Grouse to Mtn. Hwy up to Grouse, 18+ km

Spring on the North Shore is probably the best place to be on the planet...those of us who've been here through it's season's can attest, it's one of those mythical places where one can ski, sail, golf, climb, skimboard, etc...all on the same day.

This day, I was scheduled for a 5 hour training run.  The weather had jumped from the low teens to the high 20's within 24 hours....our first heat wave of the year!

I started the day at 6:30am with a 1 hour run up the Mosquito Creek trail. It was slightly unusual in the fact that I was carrying some extra gear with me....in one hand, I had two handheld water bottles.  In the other, a plastic bag containing 6 DVDs...they were giveaways for some of our lucky trainees courtesy of one of our sponsors - Curb Ivanic & Ultrafitness.  Even this early in the morning, the cool air along the creek was welcome as I ran in a sleeveless jersey.

Since the Knee Knacker training schedule called for a two & a half to three hour run, I made sure that I arrived at the Grouse Mountain parking lot in time to get everyone oriented with the day's training run. Instead of the usual warning about the cold & blustery conditions that may await us at the top of the mountain, it was all about wearing sunscreen & shades...oh, & the bears are out (my wife had a close encounter on her training run the day prior in the Capilano Canyon....less than 50' from her).

There were over 55 runners present & we spent the first hour skirting the base of the mountain, & then headed up Mount Fromme on the Old Mountain "Highway". I felt fairly comfortable at first, but by the 4th or 5th switchback, it was becoming apparent that there are some very fit ladies in the group....I slowed my pace & off they went...disappearing into specs in the distance!!

It has been an exceptional snow year so we were treated to overflowing creeks, & 8' snow banks on the upper reaches of the run....the cool blasts of air as we passed the various creeks were a welcome break from the heat.

We reached the top of the mountain in about 2 1/2 hours to 3 hours. It seemed that everyone ran in small groups that would stream in at close intervals. After a few minutes of banter, refueling, & resting our legs, decisions were made as to what our next steps would be. Most people opted to "run" down the uber-steep BCMC trail, while some opted to pay the $5 for the 8 minute tram ride.  I had to put in some overtime & decided to run back down the "highway" & take the St George's trail to the Mosquito Creek junction & then back home. Nancy, came along & we chatted the final hour as we found or way through the maze of second growth cedars on the seldom traveled St George trail. On our way down, we saw a few more fellow trainees as they finished the final slog to the top of Grouse.

I finally made it home & was greeted at the door by my 10 y.o. daughter...a frosty IPA ready for me.  My 7 y.o. son asked if we could go mountain-biking now that I was home.  The dog needed a walk, so back up Mosquito Creek trail we went....& we all soaked in the cold water that was snow so many vertical feet earlier.

Such is spring on the North Shore!

Glenn Pace

Photos courtesy Mike Wardas ...

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