A determined group of 22 runners headed off from Cleveland Dam with maps and bear brochures (Thanks to Jim Helten for the map). This training run is arguably the hardest one we run. Route follows Capilano Pacific trail down to the West Van Seawall then across to 31st St. before heading straight up to Cypress Bowl.
The group split up into 2 distinct sub-groups - very fast, faster & fast. I had the intention of running between the groups to make sure everyone was going the right way, but quickly gave up that notion (There was a time 5 years ago, and 2 kids when that wouldn't have been a problem but I digress...). The very fast group blew through Westmount Chevron station while the faster and fast groups re-grouped there.
Everyone was on the lookout for bears as we traveled up the West side (Trans Canada Trail) to Cypress Bowl parking lot. Very fast group took the extra option of running the Baden Powell to Hollyburn Lodge, while my group ran the road to the Cross country area(a substantial short-cut not available in the race!!). All groups ended up mixing down the Chute and BP to Cleveland Dam. Time 4:25.
Despite the knarly trail up and being knackered on the way down, I was only able to witness 1 fall i.e. 1 beer. I limped off to ??? (a coffee house other than our sponsor Delany's) for a much needed caffeine lift content with the knowledge that next weeks training run usually averages 4 beers!
Cheers,
Paul Quinn