Snowshoe - Round 2

 3.2 km of breaking trail again on the snowshoes late yesterday afternoon.  It was tough slugging in the wet heavy snow.   wanted to go further but an hour+ of that was enough.  

First Snowshoe

 It snowed and snowed and snowed Xmas day.  Tail shoes have been traded in for snow shoes.  Logged 3 laps breaking trail in my large float shoes...stomped out a good trail.   3.2 km added to the monthly total.    I am determined to keep the backyard trail open through the winter.   

Christmas Day

 Still able to run trail in shoes Christmas day logging 4.8 km on the backyard trail.   

Christmas Eve

 Used the last hour of daylight today and did 6 laps ,  5.6 km on the backyard trail.  The snow dissapeared overnight and came back this afternoon.  The snow was wet and stuck to all the branches it was a very white sugar coated forest.  

Nice Trail

 A wee bit of sun and a warm breeze made for a rather pleasant 4.8 km lunch run.   Took a rest day yesterday after running at lunch Monday then Skiing after work in the evening.   

Short today

 Only an 8 hour work day so there was only time for 5 laps or 4.8 km on the backyard trail on my meal break. 

A little longer today

 9 laps or 8km on the backyard trail today on my lunch break ...WFH!   1C ,  a little new wet snow on the trail otherwise very open and runable. 

Friday Saturday

 Friday -  7 laps or 6.4 km on the backyard trail.

Saturday - 8 laps or 7.2 km on the backyard trail 

Same as yesterday!

 6 laps ,  5.6 km this afternoon on the backyard trail.  It was a little warmer at -4C , no new snow.   Went to running pants and a lighter glove and was pretty comfortable.  

Wednesday Trail

 6 laps good for 5.6 km on the backyard trail late this morning.   This was my coldest run of the season at -9C.  Changed from running pants to tights ,  added a long sleeve tech t between the thermal shirt and shell work a buff band covering my ears and a ball cap.   Slightly overdressed but I am usually OK with that on the shorter runs.  Wrapped up the run with an hour and a bit in the hot tub.  

Monday , back at it.

 Was at Whistler last week skiing ,  no time and no need to run.  

Worked 3 mids over the weekend ,  didn't run slept on my break to aid in not turning around like usually do.  

Monday afternoon I logged 5 laps on the backyard trail ... it was nice and a return to running after a week off. 

Weekend

 Rest day Friday...got busy at work and felt tired so I didn’t run.   

Saturday it was 4.8 km on the backyard trail.  

Sunday was another rest day ahead of a busy week of skiing. 

Thursday Eve

 Another day another run on my meal break logging 5 km around Allan Park again! 

Nice Evening

 Working this evening ,  5 km logged around APK on an early meal break.  

November Totals

November  -    102.8 km

YTD          -  2,105.5 km

It was a bit of a blow out month.  Had a small surgery to remove a lipoma from may back on the 2nd so it was a week off with a slow return to running again.   When I  started back I did 4 walks before I did a run.   The longest run was 7.2 km twice!    I really don't feel like I have lost much and ended the month on a good note running 7 consecutive days albeit short!      Still feel 50 km ready ...never want to loose that! 

 Breakdown 

6 X Days off recovering from surgery

1 X Sick day ...head cold.

4 X walk 19.2 km

5 X road 26 km

11 X trail 57.6 km 

4 X rest days 

December 1

 5k around APK is a snow storm ... it was nice! 

Last 2 days of December

 On Sunday I had intended on going a wee bit longer but the day was full and I only managed to squeeze in a 4.8 km run.    Tripped 20k steps on the day heading out on the last lap so yeah ... good enough.  

 Yesterday it was 5 laps good for 5 km around Allan Park on my meal break.   No more shorts it was cold ,  windy ,  snowy and dark but I got it done wrapping up November 2020 running.  

Sunny Saturday

 Its been so dark lately it was really nice to get in a bit of mid day sun actually felt a little warm.  I am working an extra 12 hour day today from home  so it was another backyard lunch run.  Logged 8 laps good for 7.2 km.  

One more

 4C ,  no wind...another day in shorts logging 5 laps on my meal break today.  

Nice day today.

 Shorts ,  Nov 26 and comfortable ...I will take that.   A rather pleasant 5 laps on the backyard trail again today. 

Messy

 2C ,  melting snow it was a wet sloppy mess out there ...not muddy just wet from above and below.    Logged another 5 laps at lunch again today. 

