Try something new July: trail running

I already know what you’re thinking. How can “try something new” be running? Running is something I am well versed in and love to do, but let me just tell you, trail running might as well be an entirely different sport. Prior to this month’s adventure I would have agreed with you. I am a runner, therefore I can run trails. Same thing, right? Besides, I often scoot across what I would have previously called my favourite trail, the train track trail, quite frequently. It is fairly flat, crushed gravel and runs alongside the old abandoned railway. For me it is a safe (no cars, even terrain) pathway from here to there. I take it to get to my boot camp class, I take it to complete a 10k training run, I even take it to do a long run for its safety levels. (Safety and running is a whole different blog for a whole different time, so for now we will leave it at that).

 

Earlier this month Heather and I decided to sign up for the North Face Endurance Challenge. Last year was the first year the series came to Canada at our local ski resort, Blue Mountain. Though I signed up for the event last year I ended up living out west for the summer and was unable to participate. Heather and I are both currently working at the resort so how could we pass it up this year? Heather said we could use it as our try something new, a trail race, and my first instinct was that that would be cheating after all, we are runners. So with two weeks before race day we signed up and decided to meet after work to run the course. I had briefly looked it up online and had an idea of where it followed. The event has a range of distances including a 5km, 10k, half marathon, marathon, 50km and 50 miler. We signed up for the 5km because this is a whole new ballgame for us. We decided to just dip our toes in to the whole trail running experience, or so we thought.

 

So the day we planned to meet up was a rainy Tuesday. By rainy Tuesday I mean it rained all day long. Many people advised us to be careful and we sloughed it off like a motherly warning. Yeah, yeah, yeah. We set out to run the trail and lasted a mere minute tops before we had to walk. We attempted to follow the signage for “the grind” trail but apparently missed it and headed straight up the ski run. I should mention this run is a green run and for those of you unfamiliar with ski run colour coding that means it’s the easiest run type. Heading straight up it on a rainy day was the furthest thing from easy. Our calves and lungs burned. I thought I was dying. This was the worst thing we could do with our time and why would we ever be so stupid to sign up were thoughts running through my mind at the time. 

 

That was until we started to head downhill.  

 

Downhill has always been my weakness, where some people can just fling themselves down a mountain I have to cautiously go. I know it’s mostly mental but I fear I won’t be able to stabilize myself. Add in the fact that it was slippery, muddy and the trail has many wooden stairs and you have a very slowly moving me. 

 

I finished this practice run feeling very low and like there was no way I’d be able to successfully complete this race. Maybe trail running wasn’t for me and I should stick to road running.

 

But we gave it another go! We trained on the course 3 more times. Thankfully it got better when the weather was nicer (not slick muddy trails) and we were able to actually find the proper trail that twisted and turned through the trees alongside the ski run making the elevation gain seem much less brutal. My downhill even improved as I gained confidence in my legs ability to brace and move. It actually started to resemble more than a tip toe walk and somewhere closer to a run. Each of our 4 training runs increased in speed! 

The big day is tomorrow but I am posting this now as I feel we have successfully tried something new for the month, maybe even more so than other months as we did it 4 times and watched our skills improve. After tomorrow’s race I will post a race review but that is separate from our try something new.

 

Trail running differs from road running in that you can’t plug in your headphones and forget the world. Headphones are highly discouraged for safety and the pure enjoyment of nature. The trail Heather and I have been running is deemed “multi-purpose” and the other day we encountered our first downhill biker. You always need to be aware of your surroundings.

 

Trail running is also much better with friends. Though one day I may run them solo, I truly enjoyed spending the time running the trails with Heather. I’m not only saying this knowing she is one of 3 people who actually read this blog (Hi Heather!) but for many reasons: 1. Safety (I may have been hit by the biker, shes much more aware) 2. Conversation and Friendship- it’s nice to spend that time with her as we both have busy lives. And 3. Encouragement. Heather and I are able to push one another in the areas where we have weakness. She has truly helped me improve my downhill capabilities as she is very strong at running downhill and very encouraging. Heather makes sure the role she plays is always beneficial to my improvement and wellbeing. I’m pretty blessed to have her as a friend, you can’t have her. She’s mine J I think it’s safe to say that this is something new we have tried that we will continue to do!

