Training Log Archive: Bash

Speedy, dog-assisted 1 km run from our condo to Cascade Trail, then we climbed partway up the hill with a few swim and drink breaks in the creek (only for the dogs!) We descended on the ski hill and unfortunately 'Bent didn't notice when BazingaDog rolled over and rubbed himself thoroughly in a patch of newly sprouted poison ivy. Nice that the condo has a walk-in shower.

Browner came up to join 'Bent and me for some hill training on another spectacular day at Blue Mountain. We meandered up and down the mountain between Cascade Trail and the slope north of the Village Way. It was similar to yesterday but it was great to have new company and conversations to keep things interesting. We didn't have a firm plan for the day but when we started craving pizza and ice cream on our 5th hill climb, we decided to do just one more before heading into the Village for Beaver Tails - except for 'Bent who bought healthy food - boooooring. We all made up for it with a huge, wonderful meal with friends at the Gallys' lovely new vacation home - wow!

'Bent and I wanted to tire out BazingaDog and AdventureDog before our day of training so we took them on a hike to the top of Blue Mountain starting on the Village Way Trail. 'Bent got some help going up.



It was a beautiful morning. We all enjoyed the views from the top.





There are still some large patches of snow on the mountain.



The dogs loved them! A-Dog ate the snow. B-Dog lay on his back and kicked his feet in the air as he slid down the mountain.



We succeeded in tiring them out.

Part 2 of our day after dropping off the pooches at the condo. I'm calling this session "Running" but there was lots of power hiking because of all the climbs.

'Bent and I ran over to The Grind and went up. There is a ton of poison ivy springing up beside this trail. 'Bent is under strict orders from his physio to limit his running so this part was mostly a hike even though many parts were runnable. As the afternoon went on, he stretched his boundaries a little.





From the top, we ran north for a bit along the edge of the escarpment.



Then we descended via ski hills and came back up on the beautiful and very popular Cascade Trail.





We did another random descent and came up on the Village Way Trail, then we ran down and 'Bent decided to call it a day rather than push his luck. I went out for two more hill climbs, both on "Straight Up", which is a fast way to get in some vertical.

I'm doing the Sulphur Springs 50K next Saturday so I'll get in a long run then. This weekend is just about climbing with poles and hoping it will feel natural when I do 6,000 m of it next month.

Dog walk on Blue Mountain. We found snow for them to roll in!

Hard Core with Caron - one of her infamous "orange" classes.

A different class, alternating yoga poses and stretches with foam roller or massage balls on the same muscles. Less effort than a typical power yoga class but way more pain!

There are a lot of deer around here lately and our dogs noticed them at first light. So much for a good sleep!

I wanted to move my legs today so they wouldn't get creaky after last night's Hockley Loop so I did a quick pedal around Palgrave. It turned out to be my bike that was creaky; it's unhappy after I rode it through nasty mud and cleaned it up pretty well.

I've been browsing online lately... 27.5 or 29? Other advice? Specific models? I'm 5'6" with average riding ability - probably a little above average technically in Ontario terrain but below average physically. I want a bike that will feel fantastic on our local Albion Hills single track - rolling trails with lots of roots and a few rocks, tight turns and short, steep climbs. The other types of riding I do, including AR, happen much less frequently so it doesn't make sense to buy a bike suited to those purposes instead of my back yard trails. Outside of AR, I almost never ride roads. If I were to ride in real mountains, I'd probably rent a different bike. Ideas? Do you have a recent model bike that you love and would recommend?

(Bike computer distance)

Mrs. Tiny and I did a counterclockwise Hockley Loop tonight, just to mix it up. We used poles and hiked briskly up the bigger hills. Mrs. Tiny pushed the pace early on, leaving me no choice but to chase her so I wouldn't hold back her training. After an hour, we were back in my comfort zone - phew!

Since last week, the Bruce Trail volunteers have done the last bit of trail clearing and repair so we didn't have to do any bushwhacking for the first time since the ice storm. Yay, Bruce Trail Conservancy! Buy your trail memberships and make your charitable contributions - they've had a tough spring.

We made it all the way around to the north end of Hockley Provincial Park before we needed headlamps. We kept waiting for the moment when we would need jackets or arm warmers but it was a perfect cool temperature for running. The almost-full moon made it even nicer to be out.

Coming over a rise in the darkness, we met a porcupine who was adamant that he wanted to stay on the trail too. He jogged slowly ahead of us but refused to head into the woods. We were getting ready to bushwhack when he finally climbed a tree and let us pass by. He had an adorable face.

Great company and a beautiful night in the woods. :)

Boot Camp with Caron. 'Bent is back! He was able to do almost all of the workout.

Unplanned rest day due to computer problems.