Sent Home

 With the Pandemic raging I have been sent home to work so that means a really nice opportunity to run trails.  Logged 4.8 km on the backyard trail on my meal break today. 

Monday back to work!

 5 laps around APK today on my meal break.   

8 Laps

 8 laps on the backyard trail today good for 7.2 km.  

Nice Friday

 Not often you can run in shorts and a T Nov 20 but it was super comfortable doing todays 5K ... mid teens!   

Back to APK

 5 Laps around Allan Park today good for 5 km.   

Another 5 lapper at lunch.

 5 laps ,  4.8 km logged on the backyard trail on my meal break today 

Lunch Run ...its Winter!

 Didn't plan on running Sunday but I did do a 1 hour walk on the beach at Sauble. 

Planned a 5Ker yesterday but I cam down with a head cold so NO! 

Feeling better today I logged a 4.8 km run on the backyard trail.  It was -3C,  snowing with ankle deep snow on the trail.  It was actually very pleasant.   

I'm back

Last walk was done yesterday logging another 4.8 km on the backyard trail.  Got my sutures out today so it was a 4.8 km Run on the backyard trail.   It felt like the back was really moving around allot for the first 10 min and then it smoothed out.   I was a wee bit overdressed ,   3 C long sleeve thermal top and my Adidas running pants.   Its good to back ,  didnt really feel any different missing 10 days but I suspect the walks really kept me in the game.  

Monday and Tuesday

 4.8 km walk on the backyard trail both days the weather was fabulous in the low 20's.  Tried to run yesterday but it engaged the back too much ...next week I will start running again in the mean time I am enjoying the walks.  

Unplanned time off

 Haven't been able to run all week remain fairly quiet after have a Lipoma removed from my back on Monday.    The sutures come out this Friday things are looking good but I still need to be guarded of the wound for another week or so.    I did manage a 4.8 km walk on the backyard trail late this afternoon. Held my sweatshirt with my left arm next to my chest to immobilize the arm in order to minimize movement around the wound...worked very well.   So it will probably be walks this week just to log some time on my feet.   

October Summary

  Another strange Covid running month ...no races and no long runs really just maintenance running.   Figured out why I run and its really simple ...my health.  Yes I enjoy the races and the social aspect and yes I miss it but I really feel like I am still in the game ready to go anytime.     I will add some linger runs when the time is right but probably not before 2020 is over.   

October -      136 km

YTD     -  2002.7 km

Breakdown 

Beach 3 X 15 km

Trail 7 X 36 km

Road 16 x 85 km

Rest Days 6 X 

Mid 6 and 7

 Was planning a 10km outing on mid 6 but I just didn't feel like it!   Mid  7 brought the first snow and temps just below freezing with some pretty gusty winds.   Wore the wool again an wow was I comfortable even in the wind.   Switched up the road shoes form my Stension ATR 6 trail shoes and they were amazing in the snow with the exception of wet feet.   Logged a 6 km run ,  thought about going further but it was nice so I called it a day! 

Mid 5

 Experimenting with wool as a base layer.    Only  -2C wearing a mid weight 2/3 zip merino wool long sleeve tech T under my shell.   Didn't feel the cold pressing as bad and when the sweat came on it wasnt uncomfortable.    I always seem to struggle to stay comfortable running outside during the cold months.  Treadmill and gyms are a no go with the pandemic so its best to figure out how to be comfortable...if that's possible.     

 Haven't weighed myself since mid March!   Lost a wee bit of upper body muscle since then and the middle is a wee bit thicker so I expected to tip the scales 180+ lbs .... winter heavyweight.   I weighed myself 3 days this week and was 174,  177 and 174 lbs....same weight as before the pandemic.    I was pleasantly surprised.  

 So the last run of Oct 2020 was yet another 5Ker on my meal break this morning. 

Mid 4

 Its one thing to run at 3 am its quite another to do it outside in the cold , damp dark night!   Once again it was another 5 km on my meal break this morning. 

Mid 3

 Skipped Mid 2's run ,  just didn't feel like it.   Made sure I got one in this morning logging 5 km at 3 am on my meal break.   It was my first run in tights,  comfy but a wee bit warm.    

Mid 1

 First of 7 nights shifts this week.   Packed tights but used shorts ,  3C light N breeze and light rain wore running hat ,  gloves ,  long sleeve tech T , and shell.  Just a tiny bit cool at the start and a little warm at the end otherwise pretty comfortable. 

