Training Log Archive: Funderstormin

My whole Algonquin plan started when I thought I might join a local group going backcountry camping there for the weekend. But then I decided the organizer seemed too bossy and inflexible about the itinerary, so I abandoned that plan. Then I thought maybe I'd get a backcountry site anyways but watching the forecast throughout the week I decided it was going to be a bit cold given my camping gear...but at that point I'd gotten the backpacking trails in my head so headed out Saturday morning to tackle part of the Highlands trail. I had no idea what gear I'd need so when I arrived I checked out the first part of the trail which seemed well packed down I put on my Spikecross and threw my microspikes in my bag.

My plan was to do the first loop of about 19km but considered trying the whole thing (35km) if I was moving along well enough. The first loop is a lollipop with the stem being about 4km. The day was equally if not more perfect than the previous with beautiful blue skies and sunshine. Within the first couple of km I saw two couples coming in from spending the night and they both said it was lovely but cold. They were also both wearing snowshoes but at the time I thought that seemed unnecessary. Before getting the main loop I saw one other group (they looked to be scouts) coming in from the night.

When I got to the loop there was a sign saying that the loop around the lake could take up to 8 hours and to consider turning back if you didn't have camping gear. I must admit that made me a bit nervous as I was carrying enough gear to be safe but had not anticipated it would take me nearly that long. I headed out on the loop counterclockwise hoping for the best and telling myself I could always turn back around if needed to. Pretty soon, the packed down trails turned into just a couple sets of footprints that turned into one set of snowshoe tracks to follow. It had also gotten warmer and the ground was getting pretty mushy. I was determined to finish what I set out to do but it turned into a bit of a slog where I was struggling to maintain a 3-4km/h pace. The loop was hillier than I had realized and getting mushier by the hour. It was a good thing it was such a beautiful day out or this would have been a bit of a sufferfest!

I was pretty happy to finally finish the lollipop and head back down the stem where I started seeing more groups of people heading out for the night. Some of the campsites I saw looked really lovely and I think I'll have to go back here in the summer to spend a night or two out there.

The most perfect of cross-country ski days on the Fen Lake trails in Algonquin. I planned an impromptu trip up there for the weekend and had originally planned to spend my time running and biking, but there is still a TON of snow up there! Friday morning I saw that the Fen Lake trails had been groomed and were open so I altered my plan and stopped there for a ski before heading to my digs for the weekend. Turned out to be the nicest conditions I think I've had all season - the sun was shining, the sky was blue, and I had the trails all to myself!

I fared okay for most of it but had two good crashes in quick succession towards the end...it's funny, I would see random caution signs for the most innocuous of hills but then no warnings for the ones that did seem dangerous! I emerged from both unscathed but was a bit sore as my watch tells me I was going about 30km/h when they happened!

This is the third time I've driven into town for a 6am spin or yoga class only to come out and find that work is closed and I could have gotten more sleep! Oh well...nice to get a workout in early and have the prospect of an unplanned day off ahead of me!

Lunchtime run with Allison. We almost bailed on our plan and went for beer and nachos instead but held firm and felt quite self-righteous for it.

Great yin yoga class at Cambridge Good Life. I hadn't been to this class in awhile and had forgotten how much I love the instructor. Most of the poses in this class are held for three minutes which is sweet, sweet torture on my tight, tight hips!

Another mission to the Halton complex to learn more of the trails. It was a lovely morning out and I got some immense satisfaction out of learning one new section. :-)