LAST WEEKEND IN FEBRUARY

The countdown is officially on...T-minus 7 days until I am on a plane to New Zealand.

On the weekend I finally tackled a goal I have had for a while now, the big run to Squamish. I went to do this run a while back sometime in 2011 but just wasn't quite into it and turned around at Nelson Creek in Caulfield. I decided that when I would attempt this run again I would start there because the run from North Van to Nelson Creek is pretty boring. Peter dropped me off in the morning and off I went.

I have been seriously lacking some motivation. I am not to sure why but perhaps its a combination of solo training, horrible weather, and just wanting to be doing other things. Yes, believe it or not, I don't ALWAYS want to be running...With that said, I have been pretty good about just getting out there, even if it does take the nudge and support of my partner Peter. Coach Watson has been pretty good at reminding me how much better I will feel if I just get out there and run and he is right about 100% of the time. This weekend, I guess I was in need of a mission, something more than just spending 4 hours running around in the trails I always run around in.



The weather was just stunning- chilly with a near blue bird sky. I was wearing full length tights, a long sleeve shirt, a windbreaker, and gloves. The only thing I took off were the gloves but they went back on several times.

There was a sign early on that said 44km to Squamish. That's a little over a marathon, I thought...perfect! From there I broke it down into 6 mile chunks and each time 6 miles was ticked off it was like little mini victories that got me closer to the finish. It's a great run because you pass by all these little sub sections: Lions Bay, Porteau Cove, Furry Creek, Brittania, and lastly, Shannon Falls and the Chief.

I am not to sure what it was about this run but it was just awesome. Perhaps it's the landscape which just seems to get more and more beautiful as you near Squamish. Maybe it was the fact that I was the only person propelling myself on foot across the Sea to Sky Highway. I didn't even see any road bikers this day, which you often see training for the Whistler Grand Fondo. Nonetheless, I was pretty bliss-ed out the whole time.


(If my run had finished here in Brittania, I would have been eating at this local joint- Mountain Woman).

As far as car traffic goes, I never felt scared or worried about vehicles as the shoulder in most cases is pretty wide. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun adventure. It took me approx. 4 hours to reach downtown Squamish which is way faster than I had anticipated. For some reason I thought it would be more like 6-7 hours but I was wrong. The hills were all very runnable and running the entire thing was no problem.


(Peter and I on the Lions Gate Bridge, the windiest day ever!)

The previous day, Saturday, I woke up a little tired and minorly hung over from quite simply way to much fun the night before. The combination of Raclette and an end of the night jam session was killer. I may have also broke my back trying to attempt the worm.

It was a beautiful day, and we decided to head out for some "Urban Mountain Biking". That's just slang for riding our Mtn Bikes around the city. We started over the lions Gate bridge. I knew there was a wind warning for greater Vancouver but holy crap was it nuts out. We...ok...I...were moving at a snails pace and it was all I could do not to be blown over. I just couldn't stop laughing it was all to hilarious. There was a guy running just ahead of us who was having to hold his hat on his head but perhaps holding the bum flap on his short shorts would have been better.

Next we descended onto the Stanly Park Sea Wall where the waves were just crashing up all over it. It was just nutty! We then proceeded over to Granville Island for some lunch. I always forget how awesome this place is and how I should come over here more often. Yes, it is a busy place but I think that adds to the excitement. After some soup and the best doughnut I have ever sunk my teeth into we crossed the Granville Street Bridge. However, just before we merged off the bridge Peter pulls over and starts yelling something at me. He's telling me to take out my phone and call 911. He saw this guy fall out his window 4 floors down and land on a sub roof. After a few minutes it was evident that he was in fact still alive and breathing but he was not moving.

After a while the paramedics came and low and behold, my good friend Shauna's boyfriend, Josh, was one of them! We watched the entire process. The firefighters came and had to hoist up their ladder onto the sub roof. In the end, he got taken away in the ambulance. I asked Josh the next day what had happened and apparently the guy was just trying to fix his curtain. He was standing on a chair and one of the legs broke and he fell through the glass window. He broke his hip, hand, and maybe his pelvis and had internal bleeding. It just boggles my mind how one minute your fixing your curtain and then the next your in the hospital. I am glad he survived.