Sunday and Monday

 5 km on Sauble Beach on Sunday and Monday it was 4.8 km on the backyard trail.   

Saturday Trail

 Long 12 hours busy day at work yesterday so it was a no run day logged.  Today it was 6 laps on the backyard trail good for 5.6 km.  

Oct 22 - Lunch Run

 Forgot to post logged 5 km at work Thursday Eve on my meal break 

Two Runs Today

 Made up for missing last night run by running a second time today.  Headed out on my meal break this evening logging 5 laps around Allan Park. 

Trail Today

 Skipped last nights lunch run...weighs heavily on my mind when I do that.   Made up for it by doing a 5.6 km backyard trail run.   

Monday back at work

 Second week of Eves.  Busy night so I sure appreciated getting out for my usual 5 km on my meal break. 

Saturday Trail

 4.8 km on the backyard trail to round out this weeks running.  

End of the work week

 Friday evening was the same as the rest of the week logging another 5 km run on my meal break. 

Single digits

 Light rain,  light wind and 9C ...5K in the dark today and it was OK! 

Great October Weather

 Still in shorts ,  still comfortable... here is to some great October running weather!  5 km again this evening on my meal break. 

Tuesday

 5 km on my meal break again this evening.

Monday Evening

Back to work this evening.  Took an early lunch and did a 5 km run around APK.  

Friday Night and the Weekend

  Did a 2nd run on Friday logging 4.8 km on the backyard trail.   The weather was just too nice not to run.

Saturday morning was a repeat of Friday night logging 4.8 km on the backyard trail. 

Sunday was a reset day.  

Work week wrap

 5 km on my meal break today.  

Thursday at lunch!

 Thursdays run was another 5 laps around APK. 

Same

 A little warmer and a whole lot windier today logging another 5km on my meal break today. 

Ditto

 Another 5 km on my meal break today 

Back to work

 5 laps around APK today on my meal break. 

September Totals

 Sept 2020 -   138.7 km

YTD         -  1866.7 km

Another odd month with Covid and all.  Pretty lite Ks logged only one long run and that was during my backyard Ultra.   

Breakdown .... 19 Runs 

Trail 9 X 83.7 km

Road 8 X 45 km

Beach 2 X 10 km

Past week ...

 Tues Sept 29 - Rest 

 Wed Sept 30 - 4.8 km backyard trail.  

 Thurs Oct 1 -  No run but not really rest day getting end of season stuff done around the house .

Fri Oct 2 - 5.6 km backyard trail. 

Sat Oct 3 - 5 km on Sauble Beach

Sun Oct 4 - 5 km Sauble Beach 

Monday

 5K at APK again today!  Its still warm but not as bad as yesterday.   There was a wee bit of pop in the legs today running closer to Saturday pace vs Sunday.  

Weekend Update

 Working 12 hour days  Sat/Sun.   Hit the pavement around APK logging 2 X 10.4 km runs .   Ran the full 10 then did a cooldown.  Saturday was faster,  it was cooler and I was more rested so I had a bit of pop in my legs today, Sunday, was just about logging another 10! 

Saturday

Sunday 

Ditto yesterday!

 Same 5 km at lunch as yesterday just a wee bit warmer today.  

Mid 7 + week to date!

 Took Mid 7 off ... it was cold out and I really wasn't up to it!!!!

 Monday going on no sleep and Tuesday I logged 4.8 km on the backyard trail followed by hammock sessions.  

Its Thursday and I am back top work so it was 5 laps around Allan Park good for 5 km.  

Great video by Mo

 Just had to post ...Mo did 50 miles last week on the backyard trail.  

Mid 4,5 and 6

 Mids suck ,  felt like crap last 2 nights so I didn't run...should have.   This evening is Mid 6 and I just wrapped up a little 5 km around the Earth Station.    Also having a tough time facing the ever changing weather as it moves in the direction of cold.   Haven't been in a gym or ran on a treadmill since  mid March and thats not a bad thing.   

Mid 3

 5 km around Allan Park at 3:30 am this morning.  Starting to get cold ...makes for a tough start but a great ending. 

Mid 2

 Mid 1 ,  1C ...no run LOL.

Mid 2,  back in APK logging 5 laps good for 5km around the Earth Station.  

