Training Log Archive: BashIn the 30 days ending Nov 30, 2019:
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Saturday Nov 30, 2019 #
2 PM
Trekking 1:43:22 [1] 7.23 km (14:18 / km) +112m 13:16 / km
shoes: Speedcross Pro - Purple
Storm, Browner, Scout and Contour visited us at Tree Hugger ABC in Collingwood for 'Bent's birthday weekend. Our pooches enjoyed it as much as we did! Today we hiked at Loree Forest, taking a few detours at 'Bent's suggestion. (Not that he knew where the detours went, really.) We had 10+ minutes of excitement/terror when Scout took off like a shot into thick forest chasing a large coyote. We're not sure who would have won but she finally returned unscathed - PHEW!!
Monday Nov 25, 2019 #
Note
For fans of 33-Off.com who want to stock up on outdoor clothing or shoes, the promo code "BLACK" works for most items. It took 20% off the items I tested it on (which were already 33-44% off). It failed for one clearance item but "FT10" took 10% off that.
https://www.33-off.com/
https://www.33-off.com/
Strength & Mobility 10:00 [1]
Foothab and balance. The sides of my heels are pretty sore after any long-ish run these days, especially my right one. This seems to help.
Sunday Nov 24, 2019 #
1 PM
Running 2:11:34 [3] 16.48 km (7:59 / km) +366m 7:11 / km
shoes: Salomon SpikeCross - 2nd pair
Conditions aren't perfect for anything right now but it was a crisp, sunny day in the low single digits, which was nice. 'Bent and the pooches went for a Fast Boyz run. I ran to the Glen Haffy stile on the Oak Ridges Trail, did the 2 km loop, which included scrambles through mud and over fallen trees, then returned home. The trails had a few sections with ice or goopy mud but were mostly an equal mix of snow (up to 10 cm) and damp ground, usually blanketed in wet leaves or pine needles. The rocks and roots were hidden but not well-covered so I was super cautious. I don't want to wreck my ankle at the start of ski season - or any other time, really. I ran into Don Coats (Caledon Hills Cycling owner) and friends.
Saturday Nov 23, 2019 #
Note
Aww, C3 gave me their Female Run of the Year award for CCC, shared with Susan Anderson for her New York Marathon performance. Even though they’re a triathlon club, they’ve always supported our off-road sports. The Female Bike of the Year went to former adventure racer Kelly Cadeau for a multi-day mountain bike race. (Every award had the same photo from the Beijing Olympics since we had those two Olympians in attendance - so even the swimming award had cyclists on it!)
4 PM
Running (Treadmill ) 45:00 [3] 6.3 km (7:09 / km)
Short run before the C3 end-of-year banquet with Simon Whitfield and Colin Jenkins as this year’s special guests.
Friday Nov 22, 2019 #
Note
Since we like maps here, you might find this Canadian Climate Opinion Map interesting. Not too many surprises.
https://climatecommunication.yale.edu/visualizatio...
https://climatecommunication.yale.edu/visualizatio...
Wednesday Nov 20, 2019 #
Note
Well, it’s the end of an era. This was my 11th season of sponsorship by Salomon in various forms. For the first 5 years, I was a member of the national Salomon Flight Crew, back when they wanted a mix of elites and runners “connected within their community”. We got some product training and helped at local events. I got a big box of free stuff each spring and supplemented it with purchases of additional Salomon gear. After all, a brand ambassador had to be loyal from head to toe in all weather.
After the national team became an elites-only group, the Toronto Salomon store manager gave me 40% off and continued to involve me in occasional store events. Last year he left the store, and all the staff members I knew had also moved on. Unsure of what to do with me, the new store manager generously continued to extend the discount since it was in their computer system. When I offered to come in to give an ultrarunning presentation that I’d planned with the previous store manager, it didn’t sound like she was all that interested. It’s been 2+ years since I’ve been asked to do anything in exchange for my discount.
