"A Day In the Life..." - Part I

Here is my first attempt at Ultra Princess's "Day In the Life" challenge. Where it was not possible to get pictures I have inserted images.

Yesterday began for me at 4h15. I rolled out of bed and prepared to meet the gang at the Sulphur Springs venue for our monthly fun run along the trails within the Dundas Valley Conservation Area. I was on the road at 5h30 heading over for the 6h00 start. I was out for two loops for a total of 40K. It was dark to start off but I did not end up using my light because the snow offered light of its own.

7h15 - Sunrise in the woods as we trudge through the snow-packed trails. These photos were taken in the section leading to the cul-de-sac where one of the aid-stations is situated during the actual race.


8h30 - Trudging along Martin Road on the way into the Headwaters Trail Loop. The second photo shows Phil running with Tonto and Alecka negotiating the fallen tree that stretches across the road.


9h15-9h30 - Coming from knee-deep snowy torture at the top of the Headwaters loop on the out-stretch back to Martin Road.


9h45 - Remember that Gulch, Stacey? Final two miles before the first loop is complete. By this time, I am far behind the group and I'm just out for mileage and a good time.


10h30 - 3 kilometres into the second loop just past the Hermitage Gatehouse Museum. These were taken before descending the switchback.



11h30-11h45 - Some neat geographical facts about Dundas Valley. The second picture is just a reminder that parts of the Sulphur Springs Trail Run course is along the Bruce Trail.



12h10 - Back on Martin Road... Approaching the fallen tree and preparing to crawl under it.


12h30 - After meeting up with some of the gang on the way to the upper portion of the Headwaters Trail loop, they talked me into coming back with them, causing me to miss about 3K. In the first photo, we are being served by John Turner, our fearless Race Director for the Sulphur Springs Trail Run, at the mobile aid station that we always have for the fun runs.


Shortly afterwards, we made our way up the gulch for the final time before returning to our cars and preparing for lunch.


13h00 - I visited the community centre up the hill for a shower after the run before meeting with the gang for lunch.


14h30 - Finishing up lunch at the Brassie Pub in Ancaster. It's always a joy to hang with the gang...


15h30 - After the excitement is over, I'm on the road and leaving Hamilton...


16h30 - I have arrived at the Lululemon Athletica Warehouse sale in Niagara Falls. I was there until 18h00 trying to snag a few deals. I did manage to get a few stuff at fair prices.


18h15 - My attempt to photograph the Horseshoe Falls before hitting the road. Because of the light pollution and motion as I was driving, I couldn't capture too many night shots in the tourist areas.


19h30 - I have arrived at Kula Yoga Oakville for my weekly 40 Days to Personal Revolution workshop meeting. A good time was had by all as we learned the basics of Acroyoga and Partner yoga. We left the meeting at 21h00.



All in all, I enjoyed my day. I had my fair share of challenges but the balmy weather, good friends, and lessons learned made it all worthwhile.