Training Log Archive: Funderstormin

Browner and I drove up to Frontenac for a weekend of backpacking and obsessively checked the forecast all week, which never really got any better as the days went on! Our timing on the way up was perfect as it rained pretty much the whole way there and stopped just as we set off around 2:00 p.m. from Kingsford Dam. We'd both started from the south end before and thought this would be a good way to see the far end of the park.

Our packing approach for the trip was the antithesis of fastpacking: we called it "ultraheavy" or "fatpacking" at various times throughout the weekend. We made sure to carry super light tents so we had more strength and space to carry our beer. For me, it was definitely a record for most beers hauled out on trail but when Browner told me how many she was bringing, I had to bring at least as many! Needless to say, we did not go thirsty!

Bugs were pretty nasty as we set out and we wondered if this was going to be a theme for the weekend, but fortunately they were only bad on the trail when we were near swampy stuff and they barely bothered us in camp.

Got to our site for the first night - 6A - just around happy hour with no rain en route. This was a cluster of four sites but we were the only ones there when we arrived, although a couple arrived at 6D just before sundown. We enjoyed our first beers, got camp set up, had a wonderful swim before supper then did a bit of exploring to watch the sunset from a nearby hill. Beautiful evening!

First time lane swimming in a few years but figured it was a good alternative at the moment! There is a nice outdoor pool around the corner from my work that has 50m lanes and lane swims right when I finish. Felt a bit rusty at first but it came back quickly and the pool was nice and quiet.

Last night of Up and Running and I didn't want to miss it. I was also optimistic as I'd been super diligent about doing all of the things I'm supposed to do (and not do) with my achilles and it's not bothering me at all when I walk. Sadly, it started hurting as soon as I started running and never went away. Bollocks! [angry face]

Around the Lake Trail at Wildwood Conservation Area. I've only ridden this trail once before a couple of years ago and I spent a good deal of time wondering why I don't make the short trek out there more. The trail is a lovely mix of double and single track with lots of elevation change and variations in scenery. It was perfect riding weather!

I was then joined by my 8-year old nephew Finley and 6-year old niece Norah for their first overnight Earlventure!

C • Aunt Sally 4

With Up and Running. Our second to last night so I didn't want to be a no-show. On the plus side, a week without running seems to have done my achilles some good and it didn't feel too bad. I'm going to do my darndest not to run again until next Monday evening. Physical pain aside, it did my brain and my heart so good to run!

Stopped in Kincardine on my way to my godmother's cottage north of Goderich to check out a trail system. I was just looking for a casual little ramble before lunch, which turned into me and my bike covered in mud and lost on some singletrack. It's surprising how many of my adventures turn out this way! Also, there is a LOT of trails in Kincardine!

Bike from Inverhuron PP to Stoney Island Conservation Area, which was a spooky trail system that looks like it is used more for cross-country skiing than biking. Took a lunch with me and enjoyed it on the beach. Rain started coming down as soon as I started the bike back, but I found a different route than on the way there close to the shore of Lake Huron which kept things interesting. My longest road ride of the year and a good reminder about why I don't particularly like road riding!

Hike around Inverhuron PP trails before happy hour.

Around the trails at Inverhuron PP, where Earl and I had never camped before!

Elliptical in hotel gym...borrrriiinnnggggg!

In Ottawa for work for a few days, this was the run that made me realize I had to lay off for a bit because of my left Achilles. Unlike previous attempts over the past few weeks where it loosens up, this time it got worse and worse until I was forced to walk. A real shame, since I was going across the bridge back from Quebec and it was a fun route! :-|

C • :( 3

Run home after dropping Earl off for a check-up.

With Up and Running group.

Met Stephania, Emilia, James and our Mas Loco friend Peter who was over from England at Hockley. I'd been nervously watching the forecast all week as Stephania (who is a few months pregnant and has a one-year old) wasn't keen on coming if the forecast lived up to its promises (and she and James were responsible for getting Peter there). Fortunately it didn't and we had a picture perfect day to show Peter, who hadn't been to Canada since 1981, around the Hockley main and side trails. Emilia was riding on her dad's back in a backpack for the first time, and did great for the first bit but made it clear when she'd had enough. She headed back with her parents, while Peter and I kept going. Post-run/hike, Earl hosted a picnic in the parking lot. Just a splendid way to spend the day!

Jig jog around Valens trails.

Bike at Puslinch. SO MUCH POISON IVY!!! I made eye contact with at least three times so I'm sure I'm doomed!

C • Good luck! 5

Bike into Fletcher Creek Ecological Preserve for a picnic lunch in the beeaauuuutiful sunshine! This place is a little hidden gem.

Cycling around Valens, where Earl and I were camping for the night. Such a lovely park!

Run-ish. Very unhappy left achilles at the moment. :-|