Have we been lucky with the weather or what? And our
7:00 am start was inviting enough to see 40 dedicated souls turn up for
our longest group run so far. At 4 to 6 hours this run probably
comes out at about 30 to 35 Km through terrain that tests all of our best
Knee Knacker abilities. This weekend was the running of the Larch
Hills 50K race in Salmon arm and several people were getting their long
run in out of town instead.
One of the best parts of the run was our inaugural crossing of the new
bridges in the McKay Creek area. The Trail Work Party on Saturday,
June 8, was a big success with 30 strong backs and 60 arms hacking and
sawing and lifting our way to a smoother and safer trail. You'll now
find that we even put a temporary bridge across McKay Creek and did some
scaling work in the area to make things much quicker and
safer.
I took a quick pole at the start of our run and found out that there
were about a dozen people training for their first Knee Knacker
race. I also chatted with 1 or 2 people that were just out to see
what trail running is about. Everyone is welcome as always so feel
free to invite your friends along anytime.
I saw a few people turn around early instead of going all the way to
Old Buck (I'm at the back remember so I get to see it all).
Evidently the distances are getting long enough now to give runners second
thoughts about punishing their already well tested bodies ... a smart move
in my books speaking from personal experience. Of course, not one to
take my own advice too seriously, I ventured off on my own to Deep Cove
before embarking on the return trip. I was thinking about Honey's
all the way out and sure enough it was worth the visit to get some juice,
water, a muffin and a java injection from the kind and beautiful ladies
there. I'm sure I had a few looks from the patrons as I wandered in
somewhat dazed and very muddy and sweaty only to leave in a flash as I
stuffed my mouth with that awesome strawberry blueberry muffin.
Fortunately I wasn't alone on the way back as I bumped into some other
wayward Knee Knacker types in small groups or on their own. It's
amazing who you will find out in the middle of nowhere ... someone you
have never met before but who has the same goal of completing one of
Canada's toughest races. They are full of encouragement and have
that little glint in their eye knowing they have already accomplished an
enormous amount just being out there for the training and the pure fun.
Next week we meet in Deep Cove and the run
will be Cypress
Top Lookout (Skyline Trail) to Deep Cove. A nice 4 to 6 hour run and starting
again ONE
HOUR EARLIER at 7:00 a.m. See you there and see you at
Honey's when you're done!