Smith Rock and City of Rocks

At some point, earlier this year, Peter and I decided to go on a fall vacation for roughly 10-14 days. However, the location(s) of said trip had changed numerous times. At the beginning, we had flirted with fast packing the John Muir trail but that idea was quickly forgotten. Eventually, this trip turned into a climbing extravaganza. The weather in all the places we wanted to go were looking good, but only for days at a time and thus we were left to just head out and chase the sun.



Our first stop was the always beautiful Smith Rock, which located 30 miles north of Bend, OR. If you have never been here, you NEED to put it on the list. Not only is it a world class climbing destination, the running here is awesome. This is our 4th trip here in 4 years, 3 of which were in 2011. Every time I am here, life just feels right. Words can’t describe how amazing this place is. CHECK IT OUT!



On our second time in Smith, at the end of a long climbing day, we ran into 3 guys who were finishing up a run. I started chatting with them about their chosen route for the day as it was clear they had been on a longer run. I was pretty unfamiliar with the place at this point and could not remember what they had said but what I learned from them was that there was more running to be had than what I originally had thought. On our next few trips I have kept my eyes out for possible running routes and have always noticed this rocky undulating ridge (see pic below) to the right of the park, on the north side of the river. Peter and I finally pulled out a map and figured out the link up and ran it the next day.



We finished off the afternoon with a stellar multi-pitch, called Sky Ridge, which gave us all the exposure and views we were looking for. After repelling down 3 pitches of climbing, we stood, simply hanging out at the base of the rappel. There was another couple rapping down and as we stood there chatting, one of them yelled something, which just sounded like noise. It wasn’t until we heard a big loud thump right next to us that we realized they were yelling “ROCK!” That incident really made me think about the risks of this sport (we were wearing helmets!). Had that rock been a little bit more to the right or left, some serious damage could have been inflicted. It’s good to have friendly reminders like that to keep you in check and remind us that were not invincible.

After waking up this morning we decided to head over to City of Rocks, which is near Twin Falls Idaho. The drive along HWY 26, has been beautiful and I wish we could just live like this for a while. So simple.

After many hours of driving, I needed to get out for a run! I needed to shake out the legs from sitting for so long. We parked the car at Boise State University and went for a nice run along the river. I guess a football game had just finished because there were hundreds of people wearing their Blue and Orange Bronco's shirts. It was nice to be outside and I even found myself in the midst of a little race with a local girl. I had passed her early on (on the way out) without too much effort and within minutes I could hear the heavy breath of someone behind me (it was her!). Not wanting to relinquish my position, I increased the pace, wanting to make her work a little harder if she wanted to keep up. This made the rest of the run a little exciting because I now had something to focus on. After a while, the sound of her breathing had seized and I suppose she had fallen back a bit. I had to turn around because I was just doing an out and back and as I went by her in the opposing direction, I gave a wave and a smile and she did the same, thanking me for the push.

We spent the night at the Twin Falls Motel 6 and had a lovely dinner at Applebees. I wasn't expecting much from the menu that had way too many choices for this indecisive soul but I managed to find something that tasted great! The next morning we set off for City of Rocks and a few hours later we were in one of the coolest places I have stepped foot in. Seriously, it's as though someone dropped blobs of rock from the sky into the middle of nowhere for us all to enjoy.



We spent that day climbing at one particular crag. There were heaps of cattle close by and all you could hear were the groans and moans of cows. I found it quite humerus because here we were, in what seemed like the most calm, peaceful, deserted place and the sound of the cows was so powerful. Luckily, not every crag was near cattle and you in fact could climb in peace, however, I embrace all sounds of nature!



We were pretty bang on arriving on a Sunday because all the weekend traffic vanished. Crag's that were littered with people earlier in the day were now without a soul. It was simply splendid. After dinner that night we went and climbed some more at a crag that was no more than a 5 minute walk from our campsite. The approaches to most of the crag's are short.



We climbed a half day the next day as our muscles were a tad sore. We went into town to grab some food, but the selection in the small shops was pretty bleak. If you go there, make sure to grab your own produce before hand because most of the shops just carry the essentials. We also had a great lunch at the local Bar and Grill (forget the name) where pints were only $2.45! The weather was looking pretty ugly and we only made it out for one last climb that day. The wind was pretty intense at times and raindrops were coming and going as Peter lead the way up. At one point, the wind was so strong that it blew off his favourite hat, which he got in a case of Bowen Island beer (I already emailed them, they have no more).



