Last two runs of 2021

 Finished the year where  I began on the backyard trail. 

Thurs Dec 30 - 4.8 km on the backyard trail with Dax. 

Friday Dec 31 - 4.8 km on the backyard trail with Dax and Adi.   

No pop in the legs today!

 4.8  km on the backyard trail on my lunch break today.   Felt tired ,  no pop in the legs...even the dog was dragging his but. 

Lunch Run

 Another 4.8 km on the backyard trail Dax in tow on my meal break today. 

Monday

 Still on the trail logging 4.8 km on my meal break Dax in tow.

Boxing Day Trail

WFH 8 to 8 today it sure was nice to get out for another 5 laps with Dax on the backyard trail.  Just around 0 ,   not slushy just a wee bit muddy much better running conditions. 

Christmas Trail

 4.8 very slushy Ks on the backyard trail  with Dax on my meal break ... working 8 to 8 today.  

Friday

 5 km on the treadmill at work on Friday.  This could potentially be my last treadmill run in awhile I am back working from home again. 

Thursday Lunch

 Back in APK today after 2 days off.  Logged a 5 km run on my meal break. 

Blog Catchup

 Mid 4 and 5 were both 5 k's on the treadmill on my meal break.

Mid 5 ,  worked from home and didn't take a break

Mid 6,  was back in APK but I just plain forgot  to go and then I was out of time! 

Tuesday Dec 21 - 6 laps of the  backyard trail good for 5.6 km.    It was 0C, Sunny, no wind and just a skiff of snow on the ground...very pleasant.

Wednesday Dec 22 - Another skipped run but I was bombing Sunrise/Cruiser at Blue all morning so I was still getting some good fitness in. 

Mid 3

 5 km again this morning.  

Mid 2

 5 km @ 6:00 pace on the treadmill at 3:00 am this morning! 

Mid 1

 5 km on my ,meal break this morning my first run in 7 days after a Ski trip to Whistler last week.   

A wrap on my running week

 2nd and last run of the week today logging 5 km on the treadmill on my meal break.   I will be skiing this week and will not be running during that time.   

Weekend

 Saturday was a reset day , Sunday was 5 laps on the backyard trail ... 4.8 km.  Didn't run today doing just a lift at lunch. 

Friday

 5K run then a weight routine this eve on my meal break. 

Thursday

 Just a 5ker on my meal break this eve.  

Mid Week

 Same as Monday ,  5 km on the treadmill followed by an upper body weight routine. 

Tuesday Eve

 5 km on the treadmill on my meal break this eve.  

Weekend Running

 I was off F/S/S back working Eves M. 

Friday - 5 laps on the backyard trail good for 4.8 km in the log book. 

Saturday -  5 laps on the backyard trail good for 4.8 km in the log book. 

Sunday - Rest Day 

Monday - 5 km treadmill run followed by a lift  

M T W T

 Monday - 5 km run on my meal break 

Tuesday - 5 km run on my meal break 

Wednesday - 5 km run on my meal break 

Thursday - Upper body lift

Sunday

 Another 12 hour shift so I had a longer break logging a 10 km run on the treadmill.   

This Week

 Didn't do much after mids last week more or less in full running maintenance mode.  

Tuesday - Rest 

Wednesday - 4.8 k on the backyard trail.   Wanted to go a little further but the weather was just awful got soaked to the bone.  

Thursday -  Another 4.8 k on the backyard trail...better weather.   

Friday - Rest day! 

Saturday - Back to work ,  the treadmill was my friend logging a 10 k run on my meal break.    

Mid 7 - Something different!

 Did feel like running so I walked 5 km on the treadmill during my meal break this morning...it was nice!

Mid 6 - Lunch Redo

 Started my meal break on the treadmill but got called back to work 3.6 km in.    Made it back to the gym then did a lift followed by a 10 km run @ 6:00 pace.   

Mid 3,4 and 5

 In the same routine the past 3 days logging a 5 km run on my meal break each of the last 3 night shifts. 

Mid 2

 6 am 5km on a very late meal break this morning.   

Mid 1

 5 km on the treadmill on my meal break this morning. 

Trail Monday

 Gym was closed Friday and it was hunting season until Sunday so it was 3 days of rest.    Monday I was going to do one more Beaver Valley long run but I spent 3 hours in the kitchen and I did what probably will be my last lawn/leave session of 2021.    It was a super nice day ,  16C and Sun I did manage to do 6 laps on the backyard trail logging a 5.6 km run.  

No Lift

 Was planning another run and lift this eve.  Managed the run ok but skipped the lift after getting a flu shot today. 

Lunch Run

 5 km on the treadmill at work this evening on my meal break. 

November 2

 Same as last night 5 km @ 6:00 pace on  the treadmill at work during my meal break this evening. 

October Totals

 October - 160.2 km

YTD - 1645.2 km 

No races,  2 long runs and the gym opened.  For the next few months its all about maintenance running. 

Summary of 22 runs 

Trail 10 X 94.2 km

Treadmill 6 X 26 km'

Road 6 X 40 km  

Its November

 I am working Eves again this week and and logged a 5 km run then an upper body weight routine this evening on my meal break. 

The Weekend

 With no races on the calendar until 2022 its maintenance running mode  again.    Both Saturday and Sunday I hot the trail logging 4.8 km each day ... Dax was along too! 

Friday Repeat

 4.8 km on the backyard trail today with Dax.  Got out after breakfast with rain in the forecast. 

Trail Thursday

 4.8 km with Dax on the backyard trail today.  

Another Run and Lift

 Skipped last night but made it to the gym tonight doing a 5 km run followed by an upper body weight routine. 

Disappointing weekend and now its Monday

 Bailed on the Bad Thing 50 km on Saturday.  I was super tired and just not up to it.   I prepared Friday night went to bed before 8 with the alarm set for 3 but when it went off I decided I wasn't up to it.   I am little disappointed but there will be other races. 

Working eves this week ,  hit the Gym for a 5 km treadmill run my first in 4 days.    Afterwards I did an upper body weight routine.   

Taper of sorts!

 3 km walk on the treadmill on my meal break ahead of tomorrow Ultra. 

Today and Yesterday

 Yesterday it was a lift at lunch then a 4.8 km backyard trail run with Dax after work. 

Today it was just a 3 km walk on the treadmill on my meal break.   Doing a taper of sorts ahead of Saturdays Bad Thing 50 km trail race. 

Monday and Tuesday

 Monday at lunch I hit the weights doing an upper body workout.   after work it was 4.8 km on the backyard trail with Dax. 

Tuesday it was 5 km on the treadmill during my meal break. 

The past weekend

 After going long Wednesday I took Thursday and Friday off then did a 4.8 km on the backyard trail Saturday taking Sunday off again. 

Saturdays run was 11C,  heavy rain.  Almost didn't go  out but I view these misserable conditions as character building.   After 20 min the core warmed up and I was pretty comfortable.  

Going Long and Going Up - Wednesday Oct 20

 Returned to BV with the plan to add a few Ks and elevation to my Grahams Hill loop adding two side trails.  

I was super slow mainly because it technical terrain that was entirely covered in leaves.  I  like to think of it as super technical running.  Its also a good approach to going long for hours and hours and hours!   

HR was super low averaging 118 bpm spending the majority of the run run in the 120's.  

