I try to run home from work, 7k twice a week

Any tips for anyone who is interested in running?
Get up off your butt and get out there!

Carrie Baker – Vice President of Corporate Communications

How long have you been running?
On and off for about a year

Why did you choose the Sporting Life 10k?
 Great race, great cause…why not?

What are your goals for the run?
Finish without stopping to walk

What is your running routine?
I wish I had one! The only thing I do routinely is stretch – it’s a must for me.

Any tips for anyone who is interested in running?
 Take up boxing instead

Amy Fung -  QA Coordinator

How long have you been running?
Since 2007.  I started to run 5 km, half marathon and then full marathon.

Why did you choose the Sporting Life 10k?
It is a fun run.

What are your goals for the run?
Have fun and enjoying the run

What is your running routine?
 I run 5 km 2 to 3 times during weekday and run a longer distance about 8 to 12 km on weekend.

Any tips for anyone who is interested in running?
Relax and enjoy running.

Nicole Lyons – Admin Assistant to VP Global Sales & VP Global Marketing

How long have you been running?
On and off for 3 years

Why did you choose the Sporting Life 10k?
I was trying to get back into running but I was struggling to commit to training. Signing up provided me with a goal to work towards and the motivation I needed to start running again. I chose this race specifically because it was in the near future and required me to start training immediately. Additionally I hoped the weather would still be cool in May, as I cannot run in the heat.

What are your goals for the run?
Initially my aim was just to start running again. Now that we are less than a week away, my goal is to enjoy the race and maintain a steady pace throughout.

What is your running routine?
I do not have a strict regime; I try to incorporate short runs, speed work and longer runs into my training.

Any tips for anyone who is interested in running?
Join a beginners running group, it will give you realistic expectations, encourage you to commit long term and help you develop good habits from the beginning.

Good Luck! 

The CG Team Takes on the Sporting Life 10k – Run for Kids with Cancer is a post from: Canada Goose

Katja Kramer from Berlin, Germany

Why are you spending an internship in Canada, and why at Canada Goose?  This was a question I heard a lot from my Canadian coworkers and friends. The answer was simple: I heard that Canada was an amazing country – it has a great reputation in Europe. The fact that people speak English and French, that it has vast countryside and that the people are very friendly also made me want to experience life here for myself. Canada Goose was also the only famous Canadian clothing brand I knew and liked, as someone interested in fashion.

After working as an intern in the Supply Chain, Sourcing and Purchase department, did I learn anything after all? Absolutely yes,  First of all, I learned a lot of hard skills, for instance

- how to create purchase orders for trims and fabrics
- how to keep an overview over all the purchase history
- how to analyze Canada Goose’s demand for raw materials
- how to deal with existing suppliers and how to chase them if a fabric or trim is needed urgently
- how to find new suppliers and
- how to build up a relationship with them
- how to develop a fabric material library and how to update it.

But above all, the internship helped me to understand in more depth the link between sourcing, quality assurance, purchase and logistics, how important a Supply Chain department is for a production company, and equally, how difficult it is to implement a new Supply Chain department in a company which already exists and has its own ongoing production process. The internship also helped me to understand the world of fabric better and to get a sense of which types of fabric are actually interesting for Canada Goose.

My experience also reaffirmed how important soft skills are in the world of business. Even the best product can’t sell itself if you don’t have a good relationship with your clients, suppliers and other partners. Not only does the relationship between Canada Goose employees and external partners have to be good in order for the company to be successful, so does the relationship among CG employees and especially between the different departments.

I would like to thank my co-workers in my department and all the other amazing people across the whole company. I had a great time with Canada Goose and in Canada!

Life in the Goose nest is a post from: Canada Goose

This Sunday (April 22^nd) marks Earth Day for 2012, and we here at Canada Goose would like to mark the day with some of our favourite tips and advice on how to live a more sustainable life.  First launched as an environmental awareness event in the United States in 1970, Earth Day is celebrated as the birth of the environmental movement. Earth Week 2012 is a time to promote awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s environment, sustainable living and earth awareness. Earth Day is a powerful catalyst for change. So go on, what are you waiting for?

What can you do this Earth Week?

