Deep Cove was abuzz with activity
this morning for a dragon boat competition to be held later in the
day. Parking was a bit tight to say the least but we managed to
get everyone to the start of today's run at Cleveland Dam. 40+
runners came out to test the second half of the course.
The trails were a lot wetter than
last week with mud in plenty of areas. Kendall, Steve, Scott,
Patricia and myself ran together more or less to Lynn Valley.
Beers aplenty were owed today as Steve, Kendall and me all took a
tumble today touching the ground with both hands. For the
newbies, a local tradition holds that if you fall on the trail you owe
everyone who witnesses it a beer for each hand that touches the
ground. Make sure you have designated drivers for the finishers
banquet!
Near Mosquito Creek we ran into Chris
Mager a speedy multiple KK finisher, who is training for the Western
States 100 miler. He was running from Deep Cove to
Grouse and back. He's looking strong and we wish him and
all the other BC runners a great race in California.
Patricia and Scott (who's also
training for Western States) wanted a longer route so we
parted ways at Lynn Valley Road. A brief pit stop at
the Seymour Demonstration Forest (I've never liked the
"official" new name of the Lower Seymour Conservation
Reserve) gazebo allowed Glenn to catch up. This group
of four - Kendall, Steve, Glenn and myself stayed together for the
rest of the run to the Cove. More mud, some choice words during
the uphill and brief relief during the downhills defined the last
part of the run. Apres run snacks at Honey's were
as good as ever.
For the first time Knee Knackerers
(is this a word?) this run gives you a taste of what the race is
like; but remember on race day you will have already been running on
rugged terrain for 2.5-5 hours before you even start this section!
Keep trying different foods and liquids so you find what works
best for you. Try different equipment (fanny packs,
handheld bottles, shoes, clothing) to find what is most comfortable
and then DON'T, I repeat, DON'T try anything new on
race day. The training runs are the time to figure
this out.
I'll be away for next week's run so
I'll see you in two weeks - Craig and Colin will be leading the
run. Next week the meeting place is Cleveland Dam again and
you'll be climbing towards Cypress for the first time. Its a fun
run (well at least I think its fun) with some tough uphill and
equally tough downhill that will really work those quads.
Have a great run and stay fit, stay
healthy!