Salomon Leaves R' Down Trail Run organized by Brian Culbert, starting from the Salomon Toronto store. When my alarm went off, wet snow was blowing in a gusty wind, and it was tempting to pull the duvet up to my chin and close my eyes. After all, I needed 2 more hours of sleep! :)
But... I knew it would become fun eventually so I headed to Toronto. Great podcasts in both directions btw: Endurance Planet with Dr. Phil Maffetone on the way down, and Distance Obsessed with Ray Zahab on the return trip.
Such a nice treat to see friends on this blustery day! Simpy and Bugsinteeth had done Lap #1, which ran overtime so unfortunately they couldn't join WandAR, FunRun and me for Lap #2. You can see how tired Simpy was. ;)
Here's the full group for Lap #2.
We ran in the Don Valley and out near Pottery Road in steady rain and wind, splashing through big puddles, skidding down leaf-covered hills, sliding sideways on clay trails on hillsides, and tentatively crossing slick, rickety wooden bridges. So much fun! Great test for our layers too.
It was supposed to be a 12 km lap but it ended up being 17 km - and it would have been even longer if Sharlene and I hadn't missed a turn while chatting! We headed back to the store on a different trail and brought a little mud inside with us.
I've been limiting my running lately to humour my Achilles. This was a conscious step outside my comfort zone to see where I'm at. (A much bigger step than I'd expected!) My heel is sore but I'm not sure whether this 2-hour gnarly trail run made it feel any worse than a 30 minute gravel road run. That doesn't mean it's necessarily good for me - just an observation. Apparently the true test will be the way it feels after 24-48 hours.
As a bonus, Dee was out shopping so we caught up over a big latte after I'd changed to dry clothes. Great way to spend a rainy day! :)