 

In summary I have found a new understanding, appreciation and love of trail running. Trail running feels like flying. Though I wear my GPS watch I am not concerned with the time, pacing or distance. I’ve come to accept that pacing is double what road running is (or more!) and that’s okay by me. Trail running seems to be more about the love of running. It seems so much more primal. When road running I focus on form with toes pointing forward, hips straight, shoulders straight, arms at a 90 degree angle running alongside my body. In trail running all that goes out the window, the focus is where the next step will be and avoiding any hazards and for my arms keeping my balance and sometimes grabbing trees to fling myself around the next obstacle. It brings out my inner Tarzan! 

 

This may all sound entirely silly. I’ve discovered a new love and appreciation for a sport I already loved wholeheartedly. I’m not saying I am throwing in the towel on road running. But, every once in a while in order to refresh and recharge or if it’s a hot day, or just for a change, I am going to look up one of our local trails and go hop and jump and fling myself up and down the dirt trails.

 

Race Review: Duntroon to Stayner 8k

This is the second year I've run the Duntroon to Stayner 8k. Held every Canada day this race is in its 49th year! A local grassroots race, it isn't advertised or found online (other than local running groups event listings). The race is free, you do not pre-register online rather you just show up the day of starting at 8am and sign up on a clipboard in your corresponding age and gender category. I believe categories include M/F under 12, M/F high school, M/F masters and an open M/F.

The race starts at the old Duntroon elementary school. Duntroon is a small community one community away from the small community I live in. There isn't much there, so it's not a challenge to find the Duntroon school. Across the road the local church opens their doors so that runners may use the facilities pre-race.

I'm sure in the 49 years running it has seen weather of all types (welcome to Canada). I've heard some years have been very hot. In my experience, last year was hot and muggy but then downpoured part way through, zapping my phone. Hello waterproof case! This year it was cloudy and overcast but a nice temperature of about 15-17 degrees with a slight breeze.

The race starts at 8:30 with a singing of O Canada and then 3-2-1 GO! No fancy start banner or chip timing. No bibs, no fuss. The course runs down a major road which isn't closed for the event. You run along the gravel shoulder or on the edge of the road being mindful of the oncoming traffic. Also this year I noticed police presence following along the roads to ensure runner safety. I was able to stay on the paved part for the predominance of the race except when seeing large trucks I'd be sure to get right over for them. The course is also walker friendly, and walkers are encouraged to start around 7:30 so that they can arrive for the finish line festivities.

Mostly everyone wears red/white

The course is mainly down hill but has some uphill portions. They have it marked every km with a water station at about 3.5km. Even though it follows a "major" road (the term is used lightly for a series of small towns) it has some beautiful views of farmers fields on both sides of the road. It follows along the same road for the first 7km then turns left into a residential community and another left at the end of the road bringing you to the Stayner community centre.

the home stretch

As you enter the parking lot you are given a popsicle stick with a number on it. At the same time they write down your corresponding finishing time and you bring your stick back to the table to tell them your name.

I should have "chicked" the guy in front of me so that I could be 33!

They have water for runners and popsicles post race. After everyone has finished they have an award ceremony with trophies for the top male and female in each of the 4 categories. They also had some donated prizes this year which were given out randomly to participants. All participants get a commemorative patch that looks the same year after year except for the date. They said that 106 participants signed up, which is great! I'm sure some still took part that didn't sign up as well, which is just fine.

The only downfall (if you could find one) is that it is a point to point race meaning if you come on your own you best be prepared to run another 8km back to your vehicle or find a new friend to drive you back. Since it's not far from my home and since my parents are my biggest fans, they come along and enjoy driving along the course and stopping at different spots to take photos and videos of me. I am fortunate like that.