We finished off the evening with a little outside boulder session at cypress Falls. I think I bouldered for a combined total of 10 minutes and my obliques are just destroyed. Ha! It hurts to touch.

Alright that's all to report. Time to go do some push-ups and toughen the hell up.

ORCAS ISLAND 50KM RACE REPORT

(The view from the ferry on our way over to Orcas Island)

I have wanted to do Orcas Island 50km for a few years now. I was signed up in 2010 but had to transfer my entry because I was unable to race. I was lucky enough to enter this sold out event and was excited to be taking part. With a 100km looming over my head on March 17, I figured I should be able to at least run 50km by this point.

I found out that Jen Segger was also entered and asked her if I could carpool with her. Turns out my good friend Jenni Chancey was coming down as well. She was not racing but rather, just out to support and get a weekend away. My new friend Poala Chadwick also came along for the ride. Both are training for the Gorge Waterfalls 50km in March!

I got picked up around 10:30am on Friday and we swiftly made our way to Bellingham, making sure to stop at Trader Joe's along the way. Oh, how I love that store. We also managed to hit up one of my favorite cafe's (Jen's too) in Fairhaven for some amazing sandwiches. I don't remember the name but I always go to it after doing the Chuckanut 50km.

We got to the Ferry in Anacortes at 2:47pm. There was a 3pm, 4pm and a 7pm sailing over to orcas Island. We were told that the 3pm was full and that the 4pm was broken down and they may or may not have it fixed by then. We were not stoked about getting on the 7pm and waiting around the ferry terminal for 4 hours but in the end, they had fixed the 4pm and all was good again!

Once on Orcas, we quickly made out way over to grab our race packages and then went straight to the cabin we had rented on the beach for some dinner (thanks Paola!!). The cabin was super cute, rustic, and it was great falling asleep to the sound of the waves crashing up on the beach.






I woke up at 6:15am excited for the day. The race start was cold and I was happy to be wearing 3/4 length tights and a long sleeve shirt. After a quick race briefing from James and a 10 second countdown...we were off!


(The race start, Photo by Glenn Tachiyama)

To my surprise I ended up being right beside my favorite ultra runner, Pam Smith. I just think the world of Pam and was so happy to see her. I quickly fell in behind her and Amy Sproston, another great runner and the 3 of us ran together for the first 4-6 miles. Amy ended up dropping back and Pam and I went back and forth a couple times. At some point though she got ahead of me on a hill and then I never saw her again! She went on to win by quite a gap.


(One of the spectacular views, photo by Jenni Chancey)

The trails were beautiful and I would highly recommend this race to anyone. The views at the tops of the climbs are out of this world. Linda Barton, Gary Robbins main squeeze told me prior to the race that it was a tough one and I would agree with that. There were 3 major climbs, which made for some wicked descents.


(Having way to much fun smiling for the camera, Photo by Glenn Tachiyama)

I personally struggled a bit and went through a couple highs and lows, which I guess is pretty typical in an ultra. However, I met some really wicked people out there. The encouragement you get from strangers is so cool.


(Tom Craik and I before he dropped me like a bad habit, Photo by Jenni Chancey)

I was pretty beat in the last 10 miles, but I`ll blame Tom Craik (my nemesis) for that one as he caught up to me, got me chatting, wasted all my energy, and then left me in his dust!

In the end, I finished 4th female in a time of 5:30. Full results can be found here. and I was stoked to be out enjoying the trails on such a beautiful day with all my ultra folk. I can`t wait for my next event (yes, I say this now)! Thanks to James Varner for putting on such an amazing day. Not only is there a full on post race meal with a band playing music, there was a pizza dinner party, with free beer and a dance party!