This was my last long run before the Bad Thing 50 km race on October 23.  

Two Turkey T Giving

 After running at lunch I went home and ran the backyard trail after work logging another 4.8 km. 

Warm October 11 - Happy Thanksgiving

 Its a warm Thanksgiving Monday worked up quiet a sweat on my lunch run today ,  22C / Sun / Humid.  

To nice not to take it outside.

 10 km done on a rather warm 20C humid but breezy Oct 10 afternoon...it was nice! 

WOW treadmill WOW

 Its been 18+ months since I ran on a treadmill.    The Gym at work is open again and I logged a 5 km run followed by a much overdue upper body weight routine.  I missed the rhythm of the treadmill run there is nothing quite like it.  

Lunch Run

 5 km around APK today on my meal break.  

Two Run Thursday

 Good weather made for a 2 run Thursday.   Working days I did a 5 km run looping Allan Park on my meal break.  After work I grabbed the cooler and headed to the backyard trail for a 4.8 km trail run followed by a hammock session .... 21C and humid Oct 8!   

Mid 7 and Days Off

 Wrapped up mid 7 ( Monday )  with no access to a shower so it was a good excuse to skip the run!

Tuesday I hot Beaver Valley with the plan to run a wee bit further and to slow it down a bit aiming for 5 hours on my feet.   I wanted to finish the loop feeling like I could easily so it again and that is more or less what I did logging a 23.9 km run.  The fall colours were amazing it would have been even better if the Sun had of been out!    

Found this gem of a water fall looping a side trail...

Mid 6

 It was a super nice Oct night with temps in the mid teens.   Working a 12 hour shift I had time to fit a 10 km run around Allan Park on my meal break.  

Mid 4 and 5

 Skipped Mid 4 run ,  it was frosty and I just didnt feel like it!   Mid 5 almost got skipped ,   did things in reverse order eating ,  catching a cat nap then run ... usually its the other way around.   I sure feel great getting it done logging a little 5 km around APK on my meal break this morning. 

September 2021 Summary

 September     -   179 km

YTD               - 1,485 km

17 runs including   two races a trail 1/2  and a road 50 km were logged.   Managed 3 longish runs at Beaver Valley running the 21 km Grahams Hill loop. 

8 X Road = 85 km

9 X Trail = 94 km

Last Run of September 2021 - Mid 3

 5 km at 3:30 am ,  hit the ground running at 6C ...brr,  soon time for pants! 

August 2021 Totals

 A wee bit on the late side posting!  

August 2021 -   191.6 km

YTD             -   1,306 km

Breakdown of the 24 runs 

Road 8X = 41.5 km

Beach 3X = 15 km

Trail 13X = 135.1 km

It was s good month with 3 longish runs done at Beaver Valley.   

Mid 2

 Remembered to pack some glove and they certainly came in handy logging another 5 km  run around APK on my meal break at 3 am. 

Mid 1

 Skipped the last 2 sets of mids taking vacation time.   This morning at 3 am I did 5 laps around APK.   A bit cool at 10C but it won't be long before thats considered a warm run! 

Turned right instead of left!

 It was a funny week of running last week after doing the Dam Hill 50K on Saturday.   Only did 2 small runs through the week then on the weekend I worked an extra 12 hour day Saturday and didn't run on my meal break.   I was registered to run in a 10 km race on Sunday in Walkerton.    I was planning on heading to Sauble hitting Walkerton on the way but plans changed and I turned right instead of left at the end of the drive and ended up in Beaver Valley.   Ran my usual 21 km Grahams Hill loop in somewhere around 3h40  min.   Planning on being back at Beaver next week for a 5 hour ish 30 k ish run.   Its all about getting ready for the Bad Thing 50 K in a few weeks. 

Changing seasons ...

 Fall is a hard time to get motivated.  Its a greater effort to get out the door with the cooler temps but no matter what I am always glad I did and tonight is no different logging 5 km looping the road around Allan Park this eve. 

Trail Tuesday

 Took Sunday and Monday off after Saturdays 50ker.  I felt better then expected after going long for the second time this month.   Today I hit the backyard trail and logged 5 laps good for 4.8 km.  The weather was still summer ,  22C and super humid with a nice breeze. 

Dam Hill 6 Hour - Saturday September 18 2021

 Another weekend another race .... been some time that I have done back to back race weekends.   This past Sunday it was the Falling Water 1/2 and 6 days later it was the Dam Hill 6 hour.    My A goal was to get 50 km done in under 6 hours and I just managed to squeak it in.  

My race plan was to try for a 6:00 pace and run the hill for the first 3 hours.   As it turned out it was more of a 6:20 pace reaching the 1/2 Marathon mark in 2h12min.   I did however run the hill including one time past the 3 hour mark.   I was doing a gel and getting 500 ml in every hour but fell a little behind the nutrition and hydration around the 4 hour mark.   Did an ever so brief stop ,  less then 5 min and really upped the water ,  added a couple of S Caps and did some more calories.   It got really hard past 4 hours I haven't done any long constant runs in 2 years!   The legs felt  heavy right from the get go.  It seemed to get progressively worse as the hours passed by.  I am pretty sure it was just a lactic acid buildup simply due to the fact that I haven't been doing these sorts of runs.  No the less I pushed through.   There was 2 laps remaining when the clock showed 5h22m.   I knew I could finish under 6 but I also knew I would be hard and I couldn't give in and had to push, push push! 

  

I was pretty happy with the result but a little disillusioned that it was a little tougher then I expected but any day I can run 50 km is a good day.  

Tapper Time

 5K at lunch again today...time to taper with the 6 Hour Dam Hill on Saturday.  

Back to work!

 Monday and Tuesday were 5 km at APK.  

Falling Water Trail 1/2 Marathon - Sunday September 12, 2021

 Surprised myself and had a blast Sunday competing the Falling Water Trail 1/2 Marathon in 2 hours 59 minutes.    The loop is similar to the run I have been doing weekly this summer it just had another 300m of elevation gain.   

The Eugenia / Hoggs loop I have been running all Summer is the same distance just a different part of Beaver Valley.  The race added another 300 or so meters in elevation so it was a more difficult loop.  I had been logging 3h50m ish on through the summer until I ran a 3h20m a couple pf weeks ago.   It was cooler and I was running by myself so it was all business.  I really enjoyed adding a bit of speed to my run so I was super looking forward to this race.   

 The run was a blast ,  started easy then picked it up a few Ks in after the big initial run.  I started keeping an eye on my HR allowing myself to run in the 130's and let it climb into the 140's on hills.  Going up Grahams Hill I was in the mid 140's just walking.    There were a couple of big climbs at the Beaver Valley Ski Club ... kept an eye on the HR keeping it in the 140s power hiking up the ski hills.   There was an aid station around the 17 k mark that had on  Endurance Tap left ... grab it and treated it like rocket fuel picking up the pace inn the last 4 Ks getting the 21 km run done in under 3 hours!   

 

Trail Legs

 Just getting my trail legs under me ahead of Sundays Trail  1/2 logging 5.6 km yesterday with Dax. 

Monday Tuesday Wednesday

 Monday - Rest Day

Tuesday - Solo 5 laps on the backyard trail good for 4.8 km

Wednesday - Rest Day 

Road Sunday

 Wanted to run the beach but decided to hit the road  so I could take the dogs. Logged a quick 5 km just before a squall moved in off the Lake.  

