Training Log Archive: BashIn the 31 days ending Dec 31, 2016:
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Saturday Dec 31, 2016 #
Snowshoeing (Deep Powder) 1:19:53 5.13 km (15:35 / km) +148m 13:37 / km
shoes: Salomon XR Crossmax CS pink/gr
New Year's Eve night snowshoe tour of Palgrave West with Funderstorm, Browner, STORM, 'Bent, Scout, Contour, AdventureDog and BazingaDog. The fluffy snow was mid-shin to knee-deep, and we went bushwhacking for more hills and excitement.
During our first steep downhill, we realized - as STORM bravely clung to two leashes while being dragged downhill face first through logging debris - that we had been too successful in finding excitement.
With three strong dogs on leash and AdventureDog out front, every pooch was in a big hurry for a different reason. Funderstorm and I, the only ones not holding leashes, sometimes had to jog to catch up. After that, we aimed for more trails and flatter bushwhacking although there were still some tricky downhills.
When we reached an open field in Wheelie Woods with snowflakes swirling around, Browner revealed that instead of emergency gear, her pack contained Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey and paper cups! So we had a little celebration to welcome 2017 before we hiked home. Beautiful winter night!
During our first steep downhill, we realized - as STORM bravely clung to two leashes while being dragged downhill face first through logging debris - that we had been too successful in finding excitement.
With three strong dogs on leash and AdventureDog out front, every pooch was in a big hurry for a different reason. Funderstorm and I, the only ones not holding leashes, sometimes had to jog to catch up. After that, we aimed for more trails and flatter bushwhacking although there were still some tricky downhills.
When we reached an open field in Wheelie Woods with snowflakes swirling around, Browner revealed that instead of emergency gear, her pack contained Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey and paper cups! So we had a little celebration to welcome 2017 before we hiked home. Beautiful winter night!
10 AM
Power Yoga 23:00 [1]
slept:7.5
Rodney Yee Power Yoga to kick off New Year's Eve. Hopefully, this will lead to aligned chakras and peace on earth. Both dogs helped me a little.
Strength & Mobility 20:00 [1]
Physio, balance, Dr. Bell and Coach Jeff. My New Year's training goals are bound to include a lot more of this so I figured I might as well get started.
I was inspired by re-reading Alex Hutchinson's Sweat Science article on The Benefits of Having Ankles. [Not the exact title]
http://www.runnersworld.com/sweat-science/your-ank...
Snowshoeing is on tonight's schedule.
Happy New Year to all! :)
I was inspired by re-reading Alex Hutchinson's Sweat Science article on The Benefits of Having Ankles. [Not the exact title]
http://www.runnersworld.com/sweat-science/your-ank...
Snowshoeing is on tonight's schedule.
Happy New Year to all! :)
Friday Dec 30, 2016 #
5 PM
XC Skiing - Classic (Ungroomed) 1:00:35 [3] 7.08 km (7.0 kph) +126m
slept:6.5
I started skiing after sunset - a rare treat - and it was lovely. I skied without a light until it got really dark then turned on my Squirrel Scorcher. I did the same route as yesterday but most of the old tracks were half-filled with fluffy new snow or stomped down by hikers. The best part was the section where 'Bent had skied earlier, leaving it nicely trackset.
In K-Bash Woods, I noticed that the snowshoers had politely stayed to one side but my ski tracks were heavily trampled anyway, by deer and coyotes. The thought that I'd helped some animals gave me a nice, warm, "at one with nature" feeling - until I heard the first coyote howl in the darkness. I never think about them on the trails during the day, even though they live on our property. Night time felt a little different for some reason!
As I skied home, I was torn between competing objectives to "ski for an hour" and "beat yesterday's time". Nailed it.
In K-Bash Woods, I noticed that the snowshoers had politely stayed to one side but my ski tracks were heavily trampled anyway, by deer and coyotes. The thought that I'd helped some animals gave me a nice, warm, "at one with nature" feeling - until I heard the first coyote howl in the darkness. I never think about them on the trails during the day, even though they live on our property. Night time felt a little different for some reason!
As I skied home, I was torn between competing objectives to "ski for an hour" and "beat yesterday's time". Nailed it.
