Training Log Archive: Bash

This run - my longest in months - was inspired by Timato's finish at the Whistler Alpine Meadows 100 miler yesterday. Like most of us, Timato's race schedule took a hit over the past few years. In addition, he's had back problems that have affected his activities for a long time. He got appropriate diagnosis and care, and trained very patiently over the past two years. This weekend he returned to the mountains and crushed another 100 miler in his usual well-planned, well-executed style. Congratulations!

I won't be doing any 100 milers but in honour of Timato's success, I drove to Glen Haffy, where I used to do hilly runs close to home when I was training for ultras. I started near the dead end of Innis Lake Road north of Finnerty and ran north on the Bruce Trail until the top of the stairs above Hwy 9. I walked many uphills rather than pressuring myself to run what I used to run. I came back the same way because there's an orienteering meet next weekend and I knew I wouldn't see any flags if I stuck to the Bruce Trail. I still have PTSD from breaking my nose in April so I always test my shoelaces, watch the ground and lift my feet *very* carefully.





Autumn is coming.

'Bent and I rode to Albion Hills and toured most of the trail network. The flowy trails of Caledon are such a treat after riding the rocks of Kolapore and 3 Stage! Riding up north has improved my technical skills so the eroded roots of Albion are less daunting than they used to be.

After more than 20 km, the trail spit us out near the road where we'd come in. It was a hot day and I was mentally prepared for the 4 km uphill ride back home. But 'Bent turned back into the trail network. What?! When I reached him at the next junction, he said, "If we do this loop, we will have ridden the entire network." Being a detail person, I foolishly listed 3 other trails we hadn't ridden today and he insisted on riding one of those trails too! Finally, we rode home and collapsed in a puddle of sweat. The good news is, I won't feel guilty about dessert tonight. :)

I was a little surprised to shed some tears for the death of Queen Elizabeth II today. I'm not really a strong monarchist. She had a good life and lived to a ripe old age. I guess it was because she's been in my life forever - in a framed photo on the walls of my classrooms and church, in the anthem we sang each morning and in the pledge I made weekly as a Girl Guide. In later years, my Mom was honoured with a Queen's Jubilee Medal. Of course the Queen was always in the news with countless appearances, journeys and ceremonies. She's been a constant over my lifetime.

She was older than my parents but they were in the same generation that reached adulthood shortly after World War II. I remember Mom taking us to see the Queen and Prince Philip when they rolled through Brantford on a train, standing outside and waving from the back deck.

I also remember an accidental "meeting" when I was living and working in Sydney, Australia. The Royal Yacht Britannia was in town and my friend and I were shocked when the Queen and Prince Philip were driven past us on a near-empty street. The light was on in the back seat, showing them clearly. We stopped in our tracks with our jaws dropped and we waved little "Queen waves". If I remember correctly, she waved back but we were so surprised that I might be imagining that part.

It's pretty incredible to imagine doing the same demanding job for 70 years and being in a leadership role for that long. She fulfilled her role very well. May she rest in peace.

Twenty-six years ago today, we went for a canoe trip with some friends and family. May our adventures together continue for many years to come. :)

My Achilles spoke up about the 10K on Monday. I'm not sure the weighted calf lifts were helping anymore but they can't hurt.

Kolapore Church / Paradise Highway Loop clockwise

When we were paddling at Wasaga Beach on Saturday, it felt like the last day of summer. Families packed the beach and splashed in the water. It was hot, the water was refreshing and everyone knew this would be one of our last chances this season.

When we awoke yesterday, autumn had arrived overnight. In 24 hours, I went from jumping into Georgian Bay in my clothes to wearing a sweater to dinner. It remained cool today, which was perfect for running.

My Achilles always hurts when I flex my right foot but it hasn't been making me limp as much lately. After 32 months of this injury, that's as good as it gets. I ran the 10K rocky trail loop out our back door with an out-and-back on our driveway to top up the distance. These days, that's a long run and it went reasonably well. I only met two groups of hikers. I didn't see any bikers and I didn't meet the local bear either.