Today the manager told me that they’ll be making a fresh start with new store ambassadors in 2020. I thanked her and said it’s been a really good run. I’m so grateful for Salomon’s longtime support. I honestly like a lot of their clothing, shoes and gear very much, and I’ll still be buying it. It’s not the worst thing that I will no longer feel like I need to represent the brand in public photos, etc. If I prefer shorts from another company, I can wear them in a major race without guilt. I’ll have more choices now.
So it’s all good. Big thanks to Phatty (Pete Cameron) for getting me into this. As a very average runner, it’s been way more than I ever could have expected.
After the national team became an elites-only group, the Toronto Salomon store manager gave me 40% off and continued to involve me in occasional store events. Last year he left the store, and all the staff members I knew had also moved on. Unsure of what to do with me, the new store manager generously continued to extend the discount since it was in their computer system. When I offered to come in to give an ultrarunning presentation that I’d planned with the previous store manager, it didn’t sound like she was all that interested. It’s been 2+ years since I’ve been asked to do anything in exchange for my discount.
Today the manager told me that they’ll be making a fresh start with new store ambassadors in 2020. I thanked her and said it’s been a really good run. I’m so grateful for Salomon’s longtime support. I honestly like a lot of their clothing, shoes and gear very much, and I’ll still be buying it. It’s not the worst thing that I will no longer feel like I need to represent the brand in public photos, etc. If I prefer shorts from another company, I can wear them in a major race without guilt. I’ll have more choices now.
So it’s all good. Big thanks to Phatty (Pete Cameron) for getting me into this. As a very average runner, it’s been way more than I ever could have expected.
Tuesday Nov 19, 2019 #
Strength & Mobility 40:00
2 sets of Weight Workout #1 from Strength Training for Runners, plus some foothab and balance.
Monday Nov 18, 2019 #
3 PM
Snowshoeing (Off-trail) 53:10 [3] 3.26 km (16:17 / km) +120m 13:46 / km
shoes: Salomon XR Crossmax CS pink/gr
AdventureDog and I went snowshoeing in Palgrave West, trudging through the heavy, wet snow that fell today. It didn't look like it would have been much fun for skiing. We scrambled up a few hills and avoided a few others that were covered in those tiny, annoying burrs. (I was *almost* successful with that.) I got clocked on the back of my head by what was probably a big blob of snow that melted off a tall tree. Either that or the guilty squirrel ran away really quickly.
Sunday Nov 17, 2019 #
10 AM
XC Skiing - Classic (Groomed Trail) 1:26:36 [3] 13.53 km (9.4 kph) +266m
'Bent and I went to Highlands Nordic and skied in brilliant sunshine. There is less base at Highlands than at Scenic Caves but the trails were in great shape. I did two laps of the longest trail loop that was open - about half the system. We ran into Tarno, Martin Rydlo, Al Magi and Ralph Lindzon. We all know it will melt but it sure has been amazing to have some legit winter in mid-November.
Saturday Nov 16, 2019 #
9 AM
Snowshoeing 1:17:36 [2] 5.54 km (14:00 / km) +290m 11:06 / km
shoes: Salomon XA Pro GTX - Black
From the Pretty River Valley, Jackie Tarno and I snowshoed with Koko (their dog) to the high point of the Bruce Trail, where we ran into 'Bent, Tarno, AdventureDog and BazingaDog. We all came down together. It was a fantastic winter day, and our snowshoes were surprisingly useful for November - especially off-trail.
We'd intended to go skiing later but were too slow getting other things done. Tomorrow still looks good though!
We'd intended to go skiing later but were too slow getting other things done. Tomorrow still looks good though!
Friday Nov 15, 2019 #
11 AM
XC Skiing - Skate (Groomed Trail) 30:14 5.41 km (10.7 kph) +106m
Last year 'Bent and I made a rule that whenever we skied at Scenic Caves Nordic Centre, we had to skate ski for a minimum of 30 minutes before we did anything else. We're much more comfortable with classic skiing and we wanted to force ourselves to skate ski regularly and get more comfortable with it.
Our strategy worked so we decided to keep enforcing the rule this year. We bought our season's pass and headed out in very snowy conditions on November 15 - yay! The trails had some icy spots, leaves and twigs but conditions were pretty good and the forest was beautiful.