Thursday Friday Saturday

 Thursday it was the backyard trail with Fax for 6 laps logoing 5.6 km.

Friday was yet another BV Grahams Hill 21 km loop this time solo.  I didn't really feel like doing it but looking at the race calander it had to be done.  It was a nice cool start at around 7:30 am 9c.  The cooler temps and no one to chat with made for a much faster pace completing the run in record time 3h22m.   It was a ton of fun running faster and a good leed up to the half I am doing there in another week. 

Saturday was a rest day and I am pleased to report now repercussions from Fridays fun. 

Its September

 Started the month at midnight registering for the "Bad Thing" 50 km trail race...the fall is coming together rather nicely now ...  Falling Water 1/2 Sept 12,  Dam Hill 6 hour Sept 18 the Bad Thing Oct 23.  Throw in a couple of long runs after the Dam Hill and I will be ready for Bad Thing.

The first day of Sept was a two run day.  First run was a 6 lapper on the backyard trail with Dax good for 5.6 km.  Late afternoon it was 5 laps on the backyard trail good for 4.8 km followed by a Hammock session.   

Tuesday Trail

Back home again ,  logged 5.6 km in the am with Dax.   Was planning  a second run but I got busy with things around the house...the list is long.  

Sunday - Monday

 Yesterday it was a little 5 km out and back on a rather warm and crowded Sauble Beach.

Today, Monday was a two run day of sorts.   Temperatures were much more reasonable so I was able to take the dogs for a run.  First it was the young dog Dax.  We went down Lakeshore to the sign then up to the lights heading back to Lake Shore... 4.5 km.  Next it was the old do Adi headiin up Lakshoer to 7th st the looping down second to 5th st then back down Lakeshore ,  2 km.   After the 6.5 km with the dogs I took a 30 min break then did an out and back on the beach logging another 5 km.   

Funny Week

 Been super busy being off just not logging allot of "runs". 

 Wedensday it was a little 5km out and back on the beach at Sauble

Thursday it was the Bruce Penensula National Park going from Cameron Lake to Loon Lake ...almost bush whacking.  Found a creepy cabin in the midle of nowhere!

Friday  flew over High 

Friday and Saturday were both rest days. 

Hope to log a few more runs over the next week.  

Monday August 23

Sunday was a rest day ,  logged 7 km Monday looping at Hope Bay.  

Saturday BV

 Did another super hot run around Beaver Valley Saturday logging 21 km with Raj and Stephan. 

Early Run

 Did an earlier morning run today it was cool enough for Dax to do 4.8 km with me. 

Owen Sound Trail Run - Thursday August 19

 14 km +/- 795 meters  very warm run down looping the trails through Harrision Park up towards Inglis Falls.   

Wednesday August 18 - Backyard

After the Cape Crocker Run we did a Bike around Owen Sound then the next morning we did a 3 hiur Kayak on the Beaver River.  Wednesday afternoon  I logged 5 laps / 4.8 km  around the backyard trail followed by a hammock session.

Tuesday August 17 - Cape Crocker Bruce Trail

 Ran an out and back in Cape Crocker running 10.km along Jones Bluff.  

Sunday August 15

 Just a little 4.8 km run on the backyard trail, 

Monday August 16

5.6 km on the backyard trail followed by a hammock session.  

Saturday August 14 - BV

 22 km logged at Beaver Valley ,  the temperature was cooler and I was quicker finishing up in 3hours41minutes.  

Last lunch run for awhile!

 5K around APK at 10pm again this evening.   Won't be back running here for some time starting my summer break this weekend.   

Lunch Run

 Another tropical 5 K around APK on my meal break tonight. 

Same as last night

 Same time ,  same weather , same run on my meal break logging yet another 5 km run around APK 

Lunch Run, a late one!

 Working eves,  normally run 6 to 7 ish but it was super hot so I ran at 10 instead.  5 km logged on a very tropical August night.   

Weekend Running

 Friday - Rest Day 

Saturday - 21.1 km running the Beaver Valley Grahams Hill loop.  Started before 7am and wrapped up before 11am running with Grant

Sunday - 2 X 4.8 km runs on the backyard trail.  First run was early with Dax.  Its been too warm to run the dog so the 18C Sunday morning at 8am was welcome.   Second run was late afternoon and it was followed by a hammock session. 

Trail Thursday

 4.8 km on the backyard trail after work last night.   Had a busy day at work and wasn't able to get a lunch break in.   The forest was really quiet and warm ... very inviting.  Had a nice hammock session afterwards. 

Lunch

 5 laps around APK again today on my meal break. 

Tuesday Lunch

 5 km on my Tuesday lunch run.  

Civic Holiday Run

 Working the holiday logging 5 km around APK on my meal break. 

July 2021 Summary

 July      199.5 km

YTD   1,114.4 km

What a great month July marks a return to organized events running 50 km at the Talley in the Valley , Happy Trails Race.   Only did one other long run being busy with other activities throughout the month.  I backpacked ,  kayaked and bicycled too... all good activities that lend well to a return to " racing ". 

Rest   6X

Trail  7X = 100.7 km

Beach 4X =27 km 

Road 12X =71.8 km

No planned races for August yet I would really like to pick something up.  Two events at the end of September hopefully they remain a go...hopefully they stay that way! 

July 30 - Beaver Valley

 Ran the Beaver Valley Grahams Hill  21.4 km loop with these guys on Saturday ... last run of July 2021,  a great way to finish off the month. 

Friday

 Normal work week done and the so to is the last of 5 5K lunch runs logging one more this morning on my meal break. 

Lunch Run

 5km on my meal break today. 

Mid Week

Another 5 km run on my meal break is in the log today.  

Lunch Run

 5 km the usual way on my meal break today. 

Back to work Monday

 First run since Saturdays 50 ker  done today at lunch.   The 5km was actually pretty easy with the exception of the heat.    Legs were a tiny bit sluggish otherwise everything was 100%...must be doing something right.  Actually I felt so darn good its rather empowering.  

Talley in the Valley Trail Race - Saturday July 24, 2021

 First organized race since January 2020 was done Saturday.   I was registered for the 24 hour race and was surprised a few weeks ago when they announced that the race was a go! I had a super busy 64 hour work week leading up to the race working until midnight the day before.   The race started at 9 am,  I picked up my race bib and was running by around 11:30.    My A goal was to get to 80 km ,  B 50 km and C was stay home.    It was oppressively humid through the afternoon but we got reprieve with an hour or two of light to moderate rain.   The rain was fantastic but afterward the sun came out long enough to bring back the humidity.    Its a 7 km loop done in an average of around 65-70 min.   I gelled and or ate and brought in at least 600 - 700 ml of water each loop.   I was also running to heart rate keeping it in the 130's on the trail and 120's on the 2k rail trail section.  Half way through the run it was impossible to still run and keep the HR in the 120' on the rail trail section so I let it creep into the mid 130's.   That was all about Glycogen depletion and using more O2 to burn body mass as fuel.     I was though the 6 laps / 42 km in about 6.5 hours.   Checked the weather and T Storms and heavy rain were expected in a couple of hours.  Figured I would call it a day after 7 laps/ 49 km because I wasn't going to site out the weather I figured I would loose interest so I grabbed my poles and speed walked most of my final loop.    

