Who we are
Jennie Sprigings
After more than two decades of running & high performance sport, Jennie knows that grit and joy go hand in hand. She is the lucky mom of two daughters, works on an equine therapy farm, and loves any kind of outdoorsy adventure. Jennie is passionate about trail running, building community, and seeing people surprise themselves. She is a big believer that the best adventures start with good company and a little courage.
Rachel Boult:
Rachel is a go-getter with witchy undertones. She is a writer and artist, and lives off-grid, homeschools, grows a medicine garden, hunts, and forages the woods for wild edibles. She loves the mountain with all her heart.
“Feeling strong is maybe the best feeling ever. Motivation is built on the whisper of a wish. I know these two things in my core. This year will be my 4th Kusam Klimb, and every spring I dig my heels into the idea of doing this.. again. I dream up the gumption, and the fortitude, and then I force myself out of my slump, out of my winter rest, and out the door to that first run. Or walk. Or that first hike. Whatever it is, it’s the beginning. Before I go, I am honestly not sure I have it in me. But out there, some magic happens in my body. I feel alive, and supported and effervescent. I feel spacious and energetic, and I fall in love with being out in the forest, under the trees. One foot in front of the other. Fluttering chit chat, soul sharing and laughter with my friends fills my cup so much, and I’m creating my own dopamine, and I begin to believe that I really can make this wish come true. I can surprise myself yet again. I can do this for me. And I can tell you it feels freaking amazing to climb this mountain, to believe in yourself enough to see yourself through the challenge. I hope you join us. I am so excited to do it again, and I know how incredible it’s going to be. “ -Rachel
Check out Rachel’s article in Folklife about running Kusam
Pam Lewis
Pam is a counsellor, end-of-life doula, and burgeoning trail runner whose work bridges fitness, creativity, and inner transformation. With a background in nursing and expressive arts therapy, she approaches wellness as a whole-body practice rooted in curiosity, reflection, and connection. Pam co-created The Mountain Is You to bring women together in community — to climb mountains both real and metaphorical, and to remember their strength along the way.
“Turning 50 hit differently when my life had just blown up. In the wake of betrayal and loss, I made a promise on my childhood friend’s deathbed: I would do the Kusam Klimb in her honour.
At the time, I needed something—anything—to ground me. I had lost trust in nearly everything, including myself. But I knew one thing: I needed to trust my own two feet again.
This race wasn’t about being the fastest, fittest, or most impressive. I wasn’t chasing validation. I just wanted to complete it. I wanted to feel the earth beneath me, the rhythm of my breath, the strength of one step after another. And I did.
The Kusam Klimb exceeded every expectation. It reconnected me to this island I call home. It brought me closer to my friends. I met new people, laughed, cried, and rediscovered the quiet, unshakable grit I thought I had lost. Rachel, Cassie, and Jennie were part of that journey along with others (here is looking at you Sonya!) —and I’m forever grateful.
Now, I want to offer this experience to others. If you’re seeking renewal, strength, or simply your next step forward—this is for you. I found my grit, my laughter, and my tears in this climb. Come find yours.” - Pam
Cassie Schmidt
Cassie is a homesteading mom of 2 little boys, has climbed the mountain many times, and is Sayward’s local Yoga Instructor. She likes to cold-dip in the ocean, and bake pies and swim in the beautiful lake at the top of H’Kusam.
Contact us
Kusam Kurious? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!