My mother says this race is for the "purists". You see lots of the older runners from the area who have been runners for life, those that still believe in the sport to be a pair of shoes and go, not big fancy races and fancy running clothing. I also saw a lot of different local running groups represented, which is nice to see. A different form of community.

The best part about it all is that all of the race is free to participate and free to run as it is all donated by local partners. It certainly makes me proud to be a part of this community.

post race Tim Hortons and a well earned muffin

Try Something New: June: Aqua Fit

So..we dropped the ball slightly. If you've been following our "try something new" adventure you'll notice this blip between April and May. It's this thing called life. Also with spring running season for me and coordinating schedules with Heather...oh boy. So stay tuned for our attempt to make up our missed months.

SO! On the last day of June we squeaked in Aqua Fit. We discussed it for June and by the time we found a free weekend they changed the schedule on us. Lo and behold we found the schedule that Aqua Fit is run Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6-7.

Heather and I met at the Centennial Aquatic Centre, a newly renovated facility. Previous to it there was an outdoor pool reminiscent to the public pool in my favourite movie, the sandlot. (It is a closed in building now).

We went in and told the receptionist we were there for Aqua Fit. It cost $4 for a one time entry. We were directed to very nice change rooms but were already in our swim suits. We took a quick rinse off as per the signage.

My previous understand of Aqua Fit was that it was for the elderly. I didn't have much expectation in terms of what I'd get out of the workout but knew it would be fun regardless as it was something new and with a good friend!

There were 10 people in the class in total, all women, from ages 25-60. There were no real old people there and about half were under 35ish I'd say. There was another lady there for her first time as well so we all just followed the others when they got out what looked like foam dumbbells which by the way we never even used.

The class was an hour long. We started with leg lifts and progressively built each motion quicker and quicker. We did a bunch of different moves that engaged core, legs and arm muscles. Some of the moves were actually quite challenging with the resistance of the water and trying to keep your core engaged. I was told you can make it even more challenging by going in the deep end as then you have the tread water as well. I wasn't ready for that as I find treading water challenging.

Did I mention I love being in the water? Because I absolutely do. I can't wait to go swimming in Georgian Bay. Soon...so soon! I'm not a very strong swimming but I'd like to become better. Which ultimately means I likely can't continue to swim with a noodle...

We did some moves with a pool noodle as well behind our back/arms with our bodies floating and our legs pushing. It was quite the range of motion for all the joints.

I was pleasantly surprised by the workout. I wouldn't call it high fitness by any means but I see the value in it for myself as a runner. Aqua fit is similar to something like yoga as it stretches and works out tight muscles in the legs and hips. I think it would be a great class to work into my running schedule.

I also like how laid back of an atmosphere it was as Heather and I were aloud to talk and not get shushed or separated. You can do the moves at an easier pace or make it more challenging and no one centers you out or makes you feel bad if you are doing it wrong or differently.

They also had a "warm pool" we were able to go in after which felt like a giant bath. It was nice. I didn't feel like we had to rush out for anything which was nice. As the weather is getting nicer I will be swimming more in the bay but it's nice to know there is an affordable, not crowded facility with open swimming times and different classes I can enjoy my love of swimming through.

Enjoy the following series of somewhat awkward photos of Heather and I post Aqua Fit.

Race Review: Nike Women's 15km Toronto

Ever since I started running and learned about the world of running I've wanted to do a run in the Nike Women's Race Series. It is a "bucket list" kind of run for sure. I read that at these race's your finishers medal is a Tiffany's necklace! That my friend is reason enough to sign up.

The closest run for me would be San Francisco. I have always wanted to go to San Francisco but just put the idea on the back burner, or rather, left it on my bucket list as it would be a costly endeavour. Much to my excitement this year Nike Women's Race Series announced their first ever Canadian race would be held June 14th on the Toronto Island. My excitement began to build. All of a sudden it became so much more possible as it took a race a 2 hour flight away and made it a 2 hour drive. Also I've never been on Toronto Island and have always wanted to.