" Rons 24 Hour Backyard Ultra "

 Hosted a 24 hour backyard ultra this past weekend logging 39.2 km .   It turned out to be so much more then just another race more of an informal get together with some trial running thrown in.     I relished the time spent back in my man cave at the start / finish just sitting around talking while folks trickled through completing another 0.8 km lap.   

Participants were ...

Steve Bridson,  Robin Brunet, Doug Barber, Grant Monette, Di Chessy, Morgan Schick, Anne McCutcheon, Maryka Hladki, Agnes Madhu Moktan, Henri Ragetlie, Lisa and of course me!  

  I am going to copy comments from the messenger group after the run and post them here ...

Robin

Thanks again Ron for your hospitality!!

Agnes

Thank you Ron , Robin and everyone for the hospitality and support and cheers.. God knows How badly I needed the support and cheers in the last few miles..Ultra running community is the best! .

Morgan

Thanks so much Ron, very nice to see and meet everyone, great job all!

Di

Thanks everyone! I personally would rather do this style of racing vs organized. Great to see everyone! I’ll work on earplug etiquette and my cough for next time

Agnes

@Di Chessy your singing in the dark was the bomb!

Di

Sooo...Ron what was the elevation of the 800m loop and the approach to the course?

Morgan

Stupid hill! After running all day incident free, with 30m to go coming down the hill to my car at the end I wiped out sending my lawn chair and cooler bags flying.

Di

Hen also wiped out on our exit last night

Doug

Where did all the Mud come from?

Agnes

I hear ya. I fell on my ass and I could not get up..My husband had to literally haul me up

 Maryka 

I crab walked down the hill and kicked my chair down with my feet.

Morgan

Ha! A video montage of everyone coming down the hill at the end would be awesome

Doug

Were there not enuff Ropes?

Morgan

My hands were full, I actually grabbed the ropes to catch myself after I dropped everything

Agnes

My garmin said 1716 m elevation gain- is that good?

Me

It was somewhere around 400 floors yesterday and I only covered 40 km. So that’s 4000 ft of climbing.

Steve

Ropes were fine, no Sherpa could have done better, though i think a renaming like Hilary Step or that double dam hill is in order

Doug

Thanks Ron for this awesome event...really enjoyed everything..wish I could have stayed longer.
My goal next year is to Run more loops! Enjoyed meeting new faces, and others also!
That would be neat to have a Snowshoe 6 hour in Mid Winter!

Steve

I’m in.

Anne

Had a great time running a few loops in the forest. 5 stars all the way.

Steve

Here are a few pictures that Patrick Rose took ...

Past week

 Tues and Wed were rest days. Thursday was a two run day logging 4 km in the morning then 5.6 km in the late afternoon on the backyard trail.    Friday was 5 laps on the backyard trail good for 4.8 km.  

On Saturday I hosted  a 24 hour backyard Ultra but that is a whole other blog post!    

Two Run Labour Day

 Still at Sauble,  super high surf today so no beach run.  Ran on some of the backstreets heading South early afternoon logging 5km then heading North Kate in the afternoon logging another 5.1 km. 

Past Week

 Not a whole lot going on being on vacation this past week.  Tuesday was a 5 km out and back on the beach.  Wednesday it was a late afternoon 4.8 km on the backyard trail.  Thursday was a rest day of sorts grooming the backyard trail in prep for the upcoming 24 to hour.  Whacked down the tall grass that you brush up against as well as popping hazardous rocks.  Friday it was back to the beach but no run getting ready to host weekend guests.   Saturday was a rest day .... no time to run. Sunday evening just before sunset it was a 5 km out and back on the beach.  

September 1st

 After yesterdays rest day it was just a little 5 km on the beach today.   Plan on doubling it up tomorrow.  

August Totals

 August -  167 km

Forgot to post July -  161.5 km

YTD -  1,728 km

Cant believe I forgot to post July so here it goes 

Road 4 X 20km

Beach 7 X 51 km

Trail 12 X 90.5 km

August 

Road 4 X 25 km'

Beach 1 X 5 km

Trail 19 X 137 km 

Missing about 100 km/month thos summer wit races being canceled!   

Rounding out August

 Took a rest day Friday and Saturday then logged one last August run a 5.0 km out and back on Sauble Beach. 

Ditto Thursday

 4.8 kn done on the backyard trail on my meal break

Lunch Run

 Routine 4.8 km backyard trail lunch run done today.  

Tuesday after work

I was planning on a 4.8 km run but ended up logging 3.2 km after work.  