Sadly, it rained all night long and with the weather turning, we headed back to North Van early. I can't wait to come back to this place. I have never seen anything like it. There is something about the simple camping, road trip lifestyle that just works for me. I hate commuting it's true, but when I get to explore and see new roads, cities, and states, it get's me excited and time just seems to fly by. I eat simple foods, which is a nice change because there are so many options when living in the city. While camping, I seem to be able to eat PB&J for lunch everyday and it's delicious every time. But back home, I feel the need to be more creative just because I can. And lastly, the quality time you get to spend with your loved one (or friends) is so valuable. Whether it's simply sitting by a fire or playing a game of travel scrabble, the time spent together is so memorable.

See you in the trails!

Waldo 100 km - DNF!

I'm starting to think that there is a connection with me DNF'ing + 100 km distance + races that start with the letter "W"?

No in all honesty, the reason I DNF'd is simple yet multifaceted but here is the long/short of it.

Since injuring my ankle 7 weeks ago, my training has been less than stellar. I haven't been able to do much downhill at all instead have been more focusing on just being able to run (for my own sanity). Normally, I tailor my training towards the race I am doing and in this case that would have involved a lot more climbing and descending as well as many more miles on my feet.

My decision leading up to the race was a bit blurred. Given the above circumstances, I was unsure whether I should race at all. I continued to train, pain free, as best I could. I went to physio the Tuesday of race week, and my physio decided that although she wouldn't say "don't race", she implied that it would be best if I didn't. I think she was more worried that I may compensate for my ankle and injure something else.

Obviously, the last thing anyone wants is to be injured. Having been injured in the past, nothing is worse then being sidelined, especially in summer. However, I had been feeling really good, in terms of the ankle, and what not, just not as fit as I would like to be. Regardless, there was a brief moment where I decided not to race. Needless to say, that was very short lived. As bad as this sounds, I really was gunning for another WS100 spot and I read that Amy Sproston had dropped, due to making the USA World Cup 100km Team. She was definitely someone I was going to be chasing and the fact that she withdrew from the race played heavily on my mind. Looking back, I can now see how extrinsically motivated this is and it's easy to get fixated on something like this which can ruin the experience of racing and being in the mountains.

In the end, I figured, what do I have to lose? I can always drop if my body goes haywire. I have seen too many under-trained runners tow the line and pull off amazing results, anything was possible. I HAD to try. I think I would REGRET not trying. So, I departed North Van with my friend Chris Downie, and we drove half way and slept in a motel for the night. The next day, we drove the rest of the way to Oakridge. Oakridge is a cute small town of about 3000 people and apparently it is the Mountain Biking capital of the NW. We stayed at the Cascade Motel ($60/2 beds) which I would highly recommend. It is approximately a 25-30 min drive to the Start line at Willamette Ski Resort. We arrived early, with some time to kill because our room was not quite ready. We were told about some hot springs (clothing optional) just up the road. I have never been in a hot springs and I was pretty stoked! There were a few different pools parallel to the river, so we had a little hot/cold thing going on. We kept our clothes on, but there were many who were walking about naked, which was awesome!

After a quick dinner, that we made back at the motel (they have a BBQ), we were off to package pick-up/race briefing. They did a great job getting everyone excited and prepared for the next day and I left there, stoked to be running the following day.

We woke up at 3am, ate, and headed over to the start. It was dark and fairly mild out. Starting in a tank and shorts was perfect. No arm warmers or second layer needed. The race pretty much starts straight up and from the minute we started heading up, I could feel the altitude. I know from past races at altitude, even 5000 feet, that it hits me. This race starts at 5000 and climbs, topping up just over 7000, which isn't terrible. I ran/walked this section and as I was passed, tried to remind myself that there was 100km to go! Once we got into the flowy single track, I started cruising. I was in my happy place and was passing people all over, without much effort. I passed 4 women and after the first aid station I was in 3rd, right where I wanted to be to get that WS100 spot.

