We met in Deep Cove again prior to carpooling up to Cypress Bowl for a
kick at the last 3/4's of the race route today. The somewhat quiet
group indicated to me that the nearly 40 runners there were determined
and ready to go, mentally prepared for a good long run on yet another
perfect day of weather.
When we got to Cypress Bowl we were joined by a small group or two of
runners bringing our total to at least 42. The wind was blowing a
chilly breeze under scattered clouds so we got going fairly
quickly. Not a lot of snow to be seen in the area but we knew
there'd be lots on the trail. We also encountered several blow
downs on the first section over to the cross country skiing runs on
Hollyburn (along with the usual deep mud holes). If these are
still there on race day, take care as some of them are rather tricky to
get over. Also, some snow throughout this section but not really
much to speak of until it opened up near the ski runs. I expect to
see at least a foot or two there on race day still.
The snow held up until the final left turn at the top of the Hollyburn
Chute at which point the runner's were long gone ahead of me as I held
to my intentional ultra-slow pace today. I met up with a couple of
Knee Knacker types on the way up, going against the flow. We
chatted a bit as we took the time to enjoy the day and each other's
company. Meeting others on the trail always reminds me that there
are at least another 150 die hard runners out there somewhere getting
ready for the big day. But where are they? And are they
trail running or just pounding the unforgiving pavement?
Whichever, I hope they're having fun like me.
As today was quite warm ultimately, I was sure to drink lots of water,
filling up at Cleveland Dam, Lynn Headwaters and Hyannis. And I
had started the day as usual with a good helping of electrolyte tablets
to be sure my mind would stay clear and my muscles would remain
calm. It does work you know.
My bright spot of the day came as I approached the Mt. Seymour Road
intersection and I ran into none other than Ina and Ryan preparing for a
ride and run up Seymour. Ina is a sponsor of this year's race with
her online entity the Rec Group.
Thankfully, these chance meetings invigorate me and make it a little bit
easier to keep going. By now, I'm pretty used to rolling into Deep
Cove on this last section but now I had a smile on my face and
discovered some more energy.
I'm sure the fast runners today finished in well under 5 hours as this
was a 4 to 6.5 hour run on the schedule. I toddled in right on at
6.5 hours, about 1/2 hour faster than I expected given my pace. I
made it in time to Honey's to sit for a bit with Enzo, Francine, Kelsy,
Jeff and Brad and enjoy some juice and another awesome muffin.
Then, for some strange reason, I felt the urge to get up and run some
more. My plan was to do 50K today but I think I was able to
squeeze in only another 5 or 6 km on top of the 37.5 we'd already
done. I wandered around in Deep Cove on the roads, soaking up the
sun and snooping around the back streets for about an hour and a quarter
before calling it quits for another great Sunday run.
Next week we will be doing the first 3/4's. We will be meeting at
the entrance to Lynn Canyon at 7:00 am. Parking will be on the
street and a little tricky so please be mindful of the neighbours in the
area. And again, when we carpool to Eagleridge, the parking
situation there is difficult at best right now. If you're not sure
where Lynn Canyon is, send me an e-mail
and I'll reply with directions. Hint: turn right on Peters
Road off of Lynn Valley Road.
Rest well and dream of the trail,
P.S. As we are doing the first 3/4's next week and only within 2
weeks of race day, there is no disgrace in shortening the distance to 15
miles and stopping at Cleveland Dam. Especially for first timers,
this particular run is a tough one and quite demanding so close to the
race.