As this race series is the fastest growing and most popular race series for women you have to enter a draw to get in. It cost $120 to register (which you didn't pay until you were confirmed entry) or $100 for registered students. I believe there is another option to raise a certain amount for their charity (Leukaemia and Lymphoma society) to guarantee entrance but this was not the option I took. I entered the draw March 9th and anxiously awaited the email saying I was in! Some of their races have much larger capacity but due to the fact that this one was taking place on the island they capped it at a measly 15,000 (haha). It ended up just shy of 10,000 ran the race so they didn't quite make the cap. This is likely as it was its first year being held in this location. Next year will be a different story.

I was so impressed and pleasantly surprised with all aspects of this race. Packet Pick up was more than just some booths set up in some convention centre. Nike built a "women's village" which had a few different tents for different purposes. First was the packet pick up tent. It was well organized with clearly marked bib numbers on the walls. If you didn't know your bib number they of course had people there to help you out. In fact, they had copious amounts of helpful people. Most of these people were not canadian, which I found funny. The girl who scanned my registration asked me where Nottawa was and then clarified that she was in fact from just outside Toronto (this is what clued me in to realizing that most of the people working there were not).

so many race shirts

From there was a cool and giant tent that had a blown up, topographic map of the course. There was a line up to get your photo taken with it, I wasn't all about that. There was a run analysis centre with professionals and treadmills, there was a DJ pumping the tunes, and a super cool area with a whole bunch of nike clothes with the nike women's 15k and "we run Toronto" written on them. I decided to restrict myself and only purchased a black tank top I could wear race day as I generally prefer tank tops over T-shirts. I also wanted one of the super comfy looking sweaters but they came with a hefty price tag. Between race registration and travel expenses this race sits at one of my costliest, but of course one of my most enjoyable.

Running analysis

shopping shopping!

There was also another smaller tent with samples from Nuun and another hydration company as well as a giant wall to sign. It was neat to see the wall end up on the race course as well. I signed it and so did mom. They also had fun photo booths for the Leukaemia and Lymphoma society. All these tents were outdoors and it was a beautiful day going from tent to tent. They were all also on the beautiful Toronto waterfront. Nike built a gorgeous floating studio right on the water with free classes. Most were led by Nike sponsored athletes like professional surfers and snowboarders which is pretty cool.

the floating studio

one of the smaller tents and a view of the old and new

signing my name and instagram handle

Mom signing "proud parents" above my signature on the wall

the floating studio

They had so many neat photo ops. I like how Nike had a very pretty colour palette of mint and peach dominance. They did a great job of combining fitness and fashion, making strength pretty.

We stayed in a nice hotel just outside the Eaton center. It was about a 3km walk to the water. We drove back to the hotel and then walked down to the waterfront again to enjoy the beautiful weather. It was at this point when I decided to visit the "help desk" about my race corral. You see, when I registered I had no idea what finish time I wanted (I'd never raced a 15k before) and when I was put in corral 3 of 8 I didn't think much of it. Then I ran into an old friend (since pre-school) who runs with the Nike Run Club in Toronto. They essentially were the host run club of the event. She was running as a 5:15/km pacer. As I had run my half marathon the weekend prior at about 5:19/km I thought I could run faster than 5:15s for a 15km. Michelle told me she was in the second corral and was shocked I was in the third. So I visited the help desk and of course didn't have my packet with me. The lady was really kind and asked if I could show proof with a running app that I could run a faster pace than where I was placed. When I could she asked which corral I wanted to start in. I put myself in the second thinking the first would be too far of a stretch. I feel like the second corral was about 4:38-5:15/km. The lady of course wanted me to be able to exchange my wrist band but since I wasn't walking back 3km again and then back she just said "promise me you will rip it up".

My corral matched my nails, it was meant to be. 

