Sunday Run

Woke up feeling a bit stiff after yesterday's 30km on the road. We decided a nice soft trail surface was in order for today. We did a car drop at Hayward Lake and ran the undulating trail side from point to point. Such a contrast from yesterday! No people, no cars! We pushed it on the hills. A great complimentary run from yesterday. 42 km total for the weekend. Good gradual build up of mileage this week. Tomorrow, Monday with Warren. I don't think I will tell him I ran for 30kms on the road Saturday, he already thinks we are crazy!!

Early Valentine Run

Saturday morning Neil and I drove to Brockton Oval to meet up with Club Fat Ass for the Flash-Valentine Double. It was a 50km event from Brockton Oval to UBC and back. We had predetermined that we would only do 30km today which would make the Jericho Yacht Club our turn around point. It was great to see some inspirational folks out today. John who we have met through ultra events was there looking very tanned and rested. He and his wife had spent a month in Hawaii relaxing before embarking on a round the world trip. He managed to keep up with his running and shared his experiences of participating in the Dubai marathon. John and his wife travel the world doing destination runs. How cool is that! Gilles who organized the event was a gracious host welcoming all old and new members. Gilles led us through the trails of Stanley Park at a comfortable pace making sure no one was left behind at the start of the event until we reached the recognizable sea wall. Today's event had many km's of road, something I had not done for quite a while as I spend the majority of my time on the trails. The trail runner in me felt somewhat out of place running along the sea wall and over the Burrard Street bridge amongst the crowds of people and cars. My gear also reflected the trails with 2 hand held water bottles, my light back pack and of course my trail shoes! I had a few stares as a ran by all the Lululemon wear! Overall Neil and I really enjoyed the outing. We covered 30 kms in 3:15. Hamstrings, calf muscles were letting me know that I had not been on the road for awhile! We made it a Vancouver day by finishing it off with the Canucks vs Chicago Black Hawks game. It was a great game, I don't think I have ever seen the Canucks score so many goals! We met up with 2 couples who we knew were also attending the game between periods. Great run, good physical challenge and oh so nice to catch up with friends!

Three in a Row!

Well we are proud that we both managed to run 3 nights in a row considering I am in a new position at work and Neil is managing many challenges with his work. The weather was still dry so it was another great night under the stars. Thursday nights we start thinking about what our running outings on the weekend will be. The emails from the running buddies start rolling in with suggestions. Rest day tomorrow, and it is TGIF!

Run on the Dyke

Another beautiful clear day with a stunning red/orange sunset tonight. At the end of my work day I felt the need to head out for a run to take in the sun set, fresh air and to run off the days events. Neil met up with me and we did our usual mid week route. Great outing...forecast is for rain so I'm glad we made it out tonight.

Tuesday Run on the Dyke

It was a beautiful evening for a run. The sky was very clear and the snow topped mountains were lighting the sky. Neil and I met at our regular meeting spot on the dykes. We briefly re-cap our days and then head out for a quick run. The days are definitely getting longer as it was almost still light when we started. Came upon an old friend Steve who was riding his bike. It was great to catch up with him. He has started his training for Iron Man Canada despite having knee surgery and being told he would never run again. A true runner! :) Steve was one of the runners who inspired us early on to take up ultra running. I ran some stretches tonight at a quick pace...the power of the iPOD!

Workout with Trainer

Monday's we try very hard to make the one hour training session with Warren in the gym. As I mentioned he puts us through exercises/routines that we would never be motivated to do on our own. Tonight's routine consisted of what he refers to as a "ladder". Good workout! 11 rounds of exercises that in the end you have done many reps of each. On the way home we saw a bad car accident, we were both shaken by it. It appears that someone did not see the red light.
Run tomorrow, aprox. 10km on the dyke.

Icy and Snowy Sunday Run

Well the Canucks did not win but we had fun at the game! Today Neil and I set out for a loop of Hayward Lake, 17km. To our surprise there was still a fair bit of snow and ice on the trail. The trail circles the lake and has 2 distinct sides to the loop. One side is the old railway trail and the other is a hilly undulating trail in the woods. The bears live on the side of the railway trail and the cougars live on the wooded side! We have spotted both species on several occasions. The cougar has always been sighted in the same area so we call that "cougar alley." Neil always waits for me before proceeding, there is comfort in going through there together!
Running on the snow and ice is a bit slower and hard work! Our legs were feeling tired by the time we finished the loop today. Total of running for the weekend, 33km. Rest day from running tomorrow, work out with Warren (trainer) tomorrow night. He makes us do all the things that runners don't like to do like stretching and movements that take us sideways. Runners run using the forward movement and need to strengthen the counter muscles. Unfortunately this week I learned that my running buddy and husband who were joining us on the WHW journey will not be doing the event or joining us in Scotland. Neil and I were both very disappointed as we were really looking forward to sharing the experience. Accommodation was booked and family and friends excited about our visit. Now we have to turn to plan B...which we are uncertain about at this time. I am reluctant to attempt this event on my own due to the wilds of Scotland and the fact that the runner is only supported by their crew who the runner may not see for hours. Maybe Neil and I will do it as a husband and wife team! That may pose some challenges on its own. :) Perhaps with support from the family members and the local running club we can make it work. Oh the logistics of ultra running! Thankfully we have plenty of time to figure it all out.