Training Log Archive: revy

First summer trip for me to the Lake O'Hara region (despite growing up in Calgary). Normally getting into this part of the park requires a fair bit of planning as it is 11km from the highway and most people take a bus in. Most years the spots on the bus fill up several months in advance (as do the campsites and the ACC hut). There are spots that open up closer to the date but it always seemed like a lot of work to organize.

This weekend was the last weekend that the bus was running. Sunday night was also the first night after the lottery dates for the Elizabeth Parker hut so it was easy to get a ride in Sunday night and the hut was only half full. The next day Courtney and I did the entire alpine circuit (Wiwaxy Gap/Huber Ledges/Yukness Ledges/All Souls Prospect). The morning weather wasn't that promising however it improved quite unexpectedly and turned into a very nice day. We only saw one person all day - likely a rare occurrence at Lake O'Hara. The hike was stellar - probably the best 3-4 hour hike you can do in the Rockies in my opinion. The only thing missing was summiting a peak which you could add on with a two hour round trip up Mt Yukness.

Got back to the hut, had lunch and then walked out. Initially were going to spend two nights there but was reminded that sleeping in ACC huts can be a bit annoying due to the shared space and we felt like having a night at home before our trip east this weekend. Since the bus wasnt running anymore we had to walk out. most people walk the road but we hiked out via the old Cataract Brook trail (which is no longer maintained). It was in OK condition although moss is taking over the trail in many spots. Avoided any issues at the gorge where the bridge is out by using the access route to Mt Cathedral which crosses the creek in a much easier spot about 3.5km from the parking lot. Added 20 minutes to our hike out when we left the road for a detour back to the trail which followed a much more circuiitous route than was shown on my map.

C • Spectacular hikes! 9

Met up with CO and Carbon for a day hike in the Lake Louise. Really not that far from our house (a couple hours) but rarely think of planning short trips to this area. Seems hard to bypass other areas that are closer by but in reality Yoho and the Lake are not that much further.

We started with the ever popular Larch Valley/Sentinel Pass trail. Didn't seem that busy in the morning but certainly lots of traffic on the way down. Climb up went very fast but good conversation catching up with CO and Carbon likely had something to do with that. Continued down the other side (which was a little sketchy from the refrozen recent snow) into Paradise Valley. The larches had mostly dropped their needles but still scenic fall colours. In some spots the trail was carpeted with golden needles.

The next part of our route took us up Wastach Pass. No trail up this valley although a common loop that is done. Easy route finding and travel up this valley lead us to the pass above Wenkechema Lake. The beauty of the backcountry - even in a very busy spot like Lake Moraine - is that leaving the beaten path very quickly brings you solitude as we saw no one for a couple hours. Finished with a short jog on the Wenkechema Pass trail back to the parking lot to finish the loop.

Almost forgot to mention the party hats we all wore in honour of my birthday tomorrow. Seemed to be a big hit on the trail and I was impressed that everyone left them on for the entire hike (as you can see in the pictures).

Heading up to Sentinel Pass. Fresh snow from a few days ago on Mt Temple.

The sentinels that Sentinel Pass is named for.

Descending to Paradise Valley

Needle covered trails…

Wastach Pass

Down the other side.

Event: 2014 US Nationals
 

Flat pavement run on the greenbelt. Ten minute warmup then tempo section at bit slower than 10k pace. Goal was to start at comfortable level and maintain same speed the whole time. Initially was thinking 4k but feeling good so extended it to 7k in the end. Quite a positive run as I didn't think I could hold the pace I did for so long and without a massive effort. 3:1 breathing for most of it. The last few km were harder although I did ramp the pace up a touch. Reassuring to see that I could probably manage a 41 or 42 min 10k if I had to. I was worried I was down in the 45 min range now.

First swim in a while so went slow and only did 2/3 of the workout. Interestingly breast stroke kick bothers my calf. Also used my Garmin Fenix to test the pool swimming feature. It was quite impressive counting distance, strokes and laps. Only missed a few laps where I was kicking with the flutter board.

Short morning run. 6x400m tempo with lots of rest between so more speed than threshold work. 1:30-1:45 depending on terrain.