The base was 25 cm yesterday and 20 cm today, which is amazing for mid-November. Blue Mountain opened for downhill skiing today on the earliest date in its 79-year history.
Our strategy worked so we decided to keep enforcing the rule this year. We bought our season's pass and headed out in very snowy conditions on November 15 - yay! The trails had some icy spots, leaves and twigs but conditions were pretty good and the forest was beautiful.
The base was 25 cm yesterday and 20 cm today, which is amazing for mid-November. Blue Mountain opened for downhill skiing today on the earliest date in its 79-year history.
12 PM
XC Skiing - Classic (Groomed Trail) 53:45 [3] 8.07 km (9.0 kph) +138m
Part 2 was a classic ski. We hardly saw anyone. It was like having our own private ski trail system.
Thursday Nov 14, 2019 #
2 PM
XC Skiing - Classic (Ungroomed) 1:14:25 7.68 km (6.2 kph) +157m
AdventureDog and I went for a ski around Palgrave West. It was just below freezing so most of the snow was still around but it was warm enough for the snow to compress and expose wet, yellow leaves below. It was usually OK as long as I broke trail and didn't try to ski on my own tracks when I was doing an out-and-back.
About 8-10 trees have fallen across the trails since my last time there. Only a couple of them were ash trees but it's terrifying to look around at all the dying/dead trees infested with emerald ash borer, knowing that they'll start falling down soon. The Palgrave West private land is the best place to ski and snowshoe around here but we'll have to stop going there soon, and it will be years before it's safe to go back. :( There are already big "No Trespassing" and "Hazard" signs.
About 8-10 trees have fallen across the trails since my last time there. Only a couple of them were ash trees but it's terrifying to look around at all the dying/dead trees infested with emerald ash borer, knowing that they'll start falling down soon. The Palgrave West private land is the best place to ski and snowshoe around here but we'll have to stop going there soon, and it will be years before it's safe to go back. :( There are already big "No Trespassing" and "Hazard" signs.
Wednesday Nov 13, 2019 #
4 PM
XC Skiing - Classic (Ungroomed) 28:40 [2] 3.36 km (7.0 kph) +72m
It's absolutely amazing to have this much snow in mid-November! I didn't have much time but I squeezed in a short ski at dusk before meeting a friend for dinner. The Palgrave forest is at its best in winter, I think. It was lovely. :)
Tuesday Nov 12, 2019 #
Trekking (Snow) 15:00 [1] 1.4 km (10:43 / km)
It was a busy day but it was so sunny and snowy and gorgeous outside that I had to take a quick forest hike with AdventureDog and his canine friend Buster. I know it's not winter yet but it was soooo nice! :) 'Bent skied to work today - one of his earliest ski commutes yet. It's too cold for the stupid ticks to be out, which is also really nice.
Monday Nov 11, 2019 #
Note
Snowstorm!
Sunday Nov 10, 2019 #
9 AM
Orienteering race 4:34:36 [4] 28.47 km (9:39 / km) +731m 8:33 / km
slept:3.0 shoes: Salomon SpikeCross - 2nd pair
Raid The Hammer
Ancaster
Browner, Mrs. Tiny and I raced Raid The Hammer on a cool, grey Sunday before a Monday snowstorm. Browner and I have raced together a fair bit but it's been 11 years since the Coast Raid stage adventure race, the only other time Mrs. Tiny and I have teamed up. We approached that event as an adventure vacation so today was quite different!
All three of us are navigators so we all watched the map and terrain, talked about our route as we moved, and did different tasks at different times without any formal division of duties. Especially for our first time racing together, it worked very well. We were sloppy on #2 and #7 in the first section but other than that, we found everything where we expected it to be.
Other than one frigid stream crossing where we went up to mid-thigh deep, running conditions were about as good as they could be. The leaves were down so visibility was great and - except in the thorny sections - the forest was beautiful. It was a fantastic day to be running on trails and through the woods. Mrs. Tiny was our workhorse, pushing the pace. It was hard work but a lot of fun.