(Jenni and Paola, the greatest ladies in the world)

Also, Thanks to Paola and Jenni for being out cheering and supporting Jen and I. Your smiles, cheering, and laughter were a big part of my day. And lastly, thanks to the guy who made the `Shit ultra runners say`` video as it gave us lot`s to laugh about the entire weekend.

Next up, Terawera 100km in New Zealand (March 17th) and 3 months of glorious exploring!

LATEST ESCAPADES

Last week was a good week training wise. I didn't do any crazy amounts of training but ramping up steady.

Friday I got out with 2 co-workers from MEC. John O, a fellow ultramarathoner, took me and Justine out on a wicked 18 mile run, he playing tour guide. The trails were all new to me and I found myself wondering how I had never been on them. Pretty much after you get off the east side of second narrows bridge (Vancouver side) you can get onto the TCT (Trans Canada Trail). This trail winds all the way up and down to Port Moody...and beyond of course. Can't wait to take some friends on this one.

Sunday I also got out for a 3 hour run, solo this time. The rain was hammering and stayed that way for the entire day. I felt really good though and had such a fun time splashing around in the puddles. There were even a few mountain bikers out! I guess not everyone is a fair weather rider like myself.

Monday, Peter and I ski toured to the Wendy Thompson hut up off the duffy. The skin in took about 2.5 hrs and boy did I get tired. But I finally clued in that maybe I just needed to eat something. After a package of honey stinger chews and some gatorade, I got a little pep back in my step! We were the only ones at the hut and it was so cool to have it all to ourselves. We spent the night playing travel scrabble and re-fuelling. It was the first time I had eaten a dehydrated pre-packaged meal. I had the veggie curry and rice and Peter had the mash potatoes and chicken. Mine was just alright and his was very tasty. Anyone know of any other good ones? There are so many to choose from!

Someone had left a box of wine there that was still good for another 30 days! I may have dabbled a bit. It went great with all the chocolate we had! I highly recommend the Camino dark chocolate and peanut butter bar.


(Peter and I outside the Wendy Thompson Hut, before our skin back to the car)





Tuesday, after eating breakfast, we headed out for a few laps before heading back to Van.







The weather was great and it had snowed about 5cm overnight. The sun even started to come out as we were heading back. Apparently, that was the only place it was shining because it was downpooring in Whistler, Squamish, and Vancouver.

I had to lead a running group that night through a hill training workout. I joined in at a moderate pace, mainly as the cheerleader, as my legs were on fire after all the skiing!

Looking forward to a recovery day today and excited about all the sun that is in the forecast!

See you in the trails!

RACING ABROAD

Ha, if you take a look at my race schedule, so far, none of the races are in Canada. This was very different from last year because pretty much all of my races were within driving distance. But, to be honest, my goal last year was to stick around and save some money so that this year, I could have a bit more flexibility. I feel like I accomplished this.

I had origionally planned on heading to NZ in January but I am really glad I didn't. Last year, I got back on my ski's for the first time in 13 years and I am so glad I did because since then, I have been to some outstandingly beautiful places.

Thursday of last week, Peter and I lucked out and had a mid-week day off together. Luckily for us, the forecast was just awesome and we went ski touring up on Geribaldi.







Man, the sky was just blue bird and the sun was hitting the snow capped mountain tops perfectly. The tint of my sunglasses made the hosizon look like the kind of ocean you would only find in paradise. Sensational. Had I fled off in January, I would have missed out on all this great skiing. Looks like were heading out again next Monday and Tuesday!

Today, I found out that I got into UTMB. This of course, was all apart of my plan but it didn't feel real until today. I am glad that I didn't do a 100 miler last year because it has made me feel pretty hungry for this one.

The weather here right now is pretty bananas. Basically, just a ton of rain and the trails are quite icy now from the snow we had the other week. Today for some reason I am longing for a nice warm, dry run but will take what I can get. At least its not -30!

I'll try and post some pics in a couple days when Peter's back from his overnight ice climbing trip.

See you in the trails!

NEW ZEALAND BOUND!