So yeah ,  goal B met ...any day I can run 50 km is a good day.  This was my longest run in 13 months so I was pretty happy to get it done. 

Ans now I rest!

 Last of 6 consecutive lunch runs this week logging a leisurely 5 km run around Allan Park again today on my meal break.  Taking a rest day Friday then its go long day at Talley in the Valley on Saturday. 

Race plan ,  an easy 50 km minimum with the stretch being 50 miles.   

Lunch Run

 Cooler today , 20C ... pace naturally picked up and the HR was lower.  One more run tomorrow before taking Friday off ahead of my first Ultra in over 12 months. 

Tuesday

 Another day at work and another 5 km lunch run.  Good thing it was short cause it was hot and the run was over before the body figured out what it was doing! 

Monday

 One more 5ker around APK on my meal break today. 

Lunch Run

 Another 10 km around APK on my meal break today.  

Just for fun I picked up the pace for the 9th of 10 laps running it "fast" at a 5:06 pace LOL.   

Drove the HR from the 130s to 160!   Need to do more of these sorts of intervals just to keep me " speed honest" .

Saturday at work.

 Back to work today logged a warm 10 laps around APK good for 10 km.  

Friday , back to work tomorrow last day of vacation.

 12 laps on the backyard trail followed by a hammock session.  First 6 laps were on my original loop the second 6 laps I ran the extension I added last year.  I was super interested in the elevation profiles. 

First 6 Laps 

Second 6 Laps 

 Adding in the trip to and from the house to the trailhead it was a total of 10.4 km.    The new extension doubles the elevation and slighlty increases the distance...about 400 meter in 6 loops. 

Thursday Trail

 Back home on Thursday,  cleaned the house then did 5 laps/ 4.8 km on the backyard trail.  

Wednesday Bike and Run

 First it was a 18 k bike ....

Second it was a 5 km run on the beach 

The run was super nice on a very crowded beach... always fun.   

Tuesday the 13th

 

5k on the beach at Sauble Tuesday.  The 6th st pavilion has rocks in out into the lake as a result of the high water level last year.  I tried to navigate my way through the rocks and slipped coming down very hard on my right hip.  Thought for sure I did some serious damage it was incredibly painful for the first few moments but I was able to walk it off and do my run.   Have a super large purple bruise as a result. 

Monday...all about the beach!

I was planning a loop at Lions Head but decided to run Sauble Beach instead.  It was a super nice beach day besides Ican run in the forest just about everyday.   Logged a 12 km run on the beach then I did a 5 km Kayak followed by a bike ride to the DQ to replace some calories!  

The past week ... again!

Its been a busy summer especially being off for the past two weeks.    

Sunday July 4th - My recent running partner Dax went back to his family now that they have settled into a new home.  The dog will be back from time to time look forward to future runs with him.   Sunday afternoon I logged 5 laps on the backyard trail good for 4.8 km.  

Monday and Tuesday July 5,6 -  Parked at the SE corner at " Cemetery " and hiked in on the South side of the escarpment spending the night at McKay Harbor then hiked back to the car on the North side then cutting across the forest trail back to the car.    So I covered somewhere around 18 km.  On the weigh out my pack was somewhere around 40 lbs the return was lighter around 30 lbs.  

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday - Fully vaccinated so I headed to London to spend a few days with my Mother.  Both Wednesday and Friday were reset days but I did squeeze on in in London logging 6.8 km along the Thames Valley Trail Medowlilly to Egerton St.   Trails were fantastic the area has changed a ton since I left in 83!

Saturday July 10 - 5 km on the beach at Sauble.  Went late afternoon and the beach was super busy making the run really fun.    

Going long Saturday

  Just a little under 4 hours on the trail Saturday logging 21.5 km on the "Beaver Valley Grahams Hill" loop.  There was a reroute coming down from Eugenia making the loop 0.5 km shorter and a little less elevation.   Was out with Grant again ,   a last minute message Friday thought I would be solo because he usually has plans but as it turned out he was planning to run  there regardless.   We started a little before 8 am finishing up a little before noon. 

June Totals - 1/2 Running Year Done

 What happened to June … probably the same thing as May ,  how time flys.   

June -    213.6 km

YTD -   914.9 km

Breakdown 

Trail 8X 118.6 km

Road 9X 55 km

Beach  5X 40 km 

Rest  Days - 8 

Best month for volume this year with 4 long runs done.   2 of the reset days were a result of the 2 nd covid vaccine but I am pleased to report that I am fully vaccinated.    A pleasant surprise email yesterday from Happy Trails Racing ...game on for Talley and I  am in for the 24 hour event.   

The past week...

25/06/2021  -  Rest day! 

 

26/06/2021 -  5 km on the road at Sauble Beach with Dax.  I was heading out the door to run on the beach but I got those big brown puppy dog eyes staring me down wanting to come along.  There are no dogs on the beach until after labor day so I opted to hit the road with my canine companion.  Headed down Lake Shore to the sign  then looped around to 6th st returning on  Lake Shore.   There was light rain and the occasional thunder as weather was rolling in off the Lake.  

27/06/2021 -  Sunday was a down day ,  felt lazy.   Almost didn't run but managed to fit a 5 km run on the beach before dinner. 

28/06/2021 -  Patrick joined me for a 10 km at 10 am on the beach.  It was foggy and coolish in the mid teens which made the run very pleasant.  

29/06/2021 and 30/06/2021 -  Had my second covid 19 shot after Mondays run with Patrick.  For two days afterwards I had flu like symptoms so running was not going to happen.  

01/07/2021 - Canada Day  - It was a little " get back to running again " 4.8 km on the backyard trail with Dax.   

02/07/2021 - 4.8 km on the backyard trail with Dax.  Got a surprising email yesterday and it looks like my Talley in the Valley 24 hour is a go in 3 weeks ...yes 3 weeks YIKES!   I have been building some volume as of late so I am sort of ready.   I am scheduled to work until midnight the day before and I really have no plans to run for a full 24 hours but I am leaning towards a 50 mile run starting around noon and wrapping up around 3 am.   I really like the 24 hour format,  do what ever you want at your own pace.  Super looking forward to it.  Havent done a long run this week and was going to skip it but  with this race just around the corner its back to Beaver Valley tomorrow for another 22 km loop.  

Lunch Run

 Just a little 5k around APK tonight on my meal break.  

BV Run

 Grant messaged me yesterday suggesting a Beaver Valley Run.   Logged my third one in the past 4 weeks doing the 22 km Grahams Hill loop in 3h53m ,   a little faster then 4 weeks ago.   It was super nice weather sunny and comfortably warm with a nice breeze.   

Update ...

After Wednesday run it was a 4.8 km outing on the backyard trail Thursday followed by a hammock session.   Both Friday and Saturday I logged a 10 km run on Sauble Beach.  Took a rest day Sunday.  

Celebratory Run

 It happened ,  a new AG turning 60 this week.  With two successful 4 hour / 22km runs in the past 2 weeks I decided I would run 60 laps / 48 km on the backyard trail.   