We ran behind the Speed Bunnies for quite a while on the long trail run between controls #8 and 10. Very motivating! There were a few long runs in this race, which reminded me that I should be training more. In the end, we were proud to get the Female category win. We'll be sore tomorrow!
Thanks to Anvil and his awesome team for another great day in the woods.
Ancaster
Browner, Mrs. Tiny and I raced Raid The Hammer on a cool, grey Sunday before a Monday snowstorm. Browner and I have raced together a fair bit but it's been 11 years since the Coast Raid stage adventure race, the only other time Mrs. Tiny and I have teamed up. We approached that event as an adventure vacation so today was quite different!
All three of us are navigators so we all watched the map and terrain, talked about our route as we moved, and did different tasks at different times without any formal division of duties. Especially for our first time racing together, it worked very well. We were sloppy on #2 and #7 in the first section but other than that, we found everything where we expected it to be.
Other than one frigid stream crossing where we went up to mid-thigh deep, running conditions were about as good as they could be. The leaves were down so visibility was great and - except in the thorny sections - the forest was beautiful. It was a fantastic day to be running on trails and through the woods. Mrs. Tiny was our workhorse, pushing the pace. It was hard work but a lot of fun.
We ran behind the Speed Bunnies for quite a while on the long trail run between controls #8 and 10. Very motivating! There were a few long runs in this race, which reminded me that I should be training more. In the end, we were proud to get the Female category win. We'll be sore tomorrow!
Thanks to Anvil and his awesome team for another great day in the woods.
Friday Nov 8, 2019 #
Running 25:00
Although I'm calling it "running", this session consisted of a short treadmill warm-up followed by some action in the swimming pool with 5-year-olds who kept asking me to do "More!" It was more like jumping or gymnastics with a backpack than swimming. Fun. :)
Note
Flew home to Ontario.
Thursday Nov 7, 2019 #
Note
Our niece Talia had her Bat Mitzvah in Calgary today surrounded by 30 family members. She did a great job! It was my first Bat/Bar Mitzvah. It must have taken a lot of work to prepare for it. At age 13, she is very concerned about Internet privacy so I'll just post a photo of us with 'Bent's Mom at the evening dinner.
Wednesday Nov 6, 2019 #
Note
'Bent and I made it to Calgary with our carry-ons. Before 'Bent's family arrived, we snuck out of the hotel to meet Carbon's Offset and Flight for Happy Hour at Anejo, a terrific Mexican restaurant. The margaritas and guacamole were yummy; too bad we couldn't stay for dinner. It was so nice to see (and hug) good friends and catch up a little.
Monday Nov 4, 2019 #
Note
I’m packing to fly without checked baggage for the first time since 9/11 so tonight I’ve spent a lot of time googling “Can I fly with...?” questions. Things like a sewing kit, scissors and shampoo feel risky but so far I haven’t hit many “no” answers. Things have improved. In cold weather, traveling with a carry-on to a dressy family event will only be possible if I don’t plan any outdoor exercise. I’ll have room for a bathing suit and shorts for the hotel gym. I’m not sure about indoor running shoes though.
Sunday Nov 3, 2019 #
Note
Photos added. Credits to 'Bent and Tammy.
8 AM
Mountain Biking (Trail & Country Road) 18:00 [3] 3.8 km (12.7 kph) +50m
Today was the Bolton Fall 50 - Coach LD's annual multisport birthday party! 'Bent and I started by riding over to the Pinets' place in Reddington. The ground was white when we left, and so was the van with our canoe tied on top.
Half a dozen large trees came down in the wind storm this week so there's some major bike wrestling required to get into Palgrave Forest from our place.
This GPS track shows our entire day with all the different sports.
Half a dozen large trees came down in the wind storm this week so there's some major bike wrestling required to get into Palgrave Forest from our place.
This GPS track shows our entire day with all the different sports.
