N.B. news: Runners brave the cold for Christmas endurance test [Video]

During the holidays, many people take the time to get intimately reacquainted with their couch, turkey dinners, chocolates, Christmas TV specials and other assorted creature comforts. Aside from a few potentially stressful family engagements, the last few weeks of December are typically a period of rest and relaxation.

Jos Eijkelestam is far from typical.

Instead of curling up by a fireplace with a warm cup of cocoa, Eijkelestam will be running outdoors come rain, shine or snow, before leaping into a chilly lake. And he’s encouraging other New Brunswickers to join him.

“I like to see myself as a trail runner,” he said. “There is something about trail runners, they like to challenge themselves in a way road runners might not. Trail runners seek out nature, they’re looking for the woods and wild and mountains.

“Trails are never paved, it’s always rocks and roots. A long trail is automatically a bit of suffering but there’s joy …