Ever since I went to Europe back in 05...for a slim 3 weeks...with my family, I have wanted to go travelling again. I knew the next time I went travelling it would be for a while, a minimum of 3 months. So, on Thursday morning after months of lolligaging and a great lunch with my dad, I booked the ticket. I got a wicked deal, one which could not be refused. Needless to say, I am stoked. Stoked to be back in the season of summer,stoked to meet new people, do some NZ races, and just roll with the wind at my back.

I will of course miss the company of Peter, my adventure partner but as the saying goes "Absense makes the heart grow fonder".

I knew I wanted 2012 to be special and different and I think this experience will satisfy that craving. I signed up for a race in March, The Tarawera ultra marathon, which has varying distances but I'll be doing the 100km. I also want to visit my good friend Gretel Fortmann in Australia, who I met while I was living in Squamish. Gretel has a way of touching (not literally) everyone she comes into contact with and I can't wait to see her again on her home turf (she's an aussie)!

Next race is Orcas 50km. This race has been on my radar for a while and look forward to making the ferry trip over come February!

Nicola

A LOOK BACK AT 2011

As I look back at 2011, a few things stand out in my mind but by far the biggest was Peter and I's 8th month stint living in Squamish. Through working at CBC with Jen Segger and JF Plouffe, I met so many awesome people and a few who will be great friends for life. People always ask me how if feels to be back on the shore. Having lived here my entire life, it feels just about the same as the other 27 years of my life...which have been awesome, so it will always feel great living here.

My running season started off with a bang! A PR at the First Half 1/2 Marathon. I ran a 1:25 and change and my previous best time was 1:27 and change. This was done with no speed work, something I will intend to do a bit more of in 2012.

One of my favorite trips of last year was road tripping to Winthrop Washington to run the Sun Mountain 50km with 4 amazing girlfriends, 3 of whom were living and Squamish (this post would be a lot easier if the 'q' on my keyboard was working better!). Kristy, Gretel, Cathy, and Shauna, thanks for such a fun trip. Here's a few picks to relive the experience.


(Pre-race excitement)


(Post Sun Mountain 50km, everyone finished and the beer is flowing)


(Shauna, Jenni, Gretel, and I out for an awesome trainig run in Squamish)

Another memory that comes to mind is all the climbing I got up to with Peter. In 2011, I did way more climbing than years previous and although I am still learning, I feel like I gained a lot of knowledge and experience last year. Increasing my knowledge and skill level in 2012 will also be a focus of mine (may need to take a course or 2), along with keeping my cool when I can't finish something! Here are a few shots...


(A view of City of Rocks in Idaho...would love to go back here real soon)




(Hanging out in Smith Rock. We ended up here twice in 2011. I've said it before and I'll say it again, this place is magical and I hope to get back here again in 2012)


(Starting up the Cheif, Squamish)




My younger cousin Caitlin began dating a stud of a man by the name of Mark, who happens to be a steller climber. We got to experience some days out together and it was so cool to share climbing with her. Look forward to more outings soon!

Another really awesome experence of 2011 was working with a group of Squamish Nation teen girls. I was contacted by the youth group leaders and together we met twice a week, running or hiking around the city. On a few occasions I managed to get them into the trails where they had never been before. It is experiences like this that remind me how fortunate my life is and how important it is to give back.


(2 girls and 1 youth leader on the Lynn Canyon suspension bridge)


(A group of us on a hike to Quarry rock in deep cove)

In 2011, I got back into skiing! Yes, after a 13 year hiatus, I baught a ski touring set up and managed to get out quite a few times. Living in Squamish made this a lot easier as well. Thanks to Pete for showing me the ropes about backcountry travel and being my tour guide all year.






(Cozying up by the fire at the Red Heather hut)


(Mt. Baker!)


(A few solo days on Whistler/Blackcomb. I prefer to ski with others!)