Trekking (Trail) 1:47:00 [1] 8.0 km (13:23 / km) +200m 11:53 / km
shoes: Salomon S-Lab Wings 8
All the partiers met in the Pinets' garage at 8:30 am. Coach LD had ridden from Bolton since the birthday girl didn't want her celebration sullied by driving. Rob Pinet stayed behind and prepared aid station snacks. Tammy Pinet and her mother Margo, Mike & Chris Huet, Kevin & Gunda Gross, Goose & Coach LD, and 'Bent & I went for a hike around Palgrave Forest. At 80 years old, Margo is an amazing hiker! The forest was beautiful - like an impressionist painting with yellow leaves scattered all over the ground. It was chilly but we were dressed warmly.
11 AM
Mountain Biking (Trail) 1:32:00 [3] 24.6 km (16.0 kph) +59m
After some yummy snacks at the Pinets' place, most of us hit the rail trail for a ride to Tottenham - Coach LD, Goose, Tammy, Kevin, Chris, 'Bent and me.
It was chilly but the wind was coming from the side so it wasn't too bad. We met Bob, Hermes and Hank at the Cedar Kitchen, where most of us enjoyed all-day breakfast for lunch. Our bikes were outside the restaurant window where we could watch them. Unfortunately, one bike tipped onto the road. Tammy ran to get it but Goose's helmet got loose and was run over by a car. It was impressive to see that some of the helmet's structure survived! He looked pretty silly wearing it on the way home. :)
It was great to catch up with the Millers, and soon we were back on our bikes returning to Palgrave on the rail trail, this time heading into more wind. 'Bent, Tammy and I peeled off to head to our respective homes. 'Bent and I let the dogs out and drove down to the Duffy's Lane parking lot with our canoe to meet Coach LD, Goose, Kevin and Chris, whose canoes had been left there this morning.
It was chilly but the wind was coming from the side so it wasn't too bad. We met Bob, Hermes and Hank at the Cedar Kitchen, where most of us enjoyed all-day breakfast for lunch. Our bikes were outside the restaurant window where we could watch them. Unfortunately, one bike tipped onto the road. Tammy ran to get it but Goose's helmet got loose and was run over by a car. It was impressive to see that some of the helmet's structure survived! He looked pretty silly wearing it on the way home. :)
It was great to catch up with the Millers, and soon we were back on our bikes returning to Palgrave on the rail trail, this time heading into more wind. 'Bent, Tammy and I peeled off to head to our respective homes. 'Bent and I let the dogs out and drove down to the Duffy's Lane parking lot with our canoe to meet Coach LD, Goose, Kevin and Chris, whose canoes had been left there this morning.
2 PM
Paddling (Canoe) 1:47:00 [2] 8.2 km (4.6 kph)
For the grand finale, we paddled the Humber River from Duffy's Lane to the Doughtys' place. The time and distance includes part of the long portage from the parking lot. Paddling conditions were pretty good for November although a bad line early on forced me to get soaked up to my knees in frigid water so I wasn't super comfortable in spite of dressing warmly. We saw half a dozen deer including an impressive buck. We had to get out and drag our canoes through the weeds to get around a few obstacles but mostly we paddled through shallow moving water with occasional "thread the needle" moves around fallen trees. Chilly but it was a nice wilderness view of Bolton.
While the paddlers were being revived by hot showers, the other guests arrived for the birthday feast. It was a great day. Happy Birthday, Coach LD!
While the paddlers were being revived by hot showers, the other guests arrived for the birthday feast. It was a great day. Happy Birthday, Coach LD!
Saturday Nov 2, 2019 #
10 AM
Running warm up/down 16:00 [2] 2.0 km (8:00 / km)
shoes: Salomon SpikeCross - 2nd pair
It's been 2 years since my last real orienteering race and the rust showed. I began running to the start and soon realized I would be unhappy racing without gloves. Back to the car. Now I felt short of time so as I ran, I visualized what I would do at the start. That's when I remembered the control description holder. Back to the car. By this point, I had to run the entire way to the start to get there on time. So at least I was nicely warmed up on a chilly day.
Since I'm out of practice with the start line routine, I forgot to turn on my Ambit for either race so my distances are guesses. Boo.