My insider and forever friend

the view from my hotel balcony

RACE DAY!
I was set for a 6:30am ferry. The information said to arrive 30min prior to ferry time. As for spectators they were to line up in the spectator line and would get on a ferry as soon as there was room for them after runners were loaded. We left the hotel around 5:30 (gross!) and walked the 3km down to the ferry dock. We stopped into Mcdonalds on our way for an english muffin with peanut butter. It's a pre-race favourite of mine. The ferry docks again had copious workers who were way too peppy for 6am. I lined up by the appropriate flag and didn't wait long before they were herding us onto the ferry. I was on the ferry by 6:20 and was happily surprised that it was earlier than planned. The ferry was packed but I stood at the rail and watched the water. It was about a 17min ride.

Ferry waiting spots the day before

Ferry friend

Getting to the island you are immediately welcomed with fun signage. This was consistent across the entire island. When they say Nike Women took over the island, they mean it. They even plastered all the facilities with their decals and colours, very event specific. Walking onto the island they had a neat drum corps and lots of great signs with motivational sayings.

They also had rows of "photo frames" with different photo ops. It was interesting to think that all the women surrounding me could run my pace or faster. It already seemed like there were SO MANY PEOPLE and I was one of the early ferries. The first ferry I believe was 6am and the last 8:20. I thought I best make my way to a bathroom before things get too crazy so I continued to walk until I say the start and finish and a large bathroom. At this point there was maybe a 2 person line up. Right behind it was a beautiful pier and beach. I thought it best to hang out down here while I waited for my parents who luckily got on the next ferry! I even saw some driftwood that I collected while I waited. I enjoyed the peace and tranquility and solitude of the waterfront. Though it was a little cool.

It was weird to be at a race location 2 hours prior to an event. I decided my 5:30 breakfast likely wouldn't take me to a finish time of around 11am-ish so I added a granola bar to the tummy. We lined up for the coffee line up (for dad and mom) and I met a few people, all american (which my Nike insider friend later told me it was about 50/50 Canadian/American due to the fact that last year at this time Nike hosted a race in DC and of course Toronto is a closer location than San Francisco for all the Northern states). Everyone was friendly and it was fun to people watch. We explored all the tents set up around the island. They had a stretching tent, a tent with heat sheets which I've never gotten from a race and always wanted (I got 2...and both my parents got one because it was cool). They remind me of capes. They had a tent for taping up injured or needy areas. They had the usual post race massage area and a non-lined up photo area which we took advantage of. They had booths for sponsors and shopping.

An uplifting sponsor booth. Also these were delicious products

I didn't realize it at the time but there was a booth with beautiful gold and silver little tattoos of nike symbols. They also had a booth of signs spectators could make, this we also didn't know until after. We found a few rocks along the walk ways and did some people watching.

For my race attire I had packed a number of different options. When I bought the black tank I knew I couldn't wear solid black bottoms so I went with my lululemon running skirt. Where can you run in a skirt but at a women's running series? I also wore my handy stridebox socks because they are both encouraging as they say "just keep running" on the back and support a great company. I also always run in a hat so I had on my blue Canadian Running hat to balance the black/blue theme. I gave up on the idea of trying to wear something that would set me out in the crowd. I've learned thats near impossible to do unless you are wearing an elephant costume, which of course some guy was and I ran with him a few km near the start when the girl he wanted to run with had to use the washroom.
Speaking of washrooms I decided to use the washroom prior to running again. This time there was a GIANT line but I figured I had time so why not.

A small part of the washroom line

 By the time I was through that I got into my corral and it started to rain...and rain....and rain. The sucky part about this was having to wait to run. I wore my heat sheet as long as I could before I had to pitch it. The first wave started at 9:30 and they let each wave go 7 minutes later. I was thankful I knew this and that the course was narrow in spots from my insider. 9:37 off we went and thank goodness because I had the shakes from the cool rain.

photo taken from inside a plastic bag pre race

The course was very pretty! It was a bit mucky from the rain and a range of terrain including paved trails, grass, a little sand. The course was very well marked all along! A few km in we ran past the area where the party the day before had been and great people waving signs and shouting encouragements. That kind of support definitely puts wind in a runners sails. I recognized some of them as people I follow on instagram which is slightly creepy, I feel. Then at 4km you run onto the Billy Bishop airport runway. How cool is that? Just previous to this we saw the front of the pack runners running back from the runway. It was neat to see them, such strong, beautiful women. It's empowering, really. Back to the runway. I found it neat because the other half was still open so I've heard some planes were taking off as women were running. This happened after I'd been there.