 Started at 8am logging my first 12 laps with Dax.  It was super cool but comfortable running starting the day in the high single digits.   Took Dax back to the house a little after 10 and meet Patrick.   He joined me for 7 laps,   he had a special guest arriving at 11:30 so it was back to the house again.   Gary arrived with Wine and Donuts ( Patrick brought wine too ).   Sat on the pool deck chatting it up over wine and donuts until they left around 1:30 pm.    Grant was going too join me but messaged that he couldn't make it so I headed back out just before 2 logging another 24 laps.    I only had water on the loop and was in need of some nutrition so around 5 I headed back to the house and had grilled cheese with tomato soup.   The intention was to head back out at 6 completing another 12 laps minimum getting me past the 42.2 km mark.   Suited up and headed up the hill around 6:15  then I thought ...NAH!   There was a ball game coming on and hockey a wee nit later.   So I bailed on my 60 for 60 theme and called it a day.  

Logged 42 laps / 33.4 km my longest run since last September.    I am a wee but disappointed but with nothing on the race calendar until September now its no big deal...I am heading in the right direction!   

Katchup!

 I know when I have been busy when I have to catch up on the running blog.

Wed June 9 - 22 km running the Grahams Hill/ Eugenia Falls / Hoggs Falls loop.  It was a super hit day with a humidex.  Had Raj along for the ride you know it warm when he says it feels like running in Sri Lanka.   

Thurs June 10 - 5 laps on the backyard trail / 4.8 km then a hammock session.

Friday June 11- Ditto Thurs but no hammock session

Saturday June 12 - Rest day

Sunday June 13 -   5 km on Sauble Beach

Monday June 14 5 laps / 5km around APK ...working days.  

Friday on a Tuesday

 Last day of work today before a 5 day weekend.   Wrapped up this 6 day work week with a 5 km run on my meal break today.   Tomorrow its back to the Bruce Trail with another crack at the Grahams Hill 22 km loop.  

Monday Lunch

 I was out a little earlier today ,  11 am.  27C and overcast so it wasnt quite as hot logging 5 km around Allan Park. 

Back to back hot!

 Even warmer today ,  still managed 10 km on my meal break today.   

Super Hot

 High 20's , Sun add a little humidity and man was it a hot one.   There was a good breeze and I did a bottle of ice water logging a 10 km run on circling Allan Park my meal break today. 

The rest of the week

 Wednesday was a rest day after Tuesdays outing. 

Thursday was a WFH day ,  weather was lousy at lunch so I waited until after work to log a 4.8 km run with Dax.   The weather was nice and warm a wee bit on the humid side so there was a hammock session afterwards.  

Friday it was back to Allan Park on days logging a 5 km run on my meal break today. 

June 1st - I'm back!

 I have been running constantly mostly short and often twice in a day lately.  I really felt like I am run ready and suspected that going long was more a matter of taking care of business...in other words I am 50 km ready.  

Headed over to Beaver Valley Tuesday to do the 22 km Grahams Hill / Eugenia / Hogs loop.   Ran this a couple of times last year ...ran into a bit of trouble the second time not having enough water on a very hot day.   I was bound and determined not to let that happen again and was laser focused on my hydration / fueling and electrolytes.   Enroute to the parking lot at  Grahams Hill I made a single 500ml water drop about 8 km in then two more  500 ml bottles at around the 14 km mark.  Started the day with  1.250 L on me.    Goal was to get 700 ml/ hour and as it turned out I did closer to 500 ml was plenty enough for the 23C weather.  Consumed 1 S Cap,  2 Gels and 2 Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies and consumed a total of  2.25 l of water.   I was adequately fueled and hydrated through the run.   

Did the loop clockwise starting at Grahams Hill with a 1.5 km downhill followed by a 1.5 km uphill.  This also meant that when when I hit Hogs Falls I was well past the half way mark.   This trail is fabulous I really enjoyed running the loop.    Bumped into a few couples on the trail between Eugenia Falls and Hogs Falls.  It was quite apparent that the trek between the two falls has become popular.     There is a ton of elevation and its actually very technical which makes the loop very appealing.   Running with Grant last year he said " if you can do this loop you can do anything".    Last time I was out with him a young woman blew past us just a k or two past Grahams Hill on the West side of the Valley heading to Hogs.   I figured she was just one of the super human types until we caught up with her 8 km later at Hogs she was done and we were finishing our loop so Grant gave her a ride back to Grahams Hill.  

Garmin Data 

22 km  - Grahams Hill , Eugenia Falls, Hogs Falls ...return 

  

Fitbit Data 

HR is the beginning is false.

  

A few pictures 

May Totals

 I have been lacking on the monthly summary.  This "running year" has been a wee bit different I haven felt the need for high volume with no long ones on the calendar but I expect thats going to change over the summer.   

So far....

January   - 177.6 km 

February - 116.7 km

March     - 91.2 km

April       - 136.6 km

May        - 179.2 km 

YTD       - 701.3 km   

May Breakdown

30 Runs Total

16 X Road - 85.2 km

13 X Trail - 87 km

1 X Beach - 7 km 

Rest Days - 9

So yeah ,  building volume in May with the plan to go 200+  km in June.   

Mid 7 bonus

 Turn around day after mid 7 that means no sleep .  Used an afternoon run to stay awake logging 4.8 km on the backyard trail with Dax. 

Mid 7

 Its the last night in this series of mids and I logged one more 5 km run at 3 am this morning...still cold out.  

Two Run Sunday ... mid 6 bonus

 Dog needed a Run,   grabbed Dax and did 4.8 km after breakfast this afternoon.   Always grateful to get a 2 nd one in  especially working a 12 hour night shift.  

Mid 6

 Its another cool morning ,  2C but no frost like yesterday.   Didn't  really feel up to it but I pushed myself out the door into the cold and logged a 5 km lunch run.  

Mid 4 and 5

 Yesterday it was raining and just above freezing so I opted not to run.   This morning it was clear and cold  there was frost on the grass.   I had to put the running pants and shell back on logging another 5 km on my meal break. 

Mid 3 - Brrrrrrr

 Yesterdays lunch run was 23C/Humid/Still.   Fast forward to this mornings 2 am run it was `17C colder at 6C and  there was a wind chill to boot,  4C.  Needless to say this mornings run was at a much quicker pace.   5 km logged on my meal break. 

Two run mid 2

 Didn't super feel like hitting the trail but I had a bit of time and a dog with an abundance of energy so I headed out logging 5 laps ,  4.8 km on the backyard trail.  

Mid 2

 23C at 2am ... nice comfortable weather for a 5 Ker this morn!   

Two Run Mid 1

 Got about 4 hours of sleep ,  typical of first mid.  Woke up then headed to the backyard trail logging 6 laps including the new fern loop twice good for 5.7 km.   

Mid 1

 Last set of mids until the fall this week.  Logged 5 km at 3am under a fantastic moon lit sky and some very pleasant high teen temperatures.  

Long Weekend Running

 It was the "May Two Four " weekend and I was off.    Figured Saturday would be a reset day being just too busy too get a run in.   Sunday ended up being the same.   Monday was 7 km on the beach at Sauble .  It turned out to be a really nice day.  Ended the run with a dip in Lake Huron .  It was a little on the numbing side but it felt good after heating up running.   

I did it again!

 Loving the heat,  managed 2 runs again today.   Late this afternoon before work it was 5.7 km on teh backyard trail and then this evening it was another 5 km around APK on my meal break.  Feeling good and super glad to be building some volume.  Mids next week and I am going to try to keep the two run party going.   

