Training Run — Sunday, June 13, 2004
Cypress Top Lookout to Deep Cove, 33 Km
I’m gonna get that weather-horseshoe surgically removed…it’s getting uncomfortable! As it did a couple of weeks ago, the rain fell all night but stopped in time to cut the excuses short.
42 people met in the early morning in Deep Cove and with some direction from Melissa, we organized ourselves into vehicles that would get us to the start of this run – the Skyline trail on Cypress Mountain. I don’t think that there is any better illustration of exactly how far we were running than the time it takes just to drive to the start (“Are we there yet?”) – other than actually running. Remember that when you are sitting on the shuttle from Deep Cove on race day…or not.
After a brief talk about the perils of running alone and a description of the day’s route (false trails and water/facilities) we were off. There were 3 distinct groups right off the bat – the speedsters (fast runners and those with planes to catch), the rest of us, and Gottfried (who smartly got his sick body back into a vehicle). Due to the curvy nature of the trail and the density of the forest, it seemed that the entire group was swallowed up. With the exception of our own group of 6, nobody else was visible (though almost everyone remained in a group). The trail was surprisingly mud-free despite all the rainfall the night before, but the creeks were quite full. We ran at a very even pace - as is the norm with these training runs – and got to know a bit more about our running partners (fodder for the banquet!). A couple of falls took place, there was some bloodshed (Francine, we coulda used yer camera!), and yes, there were knackered knees. It took our group about 5 1/2 hours to cover the distance. Some people put in some extra miles (Tip: if you take off your hat when you stop to tie your shoes, don’t wait until 15 minutes later to go back – uphill – to get it), but almost everybody had an appetite for doughnuts (and if they didn’t, then I’m sure I ate their quota).
This coming Sunday promises to be a key training day as the first 3/4 of the course are covered. Make sure you bring plenty of fluids since it is a long way up that first 1/4. If the weather holds up, you might want to lug that disposable camera with you as you will be clambering up Black Mountain and the views are spectacular. With any luck you might get some great shots of mud-covered running buddies.
Glenn Pacé