Thursday Dec 29, 2016 #
3 PM
XC Skiing - Classic (Ungroomed) 1:08:29 7.06 km (6.2 kph) +119m
AdventureDog and I skied around Palgrave West. Most of the ski tracks were hidden under 10 cm of wet snow or obliterated by snowshoers who didn't know they should walk beside the ski tracks. So it was slow going but very beautiful.
6 PM
Note
slept:8.25
Ed Whitlock in the New York Times!
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/28/sports/ed-whitlo...
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/28/sports/ed-whitlo...
Wednesday Dec 28, 2016 #
Note
If you're thinking of doing the DontGetLost Snowshoe Raid on Jan. 21 at Blue Mountain, register now since we only have room for 10 more teams. I asked Bob if he planned to increase the registration limit of 125 teams but as of yesterday, he was leaning against it in order to maintain the quality of the event.
http://dontgetlost.ca/index.php/snowshoe-raid
http://dontgetlost.ca/index.php/snowshoe-raid
6 PM
Note
slept:6.25 (sick)
Donald Trump has inspired a giant rooster statue outside a mall in China where it will serve as the mascot. People can buy a replica up to 32 feet tall. Seriously. This is linked to the upcoming Year of the Rooster.
http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/28/asia/donald-trump-ro...
http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/28/asia/donald-trump-ro...
Tuesday Dec 27, 2016 #
1 PM
Snowshoeing 1:21:15 [2] 5.21 km (15:35 / km) +184m 13:15 / km
slept:8.0 (sick) shoes: Salomon XR Crossmax CS pink/gr
Family snowshoe hike in Palgrave West with 'Bent, BazingaDog and AdventureDog. My cold has moved into my lungs but it remains mild so I just wanted to keep my HR down. We mostly bushwhacked up and down hills on snow that had a thick, breakable crust from all the hours of rain yesterday. When we hit old snowshoe tracks, they were frozen hard, either smooth or horribly lumpy.
Great to get out after a nice fireside chat with VO2Max, who is visiting from B.C. Now it's time to see Rogue One. I think I'll wear black for Carrie Fisher.
Great to get out after a nice fireside chat with VO2Max, who is visiting from B.C. Now it's time to see Rogue One. I think I'll wear black for Carrie Fisher.
Monday Dec 26, 2016 #
Note
slept:4.5
Good deal on Suunto Ambit3 Peak watches at MEC. This link is the black model with HRM - the cheapest they have in stock - $399 with free shipping, regular $665. They also have the Sapphire edition for $100 more. This is a more accurate watch with better battery life than the "Ambit4", i.e. the Suunto Spartan, which runs $900-1,000. If I didn't have two Ambit2s, I'd buy one of these.
https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5041-591/Ambit3-Peak...
https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5041-591/Ambit3-Peak...
Sunday Dec 25, 2016 #
Note
slept:6.25
Saturday Dec 24, 2016 #
11 AM
Snowshoe Running (Ungroomed) 47:13 [4] 5.13 km (9:13 / km) +99m 8:24 / km
slept:6.75 shoes: Salomon XR Crossmax CS pink/gr
AdventureDog and I ran a loop in Palgrave West on snowshoes. I'm not feeling 100% - maybe getting 'Bent's cold? Even on a better day, I still would have walked up the untracked hills where the snow is fairly deep and heavier now that the temperature has gone up. There were a few nice stretches where a snowshoe track is getting set.
Lots of family and food over the next couple of days. :)
Merry Christmas to my Attackpoint friends! Happy Hanukkah too, starting at sunset tonight.
Lots of family and food over the next couple of days. :)
Merry Christmas to my Attackpoint friends! Happy Hanukkah too, starting at sunset tonight.
Friday Dec 23, 2016 #
10 AM
XC Skiing - Classic (Groomed & Ungroomed) 1:37:30 [3] 9.85 km (6.1 kph) +161m
slept:5.0
Funderstorm came to check out the Hockleycrest trails. We sent 'Bent off to ski on his own while we did a tour of the highlights. The snow isn't as deep and fluffy as it was a few days ago, and the wind has blown in some hard drifts and bumps on a few trails. It was a wonderful ski but some trails were more challenging than they were on Sunday. Funderstorm did really well and failed to do any spectacular wipeouts that I could have photographed and posted here. :) We finished with a trip to the Hockley General Store for lunch and Christmas shopping.