However, after A1, you climb, and it's gradual, with lot's of steeper pitches. The female behind me was a strong climber and she passed me (easily) right away, which was a bit discouraging but we all have our strengths. This section was arduous and my moral was definitely dropping. I felt like I was moving at a snail's pace, literally. I did the best I could up to Mt. Fuji but negative thoughts starting playing games in my head. I could see the leaders on their way back down from Fuji so I had an idea of where I was in the pack. I was in 4th, which was not a bad place to be in, but to me, today, I wanted to be in the top 3. Instead of fighting, I started fading. I filled up my 1.5L camelbak and grabbed my fuel from my drop bag and left A2. I've been using the same pack for years, but when I left the aid station, it felt like it weighed 100 lbs. Usually, it feels weightless, but not today.

The section from A2 to A3 was a section that I normally would enjoy and thrive in. It was runnable with a few rolling ups but mainly downs. My body felt like it was already 40 miles into a 50 miler, but in reality I wasn't even 20 miles into this 100km. How could my legs be this tired and sore this early? My mind started doubting my body. I started thinking: (1) you are not fit enough (2) your going to get injured (3) your not going to catch the leaders and get that WS100 spot (4) acid reflux already (5) you are not having any fun. These thoughts literally clowded my mind for over an hour and half. My body was moving, holding pace with a lady who had passed me, but my mind was at a stand still.

For those who know me, I am a pretty positive person, and I like to be that way. This person who was running however, was not me and I was not about to spend the next 7-8 hours in self loathing. Here I was in the this beautiful place, but I couldn't even enjoy it for a second. I was too fixated on the outcome of the day versus why it is that I run. I tried to gain motivation from the early starters that I was passing on the course, but that wasn't even working. I kept trying to talk myself into continuing on, just running the rest of it for fun, but in the end, I couldn't beat this funk. I got to A3, sat down, and just started crying. I was done. I was done beating myself up. I didn't want to do it anymore. The minute I stopped, the negative thoughts stopped, and I was able to enjoy what was going on around me. I even contemplated continuing on because it was the first time all day that I wasn't in my head. However, I chose not to.

I think there are factors that lead to thinking like this: (1) I do believe that I wasn't prepared enough for the outcome I was looking for and I wasn't able to run/race like I know I can, which can be discouraging. Perhaps if I had kept going I would have come around, but it also could have lead to injury like my physio suggested. I mean, my body felt like crap at 20 miles. (2) I do much better when I don't fixate on outcomes. Running, only for the sole purpose of wanting a WS100 entry, is not a good strategy for me.

In the end, I am glad I put myself out there because I have no regrets. I don't even regret not continuing because I can learn from that experience. My ankle was a tad swollen after the event, so who knows what it would have been like after 7-8 more hours of running on it. I think I'll take some time and let it get back to being 100% so I know both mentally and physically I am ready to rock when the time comes.

Congrats to everyone who finished. Aliza, you are a rockstar! Congrats to Darla and Denise who earned their spots in WS100, I know they wanted it bad. Lastly, congrats to GT Downie who came 4th overall, 2nd masters. Dave Mackey is an animal. Thanks Craig, Meghan,Curt and all the amazing volunteers who put their time and energy into this race. Those Margaritas post DNF were just what the doctor ordered!

See you in the trails!

LONG TIME GONE!

I've recently been made aware by my boyfriends mother, Flora ("aka: flo") that I have not written a post in a while, which of course I knew. I am not sure what it is. I sit down and write a little bit but never enough to complete an entire post. Then I go and do a whole bunch of new cool exciting things, things I should be writing about to only sit down again and repeat the cycle. I must have 4 unfinished blogs sitting in my computer. Oh well, here goes nothing....

So how to recap an entire month (if not more)? Ever since I jammed up my ankle eons ago at Comfortably numb, I have been just slowly getting myself back to normal. Am I there? Not even close! Ankle wise, it's not bad. My confidence going downhill is at an all-time low, which is giving me all sorts of anxiety regarding this weekends Waldo 100km! I have however been on a lot of outings of 4+ hrs and I have no doubt than I can finish the distance. The question is, do I have the fitness and mental toughness to come top 2 and gain that WS100 spot I want. There are a few fast and strong ladies coming out to this race. Fortunately for me, the one's I am familiar with both have spots to next years race, so we'll see how this plays out. I figured I might as well start sandbagging now! Hey, if things start to get rough, I can always go for the wet waldo award!


