She said…
[June 5 training run report]
Sun. Blue sky. Warmth…. This is what greeted about 70 runners last Sunday at the Grouse Mountain parking lot. “Normal” running clothes were seen today. Gone were the hats, long sleeves, tights and jackets that we have seen for the last few months…. Replaced with shorts and t shirts…. What month are we in again?
The question we asked was not, will I be warm enough? To, will I have enough fluid to get to the next water stop?
We gathered together and Glenn explained the route for the day. I find this run from the parking lot to the top of the “grind” or Old Buck one of the most mentally challenging kneeknacker training runs. You go forever east and then you turn around and go forever west.
However, this year it was put into perspective when it was mentioned that a group of gnarly trail runners decided to put this out and back method to the ultimate test: start in Deep Cove, run the entire Baden Powel trail to its start, turn around, and come all the way back again. A 100km run with record high snow pack. Did I mention running a good portion of this in the dark? Elevation gain and loss is doubled…. After that acknowledgement, it was impossible to grumble, even a little bit.
We celebrated the return of one of our ambitious runners from last week who took a good fall. It is ironic that we train in very technical terrain and often our falls happen where we least expect them to. This one, on the Cypress Mountain road. Yes, there was blood…. lots of blood and Kleenex with band aids that did not quite fit. Fortunately, Geeta (sorry if spelled incorrectly!), had a contingency of caring runners to make sure she was o.k.
We left about 7:40ish. The trail, although muddy and damp in some places, was in much better condition than previous weeks. While heading up the Seymour Grind, there were a number of runners that were spread out along the trail. Some stopping for a chat, some working hard to get to the top, and some very fast runners on the way down! Shannon, you are looking amazing! We were met with some bike race volunteers at the top. It was also good to see a first aid attendant up there as well. We could have used him last week to patch up Geeta!
I went down to Old Buck. It is always at this point that I know I have to do this route all over again. I tried not to grumble….. Fortunately , Jamie caught me on the way down the Grind and we had a lovely chat. He was looking forward to a muffin at Lynn Canyon. If I stopped for a muffin (and coffee of course!), I would certainly not start again.
By Mountain Highway, I felt tired and needed water. My energy drink was almost out. What a relief to have that tap there. After a few good gulps and a call to my husband, I was off with a small group of runners. I started to smell the barn at Mosquito. I opted to run back along the Power Line with Geeta. We had a lively discussion about dogs and their owners.
It was so good to see that parking lot.
I hope that your training runs are going well. Remember that with warmer weather, we are sweating more and losing more salt in our sweat. Energy drinks are important in that they replace electrolytes lots during these longer runs. Experiment with your food and fluid intake and remember we need more fluid as the temperature increases.
Have a wonderful week wearing shorts and t shirts!
Patricia Jensen, She Said… Trail Run Leader