We continued on past the start line again at about 9km and I got to wave at my parents.

I also saw the drum corps again AND a gospel choir in front of a little church. Wow. That one gave me chills.

One part of the course was a little boring and a straight away with nothing to really look at. There was one "hill" that was a bridge that went onto another small residential style island full of beautiful cottages, and lots of photographers.

The last few kms was all boardwalk on the south side of the islands. The board walk was slippery from the rain and seemed to be dragging on painfully until I caught sight of the pier, knowing it was in line with the finish line.

 I was happy to finish in 1:17:32. It was neat that Nike had a spot for spectators to "follow" a runner. Every 3km was a timing mat that updated your location and pacing for spectators. My friend Lisa at home was following my race unbeknownst to me. (Until I finished and immediately she texted "great run!"). There was also aid stations every 3km with washrooms, water and nuun (Also signs that said "last bathroom for 3km). What seemed to frustrate me along the course was my fellow runners. Somehow I felt like I kept getting stuck behind slower races, which didn't make sense to me considering the corral I was in. This was in the first few kms too! There was also many runners who just started walking, and NOT for photo ops, and not for 10 and 1s. It may sound petty but maybe these people were in the wrong corrals!

Coming in to the finish

After the finish I got a water and an apple and bag with chips and granola bar, trail mix, craisins in it. Then from there I headed into the secure area where I got to coveted Tiffany's box. They made sure to mark off on your bib that you'd received it so people couldn't double dip. The neat thing about these necklaces is that they are different at each event and not publicized before the race so you never know what it is going to look like! I was almost afraid to open it because it was tied so nicely and I was sweaty and hot. It stopped raining a few kms in and I missed it.

What a beautiful necklace it is! A long silver chain and a beautiful diamond shape with the nike swoosh and the wings symbol (which I LOVE) on the front and Nike Women's 15km Toronto and the leaf symbol on the back. We assumed there would be some Canadian symbol on it.

After the race I found Michelle again for an awkward photo op and to complain about the people on the course. It was harder for Michelle running as a pacer, she couldn't speed up when she had the chance to and got stuck a few times behind others.

We looked around a bit post race then walked back to the ferry docks to head back to the hotel to clean up and head out. Again there was no line up to get on the ferry back and we walked right on. At this point it started to rain again.

A rainy view of the city

a PanAm games ferry friend

 Not a heavy rain but a consistent rain, the rest of the day. We walked back to the hotel, I showered in the rec facilities (no late check out, boo!) and headed out.

Big hair post race pre-shower

Here are some stats:
BIB 2512
Finish time: 1:17:32
Finished 647 of 9168 runners
189/2256 for women 25-29

I was surprised to finish in the top 10% overall but learned this to be a race that is a fun race. All races have competitive people but it seemed like most people were there to run and have fun! It seems to attract groups of women who are both seasoned and sometimes runners that are out for the love of running (or tiffanys) who aren't overly concerned with finish times. As it was my first 15km I knew it was an automatic PB so that was fun. I had a finish time goal of between 1:15 and 1:30 and ideally 1:15 and 1:20 so I was happy to hit that.

I should also add that the event gives you FREE RACE PHOTOS which I love, and they were available Tuesday. Overall it was such a fantastic run and I'd love to do more, especially one I could travel to with a group of friends anywhere in the world. The event was flawlessly run with so many great details and kind, helpful people. If you get a chance to run a Nike Women's race, do it!