Leading up to the Fat Dog 70 miler with inadequate training, I'd hoped to fit in a shorter ultra race as a test to see whether FD is worth attempting. That didn't work with my schedule so as an alternative, I planned a double Hockley Loop today, one in each direction - almost 50K with lots of climb for southern Ontario.
Browner joined me for the 1st loop while Storm and 'Bent did a Hockley-Loop-On-Steroids with some added hill climbing. Before last week, we probably would have called this a hot day but it was under 30C, which feels manageable now. We'd set up a mid-loop aid station at 5th Line so we could have a Coke and chips break. The time went by quickly with good company.
I was on my own for the 2nd loop so I listened to podcasts. My favourite today was Revisionist History with Malcolm Gladwell (thanks for the tip last year, JayXC!) I stayed well hydrated all day and felt great. I took in more calories for the 2nd loop. My heels were sore by the time I finished, which wasn't good. My right knee - the one that hit the ground in yesterday's bike crash - felt a bit strained when I climbed steps but otherwise felt OK. As soon as I stopped moving though, it got stiff. I'll know more over the next day or two.
Laps were about 3:53 and 4:02, not counting longer stops including relaxed aid stations because it wasn't really a race. :)