1. Paperless Technologies – While we all love the smell of a new book but why not invest in an e-reader or tablet?
3. Go Chemical Free – Adopt a chemical free lifestyle from household products to your beauty products.
5. Less is More – Purchase items with less packaging. Why not recycle that plastic bag each time you go to the supermarket?
7. Why not take yourself to see ‘To the Arctic’ at select IMAX theaters over the weekend? To find one click here http://www.imax.com/theatres/
9. Hybrid Light Bulbs – Use more energy efficient bulbs in your home and office
11. Green Energy – Advocate the use of sustainable, renewable, clean energy.
13. Plant a Tree or Garden – Green your environment whether at home or work with trees, gardens and flowers where possible.
15. Turn off the lights – Turn off all unnecessary lights in the home or office.
17. Phone charger – Don’t forget to unplug your phone charger once your phone is charged and ready to go.
19. Recycling – Start a recycling program at your school, office, or workplace.
21. Why not set yourself an Earth Day challenge? Check out this awesome green campaign. http://www.crowdrise.com/EarthDay2012
23. Green Transportation – Walk, ride or bike, with the weather being unseasonably warm why not leave your car at home?

A better, greener planet starts at home, so why not take some of these steps and implement them into your home or office today? Earth Day is a day for action; and a chance to show how important the environment is to you.

Photo Courtesy of Shockwave

How Green Are You? is a post from: Canada Goose

I hope you’ve had a chance to check out our pre-expedition blog, posted early February! If you haven’t already, check it out here. Shortly after that post was made, we were on our way to South America to begin the i2P Expreso de los Andes expedition…

Kevin Vallely and I set out to attempt a 1,700km run across the South American continent with a goal of inspiring teachers and students to take on an i2P Health and Physical Activity Challenge! Using online i2P training resources, Principal George Singfield led the way with hundreds of teachers & students joining him in taking on their very own running programs! The expedition and fitness challenge simultaneously connected through the interactive website with daily video blogs, journal entries, photos, a live tracker and social media communication – a source of mutual inspiration! But the most exciting connection between classroom and expedition was the live videoconferences with students from around the globe, where we would get to share each other’s stories and experiences!

Expreso de los Andes Introduction – http://vimeo.com/35108426

Exercise Physiologist, Dr. Greg Wells, tested various physical parameters several times per day, gathering physiological data as I ascended up toward the Andes mountain range, and then descended into Mendoza. Some of the ‘Science of the Run’ measurements included blood lactate & blood glucose levels, heart rate & blood pressure, sodium & potassium levels and many more! Dr. Wells also suited me up with a mobile metabolic monitor to measure my oxygen uptake, ventilation, and carbon dioxide production! All of this in an effort to understand what happens to the human body under extreme physical stress at various levels of physical effort and altitudes, and how the body adapts (or degrades) during extreme endurance!

Science of the Run – http://impossible2possible.com/sa/science

From Valparaiso, through Los Andes, Portillo, Mendoza, San Luis and all the way to Buenos Aires, the journey was absolutely breathtaking! We experienced epic switchback climbs up the Andes, witnessed awe-inspiring scenery in Portillo and even had the opportunity to cross into Argentina through an abandoned tunnel!!! Something that we had not anticipated was that we were forced to run on the shoulder of the busy transcontinental highway for the majority of the expedition, with trails few and far between. We also had every imaginable combination of altitude and weather, from low altitude and warm weather to high altitude and cool weather – reaching a peak altitude of 3200m! And on day 9 I managed to crank out 100km!!! As we made our way toward Buenos Aires, traffic became heavier, Highway 7 began to narrow, and the weather took a turn for the worst…

Day 4 – http://vimeo.com/37386942

Day 8 & 9 – http://vimeo.com/37602092

As the saying goes, “the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry” – with such careful planning for this expedition, there were many unforeseeable obstacles that kept us on our toes! It was expected that heat would be a factor, and it certainly was! There were also a number of physical obstacles such as foot injuries, chest infections, muscle cramping and a nasty blister, which turned into an infection on my little toe! We were also confronted with a nation-wide gas shortage in Argentina! Aggressive truck drivers crowded the narrow highways, leaving little room for us to navigate our way along the shoulders. We estimated that about 3,000 trucks would pass us each day, and with trucks passing one another on each side of the highway, it made for a very nerve-racking experience along the roads!