2nd run today

 5 km around APK on my meal break this evening. 

Hot trail

 Uppers 20's + humidex today made for a rather warm but enjoyable 10.6 km on the backyard trail today.  

Lunch Run

 Just a short 5 ker on my meal break tonight.  

Twosday

 Two runs today ,  haven't done that in awhile.  Logged another 5 km around APK on my meal break this evening. 

Trail Tuesday

 12+ laps on the backyard trail today for a total of 10.7 km.   Every 3rd lap I took the new trail I made last year.... adds a ton of elevation!    The weather was fantastic with temps pushing into the mid 20's.  I really like the warmer runs its allot easier to build some volume when you really enjoy what you are doing.  

Friday + Saturday + Sunday + Monday

 Friday - Rest day ...  actually no rest just no time to run!

Saturday - 12 laps on the backyard trail logging 10.4 km.  I need to build some volume so there has to be many more outings like this plus some long ones!   Need to build to a backyard 50 ker some time in June. 

Sunday - Another 12 laps followed by a hammock session.  

Monday - Back to work at APK,  logged 5 km on my meal break lapping the earth station. 

Summer Running

 Sunny and warm today sure makes for an enjoyable little run logging 4.8 km on the backyard trail. 

Trail again!

4.8 km on the backyard trail before lunch today.  The weather is starting to warm up it was really nice today.  

Weekend off, well not really!

 Friday was just one of those busy days when there was just no time to run.  Saturday and Sunday I was at Patricks helping him replace his roof.  Monday I was watching over a dog with a cone recovering from being nutered.  Managed to sneak one in today logging 4.8 km on the backyard trail ...I needed that! 

Lunch Run

 5 Sunny Ks around APK on my meal break today.  

Mid week

 Busy day but 5K was OK at lunch.   

Lunch Run

 5km around APK on my meal break today.  Belly was full of Pizza so there was a wee bit of indigestion towards the end... no big deal.   

Weekend and Monday

 Saturday was a 2 run day.   First was 6 laps / 5.6 km on the backyard trail with Dax.   The second was the old McCormick loop that use to be my go to road run.  Logged the 10.2 km in just a little over and hour.  Lots of great hills and more like a trail run then a road run.  Will be more of this router going into Summer. 

 Its Monday and I am back in Allan Park this week.  Logged a 5 km run on the pavement just before noon today.  

WTF

 Thats Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

Wednesday - Rest day ,  last day of a long stretch at work.  Took delivery of a new TV at the end of the day so it took priority over the run.

Thursday - 5.8 km on the backyard trail with Dax.  It was humid and about 13C pretty comfortable much better then I was expecting.

Friday - Another 5.8 km with the dog on  the backyard trail.  Nasty wind and cold 2C...better weather days ahead. 

2nd run yesterday

 Logged another 5 laps yesterday after work.  It was all  about the hammock time but it sure was nice to get a second run in too!

Super nice day

 4.8 km with Dax on the backyard trail on my meal break.  It was sooo nice I think I will turn Tuesday into Twosday running again after work....haven't done that in awhile. 

Lunch time trail time

 4.8 km on the backyard trail with Dax on my meal break today ...WFH. 

Lunch Run

 Back in APK for the weekend ,  it was 5 laps on my meal beak.  

Lunch Trail Run

 WFH today  so it was 4.8 km with Dax on my early meal beak today ...started at 6am.   I had some good pop in the legs today they must have put some good stuff in the covid shot!

Wednesday Trail

  Its cold again  had a 4.8 km trail run with Dax yesterday at just a little below freezing...so is the weather in April. 

 Immune system is in over drive today after my covid shot yesterday I will be kind to my body and skip the run today ( Thursday ).  I am feeling 100% over then  slightly sore around the injection spot similar to my annual Flu Shot experience....no big deal. 

 

Mid 8

 5 km around APK on my meal break this morning. 

Mid 6 and 7

 Didn't run mids 6 it hasnt been a great week for sleeping.  This morning I hit the road around APK logging a 5 km run.   One more mid to go in this set then I am off for a couple of days. 

Mid 5

 Not enough sleep today so I got out early for a get er done 5K.  

Mid 3 & 4

 Mid 3 -  Wet snow so I just didnt feel like running...rest day! 

Mid 4 - 5 laps around APK lots of pop in the legs after yesterdays reset and todays sleep. 

Mid 2

 In APK this morn,  did a 5 km run on my meal break at 2am...it was nice. 

Mid 1 - Tues Apr 14

 WFH first mid a little under the weather and didnt run until after I slept.  Logged 4.8 km on the backyard trail when got up ...Dax was along with me. 

Weekend Running

 Its time to start building a bit of volume.  

Saturday 12 laps done on the backyard trail followed buy a hammock session.   It was 25C when I was done a summer run in early April ...sure was nice. 

Sunday ,  ditto Saturday minus the 25C.  Logged another 12 laps / 10.4 km on the backyard trail again.   Not as warm but still very nice in the mid teens. 

Monday ,  rest day...felt like I was coming down with a bug. 

And Friday makes 5

 5 X 5 km on my meal breaks this evening hope to be 8 for 8 on my upcoming night shift next week. 

Wed Thurs

 Another 5 km run on my meal break the past 2 nights.  Great summer like weather more like early June then early April. 

Some pop in the legs!

Got off to a sluggish start hitting the pavement at APK last week but this week the pace has picked up and it just feels more natural.    Logged a 5 km run on my meal break this evening it was darn near perfect running temps just before sunset ... 13C.  

Monday in Allan Park

I am working eves this week and did a 5 km road run around APK on my meal break this evening. 

Weekend

 Saturday it was 6 laps / 5.6 km on the back yard trail ...with dax.  I was going to head out again Sunday afternoon but the wood guy came and I  stacked 5 face instead of a run.   

Good Friday

 Dax and I did a get er done 4.8 km on the backyard trail late in the afternoon after skiing. 

Lunch Run

 Cold -4C + stiff wind today still logged a 5 km at lunch on the pavement.   Hips were a little looser.  Think I will try a few road runs over the weekend,  ski day tomorrow.

Hips are tight

 After all the slow ass running over the winter hitting the pavement around a whopping 6:00 pace is taking a toll.   No big deal ,  just a badge of honor that will pass.    Over the next couple of weeks I expect to hit the pavement regularly so this will pass.   Logged another 5 km around  APK again today on my meal break. 

 Weigh in 179 lbs ... I am OK with that all things considered ,  goal is 175 by July.  

Nice day ... maybe a second run today .

 5K at lunch again today ,  Sun 10C but wind ...it was pleasant. 

Monday at Allan Park

  Back in Allan Park after a month WFH.  Logged a 5 km " lunch run " on my 1K paved loop around the Earth Station.  

Thursday through Sunday

 6 laps good for 5.6 km on the backyard trail Thursday after work.   Took a rest day Friday,  the weather was miserable.   On Saturday I hit the darn near entirely snow free backyard trail logging 5 laps ,  4.8 km.   Sunday was a miserable weather day so I added another rest day opting not to run ...better weather is just ahead and so are some longer runs.  

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday Trail

 Snow is disappearing fast hit the trail Tuesday and Wedsensday after taking a rest day Monday I  logged  a 4.8 km Wed  and a  5.6 km run  Tues .  Had Dax along for both and was in shorts as the temps were in the high teens.    Tuesday    there was 95% snow cover but that dropped to 60% Wed  and I expect today it will be even better.   Spring is a bit early and I am OK with that...putting the Skies away! 

