Training Log: Bash

Dee and I met at the bottom of the 6th St. extension and hiked briskly up toward Castle Glen, where we ran around through fields and forest, then ran back down the road. Fun, chatty run - I didn't believe we'd really done a 9 km loop until my watch confirmed it. Gorgeous day!

I did Mr. Gally's MapRun Score-O at Pretty River Valley Provincial Park. It was lots of fun - a beautiful day to run around the woods. The map isn't perfect and I spent a little extra time running around to try to get the MapRun sound if I hadn't heard it by the time I touched a control. We have some new people interested in trying this event and I wanted to be sure it would work.

Thanks to my extra diligence, I missed 2nd place by 26 seconds, lol. Eddie Johnson is leading by a landslide and will probably remain the champion. Alas, it's a small field. We got close to 100 people out for our first in-person event but very few people have come out for the MapRun - even people who have paid for it. It's definitely motivating to have a set time on your calendar to go orienteering.

I got the box of Wilderness Traverse InReach Trackers from the Czech Republic today so I have some busy times coming up as I get them ready for next weekend.

It was a warmer day and Stephen seemed to be feeling it. His speed intervals were as intense as always but they were less frequent and he spent more time sniffing plants to catch up on the Animal News. This didn't stop him from pulling me off my feet for the first time. It won't be the last time. He's half my weight with only 3 perfect legs but he is a Very Sneaky Boy.

'Bent exercised Stephen so I could go for a real trail run. I took the Oak Ridges Trail to Gore Rd. and back. About 30% of the route is quite rooty with some rocks and a layer of dead leaves to hide the danger. I was super cautious in that section to avoid any ankle-related drama.

It sometimes feels like short runs aren't worth the effort but they *have* to be better than not going for a run at all. Future self, take note.

Stephen joined me for the first 5.4 km in Palgrave West, which was his longest excursion yet. He has had absolutely no trouble building up his fitness quickly. This was a mix of hiking, jogging and waterskiing behind him as he pulled hard. He hasn't pulled me onto my face yet but that day is coming for sure.

I've been working to prepare for Wilderness Traverse. The last couple of weeks are always intense.