Day 14, 15 & 16 – http://vimeo.com/37966708

All of that said, our expedition team, home team, teachers & students following along, and our expedition gear made it possible to overcome these challenging circumstances! All physical injuries progressively improved, we adjusted our strategy for hydration and re-fuelling, and our logistics team was able to consistently locate gas for our support vehicles! Experiencing the heat, the cold, low and high altitudes, our Canada Goose gear was essential when we reached our peak altitude atop the Andes mountains! Keeping a positive focus and managing these obstacles was a key component as we made our way closer to the Argentinian capital. The expedition was put on hold and tested many times, but as we inched closer and closer to Buenos Aires, our space on the highway became limited and we experienced something completely unexpected! We woke up to the sound of massive thunder and violent lightning storms – a complete contrast from anything we’ve seen until that moment! The volume of water pouring down left everything completely flooded! Most routes were left totally inaccessible and so we were only left with the option of running along the busy and narrowing Highway 7 into Buenos Aires! We were faced with a difficult decision but opted to move ahead to the final destination without running. Our purpose of this expedition was to inspire students to make healthy choices in their own lives. To continue down this highway would send the wrong message and put our lives in jeopardy. Safety is of utmost importance and risking our own health would be counter-intuitive. But that’s adventure for you, an exciting undertaking of unknown outcomes!

Day 17 – Altered Plans – http://vimeo.com/38109891

Of course the best part about expeditions is connecting with youth from around the globe!!! Our experience in South America was incredible! Sharing our daily video blogs and photos is one thing, but for teachers and students to share their running program success is priceless! The fitness challenge was tremendously successful, and everyday we would source inspiration from videos posted online! We were also fortunate enough to connect with the University of Ottawa via live videoconference! First, we developed a “high altitude keynote” video and then were able to speak with 400+ student teachers! Finally, we met up i2P Youth Ambassador Connor Clerke at our final destination in Buenos Aires to announce the upcoming i2P Youth Expedition – Expedition Africa2012!!! Please stay tuned to our main website, Facebook page and Twitter feed for expedition details coming soon!!!

i2P uOttawa Keynote from the Andes! – http://vimeo.com/38450867

Final Day! – http://vimeo.com/38295063

Website – www.andesrun.com.

Main Website – www.impossible2possible.com

i2P Expreso de los Andes – Part Two is a post from: Canada Goose

Surrounded by nature and steeped in local culture and history, Don Valley Works produced the bricks that built Toronto for more than a century and when the factory closed down 20 years ago, the industrial site was abandoned, leaving a damaged ecosystem, crumbling buildings and contaminated soil. Today, Evergreen Brick Works was named one of the world’s top 10 geotourism destinations by National Geographic.

If you are looking for a sustainable space inspired by the past and motivated by the future then look no further. There are year-round events for everyone, young and old alike. With community festivals, art exhibits, cooking classes and nature based summer camps for your children; there is something for the young or young at heart. Evergreen Brick Works is the perfect place to spend your Saturday morning or long weekend with a weekly local farmers’ market and retail garden market, or if you just want to sit and watch the world go by at their Café Belong, indulging in scrumptious local and organic food.

With a view of the city like no other and multiple resources; Evergreen Brick Works was the perfect morning escape from the office, as the sun beamed down on us on as we over-looked the humbling view of Toronto. Evergreen Brick Works is easily accessible by car, bike or bus. For more information on how to get there or everything that happens there go to http://ebw.evergreen.ca/

Escaping The Concrete Jungle… is a post from: Canada Goose

Just a few weeks before we took off for eight days in Yellowknife,  for our comparative study trip to the Northwest Territories, we approached Canada Goose to propose a new partnership with the legislative interns. We were absolutely delighted when Canada Goose agreed to donate ten Resolute Parkas, the “industrial parka of the North,” to outfit the interns on our eight day trip to the North.

Canada Goose joined OLIP at an exciting time. We were setting off for meetings at the Legislative Assembly in Yellowknife as part of our comparative study tour to learn about consensus-style government. Thanks to our warm coats, we were able to brave the temperatures that plunged as low as -37 to explore the town in our evenings and weekends. Not only did we trek across Frame Lake for our meetings, we also found the time (and courage) to try dog-sledding and snowmobiling, and to view the northern lights. We were pretty ecstatic when we realized our parkas could keep out the wind during our photo shoots, which happened to take place on ice roads in the blistering cold. Not only did they keep us warm, the iconic jackets also meant that we matched and were easily identified wherever we went.