4 PM
Note
"Let it be a nuclear arms race." Hard to believe the world won't be a very different place in 4 years after this madman has done his "best".
https://beta.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/trump-...
https://beta.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/trump-...
Thursday Dec 22, 2016 #
Note
slept:6.75
Wednesday Dec 21, 2016 #
3 PM
Snowshoe Running 50:06 5.56 km (9:01 / km) +82m 8:24 / km
slept:4.0 shoes: Salomon XR Crossmax CS pink/gr
Snowshoe run around Palgrave West, mostly breaking trail in heavy snow or following one set of soft tracks. I finished on Duffy's Lane, which is closed for the winter and has a snowmobile track, so it felt more like running than strength training.
Snowshoeing (Bushwhacking) 15:02 [2] 0.82 km (18:23 / km) +36m 15:04 / km
There was no way I was going to try to run while bushwhacking in soft snow and forest debris, especially after working so hard already!
Snowshoe Running 10:22 [3] 1.09 km (9:30 / km) +16m 8:51 / km
Final burst of energy when I emerged onto trails near our place. I'd expected to hike all the way home but I actually felt like running. Huh.
Tuesday Dec 20, 2016 #
Note
slept:6.25
One of those lost days when the contractor who is supposed to arrive between 9 and 1 doesn't arrive until 2, and then the work takes 2 hours. On the bright side, I consumed a lot of Christmas chocolate while waiting around.
Monday Dec 19, 2016 #
4 PM
Snowshoeing (Deep Powder) 51:52 3.21 km (16:08 / km) +99m 13:59 / km
slept:6.0 shoes: Salomon XR Crossmax CS pink/gr
AdventureDog and I went bushwhacking (mostly) on snowshoes at sunset. We worked hard, especially up hills, but it was still molasses pace in all this beautiful powder. We stopped by Crash's place to say hi to her and her Mom, and "WOOFWOOFWOOF!!" to her dogs.
Sunsets make me think of Dad. He was an avid photographer and almost always finished his slide shows with a sunset. He would say, "As the sun sets slooooowly in the west...", and we knew the show was ending. Nice memories.
Sunsets make me think of Dad. He was an avid photographer and almost always finished his slide shows with a sunset. He would say, "As the sun sets slooooowly in the west...", and we knew the show was ending. Nice memories.
Sunday Dec 18, 2016 #
1 PM
XC Skiing - Classic (Groomed Trail) 1:27:32 [3] 11.7 km (8.0 kph) +269m
slept:7.0
There's so much snow that 'Bent and I haven't been up to Highlands Nordic yet, even though we bought our memberships back in the spring. We've skied Palgrave a lot already but we haven't been to Albion Hills or Hockleycrest yet so we figured we might as well stay local.
I saw on Facebook that Dave Moule had trackset the Hockleycrest trails this morning so we headed over there. Glad we did! We only met one other couple, otherwise we had the trails all to ourselves. Spectacular weather, lots of snow and terrific views!
I saw on Facebook that Dave Moule had trackset the Hockleycrest trails this morning so we headed over there. Glad we did! We only met one other couple, otherwise we had the trails all to ourselves. Spectacular weather, lots of snow and terrific views!
Saturday Dec 17, 2016 #
10 AM
XC Skiing - Classic (Ungroomed) 1:07:28 [2] 5.51 km (4.9 kph) +121m
slept:5.5
Deep snow family ski around Palgrave West with 'Bent, BazingaDog (on his skijoring harness) and AdventureDog. It was slow but fun and absolutely beautiful! Then 'Bent and I spent the rest of the day eating, visiting with friends and eating, drinking eating. 'Tis the season!
Friday Dec 16, 2016 #
Note
slept:6.0
After getting snowed in yesterday, I had to go to town and buy food today. Also wine, Christmas presents, chocolate, dog kibble and more wine. And now it's snowing again.
Thursday Dec 15, 2016 #
3 PM
Snowshoeing (Deep Powder) 55:00 [2] 2.86 km (19:15 / km) +87m 16:42 / km
slept:6.25 shoes: Salomon XA Pro GTX - Black
Snowshoeing in a blizzard - one of my favourite things! A lake effect snow squall system settled in for most of the day, dumping fluffy snow in our back yard for hours on end.
