We had a nice big turnout for our last run of the training season. Glenn told me there were about 50 people that showed up in Deep Cove and ultimately at the LSCR parking lot to take on the last ¼. I would have known that personally except I decided to be smart and just run from home to what I considered the starting point for this run: Lynn Canyon. But I have to confess … I believe I have not ever actually done the run this way in all the years I have been Knee Knackering. I always have simply done an out-and-back from Deep Cove and end up taking a few people with me. Then we all seemed to meet back in the Cove at about the same time. Thankfully, there were 5 other people that came to Lynn Canyon so we chatted for a while before deciding that Glenn and the others would not have taken so long to meet with us. So at 7:40 I got an easy “yes” from the others to start our final group training run and we did see the rest of the gang along the way. And by the way, there is a nice new bridge near Hyannis for which we can thank the District of North Vancouver. They pushed hard to get it done for race day and did a wonderful job.
We had a gorgeous day on Sunday. It was warmish, fairly sunny, clear, dry, and everyone seemed excited. It was just the day you would wish for on race day. Have you looked at the forecast yet? I hope you’ve got your mud boots with you just in case on Saturday … and maybe an extra layer to wear for breezy Black Mtn … don’t worry too much about the bugs up there though since you’ll be moving quickly enough to escape them … unless you spend lots of time at the Cypress Bowl aid station. But you won’t do that because there’s a lot of trail ahead of you still and lots more aid stations with tons of yummy goodies to be had from our fantastic volunteers and our wonderful sponsors (thank you Marketplace IGA, ZonePerfect, Carb Boom, Gatorade, and Columbia Water for stocking the stations).
In case you’re wondering about your expected finishing time for the race, check out this page. If you’re wondering about the reality of running the race for your first time, prepare for excitement, intrigue, uncertainty, heavy breathing and just maybe a little bit of pain. And if you’re wondering why David Brown is running the Knee Knacker for his 16th time, um, well, you’ll have to ask him since we all have our own special reasons for being out there.
A few reminders for everyone: eat and drink well this week, just like you would prior to a long training run (right?); sleep well including Thursday night and don’t be too concerned about Friday night (just relax at whatever makes you relaxed); check out some of our tips from previous July training run reports; make a checklist for the night before to help calm yourself down now; and remember to have fun on the run!
We’ll see lots of you on Friday night for the mandatory meeting for first timers, and many on the organizing committee will be available to answer questions. Please say hi then and let us know if you like the race shirt this year from Sugoi, with design by Jeff Trigg (who also created the great poster).
Craig Moore
(e-mail me with our feedback form)