We are grateful to Canada Goose for their generous donation and look forward to wearing our new coats again in the future… winter camping anyone?

Keeping Warm in Yellowknife with Canada Goose is a post from: Canada Goose

Hey Goose Fans,

We really enjoy all the photos of everyone sporting Canada Goose gear and we want to return the love! As part of our Throwback Thursday campaign, we want to see your old photos of you rocking your Goose and every month we will feature one of the photos of on our Facebook page!

To participate all you have to do is email your photo to: community@canada-goose.com with the subject line “Fan of the Month Submission”.  Each month representatives here at CG headquarters in Toronto will choose a new photo. The selected photo will be featured on our page for the entire month.

We can’t wait to see your photos so get sending!

**Campaign Begins: Thursday April 12th, 2012 @ 3:OOpm EST / Campaign Ends: Thursday December 13^th, 2012 @ 3:00pm EST
*** Photos must be submitted through email to community@canada-goose.com, subject line: “Fan of the Month Submission”.
***** Team spirit must be upheld, inappropriate remarks or conduct will call for immediate disqualification.
****** The selected fan will be contacted via email and must respond within 3 days of the initial communication sent. If the fan does not communicate within the allotted timeframe, Canada Goose reserves the right to select a new fan of the month at random.

Fan of the Month Campaign is a post from: Canada Goose

Like goose feathers falling from the sky, large snowflakes tickled my cheeks.  Cold wind gently bounced over my Canada Goose parka. I was gliding through a snowy, white winter wonderland. The crisp, clean air was invigorating. Excited and smiling like a kid on Christmas morning, I could barely contain my happiness.  I was in Alaska and dog sledding!

After seeing off fellow Goose Person, legendary Musher Lance Mackey, and covering the official start of the 40^th Annual Iditarod Sled Dog Race in Willow, AK, I was ready for my own winter adventures!

I met up with friend Albert Marquez, owner of Planet Earth Adventures in Talkeetna, AK. He was in the middle of one of his famous small group adventure tours across Alaska.   He is the man!   Cuban by birth, Alaskan by right, he looks like Steven Spielberg and knows everything and everybody in the Last Frontier.

Jumping into action with his happy group of visitors, hailing from Chicago and Virginia, we went on an all day, cross country snowmobiling (snow machining) adventure. The ‘trail’ was a guideline and we were free to go wide and deep.  It was my first time snow machining and once I got the hang of it, I raced in between spruce trees and over frozen lakes. It was exhilarating and I love trying new things!  So I may have accidently clipped a few small trees, got stuck a few times and had a snow bridge collapse on me, but I only fell six feet and it was into more chest deep powder.  It was SO much fun!   I’m an aggressive female driver, what can I say?

The next day we visited former Yukon Quest Champ and 15-time Iditarod Musher, Vern Halter and his sled dog kennel.  Vern told us what it was like to be on the Iditarod trail, what mushers wear, what they do, see, eat, how they take care of the dogs, and their race strategy.  It was fascinating!  Then it was our turn.  I was paired up with 23-year-old, Luan Marques from Brazil.  Vern is mentoring this talented, young musher.  Luan will compete in the 2013 Iditarod.  He will not only be the first Brazilian, but the first South American to ever compete in the “Last Great Race” and it will be exciting to see how he does.  I had a blast dog sledding with Luan.  He told me all about his family, the pet store he owns in Brazil and how he went from beaches to Bogs.

After our action packed snow adventures, we headed north to Fairbanks, went to the museum at the University of Alaska and then checked out the World Ice Sculpting Championship.  We learned about ice carving, ice ‘glue’ and both single and multiple block sculpture competitions.  Ironically, on the news later that night, we heard there had been an ‘incident’ and one of the larger sculptures fell. I swear I had nothing to do with it!

Just outside of Fairbanks, we went to the town of North Pole, AK where it is Christmas year round.  We visited Santa’s house, where you can buy all the Christmas paraphernalia you ever wanted.  I bought fudge.  Though Santa was on spring break and wouldn’t return until May, we did get to see some of his reindeer in the stable next door.