Monday Lunch

 4.8 km on teh backyard trail on my meal break today.  

The Weeekend

 Friday was a reset day,  Saturday I did the 21 km Beaver Valley loop with Grant.  Met up at Hogs Falls 7am  and it took just a little over 3.5 hour to complete the run.  Its a really fantastic trail that has a pretty challenging finish.  Lots and lots of elevation.   

Two Run Thursday

 Another 4.8 km was logged on the backyard trail Thursday after work.   

3rd Run

 3rd run in the ATR 6's another 4.8 km on the backyard trail. I swear these have a smoother ride.  I am going to run again after work and will go back to the new 5's .  

Trail @ Lunch

 4.8 km on the backyard trail today at lunch.   2nd run with the ATR 6's ...still feel tight but they seem to have a smoother ride. 

New Kicks Tuesday

 Started the week with new Stinson ATR 5s ,  3 X 4.8 km done.  Yesterday I switched it up to Stension ATR 6s.  Slightly different ,  new tread,  new way of tying the upper and a new tongue.

The new 6s seem to have a tighter fit through the mid foot.  They also seemed to have a smoother ride.  I will do another 2 runs in them breaking them in the same as teh 5s then compare again. 

4.8 km logged on the backyard trail! 

Faster Pace

 Nothing quite like a Tornado watch to put a little pop into the legs.   Logged a much faster tehn normal 4.8 km run on my lunch break today....and yeah I beat the storm.  

Rain Run

 18C and light rain made for a pleasant 5.6 km run on the backyard trail today on my meal break. 

Back to work

Back to work and back on days.  Logged a 4.8km run on the backyard trail during my lunch break today.   

Mid 8 and 9 + rest of the week.

 Worked an extra two nights shifts this rotation.  Ran on Tues morning ,  Mid 8,  logging a 5 km run around Allan Park.   Didnt run on Mid 9.  

 Wed. ( Mid 9 ) was turn around day ...no sleeping!   Headed out at 3 pm for a little 4.8 km on the backyard trail.  Keeping moving equals keeping awake.  Had a good Hammock session afterwards returning back tot eh house around 6 pm.  

Thurs / Fri.  ...short two days off at the cottage.  Didnt run choosing to Kayak Lake Huron  instead .    

Mid 7

  Super beautiful night at Allan Park so I doubled up last nights effort logging a 10 km run on my meal break this morning.  

Mid 6

 Working 12's on the weekend.  Took it outside for another 5 laps or 5 km around Allan Park. 

Add caption

Mid 5

 Working at Allan Park the next 5 shifts.  Gym is still close so I took it outside logging a 5 km run looping around the Earth Station.  I have a 1 km loop within the compound ,  all paved and one little hill.   

Mid 4

Loving my new Silva light logging another 4.8 km on my meal break at 2 am this morning. 

Mid 3

9C here this morning!  After a long stretch of warm weather it sure felt chilly.    Logged another 4.8 km on the backyard trail on my 2 am meal break.  

Mid 2

A little later this morning heading out around 4 am logging another 4.8 km on the backyard trail.  It was 12 C and super quiet in the forest making for a rather pleasant run.  

Mid 1

Working mids from home.  Took a break at 3am and put my new Silva headlight to the test running 4.8 km on the backyard trail.  All I can say is WOW...more like a car headlight!  I was a little concerned about bounce the Lithium battery on the back of the headband was a wee bit heavy but it was OK.   The battery found a resting spot about the bottom of the hairline.  

Monday

Took Sunday as a rest day after Saturdays LSD run.    Did a little 4.8 km on the backyard trail just before dinner time.  Legs felt good!  

Long Weekend Running

35.2 km running from Blantyre to the top of Talisman on Saturday with Grant and Lisa.

It was fantastic to do a point to point on the Bruce Trail its been awhile since I have done that!  Started off with 2 L of water figured I was good for 5 hours or so.   It was hot and humid so I sweated more then anticipated and ran out of fluids with before 5 hours was up.   Grant had an extra 0.5 L so I was almost good to the end.  With less then a half K to go there was a big climb and with the blood thickening again I had to take a 5 minute break or I was going to have a problem staying conscious.   I was good for electrolytes and OK for fuel just not enough to drink.  In retrospect we should have done a car drop at Epping ...next time!   

Almost didn't run...