AdventureDog and I went bushwhacking through Palgrave West in deep snow. No plan, no intervals, just a lot of fun!
Wednesday Dec 14, 2016 #
Note
My evening run in Milton became a sketchy, wintry drive with no time left for a run. But at least I arrived in time for dinner at the Mohawk Chophouse with Funderstorm, Simpy, DD11 and the long lost BugsinTeeth.
11 AM
Snowshoeing 1:24:41 [2] 7.32 km (11:34 / km) +156m 10:27 / km
slept:8.75 shoes: Salomon XA Pro GTX - Black
Mrs. Gally, Dee and I met at Albion Hills on a snowy, sunshiney day with -19C wind chill. We tried the new snowshoe trail in the northeast, then ditched our snowshoes and did a loop out to the splash pad and back. Beautiful day, great chat!
Tuesday Dec 13, 2016 #
1 PM
XC Skiing - Classic (Ungroomed) 1:04:55 6.56 km (6.1 kph) +127m
slept:8.0
AdventureDog and I skied around Palgrave West. I used backcountry skis again (Ontario-style) but graduated from rock skis to the real thing since conditions are so good. That still didn't mean it was fast since I was mostly breaking trail again but when I returned in my own tracks, there was nice glide. It's getting colder tomorrow with more snow on the way! :)
We need to find a way to control A-Dog's frantic barking at the start of any outing or during stops along the trail. It probably comes from the husky part of him. BazingaDog gently takes A-Dog's head into his mouth until he calms down. That's very effective but it's a technique that only works for him.
We need to find a way to control A-Dog's frantic barking at the start of any outing or during stops along the trail. It probably comes from the husky part of him. BazingaDog gently takes A-Dog's head into his mouth until he calms down. That's very effective but it's a technique that only works for him.
5 PM
Strength & Mobility 40:00 [2]
Mix of strength and physio, mostly lower body.
Monday Dec 12, 2016 #
12 PM
XC Skiing - Classic (Ungroomed) 2:34:11 13.07 km (5.1 kph) +260m
slept:6.25
We have 15-20 cm of snow after yesterday's storm - yay, winter! I put on my bushwhacking skis and headed out on an exploratory mission through Palgrave and down to Albion Hills. My GPS track is private because I may or may not have travelled across land belonging to a developer who isn't a fan of skiers, bikers or hikers. And I may have snuck into a ravine to get around his fence.
Trails weren't groomed at Albion Hills either so I skied over to the northeast section where some of the trails have been designated for winter multi-use: fat biking, snowshoeing or skate skiing. No one was around today so I explored a little, even though I wasn't doing one of the officially permitted activities.
The Short, Medium and Long routes are marked with letters.
On the way back, I carried my skis up Duffy's Lane until I could get onto the Wheelwright trails and ski back home through Palgrave West. Conditions were sloooow today with snow sometimes pouring into my ski boots. On the few occasions when I skied back on a track I'd created, I had good glide. Otherwise, it felt like I had glue on my skis; I even had to use my poles to get down hills! On average, it was more of a hiking pace.
Beautiful day!
Trails weren't groomed at Albion Hills either so I skied over to the northeast section where some of the trails have been designated for winter multi-use: fat biking, snowshoeing or skate skiing. No one was around today so I explored a little, even though I wasn't doing one of the officially permitted activities.
The Short, Medium and Long routes are marked with letters.
On the way back, I carried my skis up Duffy's Lane until I could get onto the Wheelwright trails and ski back home through Palgrave West. Conditions were sloooow today with snow sometimes pouring into my ski boots. On the few occasions when I skied back on a track I'd created, I had good glide. Otherwise, it felt like I had glue on my skis; I even had to use my poles to get down hills! On average, it was more of a hiking pace.
Beautiful day!
Sunday Dec 11, 2016 #
Note
slept:7.5
Summarizing the past few days of Christmas celebrations...
Saturday Dec 10, 2016 #
12 PM
Running (Trail) 1:57:54 [3] 14.03 km (8:24 / km) +497m 7:08 / km
slept:7.25 shoes: Salomon Snowcross1 2nd pair
'Bent, AdventureDog and I ran the Hockley Provincial Park loop, taking the 3 Bruce side trails north and returning on the main Bruce Trail. We ran on a thin layer of snow and ice with only a light coating on rocks and roots - a bit risky for my recovering ankle but all went well.