(Smith Rock in Bend, OR)



Besides running, I have been climbing a bunch load with Peter. This year has been a great year for me in terms of growth. I climbed a bunch of stuff that I did poorly on last year in Smith Rock and was able to do them clean, however top roping the whole way. The goal for the remainder of the year is to start leading more often. I have lead a few things but I would like to make it more of a regular occurrence. Speaking of Smith Rock, that was one amazing trip. The landscape is just stunning and I can't wait to go back, maybe in the fall. Other than Smith, we've been climbing lot's in Squamish and at Sulley's.

As most of you know, Peter and I moved back to North Van July 1st. We found a great townhouse on lower Lonsdale that we both love. Out of all the places we have ever been in, this one provides the most space with the most privacy. It's also close to both our respective work places. It's interesting...when we were commuting from Squamish to North Van (for work), it was hard not to think about all the gas money and time spent on the drive to and from work. Now however, when we drive to Squamish to play, we never (even for a second), think about the cost. I think in the end, it was the right decision. I don't regret the experience however, because I made some amazing life long friends and met some wonderful people.

I've also been getting into some mountain biking. However, the North Shore is a little less forgiving then Whistler or Squamish. My friend Shauna and I went to Whistler a few weeks ago and rode the blue trails near lost Lake. SOOO FUN! WOW!

This past week, Peter and I were at Shuswap lake with his family. They have been going there every year for about 20+ years. It's always a great time with awesome people and amazing food. It's too bad it fell a week before my race because I think I put on about 5 lbs!!! (kidding, kind of) But that's ok, it's all homemade and well worth it! We pretty much played in the water all day- water skiing, wake boarding, SUP boarding, swimming, and tubing. I had a lot more fun watching Peter's niece and nephew try wake boarding for the first time than I did attempting it myself. It's amazing how fast kids pick up activities!

We came home Friday and were immediately off again the next day to one of my good friend's,Meghan Meagher's, wedding in Pemberton. The ceremony was beautiful, just like the bride (and groom!)and the location was stunning. We ended up driving home that night and rightfully so, we had a big adventure planned for the next day.


(Peter, isn't he just a natural? He sung little Roo to sleep)


(The Brayshaw Family, whom we climb with often in Squamish)


(The beautiful Bride Megs!)

A little sleepy and maybe a bit hung over, we rounded up the troops. Peter, Jenni, Gretel and I hiked up to Hanes Valley from a secret trail (from Grouse that I probably shouldn't talk about because your not really suppose to go up it) and back towards the Lynn Headwaters.


(There was still a bit of snow. Thank goodness we had a tour guide...aka...Peter)



It took us about 4.5 hrs and boy, the boulder field is quite the quad pounder going down than it is going up. Perhaps that outing wasn't the most ideal one when your tapering but oh well, all in the name of adventure! It was great to see Gretel off (France then back home to Australia), as it will probably be a while until I see her again.

This week should hopefully fly by and before I know it, I will be off to Oregon!!!! My oh my I'm nervous! Alright, time to go enjoy the sunshine!

See you in the trails!

THE WAY THE COOKIE CRUMBLES!

(Dirk and I at package pick-up at NSA)

Where does the time go? I have sat down twice since my last post and have written 2 rough draft blogs but they somehow have not made it to the real page. I'll try and make a quick update on all the happenings as of late!

Alright, so....

The day after Test of Metal I ran with the Knee Knacker training group. The run was the first 3/4's of the knee knacker which took about 5.5 hrs. After doing "The Test" one day and the long run the next, my body was trashed and I needed a "down" week bad. However, there was one more week to build before tapering for the knee Knacker. I kept the mid week runs pretty melow and prepped for the Comfortably Numb 25km which was taking place on the Sunday (June 26th). My friend Gretel, who is training for UTMB, had a wicked idea of sleeping in her mom van at the finish line, running to the start of the race, and back, for a total of 50km. I hesitated on the idea but after watching Western States 100 unfold that day I was drawn to spend a long day versus a short day in the trails the next morning. After a 5am wake-up call the next morning, we were off. We made it to the start line with just 10 minutes to spare and before we knew it we were in the race heading back from whence we came.