4.8 km on the backyard trail this evening on my meal break.  Yesterday and today I incorporated one loop that included Fer ridge ...ran it in its entirety. 

Today and yesterday

5.6 km both days on the backyard trail.  Today was particularly nice with Sun ,  pleasant temps and a nice breeze...+ bonus not or very little bugs!

Back to work Monday

4.8 very  very very warm steamy Ks before staring work at 4 pm today. 

Sunday was a rest day after Saturdays fun at Beaver Valley.

The Weekend

 Hooked up with Grant and Lisa on Saturday and did a 21.1 km / 3.5 hour loop through Beaver Valley.  I was only planning on  2 to 3 hours and only had 500 ml of water.  Grant talked me into going a wee bit longer then expected offering me water so I went for it.   As it turns out we bumped into Steve F  half way and he dropped his phone and Grant found it.   They were out in front of us so Grant took off chasing them down and I didn't see him until the last K or so.   Around 3h15m I was have a ton of tightness across my shoulders and had to stop ,  sit and borrow some water from Lisa.  I was OK after a small break ...was actually really surprised how quickly a little bit of fluids worked.    After the run I had some numbness in my finger tips a sign of low potassium.     Super enjoyed the run,  was a wee bit embarrassed that I ran into trouble but I really didn't prepare to go that long. 

One thing for sure I really liked the loop ..perfect distance and time for a trail LSD. 

Friday

Friday was another 5 laps on the pavement around Allan Park on my meal break. 

Thursday Trail

Forgot my gym bag heading to work yesterday so it was no lunch run.  I hit the trail after work for 5 loops / 4.8 km then a hammock session afterwards. 

Ditto

3 rd day hitting the pavement at APK logging another 5km on my meal break.   

Lunch Run

Another 5 laps on the Allan Park pavement today on my meal break.

2nd run Monday

Logged another 5 laps of the backyard trail after work Monday.  The run was followed up by a much needed hammock session. 

June Totals

A wee bit late posting!

June -    209.5 km
YTD - 1,232.5 km

No races with Covid BUT did host a backyard 50 km run..tons of fun.  Otherwise it was all trail branching out at the end of the month to running some Bruce Trail. 

Summary -  Trail Run 23 X 209.5 km

Back to work!

  I am back to work and back in Allan Park today.    The gym is still closed her so I took it outside at lunch.  I have a 1 km loop that I run around the Earth Station .... ran it 5 years or so ago when the then on;y treadmill packed it in. 

This weeks summary

Sunday - 4.8 km backyard trail
Monday - 11.2 km Sauble Beach
Tuesday - 5 km Sauble Beach
Wednesday - 5 km Sauble Beach
Thursday - 14.8 km end to end and back Sauble Beach
Friday - 5km Sauble Beach
Saturday - 10.2 km Brads place + Krug Forest

Still smokingn hot!

Had heavy rain for about 30 min last night.  The 28C with 100% humidity mad it feel warmer then yesterdays 31C.  Logged another 4.8 km run on my meal break again today. 

Hot Thursday

4.8 km @ 31C on the backyard trail this afternoon...it was hot wouldn't want to go any further today.

Ditto

Same as yesterday and the day before 4.8 km on the backyard trail on my meal break.

Tuesday Lunch

Another 5 laps or 4.8 km on the backyard trail on my meal break today. 

Monday Lunch

4.8 km on the bacyard trail on my meal break today...it was hot!

Friday Beach

No runs Wed/Thur busy with family on Canada Day.    Sauble Beach opened on Friday so it was a little 5k out and back on the beach ...also did a 7 k bike ride and 5 k paddle. 

Working 12s in Allan Park ,  first time at the Earth Station since mid March.  The Gym is closed as a result of Covid  so its a no run weekend. 

Tuesday June 30 - MTB and Run

7.5 km mountain bike followed by a 5.9 km run.   The run was done on a new trail section at Barrow Bay.  It was getting hot and at the turn around point we jumped

in Georgian Bay for a quick dip. 

Monday June 29

No run but I had a great Kayak at Sauble. 

Sunday June 28

Headed to Hope Bay to run a section of the Bruce Trail that I have never been on.  it was only a 5.2 km discovery run with a few pictures taken along the way.  Logged a 5.2 km run looping a side trail. 

Saturday June 29

6 laps / 5.6 km logged on the backyard trail before heading to Sauble.