We stopped at several creeks to try to get A-Dog to drink but he was having none of that. I think the crunchy ice along the water's edge was a bit scary, and he often seems concerned that we're trying to abandon him like his previous owner did. Snow was falling the entire time we were out, including an hour of big snowflakes. If all goes well tomorrow evening, we should be able to ski on the Palgrave forest trails on Monday.
We stopped afterward at Farmhouse Pottery on Hockley Road for pie, coffee, Christmas shopping and a chat with artist Al Pace about northern canoe adventures, the other business he operates with his wife, Lin Ward.
We stopped at several creeks to try to get A-Dog to drink but he was having none of that. I think the crunchy ice along the water's edge was a bit scary, and he often seems concerned that we're trying to abandon him like his previous owner did. Snow was falling the entire time we were out, including an hour of big snowflakes. If all goes well tomorrow evening, we should be able to ski on the Palgrave forest trails on Monday.
We stopped afterward at Farmhouse Pottery on Hockley Road for pie, coffee, Christmas shopping and a chat with artist Al Pace about northern canoe adventures, the other business he operates with his wife, Lin Ward.
Friday Dec 9, 2016 #
Note
slept:7.0
Thursday Dec 8, 2016 #
Note
slept:7.75 (rest day)
BazingaDog and I made a road trip to Scarborough to see his orthopaedic surgeon for a final check. He's all healed up with a good range of motion. His other knee seems fine for now, although dogs with cruciate ligament tears often need surgery on both knees eventually. He needs some deep tissue massage to loosen up his tight quad and hip flexor. Nothing fancy - we can do it if he lets us.
It sure is easier to fix knee problems if you're a dog!
His brother, AdventureDog, has been helping out by falling asleep on B-Dog's repaired leg.
It sure is easier to fix knee problems if you're a dog!
His brother, AdventureDog, has been helping out by falling asleep on B-Dog's repaired leg.
Wednesday Dec 7, 2016 #
Note
From the world of mountain sports: National Geographic interviewed elite mountaineer Conrad Anker after his recent heart attack at almost 20,000' while attempting a first ascent in the Nepal Himalaya. He's recovering well.
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/2016/c...
Carbon's Offset, Carbon and I summited Tunnel Mountain in Banff with Conrad in 2013. It was a pre-film activity at the Banff Mountain Film Festival that included free Kicking Horse coffee for the "climb".
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/2016/c...
Carbon's Offset, Carbon and I summited Tunnel Mountain in Banff with Conrad in 2013. It was a pre-film activity at the Banff Mountain Film Festival that included free Kicking Horse coffee for the "climb".
12 PM
Running (Trail) 2:08:20 [3] 16.22 km (7:55 / km) +368m 7:06 / km
slept:7.25 shoes: Salomon Snowcross1 2nd pair
Oak Ridges Trail to the stile at Glen Haffy plus the 2.2 km loop of road allowance trail and Bruce Trail. For now, I'll keep mentioning the stile in my log entries to make it easier to search my log for runs from home to Glen Haffy but in reality, the stile was recently dismantled and the trail rerouted around the fence.
I'd wavered about going to boot camp tonight but this run made it clear that I wasn't ready for a hard workout. I felt tired - like I just wanted to lie down. I didn't run up any of the steep hills although I tried to push up the gentler ones.
My new Snowcross got a good workout on trails that were mostly coated with snow and crunchy ice. The creeks and puddles were verrrry chilly! The gravel roads and shoulders on the route were mostly clear. We have a snow squall watch late tomorrow so maybe winter will finally arrive!
I'd wavered about going to boot camp tonight but this run made it clear that I wasn't ready for a hard workout. I felt tired - like I just wanted to lie down. I didn't run up any of the steep hills although I tried to push up the gentler ones.
My new Snowcross got a good workout on trails that were mostly coated with snow and crunchy ice. The creeks and puddles were verrrry chilly! The gravel roads and shoulders on the route were mostly clear. We have a snow squall watch late tomorrow so maybe winter will finally arrive!