(Gretel and I in the morning at 5am)

I couldn't help but get excited by all the racers and began racing myself. I think having already ran 25km , my body was all warmed up and I was starting to really push. However, 10km into the race I went to pass a guy. We were on single track trail and I really couldn't see passed him but saw a quick widening in the trail and silently took my chance to pass. As I sped up and extended my stride, the trail all of a sudden dropped off and I was in no proper position to land and jammed up my ankle...BAD. In all of my 5 years of trail running, I have rolled my ankles many times without consequence, but this was different. I heard something GO and I fell to the ground in pain, knowing that I had done something serious. This race is a point to point and there was nowhere near by I could really get out and so I started to walk towards the finish, knowing it would be a long, slow, painful march. I got to the midway aid station and sat down, pondering what to do, when all of a sudden my buddy Gretel came running in. Gretel is such a kind, honest, and generous person and she said she would walk to the finish with me. My patience when it comes to running is pretty bleak and I attempted to start running again. Surprisingly it didnt feel to bad as long as I kept my foot from everting. You can read all about our adventure, with pictures here on Gretel's blog.

Basically, since then I tried to rest up my ankle as much as possible, praying it would be better in time for Knee Knacker 50km (KK 50km). I did this race 3 years in a row and then had to sit out the last 2 due to injury. Because I was tapering I really wasn't too concerned by my lack of running at this point and Peter and I were also moving back to the North Shore and my time was spent packing, cleaning, and moving. The week before the KK 50km I grew increaingly worried that it wasn't going to heal in time as it was still a bit swollen. 11 days after the initial sprain I ran on it and it felt alright. Alright enough that I decided I would start the event. Mentally, I knew that if I were to roll it or tweak it, I would drop out immedietly.


(The start of KK 50km, Sean borrowed my La Sportiva jersey because he forgot his. Dirk and Heather also make appearances in this photo)


My biggest weakness in this event has always been the start. My boyfriend Peter killed this event 2 years ago and beat my best time by 11 minutes. The only place he gained time on me was 14 minutes in the first leg. So, the main goal of the day, besides going for the win, was to improve my time on the first split which goes from the start to Cypress aid station. I felt great climbing up Black MTN and my ankle felt golden. I managed to keep all the lead ladies in sight and improved my first split by 8 minutes!

I came into Cypress 4th female and within 2 minutes of 1st place. By the time I got to the Cypress cross country trails I was about 10 seconds off 3rd, 2nd and 1st (who were all running together!!)! By the time we came into the Hollyburn aid station I was running with the leaders (Louise Oram, Lisa Polizi, and Shannon Berardo), pretty much side by side. This was a pretty cool moment for me as I have never run in a lead pack like this before. The craziest part for me was passing Suzanne Evans and Lisa Polizzi. I have these 2 girls high up on a pedestal because in my first Knee Knacker Suzanne won running a 5:18 and Lisa came 2nd in a time of 5:25. In my 2nd year runnning the race, suzanne won again and I finished second, my best time still nowhere near those girls (5:48). These girls were my first ever trail idols and I look up to both of them. Lisa has since had 3 kids and Suzanne has been focusing on road running and it was really special to be back running with them again.

A short while later the 3 of us were bombing down the Hollyburn shoot. This is my favorite section of the entire race. It's a straight shoot of technical downhill, where I would normally excel. I held back a tiny bit as to protect the ankle but at the same time, was chasing Louise and didn't want to let up. I could feel that my ankle was a bit unstable but was surprised at how well it felt hammering down the hill. BUT in the end, all it took was one roll in the wrong direction and I knew it wouldn't be smart if I continued. I was BEYOND CRUSHED! Here I was, 3 years from the last time I was able to run this race, in 2nd place, running in my happy place, and I had to stop. Ann and her dog Benny, volunteers, happend to be a minute away and I was able to call Peter and walk to the road within 5 minutes.

Mentally, I knew this scenerio was a possibility but it's so much harder when it actually happens. Looking back, I have thought about whether or not starting was a good idea. And to answer that, maybe it was, maybe it wasn't. There are always positives and negatives from scenerio's like this. I spent the remainder of the day cheering on all the other runners and had a lot of fun with that. In the back of my head however, I couldn't help but wonder how the day would have unfolded had I been 100% healthy. Congrats to everyone who raced and finished on Saturday. I managed to catch the sprint off b/w Lisa and Louise and boy was that was exciting! Lisa you are such an inspiration! This race holds a special place in my heart, having been my first ever ultra, and I can't wait to come back and try again.