Friday June 26

4.8 km on the backyard trail followed by a hammock session.   It was turn around day after working 4 midnight shifts.   Booked the weekend off just to enjoy Summer. 

Trail Thursday

Another 5.6 km logged on the backyard trail this evening.   Legs have been dead all week but today was good.  Saturdays 50 km run in the heat took the wind out of my sails for a bit. 

Wednesday Afternoon

Working mids ,  up at 3 and did a 5.6 km run. 

Sunday Rest - Monday Run - Tuesday Rest

4.8 km logged on the backyard trail on Monday followed by a nice Hammock session.   Felt like running Sunday but I didn't wasting the entire day.  Tuesday I just didn't feel like doing it...no other reason!   

Backyard Solstice 50 km Ultra - Saturday June 20, 2020

 Did it again ,  another 63 laps good for 50 km logged on the backyard trail Saturday.  Brad ,  Grant and Steve joined me.  Brad did his longest run ever logged 21.1 km,  Grant did 50 km and Steve logged 60 km.  This was my virtual PYP race good for a pair of socks.    Started the run  rather late just after 12 noon.  It was already hot and this would come into play as the day unfolded.    At the 30 km mark I realized I wasn't staying hydrated although I was doing the max 700 ml/hour.    Took nearly an hour off eating Pizza and drinking Beer and Water.   This was enough to get me to the finish line just before it was too dark to see in the forest. 

Almost didnt do it!

Feeling a bit tired almost skipped my lunch run today but I laced up heading out at 8:15 pm and logged another 5 laps or 4.8 km on the backyard trail.

Lunch Run

Working eve from home tonight and on my meal break I ran 4.8 km on the backyard trail.

June 16

16 laps on the backyard trail for June 16.  The 2 hour run covered 14km on a fantastic late spring day.

The past 7 days!

Didn't run last weekend but was super active at Sauble Beach. 

Monday - 4.8 km on the backyard trail on my lunch break.

Tuesday - 4.8 km on the backyard trail on my lunch break.   @nd run done another 4.8 km after work followed by a hammock session.

Wednesday - 4.8 km on the backyard trail on my lunch break.\

Thursday - 4.8 km on the backyard trail on my lunch break.

Friday - 4.8 km on the backyard trail on my lunch break.

Thursday Friday

Both days were 4.8 km lunch runs on the backyard trail.

Lunch Run

4.8 km on the backyard trail today on my meal break. 

Monday evening and Tuesday afternoon.

Did a second run last night logging 5.0 km on the backyard trail.  It was really just a good excuse to have a hammock session.

Today, Tuesday it was 4.8 km on my meal break then a quick cool down clean up dip before going back to work. 

Hello June

4.8 km logged on a mid afternoon lunch break today.  It wasn't the most fluid run today after taking a few days off.   There is allot to be said for running everyday.

May Summary

May 2020   -    273.1 km
YTD           - 1,023.0 km

Another month of entirely looping the backyard trail.   Did a total of 32 runs and one long one the 50 km backyard Ultra.  took a few days off at the end of the month but will get back at it today.  Plan on another 50 km run on the backyard trail before the month is out. 

Almost a week off!

After going long a week ago I only ran once last week on Thursday logging 5 km on the backyard trail.   Its now June 1st and I am going to get back at it.  There was no reason to take time off ,  just had lots to do and besides after going long it makes sense! 

Backyard Ultra

50.4 very warm kms done on the backyard trail Monday is a whopping 8h35m.   It was hot starting at 16C ending at 30C needless to say the heat came into play but I managed it fairly well.    Did a rambling VLOG,  a little long and not edited. 


Fitbit Data

As is usual the spikes in HR are false!

Weekend Running - Breaking the Mold

I am not a morning runner other then race days.  I love mornings but prefer to start them in the hot tub with a pot of coffee.   That being said this weekend was different getting out both days before starting work at  8 am. 

Saturday it was out the door at 6 am for 6 loops.  The most striking moment came climbing out from the house smelling the spring air.  The fresh spring scent in the forest brought back memories of the start of many a trail race.  Next up was the Sunrise ,  I am never back there at that time of day and it was spectacular!    Did 6 laps good for 5.6 km

Sunday it was even earlier ,  up at 4:30 30 min before the alarm then out the door by 5:30 running for a couple of hours a total of 15 laps good for 12.8 km. 

2nd run Friday

It was hot and I had nothing in my legs kept it short logging another 5km run.

