Well another typical June day in Vancouver greeted about 30 runners for Saturday's excursion from Grouse to Hyannis and back. These brave souls hashed it out and stuck together in little groups most of the time for about 4 to 4 1/2hrs on the BP. It was quite a fun run in the sense that I took the opportunity to 'mingle' and actually got a chance to chat with some of the group for a change. I had a great time talking with Ted Russo who will be taking a stab at his first 100 miler (Western States) on June 23rd, and with all the training he's been doing under Scott Jurek's watchful eye I know he's going to kick butt (I predict a top Canadian record between him and Matt)! I also had a chance to hear some of the 'great local legends of Ultra running' Ean Jackson, Paul Quinn and Rod Hatful lay on the BS so thick that I almost peed my pants from laughing so hard at all the excuses and stories of why they haven't been running as of late! It took almost an hour-and-a-half for Ean to finally tell Paul what he expects to do the run in.
Let it be known that at Hyannis Ean and Paul laid down a bet of whoever lost to the other had to buy a dozen (12) beer of the other's choice should they lose in this year's North Shore Knee Knackering Trail Run. Witnessed by at least a 1/2 dozen people! Hmmmm I don't know Paul, if running to Deep Cove and getting a ride back is the best 'training' strategy or not, we shall see.
The run back was fun yet tough, wet conditions leading up to Mountain Hwy are always demanding, but alas at least I get a beer out of the deal watching Pat take a 'real good tumble', he was smiling after about 3 minutes which meant all systems were go.
I don't know if y'all are aware of this little rule that has been made up over the years, it basically goes like this (if I'm in error please correct me). When trail running if someone falls in front of you and you witness that they contacted the ground with BOTH hands they owe you a pint of beer of your choice. Now I'm sure a deal could be struck where this could be any beverage, but suffice it to say they owe you! The only criteria that precludes this deal is if the person 'seriously' injures him or herself. Serious would mean not being able to move under their own power (judgment should be used here). Some people would argue that a 'tuck and roll' stuntman style does not constitute a fall, this is still up for debate and could be brought up to a higher court depending on the severity of the call. But don't fret - stay behind that person you owe a beer to and you may catch them taking a tumble and nullify the count. All bets can be paid at any time on or before the final awards banquet. And you thought I ran at the back because I was slow...
Cheers,
P.S. I love Guiness and any other beer that's cold and doesn't have the word BEER in it.
Next week I will be unable to guide you through the exciting 'Westmount' route planned but Enzo, Paul and crew will be there to guide you. I'll be freezing my butt off at Sun Peaks resort trying to see what kinds of Demons I can flush out in 24 hrs of mountain biking.