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Energetic Crofton woman lives life to the fullest

The Energizer Bunny would have a hard time keeping up with Janis German of Crofton.
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Janis German with her memento from the Grand Circle Trailfest in 2019 in Utah. (Photo by Don Bodger)

The Energizer Bunny would have a hard time keeping up with Janis German of Crofton.

German, who turns 66 in November, possesses a high energy level in her daily routine that’s more typical of someone at least 10 years younger.

She works at it, though, but also derives great joy and well-being from a training regimen that would make many people feel tired before even starting. German just simply enjoys it, making the most of every opportunity to live a healthy lifestyle to the fullest.

“I just do anything,” she conceded.

And it’s quite a long list and a multitude of different athletic endeavours. She swims, bikes, hikes, runs – nothing is off limits or outside of her comfort zone.

“It takes a lot of dedication,” German admits. “I’m a very dedicated person, I’d say. When I set out to do something, I do it.”

Her day begins with an often chilly early morning dip in Fuller Lake, year-round – with a wet suit when required. “They call me a little bit nuts,” conceded German about the typical reaction she receives to that activity.

“There’s nobody there, just the geese and the ducks.”

She’ll either go with friend Ellen Carndish or on her own, but never misses a day except under extraordinary circumstances. Carndish also accompanies German on a lot of other swimming, riding and running ventures.

“I’m so blessed because of the support I have,” said German. “You just can’t do a lot of stuff without somebody sometime.”

German was born in Prince Rupert and graduated from school there.

Her athletic background included becoming one of the youngest players on a women’s fastball team at the age of 12 and all sorts of running and swimming events. “I was so fortunate to be able to do all the sports,” German said.

She did the usual things after that – had a job, got married and became a mom to her son, who’s now 34.

German worked with the City of Prince Rupert for 25 years and administration for the RCMP, including as a traffic officer.

German moved to Terrace and did some mushroom picking and a lot of outdoor things, living “kind of a little life of a gypsy, if you want to call it that,” she said.

Looking back on it all, German’s sports resume is enough to make anyone’s head spin with more to come.

She’s done many marathons, including in large cities like Vancouver, Portland, Seattle and Calgary.

Before COVID, German did three 13-mile runs every day in October of 2019 in Utah.

“That was unbelievable,” she conceded. “I’d never done anything like that.”

It’s called the Grand Circle Trailfest and is so much more than a running event. It’s a three-day trail running festival located in Southern Utah between Bryce Canyon, Zion and Grand (Horseshoe) Canyon national parks.

“I’m going to go back again,” German indicated.

She’s most encouraging to anyone else looking to her for advice or support.

“I’ll help people try anything. You hope people follow. It’s all good. I try to be kind and helpful.”

While her mom living in Duncan was ill, German came to Crofton in 2017 where one of her three sisters lived and eventually wound up staying.

“Wonderful, the best move I’d say – lets me do all I want to do,” German enthused.

And she has always done a lot and continues to keep up a mean pace with no signs of slowing down in advancing years while moving into masters.

“We have everything outside our backyard here and we’re blessed,” said German. “There isn’t anything we can’t do or find.”

She has a route for running to Ladysmith or Chemainus and, among the other things she’s done, is a swim from Crofton to Salt Spring Island with a support team in a boat and a kayak.

“All I had to do is swim,” reasoned German.

She joined the famed CeeVACs Road Runners based out of Duncan in 2017.

“They’re all community people who’ve given their time,” praised German.

Combining all her talents together made triathlons a natural pursuit as well.

“I like to challenge myself,” said German. “I like to see what I can do and can’t do.

“In a nutshell, I’m just a crazy person that tries to keep busy and I have fun at it.”

Injuries have fortunately not been too significant considering the logical wear and tear on the body from strenuous activities.

“I’ve blown my knee once,” German confided. “I did exactly what I was told. I’m blessed I make sure I’m in good shape and good shoes are so important for the runs.”

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Janis German’s bike is always at the ready when she wants to hit the road. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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Janis German going on a bike trip. (Photo submitted)
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With friends at the Grand Circle Trailfest in Utah. (Photo submitted)
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Janis German going for a run with her great nephew. (Photo submitted)
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Starting a swim at Fuller Lake. (Photo submitted)
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Getting ready for a triathlon with friends. (Photo submitted)
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Janis German kayaking in Greece with her cousin. She brings a spirit of adventure to everything she does. (Photo submitted)


Don Bodger

About the Author: Don Bodger

I've been a part of the newspaper industry since 1980 when I began on a part-time basis covering sports for the Ladysmith-Chemainus Chronicle.
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