Next up is Waldo 100km, which takes place 70 miles southeast of Eugene, Oregon (aug 20th). Send me all your healing power and I`ll cross my fingers that this ankle heals up soon. If I can manage top 1 or 2, I get an automatic entry into Western States 100, which ultimetly is the goal of the day, as well as to run in new trails and have a lot of fun!

See you in the trails!!!!!

Alright, time to go climbing,

THE MIGHTY TEST...

(Me at the start)

While listening to 107.1 MTN FM on my drive home from work, just shortly after Peter and I moved from North Vancouver to Squamish, they announces that registration for the TEST OF METAL was going on at 6:30pm that evening, and to act fast because it usually sells out in less than 30 minutes. One of my goals for 2011 was to try new things and mountain biking was number one on the list. You see, the trails here in Squamish are made up of a lot more cross country riding versus the rugged downhill terrain that is the North Shore. Perfect for a newbie like me. However, the purchase of the bike didnt come as soon as anticipated and I went into this event a little undertrained.

"Don't worry, you'll be fine, you have great cardio, there isn't much technical riding involved at all...except the plunge, but no one rides the plunge"

These were the words uttered most from those I talked to about the event and more specifically about me doing the event, underprepared. Thus, I felt confident that I could tackle this beast no matter what. I managed to get a bike a little over a month before the event, however, running and a little racing were taking up most of my time and concentration, which left little room for biking. Not to mention the weather hasn't been all that fantastic and I'll admit, I'll run in everything, but when it comes to biking, I am a fair weather rider.

Here is what The Organizers say about the event:

June 18, 2011: 67 kilometers, point to point. Over 1,200 meters of climbing and 35 kilometres of singletrack. On paper it’s a 67-kilometre course with over 1,200 meters of climbing and 35 kilometers of single-track. Off paper it’s an unforgettable day for everyone involved from the organizers and volunteers, to the thousands of spectators and of course the riders. For those in the saddle it is in every way a test of mettle. The unrelenting course will take the fastest just over 2 hours, the average competitor 3-4 hours and the humans 5-6 hours."

The test of metal would be my 3rd ride ever on my new bike. My previous MTN Bike experience consists of 6 rides, which were 2-4 years ago. So yes, I am BRAND NEW. As the day drew closer, I was getting more and more freaked out. I kept thinking that this might not be the best idea. I would never recommend someone do a 67km run with only 2 previous days of training, how was this any better? Running is all I really care about, what if I get injured? All these negative thoughts were floating around in my head but in the end, I figured, what do I have to lose. I can always just bike home if things weren't going well!


(All the bikes lines up, seeded, at the start)

Peter had expressed interest in doing the ride with me. I was a bit apprehensive at first because I didnt want to hold him back or be pressured to keep up, but in the end, I said yes and I am really glad I did. I had ZERO expectations for this ride, except to just have fun, enjoy the surroundings, and take it all in. I signed up months prior because it was a fun local event in our new backyard and that is how I had to treat it.

By race day, I was actually pretty excited as it was all so new to me. 800 people lined up at the start and we seeded ourselves pretty far back. I think Peter had a better idea of where we would finish up then I did. I couldn't believe how many people were lining the streets, cheering us on. I was smiling from ear to ear.

To get straight to it:

1. There were moments of utter joy
2. There were moments where I didn't know how the hell I was going to get down the steep rocky/routy path ahead of me, but I just let the bike do the work and most of the time, I really surprised myself.
3. I almost cried once.
4. I think I was the only person who couldn't wait to get to 9 mile!
5. I remembered to turn my shocks on once we got back into the trail from the road sections!
6. I have A LOT of bruises and fell into a lot of bushes
7. I ran my bike down the plunge, congrats to those that can ride that!
8. I didn't compare myself to anyone.
9. I rode a lot more than I thought I would.
10. I loved how I was the only one who ever really stopped and got off my bike at aid stations to eat. I rarely do that in running races, so I made sure I took advantage.
11. I loved having my boyfriend there with me every step of the way. On that note, he would ride ahead and wait for me at junctions, we weren't side by side, which is why I think it worked.
12. Will I do it again?....that's a great question!

