Training Log Archive: Bash

Nice catch-up hike around Glen Haffy with Storm, Browner, Scout and Contour. BazingaDog stayed home to give his back more time to heal but AdventureDog picked up the slack and played with the other two dogs. Then we had yummy takeout lunch from the Caledon Brewery, watched Brad Jennings' new Wilderness Traverse film and sang an early Happy Birthday to 'Bent. Somehow I'd managed to keep his birthday chocolate mousse cake hidden in the fridge just by placing 4 cans of beer in front of the box. Luckily, he didn't get thirsty. :)

Here's Brad's new Wilderness Traverse film! Because we had two cohorts, he was able to come back the day after he raced to get additional footage.

Masked rail trail group hike from Town Hall to Cory Trépanier's stone on the Caledon Walk of Fame and back again, led by an energetic bagpiper who must have had very cold knees. Cory was a national ambassador for the Trans Canada Trail, which includes the Caledon Trailway, so it was an appropriate way to finish his outdoor Celebration of Life. All the dignitaries who spoke at his book launch four weeks ago returned to the podium - the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, the Mayor and the CEOs of Parks Canada, the Trans Canada Trail and the Royal Canadian Geographic Society. His family was touched by all the support.

2 km rowing, physio exercises and some other dumbbell exercises. Baloney mentioned Turkish get-ups in her log again, which caused me to look it up on YouTube again - but this was the first time I tried a few. Using a tiny weight, I think I got the idea but it was hard! I can imagine what a good exercise it would be with a heavy weight.

Always good for a smile: the Comedy Wildlife Photography awards.
https://www.npr.org/sections/pictureshow/2021/11/1...

I noticed a couple of my favourite outdoor gear items that I would buy in the MEC Black Friday sale if I didn't already own them. It's possible that other places have better BF deals on these items but these prices are pretty good if you're looking for this sort of thing.

Garmin InReach Mini satellite communicator - for safety/tracking/communications where cell service is unreliable or non-existent. Need to buy a plan. Marked down from $450 to $380. Seldom marked down very much.
https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5060-919/inReach-Min...

Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Poles - I've used these for mountain ultras where poles were allowed and I've also used them to hike on rough terrain when I'm trying to protect my ankle. They're not the most durable poles and the length isn't adjustable but they are super light and I've never broken one in spite of numerous "attempts". Because they're so light, I don't mind bringing them even if I don't end up using them, and that's a big plus. Marked down from $245 to $183. There are other BD FLZ models at a lower price point, also on sale.
https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5057-640/Distance-Ca...

Physio appt: Shockwave #3 + active release of the right calf. I'm not sure if it means anything but today's shockwave was the most painful yet - only in one small area near the lower right back of the heel, almost at the bottom. Otherwise, I think it was less painful than usual.

Short treadmill run to confirm that I land a little more heavily on the right side (habit from my left ankle sprains) and drop my shoulder a bit to the right too (opposite to my guess). There's nothing glaring about my gait though. The biggest issue we've found so far is the huge difference in calf strength between right and left legs because I've protected the right Achilles for so long.

The traditional "I deserve a reward for driving Hwy 9 all the way to Newmarket" latte has been moved from Starbucks to the much superior Metropolis Cafe downtown. Veinbuster and J walked over to meet me there and we bravely sat on the chilly patio to avoid sharing indoor air with strangers since the next Covid surge seems to be underway.

First treadmill run with films for a long time. I'm hoping it will be easier on my Achilles.

Short basement workout, about 50% rowing.

I received a disturbing email from a friend today, sent to a large group of contacts. He shared his story of childhood sexual and emotional abuse by a man who became his Scoutmaster, and discussed his lifelong battle with shame and guilt.

Here's the part that absolutely crushed me: "My silence as a child continues to hurt me as an adult. I still cry about it and I am now 91 years old."

He is a retired professor and scientist, a published author and poet, and an experienced outdoorsman. (It's not a problem to share info about him, as he invited us to share his email with others, which would reveal his identity.) He originally wrote this story as an essay for the Globe and Mail but it wasn't published. Now, as dementia starts to steal his memories, he wants to share his important message and try to heal.

There was a ray of light at the vax clinic for the first 45 minutes when we had a rush of booster shot clients along with a few stragglers getting 1st or 2nd doses. We had hit rock bottom in terms of client cheerfulness; it will be nice to get back to seeing people who want to be vaccinated. Amongst other things, they tend to wear better masks around us! By next week, I expect there will be lots of boosters and in a few weeks, we'll probably start seeing elementary school kids, which will be a huge change. I suspect a lot of them will get their shots at school or from a family doc so maybe it won't be like the big rush of teenagers in the summer.