The Weekend

 Saturday - Grant dropped by and him Dax and I did 8 laps good for 7.2 km.    Trail is still 95% snow covered but I fully expect that's going to change this week.    

Sunday - Headed put with Dax again doing 6 laps good for 5.6 km.  It was cold overnight so the trail firmed up.  Its super warm in the mid teens all week never going below freezing so I fully expect the trail to be close to 100% open by the end of the week.   There is going to be a few days when its mush so I will need to hit the road.   

Thursday March 18 and Friday March 20

 Its been a funny week not up to too much but I have started back on the trail again. 

Thursday I headed out after work for 5 laps on the backyard trail.  Wasn't sure I was going to be able to manage as the snow was soft in spots and I kept skidding out and post holing.  

Friday it was 6 laps after lunch.  It was cold overnight so things were firm it was more like running on concrete.   

Both days Dax was with me.  

Stanley Park

 No running last week with the exception of a 9km run on Monday March 8th around Stanley Park.   I was enroute to Whistler and we had some time to kill so I wanted  check off this bucket list running dream.   It was an amazing day with temps around 10C and Sun + no wind.  I am going to put together a video of teh run and post it here.  

 5 full days of skiing at Whistler,  Patrick summed it up pretty well.  

5 Days of insane big mountain skiing and snowboarding, 77 runs completed, 100,000ft plus of vertical descent, 182km traveled on a snowboard, multiple crashes, one near death experience to remind you how precious life is. Possibly the greatest ski trip we've ever completed. Looking forward to doing it all again next season.

Mid 5

 Made it out for 5 laps around APK at 1am this morning .... got it done and I enjoyed it. 

Mid 3 and 4

 Mid 3 5 laps around APK. Mid 4 ,  -16C ...no thanks we will just call it a rest day 

Mid 2

 5k around APK at 3 am done!

Weigh in 179 lbs ...ouch! 

Blog catchup

  Saturday and Sunday were both 5.6 km on the backyard trail.  Monday I intended on doing the same but only logged 3.2 km returning early because the dog got snowballs between its toes.  Took yesterday ,  Tuesday off it was my first night shift and I was tired so I cat napped instead of running.   

Stomping Snow on the Trail

 3.2 km stomping snow on the loop today. 

APK Run

 5km on my meal break tonight.  Wasn't feeling great last night so I took a rest day and got a better sleep...much better today.  

The weekend + today , Monday.

 Saturday and Sunday did 5 laps on the backyard trail good for 2 X 4.8 km runs.      

Today I am back in Allan Park working evenings logging 5 laps or  5km on my meal break.   

A couple of days off .... sort of.

 Swapped the laces for buckles this week and took a couple of days off running to ski.       Today ,  I skied in the morning then did a 4.8 km snowshoe run in the afternoon.    used the low profile running snowshoes.  There was a little more snow then I expected so it really slowed me down for the first couple of laps.

February Challenge BAM

 There was a heavy snowfall overnight so it was back to the large float snowshoes logging my 3.3 km BAM stomping it out! 

The weekend and today, Monday Feb 15

 The past 3 days were colder with some snow.  Saturday first couple of laps were in the big float snowshoes followed by trail shoes.   Yaks are coming in handy they make it a wee bit easier.  

Saturday - 6 laps 5.6 km

Sunday - 6 laps 5.6 km

Monday - 6 laps 5.6 km

And its Friday

Its been a normal work week rounded out by my routine 5 laps on the backyard trail today on my meal break.  Eves next week WFH so there should be some 2 run days 

A wee bit slippery

 Maybe a cm or two of the fluffiest snow but it made things a little slick on the backyard trail slowing me down just a little.  Nonetheless I did get in 5 laps on my meal break today.  

5 laps today

 The trail was a wee bit more forgiving today and I was able to get 5 laps in on my meal  break today. 

Trail Tuesday ... tough slugging.

 Only got 4 laps in on the backyard trail today on my meal break.   Not enough snow for snowshoes but too much snow for trail shoes made for some yough slugging.  Normally I would get 5 laps in on my lunch break. 

Allan Park today!

 Back at the office today logging 5 km on my meal break.  

Little stomp Sunday

 6 laps ,  5.6 km in the Dion Running Snowshoes today.  It was -12C with a -19C windchill.  Wore a 2/3 zip merino wool  top with socks to match as well as the adidas running pants,  long sleeve tech T over wool then my shell.  Buff on the neck ,  compression hat on the head with a ball cap over and to round it off wore my new Swany gloves.... most amazing handware!   So I was feeling the cold pressing but not too bad ,  felt like I was sweating but I wasnt too much.   Any colder then -12C and it will be another thermal type layer over the wool base.   The trail is now good for shoes ,  the 10 laps over the past couple of days was sufficient to pack it down again...trail groomed!  

Snowshoe Saturday

 4 km breaking trail today wearing my large float snowshoes.  

Extra Value Run

 4.8 kn of sink, slip and slide ...got my moneys worth out of todays run.   Just enough fresh snow to make it a much greater effort but not enough to switch to snowshoes,  I expect that's going to change tomorrow.    

Wednesday and Thursday

 Went out first thing Wednesday logging 5.6 km on the backyard trail.  

Almost didn't get out Thursday just got busy around the house.   Headed out around 08:30 and did 5 laps or 4.8 km on the backyard trail...had Dax along with me.  

Lunch Run

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

Hello February

 5 laps done in Trail Shoe on the backyard trail during my meal break today.  WFH next 3 weeks.  

January Totals

 January 177.6 km

It was  a super month of running ,  no long ones just short its all about staying " run ready ".  I will strat doing long runs again when the weather gets warmer or when a 50 ker is 8 weeks out...which ever comes first.  Highlight of the month was being able to run my loop in tail shoes.   After the large float then small float snowshoes outings the trail became more like a sidewalk,  a rather uneven sidewalk nonetheless.   Also on a positive is taking it all outside in January and being pretty comfortable.  The pandemic has got me off the track and treadmill and onto the trail  and that is a really good thing!   Will admit I do miss those long track runs at the Y. 

Summary 

34 "Runs" done and only 2 rest days 

Road around APK 16 X = 85 km

Trail snowshoe 3 X 12.8 km 

Trail shoes 18 X 72.8 km

Thats a wrap on January

 7 km today one my meal break running around APK again today.  

Saturday at APK

 Working in Allan Park this weekend a 12 hour day which gave me a longer meal break.   It was another stellar winter day ,  -4C, no wind and Sun.  Started with a Shell and my usual 2 layers under but I was only a few laps in when the shell came off...I was still a wee bit warm.   Did 10 laps around APK good for 10 km my longest run this month.  

The big stomp!

Monday -  After wrapping up my last mid I usually get some kind of run in staying up all day but I did some " spring cleaning " instead.  

Tuesday -  There was another big snow fall last week and I hadn't been out on the trail so it was time to put the big float snowshoes on and stomp down the fresh snow.   Rule of thumb is no more then 3 laps doing the big stomp.   Broke the rule and did 4 laps ...it was a really nice day.   Logged 4.0 km on a beautiful afternoon. 