Great event, great volunteers, and great ambassadors out there for bike aid. I would recommend this event to anyone. It is a great begginner course because it isn't all technical. The biggest challenge of the weekend was that I doubled it up with a 5.5 hour training run the next day (first 3/4's of the Knee Knacker). It was perfect because I was fatigued from the ride but not too sore. Tons of climbing (both days)!!!! I wish I could say and now I rest but there is one more week of building before that gets to happen!!!!

Looking forward to Comfortably Numb 25km this weekend in Whistler!!!

See you in the trails!

WOMAN ON THE GO!

(Peter and I taking time for lunch on BelleyGood Ledge...It's a good thing I am not afraid of heights!)

My boyfriend Peter notified me that it has been a while since I have blogged and to his credit it has (for my standards).

This has truely been the spring of diversity and I have been loving every minute of it. I had to throw out my routine of running both days on the weekends, so as to enjoy long days out on the climbing wall with my main man/climbing partner. You don't understand how difficult it is to mentally and physically break a routine such as weekend double long running, but I've done it!


(View at the top of Lava Flow before going down Ring Creek Rip)

MONDAY:
AM: Run/Hike with client in the Headwaters
PM: 3 hour MT. Bike ride with my friend Cathy (2nd time on new bike, 2nd time riding in quite a few years). This ride was super fun and challenging. We went from my house in Valleycliffe, up 9 mile logging road all the way to and down ring creek rip, and back home so as not to bike the plunge. My bike was having some gear issues and after bonk hill, it would no longer go into my granny gear. This made riding uphill from there on in very taxing, but I managed! The way down ring creek was fun but I forgot to turn my shocks back on. I thought the ride felt a bit stiff! The hockey game was on but the canucks were in boston and we lost bad anyways so I was happy to have been out riding! This ride was kind of my test to see if I could manage the test of metal on very little MT. Bike training and I think I should be fine.


(My bike posing for the camera)


(Cathy trying to fix her cleat)


TUESDAY: PM: Easy shake out run, 50 minutes. Legs a bit tired from the previous day.

WEDNESDAY: 3.5 hour trail run. This run was to make up for the weekend day I was going to be missing climbing. Peter and I carpooled to Nort Van today and I had a bunch of hours to kill after my work ended (10am) and when his ended (3pm). I went out for a killer run which started at the headwaters, up BCMC to Misquito creek, powerlines to Grouse, back up BCMC to Skyline, up Skyline (steep ass incline) to bottom of the cut, down old MT. HWY logging road to secret 7 MT. Bike trail, and back to headwaters. There was still a bunch of snow at the base of the cut but none going up skyline which was nice!

THURSDAY:
AM: Afternoon strenth session (which I happily felt the next day)
PM: Multi-Pitch Climbing up Jungle Warfare with Peter


(At the top- I swear I am not posing, I was actually trying to bend down.)



FRIDAY: I had about a 90 minute gap in between clients and I had to get to the bank so I decided to run up to the bank from the automall to Lynn Valley, deposit some cash/cheques and return back. I had done this run the week before and it took me just over 50 minutes, I knew that if I hauled ass I could do it in under 50min. And haul Ass I did! It's an awesome run because you work hard up hill for about 20 minutes and then tempo along lynn valley road (flat) and then it's flat back and all downhill. I love ripping on the descent back....ouuuuu weeeee! My official time was 49:10! That night it was back to watching another hockey game! This time we won!

SATURDAY: Peter, our friend Mark, and I were suppose to head up a 15 pitch multi-pitch sport climbing route this morning but the weather kind of crapped out on us. Luckily Mark, who is also training for Knee Knacker, brought his running stuff. Peter hasn't really been running due to injury but he trooped it out and kept us on our toes. Man can that guy powerhike! We went up the Chief (in record time, for me)and did a circuit of the 3 summits (thanks Mark for the beef jerkey at the top) before making our way over to the Squaw Trail and ascending the Squaw Peak. We eventually came out onto a logging road which joined up with 9 mile and we were back home in just over 3:30.

SUNDAY: The weather was much better today so Peter and I did the route which we cancelled on the day before. We were climbing by 7am (the route goes from the base of the Chief to the very top where the hikers would be sitting) and were back at the bottom by 4pm. All I could think about was yam fries from the Living Room, a local venue here in Squish.