Tuesday Dec 6, 2016 #
6 PM
Running (Treadmill) 29:05 [3] 3.73 km (7:48 / km)
slept:6.0
Unfortunately, I only had time to explore the wilds of my treadmill today.
7 PM
Strength & Mobility 56:00
C3 Injury Prevention class. Useful stuff! My gluteus medius finally gave up during one of the longer routines but at least it failed equally on both sides of my body, so I'm balanced. I chatted with first-timer Caroline afterward.
Tonight's class pushed me past my 2016 goal of 80 hours of Strength, Mobility and Yoga - the first time I've achieved a strength training goal in years of trying. I've also exceeded my Running/Orienteering goal by more than 50 hours so far. However, I won't be coming close to my overall training goal of 550 hours. Not enough multi-sport in my life this year.
Tonight's class pushed me past my 2016 goal of 80 hours of Strength, Mobility and Yoga - the first time I've achieved a strength training goal in years of trying. I've also exceeded my Running/Orienteering goal by more than 50 hours so far. However, I won't be coming close to my overall training goal of 550 hours. Not enough multi-sport in my life this year.
Monday Dec 5, 2016 #
Note
slept:8.25
Sunday Dec 4, 2016 #
10 AM
Orienteering race 1:53:06 [4] 12.84 km (8:48 / km) +347m 7:45 / km
slept:4.5 shoes: Salomon S-Lab Fellcross 2
Dontgetlost Icebreaker Adventure Run
Chedoke, Hamilton
2-hour score format - green, blue, black diamond, double black diamond
Great to see so many friends out today for a chilly (but not snowy) Icebreaker! As in 2014, we had the option to start with the Killer K - a kilometre of muddy climbs and descents, finishing with a long stair climb to the top of the escarpment where we punched a black diamond control. We could only punch it as our first control and it was valuable enough that it seemed like a good idea - although it turned out to be the only control skipped by the top two Open Women. In hindsight, I could have picked up more points on the golf course in the time it took me to do the Killer K but on a positive note, I beat my 2014 split by 25 seconds. Here's 'Bent doing the Killer K.
From the top of the stairs, I considered running to the east side of the map to pick up 210 points that were partway up the escarpment. That would have saved some climbing but I didn't want to feel pressed for time on the valuable west side of the map so I ran back down all the stairs, then ran west to get 44, 49, 47 and 48 in an area that felt quite familiar from Raid The Hammer last month. On the way back, I did Raid Re-run Leg #1 (45 to 46), then I ran east of the clubhouse to do Raid Re-run Leg #2 (42 to 43).
Double black diamond control 50 was close by and I managed to turn my map upside down as I was scrambling up the steep slope covered with loose rocks, wet leaves and mud. Lucky for me, I decided to climb up to the correct elevation, then contour across to the control on the other side of the staircase. I was kinda shocked to find it almost immediately, well before the staircase. After that, I turned my map right side up to avoid further surprises.
Then I ran onto the golf course where I had time to pick up 39, 38, 33, 35 and 31. I finished with extra time but the closest control was one that only counted if it were done as part of a set of three controls ("The Chair Climb") that involved a lot of up and down. So I headed to the finish and dug into the coconut cookies early.
I had a few minor bobbles here and there but overall it was a good race for me. I was super cautious in rocky areas because of my two ankle sprains in October but otherwise, running felt good. I came home with two tickets to the Banff Mountain Film Festival Tour in Hamilton for winning the Masters Female category (1/19). Really happy with that prize - thank you, Adventure Attic! :) Thanks to Meghan, Patrick and the volunteers for another fun day out. P.S. 'Bent cleared the course! (He finished 80 seconds late but that's because his watch was wrong.)
Chedoke, Hamilton
2-hour score format - green, blue, black diamond, double black diamond
Great to see so many friends out today for a chilly (but not snowy) Icebreaker! As in 2014, we had the option to start with the Killer K - a kilometre of muddy climbs and descents, finishing with a long stair climb to the top of the escarpment where we punched a black diamond control. We could only punch it as our first control and it was valuable enough that it seemed like a good idea - although it turned out to be the only control skipped by the top two Open Women. In hindsight, I could have picked up more points on the golf course in the time it took me to do the Killer K but on a positive note, I beat my 2014 split by 25 seconds. Here's 'Bent doing the Killer K.
