Today marked the second day of this weekend's planned back-to-back runs. This run was the monthly Sulphur Springs fun run at the Dundas Valley Conservation Area. I was in for two loops today - totalling 40K. This meant that I had to meet up with the early group at 6h00.
It was a little rough getting out the door this morning. I almost overslept my alarm. As a result, I had to hustle to get out of the house. I was still a little sleepy when I hit the road but I was on my way. Even though I was running late, I was determined to get the extra miles in.
I pulled into the parking lot at 6h15. After getting my gear together, I set off on the run. The sun was starting to come up so no headlamp was needed. The first thing I did notice was the thick sheets of ice on the trail. It was quite tricky for footing. I almost got turned around on the trail at the beginning. In fact, I ended up doubling back to be sure that I was going the right way. One thing I always forget is that the woods look a lot different in the winter time. Once I got to the Gatehouse Museum along the course, Deiter was waiting at the front gate for the runners that were ahead of me. After stocking up on a couple of cookies, I told Deiter that he can go ahead when the runners come through before taking off. The hills were all ice-covered, forcing me to go off-piste at times. In fact, the first group was delayed returning to the start/finish area. I met up with the group as I was heading for the Headwaters loop. I ended up turning back with them, causing me to lose about 2K on this loop. After tackling the gulch, we returned to the start/finish area where we met up with the second group heading out.
The second loop was easier, yet harder than the first. While some of the ice melted, there were still slippery sections that required careful negotiating. I ended up falling behind the group once again but I just kept moving. I also found that my energy levels were dropping because of the energy I expended just trying to remain upright. I completed the entire loop within my targeted time, finishing the entire workout in just over six hours.
After showering at the community centre, I went over to the pub where we were all meeting for brunch. I was the last to start (from the 6h00 group), the last to finish the workout, the last to shower, the last to make it to the restaurant, the last to get the menu, and the last to order (everyone else ordered by the time I got there). Now here is the best part: I was the first to get my food, and I also parked the closest to the restaurant - at the door. Everyone else had to walk to their cars and were amazed to see that I managed to get parking right up close, considering that I was the last person up to that point. As for getting served first after being the last to order, I was accused of charming the waiter by a couple of the guys there... haha :)
When the fun wrapped up and we all went our separate ways, I took my time coming home by driving the country roads, but not before stopping off at Mountain Equipment Co-op for some more gels.
Now, rest is in order so that I can survive tomorrow's pool run with Lorene.
It was a little rough getting out the door this morning. I almost overslept my alarm. As a result, I had to hustle to get out of the house. I was still a little sleepy when I hit the road but I was on my way. Even though I was running late, I was determined to get the extra miles in.
I pulled into the parking lot at 6h15. After getting my gear together, I set off on the run. The sun was starting to come up so no headlamp was needed. The first thing I did notice was the thick sheets of ice on the trail. It was quite tricky for footing. I almost got turned around on the trail at the beginning. In fact, I ended up doubling back to be sure that I was going the right way. One thing I always forget is that the woods look a lot different in the winter time. Once I got to the Gatehouse Museum along the course, Deiter was waiting at the front gate for the runners that were ahead of me. After stocking up on a couple of cookies, I told Deiter that he can go ahead when the runners come through before taking off. The hills were all ice-covered, forcing me to go off-piste at times. In fact, the first group was delayed returning to the start/finish area. I met up with the group as I was heading for the Headwaters loop. I ended up turning back with them, causing me to lose about 2K on this loop. After tackling the gulch, we returned to the start/finish area where we met up with the second group heading out.
The second loop was easier, yet harder than the first. While some of the ice melted, there were still slippery sections that required careful negotiating. I ended up falling behind the group once again but I just kept moving. I also found that my energy levels were dropping because of the energy I expended just trying to remain upright. I completed the entire loop within my targeted time, finishing the entire workout in just over six hours.
After showering at the community centre, I went over to the pub where we were all meeting for brunch. I was the last to start (from the 6h00 group), the last to finish the workout, the last to shower, the last to make it to the restaurant, the last to get the menu, and the last to order (everyone else ordered by the time I got there). Now here is the best part: I was the first to get my food, and I also parked the closest to the restaurant - at the door. Everyone else had to walk to their cars and were amazed to see that I managed to get parking right up close, considering that I was the last person up to that point. As for getting served first after being the last to order, I was accused of charming the waiter by a couple of the guys there... haha :)
When the fun wrapped up and we all went our separate ways, I took my time coming home by driving the country roads, but not before stopping off at Mountain Equipment Co-op for some more gels.
Now, rest is in order so that I can survive tomorrow's pool run with Lorene.
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