(A little scramble on the approach to get to the base of the climb)


(Climbing the Black Dyke)


(Peter at the top of the Chief, it was super cool to just pop up and over the top to all those hikers...some guy even hiked up a fake Stanley Cup!)

I'm pretty pooped from the week of activity. I feel like I could use a rest week but this is the last big week before Knee Knacker tapering so I might as well go into it feeling a bit tired and push through. I am sure I'll come around by the weekend! I am really looking forward to all the races ahead, next up is Comfortably numb 25km not this Sunday but next. I haven't done it for a few years but just like Iron Knee 25km, it is one not to be missed!

Peter and I signed up for test of metal (67km) which is happening this saturday. I know it's going to leave me feeling a bit wasted, which is perfect because I'll double that with the Knee Knacker run on the Sunday. I love running the first 3/4's...but...who knows....when you've done that much, might as well do the whole thing!

See you in the trails!

FUN TIMES @ THE IRON KNEE 25KM

(The start at Cleveland Park)

My boyfriend Peter and the North Shore Athletics crew were putting on the Iron Knee 25km (as well as the Tender Knee 12km). I have done this race every year since I started, this one being my 5th year. The first 3 times I did it I came 2nd, the most memorable being a sprint finish against Ellie Greenwood. I think we can all imagine how that played out! The last 2 times I have ran it just for fun.

On saturday, Peter and I marked the 12km course, so I had the chance to re-live powerline hill before the race. It seemed way longer walking and marking it then during the actual event.

Due to the fact that I ran the 50km the week before and felt pretty tired all week, I rounded up my friend Shauna to run with me, "for fun". I just couldnt stay away from this awesome event, tired or not. The course start changed slightly from last year, where it used to start at the base of Grouse, it now started about a km down the road, and by down, I mean, straight down. The beginning of this race was hard enough and now we had an extra km uphill to run. Shauna and I took it pretty casual going up the hill and by the time we got to the rolly stuff up in Grouse, I was feeling pretty damn good. We quickly started to pass poeople on the descent and that inner demond inside of me was starting to show it's face. I think I am usually red-lining by this point and although I am usually moving the same pace, I think in years past it has just felt harder. This day however, it simply felt effortless.


(My aunt who is turning 50 this year!!! She is such a rockstar!!!!!)

Meanwhile Shauna is doing a great job hanging on and at one point she says "Is this your fun pace?". I had to laugh and remember that I had dragged another person to do this with me. Shauna is an awesome runner, I dont even think she knows how strong she truely is and I had no doubt that she would be able to handle a little increase in pace. We cruised all the way over to powerline and worked pretty hard getting up this hill, power hiking of course. I forgot my regular La Sportiva Crisslites and instead grabbed my skylites by accident. I have only wore these shoes once and the one time I did, I ended up with a blister. Needless to say, they have sat on my shelf ever since. So here I was, having a blast, working hard uphill, and I started getting a blister. It was pretty painful but I just ignored it knowing that I would be going downhill soon and the pressure on my heel wouldn't be so bad.


(Such an amazing setting for a race: Deep Cove Panorama Park)

I kind of lost Shauna up powerline for a bit and just before we started up powerline she told me to go and do my thing if I felt good. I got to the top, no Shauna in sight, and started to head downhill solo. Realizing that this wasn't as fun and that I had set out that day to start and finish with one of my best friends, I waited for about 20 seconds and down she came. We continued to laugh and run hard all the way to the finish. We crossed the line, holding hands (shauna's request) and heel kicking as high as we could. However, what we didnt notice was that there were 2 blow-up arches, with the second being the true finish line. After our skip heel kick finish, we realized/were yelled at, that we weren't actually at the finish and had to re-do it all over again!


(The finish line arch)
We ended up coming in 4th, 1st in the couples division! Ok, we were the only one's in the couples division, and I may have made up that category, but still! It was such a fabulous day, great weather, and it was so awesome to hang out by the ocean in panorama park. Thanks to everyone who helped put on this race and to all the awesome volunteers. Can't wait for next year!!!!

Whats up next? COMFORTABLY NUMB 25KM!!!! This is such a gem, you do not want to miss out!