Meet the Dream Team: Michelle Katchur Roberts

Trail runner, backcountry skier, cyclist, triathlete, climber, Michelle Katchur Roberts truly does it all! She is joining our team at Le Refuge to offer her services as a massage therapist. You can book with her here!

Age

36

Where are you from?

Cranbrook BC

What sports did you practice as a child?

Does tobogganing count ;) I joined cross country running in high school and fell in love. I didn’t run competitively for a long time afterwards, but it was something I have carried with me everywhere I go.

What brought you to the mountains?

It’s an odd story. At the age 18 I had planned to work the summer abroad, but experienced major visa difficulties. Coming back to Canada dejected, my uncle convinced me to work for him at a local brewery in Canmore; behold I am here today. 

What "personal touch" do you bring to SkiUphill/ RunUphill?

As an uphill athlete, I understand the nuances and necessities of skimo and uphill running. I have both flailed and excelled in uphill running and skiing- I have experienced the spectrum.

I also come to the team as a massage therapist, thus I’m a muscle master. Through “my personal touch” I optimize your training and recovering.

What other sports are you interested in?

I have adhered to the Bow Valley mindset of dabbling in it all.  I enjoy a good easy multi pitch climb, an open water swim, a road ride, gravel ride, a powder day, and a skinny ski training day. 

What is your favourite area to run/ski?

I love running in Lake Louise. The landscape is so epic and the trails endless. Yoho is top of the list for winter lines.

What are your other hobbies/interests?

Baking cookies. Expedition planning.  Meal planning for trips. Reading. Painting. Watching my cat chase birds.

What's your ideal day in the mountains?

I am a sucker for early mornings. Ideally in the summer I’m on the go by 7am and smashing it so I can be on my balcony by mid-afternoon with a bevy and my cat. In the winter standing atop a summit and lapping fun lines.

What's your favourite piece of running gear?

Hydration flasks!  They are so easy to carry.  Prior to hydration flasks I often ran with inadequate water because bottles are so bulky, and hoses are so long.  I also LOVE my ciele hat.

Favourite coffee/tea?

A strong hot chai in the winter, an iced latte in the summer.