Friday Lunch

5.6 km on my meal break today.   24C made for  a rather hit run ,   did a quick cool down in the pool before returning to work. 

Two Run Thursday

First was a 5.6 km lunch run then after work it was a 5.0 km run followed by a hammock session.

Tuesday and Wednesday

Tuesday -  Warm temps are finally ...6.0 km utilizing the new trail segment  followed buy my 2nd hammock session of the season and I didn't freeze.

Wednesday -  6.0 km utilizing the new trail segment in the am then off to the beach for the day! 

Mid 7

Only one run Monday on my last night shift doing another 6 laps of my traditional loop good for 5,6 km in the log book. 

Mid 6

12 laps good for 10.4 km done on the backyard trail at around 1am this morning.

Mid 5

It was a two run day ,  first 5.6 km at 2:30 am.   It was still warm enough to be out in shorts and a T so super pleasant...a little foggy!

Second run was after I got up at 5pm logging 5 km doing 5 laps utilizing ,my new trail segment. 

Mid 4

5.6 very foggy Ks at 02:30 am this morning. 

Mid 3 pt 2

Couldn't sleep,  common problem working mids.    Logged a 5.6 km run in the afternoon before the rain started.

Mid 3

Same as last night 5.6 km @ 2:30 am but 6 degrees warmer ...slow progress.

Discovered I have flying squirrels on the property.   Cute little guys ,  never noticed before because they are nocturnal.   

Mid 2

5.6 km @ 2:30 am @-4C ...yeah it was May 13 brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Mid 1

5.6 km done on the backyard trail at 02:30 am on mid 1.  Planning on a night run every work day this week ,  1 shift almost done with 6 more zombie shifts remaining this week!


Another 5.6 km was done at sunset Tuesday Eve.

Past 3 days ....

Saturday -  Well it snowed ,  a fair bit for May 9!   Logged 10.4 km on the backyard trail beating down a path through the 10+ cm of snow. 

Sunday - It was a repeat of Saturday with another 10.4 km.  Most of the snow was gone but it was still cold hovering around the freezing mark.

Monday - You never believe what I did ,  yup another 10.4 km on the backyard trail.

Frigid Friday

0C ,  NW wind 30 kph today sure not May like weather.  Debated on shorts over coffee this morning decided on tights ...turned out to be the right choice.    Up top was 2 long sleeve tech Ts with a shell over top.  After the first lap I took the shell off ,  had a compression hat took it off in favor of a buff exposing the top of the head but covering the ears and forehead.   Kept the pace in check not wanting to overheat ,  pulled it back a few times.     I was pretty comfortable running the old loop there was a bit of protection from the winds.   All and all I was pretty comfortable with the exception of my hands being a wee bit cold.   Logged 12 laps ,  10. 4 km today. 

Cooler Thursday

5C ,  a wee bit of rain but that didn't stop me from getting in 10.4 km on the backyard trail today. 

Nice Day

9C and rising when I headed out at 11 am.  It was a great day for looping ,  6 laps with the new trail segment ,  6 laps old trail and 1 extra loop for a total of 12.3 km today.   It would have been a great day to go even longer! 

Tuesday

7.5 km on the backyard trail again today.  Made a video and took some pictures.  Will post the video some other time.

May 2,3 and 4

Ignoring the blog again ....

Saturday May 2nd -  Worked Eves Friday and hit the trail at midnight for a 90 minute run logging 7.52  km.  No running the new trail in the dark...too rough yet!    It was super cold at around +2C really felt the cold pressing I was very happy to be finished. 

Sunday May 3rd -  Just a little morning run logging 6.1 kms doing 6 lops with the new trail segment included.  Temps were super pleasant ,  would have been nice to gone longer but I had things to do. 

Monday May 4th -  Took my pruning sheers to the new trail cutting down all the little sticks.  Its coming along very well next up is a pick ax to take some of the camber out.   After the trail maintenance I did 7 loops good for 8.0 km. 

May 1st

Logged a 6.9 km run today on the backyard trail.  6 laps were completed utilizing a new trail segment  that added a pretty good bit of elevation. 

Original 0.8K loop ...

New loop came in at,  0.87, 0.85, 0.87, 0.88, 0.90 and 0.87 km.   Limited data but I think its safe to say I added 70 meters to the loop. 

New 0.87K loop ...
















New loop more or less runs parallel to the original added close to 20 meters of elevation.  New loop ois a ton of fun to run.