Wings of Survival with Leanna Carriere and Dr. Timm Dobert

In this compelling episode, we dive into the world of extreme sports, action sports, and adventure sports, highlighting the incredible physical ability and mental fortitude required to push human boundaries. We discuss activities like base jumping, rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, surfing, skydiving, downhill mountain biking, hang gliding, paragliding, whitewater rafting, cave diving, and scuba diving. The conversation also explores how injuries and having children can shift one’s perspective on risk-taking, often leading to a more conservative approach. For those engaged in these demanding activities, the importance of extensive cross-training—including flexibility, strength training, and cardiovascular endurance—is emphasized.

This episode features an inspiring conversation with Leanna Carriere, an extreme endurance athlete, and Dr. Timm Dobert, an ecologist and explorer, who are embarking on the groundbreaking Wings of Survival expedition.

Their Mission:

The Expedition:

Leanna and Dr. Timm are undertaking a self-powered 30,000 km journey along the spine of the Americas.

The Route:

They will travel from the remote high Arctic of Alaska, through the Yukon and British Columbia, down the U.S. coastline—including Los Angeles and San Francisco—into Mexico, through Central America, across the Darien Gap (which they will paddle due to danger), and then through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, and Bolivia, concluding in Puerto Williams, Patagonia. This immense journey follows the westernmost migratory bird flyway.

The Purpose:

Their mission is multifaceted—raising awareness about the biodiversity crisis, advancing environmental science, and mobilizing action for nature conservation. They aim to blend human adventure, citizen science, and athletic performance to highlight the wonder of bird migration and the critical relationship between migratory birds and ecosystem health.

The Pace:

The expedition is planned for nine months, aiming to “reconnect with the birds” by meeting the same flock in Patagonia that they started with in Alaska.

Preparation & Training:

While cycling (even 12-hour days during their Canada warm-up) is considered the “easy fun part,” extensive planning, mapping, fundraising, community engagement, and documentary production are crucial. Their physical preparation focuses on strength and durability, with intensive gym sessions and cardiovascular cross-training (swimming, biking, running) to prevent injuries from repetitive motion.

The Support Team:

Backed by a large team—including Moving Artistry Productions (Edmonton) and renowned producers from England (known for Netflix documentaries like Planet Earth and works with David Attenborough). They also collaborate with exploration societies, academia (University of Alberta, University of British Columbia), and government bodies like Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Their “Warm-up” Journey:

As preparation, Leanna and Timm cycled across Canada in 30 days, covering 150 km per day, highlighting 30 protected and key biodiversity areas. This aligns with the United Nations’ “30 by 30” global biodiversity target, aiming to protect 30% of land and water by 2030.

The Documentary:

A planned documentary will parallel the journeys of human athletes and migratory birds, using human storytelling to deepen our understanding and appreciation of the natural world.

Bird Migration Insights:

Dr. Timm shares fascinating details, such as birds adapting physiologically for migration (shrinking digestive systems, expanding respiratory systems). Some species fly 20,000 km across the Pacific without stopping. The expedition will involve tagging birds with GPS devices to track their movements.

Challenges & Risks:

From extreme weather events—wildfires, hurricanes, and lightning—to encounters with wildlife like Alaskan bears, the journey presents significant challenges. Logistics such as nutrition management and finding safe sleeping locations add complexity.

Follow the Journey:

Track the Wings of Survival expedition—and even their tagged birds—at www.wingsofsurvival.com and on Instagram @wingsofsurvival.

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In Health,  Grant Fedoruk

This information is not meant to replace the advice or treatment of a qualified physician or physiotherapist.  It is meant for information only.  Please seek an assessment and discuss your treatment options with your caregiver prior to making a decision about your treatment path.