A crappy part of my year was when I cranked my ankle during the Comfortably Numb 25km in Whistler at the end of June. Gretel and I had slept in her Dodge Caravan at the finish line and ran the 25km to the start, just barely making it there on time. I anticipated taking the next 25km pretty relaxed but I got caught up in the excitement. I saw a chance to pass someone but had to menuevre around him and as I did, the trail dropped off and I jammed my ankle, worse than I have ever experienced. This injury prevented me from finishing one of my favorite races, Knee Knacker 50km, which I was in great shape to race. I didn't race again until November 5th at the Whistler 50miler, where I came 2nd female in a time which was 90 minutes faster than I was anticipating.

A year wouldnt be a year without a few tokem hikes in the bag, especially one's with dear ol' dad! Here are a few pics of Peter, my dad and I's summit of Crown Mtn and our scramble over to the Camel, as well as a few from our hike up to Mt. Harvey.






(Summit of Crown- My dad with his Camera)


(On the scramble over to the Camel)

I started a new (2nd job) job at Mountain Equipment Co-op in North Vancouver. I have really enjoyed the balance of personal training and doing something a little more laid-back. The people who work there are all superb individuals and it's great chatting it up with members about their adventures. Making some extra cash makes me a happy camper as well.

It would be a shame to miss naming all the family fun I had in 2011- Shuswap with Peter's family, Gildersleeve family breakfasts, Dutch Christmas, Thanksgiving at the Leahy's and more...

A big thing for me was supporting my mom out on the Vancouver Marathon course as she completed her first marathon. Weeks later she went on to finish her first triathlon. She is a big inspiration to me and it just goes to show it is never to late to do anything!

Before this post gets to long, I`ll end with a great visit I had with my folks over in Powell River last summer. Peter and I discovered some of the climbing over there as well as some rockin mountain biking. There is endless amounts of fun to be had over there. A goal for next year however is to make it over to Savery Island.

Before I sat down to write this I honestly thought this year was rather low key and I didnt really get up to much, which saddened me a little. Looking back, I can see how foolishly wrong I was. Here is to a great 2012! I look forward to reading all about your crazy escapades as well!

Nic

AFRAID OF THE DARK

I suppose being afraid of the dark is a fear that was instilled in our childhood. The lights go out and the creeps come out...right?

Usually when I get off work it's dark out and I have been getting in my workouts in the morning but somedays that is not an option. I have been avoiding the trails due to lack of sunlight and I've been missing them so much. It's already 'unsafe' to run alone in the trails, which I do 99% of the time, but there's something about being alone and in the dark that has juust got me spooked. I decided last thursday that I was going to get out after work for a nightime adventure in the mountains to prove to myself that it's not that bad and theres nothing to be afraid of. Of course, I have run on the trails at night a few times, both accompanied however.

I figured I would start with the Grouse Grind. I have done it with Peter in the dark before, thus it was somewhat familiar and I would be hiking versus running. There would also be tons of people at the top because nightime skiing is open. I packed my bag, with headlamp, and drove up to the base of the Mtn. I decided not to bring music as I sometimes do in the daytime because I wanted to be able to hear what was going on around me. Looking back, maybe it would have been better if I didn't. There were many times when I thought I heard something or someone and turned around to see what was behind me. Of course, there was no sign of anything or anyone so I pushed on. I was surprised how it seemed to go by so fast. All was good until I saw this glob of what looked like blood in the snow. I am not talking like a dime size glob, I am talking like a small fist full. Hmm, that one shook me a bit. Why was that there? Why was there no signs of anymore? Weird!

I continued on, my heart pounding a little bit more with each step but eventually I forgot about it. I had hit the snow point and put my yak trax on my feet to prevent me from slipping and sliding around. Normally, the Grouse grind is an extremely popular hike, for locals and tourists, but tonight, there was not a soul (except me!). I had hit the 3/4 mark and was getting psyched to be around people once again, until I saw another blood globue! Really, another one???? Come on! At this point, I didn't stop to ponder this one, I just simply pushed my body as fast as it could to the top.

In the end, I made it safe and sound, feeling a little bit braver than the day before. There's a saying that we should do something everyday that scares us. Well, I may not do something everyday but I am counting this!

See you in the trails!