Since I'm out of practice with the start line routine, I forgot to turn on my Ambit for either race so my distances are guesses. Boo.
Orienteering race (Middle) 53:47 [4] 4.5 km (11:57 / km)
shoes: Salomon SpikeCross - 2nd pair
Ontario Orienteering Championships
Middle Distance
Arkell Hills
Victoria Park Valley Golf Course - HQ
Arkell Hills is complex terrain - a really fun area to orienteer. I expected that today's Middle would be tough as I became familiar with the new map. If I were racing tomorrow's Long race as well, I'd feel more comfortable but today was my one chance.
Under the circumstances, things went pretty well. I seldom chose the perfect line but I was usually close, and I raced in control. After using terrain features and rough compass for the first two controls, I switched to precise bearings for a while. That fell apart on the way to #12 where I was expecting to cross a trail that I didn't see. I apparently forgot about bearing and pace count, and drifted way over, even joining other orienteers who were looking down at #13. Then I gave my head a shake and got to the right place using the view of the golf course through the trees.
It was a fun course and an excellent map. I won my category although I'm sure that wouldn't have happened if Marketa Graham had run in her new age group with me. It was great to see so many friends afterward.
Middle Distance
Arkell Hills
Victoria Park Valley Golf Course - HQ
Arkell Hills is complex terrain - a really fun area to orienteer. I expected that today's Middle would be tough as I became familiar with the new map. If I were racing tomorrow's Long race as well, I'd feel more comfortable but today was my one chance.
Under the circumstances, things went pretty well. I seldom chose the perfect line but I was usually close, and I raced in control. After using terrain features and rough compass for the first two controls, I switched to precise bearings for a while. That fell apart on the way to #12 where I was expecting to cross a trail that I didn't see. I apparently forgot about bearing and pace count, and drifted way over, even joining other orienteers who were looking down at #13. Then I gave my head a shake and got to the right place using the view of the golf course through the trees.
It was a fun course and an excellent map. I won my category although I'm sure that wouldn't have happened if Marketa Graham had run in her new age group with me. It was great to see so many friends afterward.
2 PM
Running warm up/down 10:00 [1] 1.2 km (8:20 / km)
shoes: Speedcross Pro - Purple
3 PM
Orienteering race (Sprint) 22:17 [4] 3.2 km (6:58 / km)
shoes: Speedcross Pro - Purple
Ontario Orienteering Championships
Sprint
University of Guelph Arboretum
I would describe this race as Excited Labrador Puppy Orienteering.
"Look how flat it is! I can run really, really fast compared to this morning! Hey, Chad is just ahead! I should run fast like Chad! This terrain isn't difficult at all! Except where is #1? Hmm... that's someone else's control. Uh oh... Uh oh... OK, got it - phew! Now I can run fast to #2! That worked just fine! Now I'll run fast to #3! Oh crap, it's not there. I'm just guessing now. Nope, that's not my flag. I'll run back to where I came from. Arggh."
It was a great map if I'd taken the time to read it. I got caught up in the "OMG it's a sprint so I need to run hard" mentality but it would have been smart to just stop and think once in a while. Luckily, my method didn't fail all the time. It looked like I was going to finish 2nd to Anne Teutsch, which is totally fine by me.
Sprint
University of Guelph Arboretum
I would describe this race as Excited Labrador Puppy Orienteering.
"Look how flat it is! I can run really, really fast compared to this morning! Hey, Chad is just ahead! I should run fast like Chad! This terrain isn't difficult at all! Except where is #1? Hmm... that's someone else's control. Uh oh... Uh oh... OK, got it - phew! Now I can run fast to #2! That worked just fine! Now I'll run fast to #3! Oh crap, it's not there. I'm just guessing now. Nope, that's not my flag. I'll run back to where I came from. Arggh."
It was a great map if I'd taken the time to read it. I got caught up in the "OMG it's a sprint so I need to run hard" mentality but it would have been smart to just stop and think once in a while. Luckily, my method didn't fail all the time. It looked like I was going to finish 2nd to Anne Teutsch, which is totally fine by me.