Wednesday -   Run 1 Put the little float snowshoes  ( aka running snowshoes on ) and hit the trail with Dax ,  a 10 month old Australian Sheppard.   It was -9c so I wasn't sure how he would make out but after 3 laps he got snowballs between his toes so we headed back logging 3.2 km.  Run 2 Headed back out when it was starting to get dark and logged another 6 laps good for 5.6 km.

Thursday -  A bit of a blowout!  It was colder at -11C figured I would do a few laps with the dog but he was only good for 1 lap so a measly 1.6 km was logged.  Thought about going back out after but I was tired after a busy day at work. 

Friday - Lunch Run ... WFH today so it was an 11 am lunch good for 5 laps or 4.8 km on the backyard trail done in Trail Shoes.   Noo float required after stomping down the snow the previous 3 days.  

Mid 6 and 7

 Was busy and tired Mid 6 so I skipped the run.   Got the run in early Mid 7 logging 5 km by 10pm.   Final mid ...planning to stomp down the loop Monday after I finish work at 8am. 

Mid 5

 -11C ,  -17C wind chill and 20-30 cm of powdery snow made for a wintery run this morning. I  drove my car around 95% of the loop when I pulled into APK making a nice little trough to run in!    5 laps / 5 km logged again.  

Mid 4

 Is a snowy morning,  still warm -1C but about 10 cm on the ground.   Another 5 km @ 3AM running a 1 km loop around Allan Park.  

Mid 3

 5 km around Allan Park at 3am.  This was the first run in forever that there was a pretty good wind.  It made it feel a whole lot colder then the reset of the outings this month.  

Mid 2

 5 km in about 20 cm of fresh snow at 2am this morning.  In addition to the snow it was a little bit colder at -6C with  light NW breeze it definitely felt a wee bit cooler.  

Mid 1

 5K around APK at 02:30 this morning...run 1 done!   

The weekend + today

 Friday - reset day...had a great week of two run day and a fantastic combo of trail and road,  It was good increasing the volume and mixing it up. 

Saturday - started with a 6 lap trail run after getting my day started good for 5.6 km.  I didn't feel like running so it was a power hike.   After the run I headed out with the dog and granddaughter doing a loop + too and from trail head good for another 1.6km.  Repeated this one more time after dark putting headlights on good for another 1.6 km.  \]

Sunday - This was a 12 lap day + a bonus 2 laps with my sons family after dark.    First 6 laps were done with Dax the Australian Sheppard pup (  10 months ).   This was my first time running with him and the longest run I have ever done with a dog logging 5.6 km.   Repeated the 6 loops again after lunch good for another 5.6 km.  Final effort of the day was a loop with my sons family good for another 1.6 km.

Monday - 6 laps running with the pup again good for 5.6 km.   

Working mids this coming week so it will be mostly road around Allan Park plus a but of backyard trail. 

Busy Day

 I started with 6 lap on the backyard trail,   5.6 km then took my Granddaughter and her dog out for a couple of more laps ,  1.6 km.   At work this evening I logged 5 laps,  5 km around the Earth Station.   

Thankyou Mother Nature

 A we touch above freezing at APK this eve warm enough to melt the ice on the road.  5 km logged on my meal break this evening.   

Slippery but the trail is A OK

 Blew a Yaktrax on last nights run.  Had them for more then a decade...went ahead and ordered a replacement from Amazon but it will probably be spring before they arrive.    Headed out around noon today doing 6 laps / 5.6 km on the backyard trail.  It wasn't nearly as slippery as I was expecting.   

Twosday

 2 run Tuesday ,   5.6 km on the backyard trail ( still in trail shoes with Yaks ) then 5 km at APK on my meal break.

Weigh in 177 lbs...perfectly normal for this time of year! 

Two Run Monday

 Working eves and got out on my meal break at 6pm for a 5K on pavement or should I say Ice!  

More running in trail in shoes again!

 5.6 km in trail shoes looping the backyard trail just before lunch to day.   

Same as yesterday

 6 degrees warmer and cloudy switched up the tights for running pants and logged another 6 laps , 5.6 km on the backyard trail today. 

Sunny Saturday

 -6C when I headed out late this morning.  Opted for tights and was quite comfortable on the backyard trail.   We havent had any snow this week so the snowshoe trail I stomped out last week was more like a concrete sidewalk so I was able to run in trail shoes.  Through on the yak tracks to prevent side slipping.  Logged 6 laps good for 5.6 km.   Going to do some hike up alpine skiing this afternoon.   

A little cooler!

 Sun again today but a few degrees cooler but it was still fantastic to be outside logging another 5 laps around APK today. 

Sun, glorious Sun

 5 km soaking up the January Sun today on my meal break.  

another warm one

 Yet another relatively warm gentle day today making for a pleasant 5 km on my meal break.  

Looping APK

 5 laps around APK again today.  Same weather as always lately.   The road had allot more ice but I only find that to be a hazard when I am walking.  

On the road again!

 5 km looping APK today on my meal break. 

Six on Sunday

 6 lap SS on the backyard trail Sunday logging another 5.6 km.    Another perfect winter day ,  fresh snow,  temps around freezing and no wind.   Snow was slightly wet and was balling up under my gator strap had to stop 2 or 3 times / loop to break it off.  

Satuday SS Trail

 The winter weather has been fantastic for time spent outside with a wee bit of fresh snow,   no wind ,  a little sun and temps hovering around the freezing mark.   Stretched it out a bit logging a 5.6 km SS on the backyard trail.   I was able to remove the shell and was down to running pants and a thermal shirt with a light tech t over top.  The feet were a wee bit cold ... was breaking a little trail without gators so a bit of snow got in the shoe causing wet feet.    

December 2020 Summary

 December -      88.6 km

YTD          - 2,194.1 km

Well that was probably one of my "lightest" months of running since I started blogging.   Inspite of this I was really quite active with other things so I really don't feel that I lost any fitness as a matter of fact the "constraining" is really a good thing.     There was a 5 day trip to Whistler spending 3 day on the Mountain.   After Christmas I came down with a head cold ...a few more days off.     With no races on the calendar and probably won't be until half the year is over I will more or less continue to do what I have been doing through the first quarter of 2021.   

December breakdown ,  17runs!

Rest Days  X 6

Sick Days  X  3  Whistler Video

Vacation X 5

Trail Run ( Shoes ) X 11 = 62.4 km

Trail Run ( Snowshoes ) X 3 = 14.4 km

Road X 3 = 15 km

Ski X 3 

NY Eve and NY Day - Snowshoe Running

 Both day I logged 4.8 km using my running snowshoes. 

NYE - Wore my large float SS to the trail head carrying my yaktracks and running snowshoes in a backpack.   Tried the first lap in shoes.  I  was breaking though every step so on the second lap I switched it up to my running SS.   I was wearing my Hoka Stension ATR 5's.  They are huge and barely fir in the bindings.  I was able to velcro the toe and mid foot straps just the heal but it was enough to keep them on.  

NYD - No new snow and a fantastic track didnt even wear gators.  I wore my old Addidas shoes and they fit into the running SS properly.  First lap I stopped and pruned a bunch of cedars in the SE corner of the loop.  It was almost impossible to get through this area having to almost crawl.   The run was after dark so I was running in a bubble of  light.  Although I was on an 800m loop that I have done thousands of times it was easy to not know exactly were I was....good fun.