From the top of the stairs, I considered running to the east side of the map to pick up 210 points that were partway up the escarpment. That would have saved some climbing but I didn't want to feel pressed for time on the valuable west side of the map so I ran back down all the stairs, then ran west to get 44, 49, 47 and 48 in an area that felt quite familiar from Raid The Hammer last month. On the way back, I did Raid Re-run Leg #1 (45 to 46), then I ran east of the clubhouse to do Raid Re-run Leg #2 (42 to 43).
Double black diamond control 50 was close by and I managed to turn my map upside down as I was scrambling up the steep slope covered with loose rocks, wet leaves and mud. Lucky for me, I decided to climb up to the correct elevation, then contour across to the control on the other side of the staircase. I was kinda shocked to find it almost immediately, well before the staircase. After that, I turned my map right side up to avoid further surprises.
Then I ran onto the golf course where I had time to pick up 39, 38, 33, 35 and 31. I finished with extra time but the closest control was one that only counted if it were done as part of a set of three controls ("The Chair Climb") that involved a lot of up and down. So I headed to the finish and dug into the coconut cookies early.
I had a few minor bobbles here and there but overall it was a good race for me. I was super cautious in rocky areas because of my two ankle sprains in October but otherwise, running felt good. I came home with two tickets to the Banff Mountain Film Festival Tour in Hamilton for winning the Masters Female category (1/19). Really happy with that prize - thank you, Adventure Attic! :) Thanks to Meghan, Patrick and the volunteers for another fun day out. P.S. 'Bent cleared the course! (He finished 80 seconds late but that's because his watch was wrong.)
Saturday Dec 3, 2016 #
11 AM
Running (Trail) 1:57:41 [3] 14.27 km (8:15 / km) +430m 7:10 / km
slept:7.5 shoes: Salomon Speedcross Pro - Blue
'Bent, AdventureDog and I went trail running and bushwhacking all over Glen Haffy. It's Dec. 3 so we should have been skiing but it was nice family time anyway. Our bushwhacking was a search for a connection between the northwest part of the conservation area and the residential streets of Mono Mills. That would make it nicer to run to/from Caron's new fitness studio on the corner of Hwy 9 and Airport Rd. But it looks like there is no way to get through without crossing someone's lawn. Maybe the studio can give away a free membership to a friendly home owner in exchange for permission to cross their yard? In the meantime, the best bet will be to take the Bruce Trail to Hwy 9 and run on the highway shoulder for about 700 meters. Really awful but at least it's short. [Update: After seeing the GPS track, there is a route through the subdivision that would shorten the Hwy 9 run to 250 m. Not bad.]
We ran into SlowRunner and had a brief chat. AdventureDog is a tough coach who barks if we stop running, so we can only have quick conversations with any friends we meet on the trails.
We ran into SlowRunner and had a brief chat. AdventureDog is a tough coach who barks if we stop running, so we can only have quick conversations with any friends we meet on the trails.
Friday Dec 2, 2016 #
Note
slept:7.0 (rest day)
More on nutrition and longevity: Chef Peng Chang-kuei, creator of General Tso's Chicken, passed away this week. In spite of all that fat and added sugar, he lived to be 98 - the same age as the creator of the Big Mac, who passed away two days earlier. Hmm, might need to rethink our food choices...
Thursday Dec 1, 2016 #
Running (Trail) 1:01:51 [3] 8.88 km (6:58 / km) +123m 6:31 / km
slept:6.5 shoes: Salomon XT6 Softground
It's December - time for some snow to fall! AdventureDog and I did a different circuit around Palgrave East, stopping by Crash's place to leave my original pair of Snowcross for her to try. They still look spiffy but after 4 years and 500+ km, I've splurged on a new pair. During the winter, I wear them for most of my runs and all my orienteering so it seemed like a worthwhile investment.
Strength & Mobility (Core) 19:00 [2]
Hard Core Live with Caron
Power Yoga 55:00 [1]
C3 class - lots of hamstring/calf/hip stretch/strength moves and lots of forward bendy stuff. My favourite!
Note
Very nice to see FB today when he stopped by to drop off some ARWC loaners! :)