On our way to Chena Hot Springs we hit (and by “hit”, I mean “posed”) the great Alaskan Pipeline.  Incredible to think it runs 800 miles, crosses three mountain ranges and thirty major rivers and streams.

An hour northeast of Fairbanks is Chena Hot Springs.  Mineral rich waters surrounded by snowy rocks and countryside. Canada Goose doesn’t make a bikini (yet), but if they did, I would have worn it.  Instead, I brought my own and put it on with a Canada Goose Aviator hat.  I was styling in the 110F water.  Outside it was -15F and the hat’s coyote fur had icicles on it.  That would have been my hair had I not had the hat!

At night, it was martinis at the Ice Palace and later we were treated to the Aurora Borealis. So BEAUTIFUL! Like a green rainbow in the sky.

This was truly one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had traveling.  When the temperatures go below zero, Alaskans just find more fun stuff to do outside. I have not played in the snow like I did on this trip since I was a kid.  It was great!

If you have never been to Alaska, I recommend going.  If you want to make it even more fun and take out some of the challenges of planning and logistics, go with Planet Earth Adventures. You will have the time of your life!

Payge McMahon

Adventure Athlete & Journalist

www.turnthepayge.com

An Alaskan Snow Adventure! is a post from: Canada Goose

• Spring Activity: Running

Why not celebrate the lovely sunshine by strapping on your running shoes and hitting your local trails for a nice spring run? Need some inspiration? Just check out Impossible 2 Possible founder, Ray Zahab, who just completed Expreso de los Andes where he ran approximately 2,000 km. In addition to the inspirational videos and challenges, the i2P team provides you with a full workout schedule to get you in to running shape.

• Spring Footwear: Harvester Grain Moccasin from Manitobah Mukluks

You know you’re little tootsies can’t be forgotten! The Harvester Grain Moccasins   from Manitobah Mukluks are perfect for those spring days when you want to mix it up. With the weather not being warm enough for flip-flops, the Harvester Grain Moccasin will do the trick in keeping your feet stylish and comfy.

• Spring Clothing: Canada Goose 2012 Spring Line

With all this warm weather, many of our fans are hanging up their parkas. But never fear – you can now enjoy the Goose well into spring. Take a look at our 2012 Spring line here. Our personal fave: the Richmond Hoody. It comes in both black and white for men and women.

• Spring Song: “Take Care” – Drake

We know this isn’t a brand new song, but we really love that our boy Drake is showing his hometown of Toronto some love. He’s representing the “made in Canada” image by     taking it back to the T.Dot – something that all of us at the Goose love. Watch the video and see if you can spot the Toronto landmarks.

• Spring Drink: Canadian Virgin Caesar

Quench your thirst while taking in the spring sun with a Canadian Virgin Caesar. It’s the perfect treat for when you’ve completed your spring cleaning. All you’ll need is: Mott’s Clamato Juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce or Tabasco sauce, horseradish (optional), some celery salt for rimming the glass and of course some celery for garnish.  For the full recipe, head here.

We hope that our short but sweet list has inspired you and excited you for the spring season. Again, don’t forget to check out our 2012 Spring Collection here and for a full list of authorized retailers, please visit our “Where To Buy” section on Canada-goose.com.

Spring Has Sprung – Our Top 5 Picks For Spring! is a post from: Canada Goose

With countless counterfeit websites offering replicated CG products we wanted to give you our Top Five ways to spot a fake. The below points will help you become a more conscious consumer:

1. 1.       Always purchase from an authorized retailer in your country of residence. Not sure which retailers are authorized? Check out our list here: http://www.canada-goose.com/where-to-buy/
2. 2.       Beware of the cost: in most cases (but not always) counterfeit jackets are often sold at prices much lower than originals.
3. 3.       Quality:  Poor quality stitching and logos are a sure indicator of a counterfeit product.
4. 4.       Fur: The quality of the Fur can indicate if a product is real or fake. Canada Goose only uses Coyote Fur on their products.
5. 5.       Colours: Counterfeit product may be produced in colours not consistent  or in line with CG styles.

Please check out our “Counterfeiting” section at: http://www.canada-goose.com/counterfeiting/  to educate yourself because Knowledge is Power and when all else fails, just: Ask Anyone Who Knows. 

Top five ways to spot a fake… is a post from: Canada Goose