HEATHERS RUNNING ADVENTURES

LESSONS LEARNED from my first 50 mile run:

2011-11-12T08:17:00.000-08:00

Having a week to process this, I thought I would make note of "things I learned" from my first 50 mile run for future reference:

Lesson #1. YES, you CAN do more than you think you can !!
Lesson #2. Pains will come and go, and you can run through most of them... but keep a mental list of those areas needing work. For me thats ITB stretches (with supportive glut med strengthening) and upper body strength. Tired arms------>>>>>
Lesson #3. If you have EXTRA supplies, PACK them. You never know what you'll lose in the excitement leading up to the race. In my case it was the mandatory headlamp. Lucky Whistler sold them !

Lesson #4. NOT everyone wants to play and socialize on a run like I do. Some are much more serious. Some enjoy the 'slog'

I need to pick up on that and respect their serious attempt for a 'time' or 'place'

Lesson #5. ICE baths WORK! I had mine day 2/day3(when inflammation peaks) and no muscle soreness at work on Monday.
.

Lesson #6. Careful planning of calories/salt tabs, water etc prior to the race pays off at the end when you are not exactly thinking straight. I had care packages each loop that gave me nutrition for each lap, in addition to some sort of 'treat' to look forward to.
Lesson #7. If you usually wear ie. a size 7.5 shoe, but the salesman insists you are only a 7- Get the LARGER size, your toenails will thank you.

Lesson #8. Those long runs are NOT a waste of time. Even if the race you trained for is cancelled, the endurance base accomplished seems to have some staying power... how long? I don't know, but my last long run was 8 weeks prior to this one. I was able to tap into my summers work for a fall run... Hay in the barn baby!

Heather V.

WHISTLER 50 MILE

2011-11-06T22:47:00.000-08:00

If this run was a hotel, I would call it a" 5 star". It was very luxurious running. Great information, organization, trail markings, aid stations, volunteers, and even port a potty heaven- you name it, you were well cared for. Being a newbie to the 50 mile distance, I highly recommend this run.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

I have trained for two 50 milers this summer- both cancelled due to funerals etc. By Sept I was frustrated with 'wasting my time' doing all those long runs and decided to put together a team for the Whistler 50 relay (formerly H2H). I shortened my runs, trying to pick up speed... but kept up with mini doubles 2 hr/3 hr sat/sun runs with my husband. Well, the team fell apart.

Instead of being frustrated again, I decided to be positive and ACT on what I wanted to do.... I signed up for the Whistler 50 mile run anyways, but as a SOLO. Two birds with one stone ! Run in whistler AND do my first 50 mile . Attending to unfinished business.

HAY IN THE BARN

Being raiseed on a farm, thats what I hope I had. My last 4 hour run was 8 weeks prior to the race...maybe it wasn't a 'waste of time' ? . I was inspired by a friend of mine who just pulled off a 30 km with little training- if she could do that, could I pull off an 80 k ? right??

My big concern was that this was generally a flat course and I haven't ran more than 8-10 flat miles in the last 2 years!

THE WHISTLER 50 MILE RUN:

Expecting my first 50 miler to be a grueling, complicated experience, it turned out to be a pleasantly simple experience that I would summarize into positive and negatives for each 21 km lap.

Lap 1: 17 km

+ ve : 6 am start, beautiful, peaceful run thru the trails. Great trai l markings, lots of runners... no worries. Enjoyed pulling back from the pack to run alone in the dark. Pristine !

-ve : Left tibial plate and screws from an old fracture immediately started to ache. grrrr- it eventually settled and went away. This was my stumbling block that I felt would limit my distance past 50 km.

Lap 2: 21 km

+ve :The sun rises, I get to see the beautiful full course. Paved trails thru golf courses, homes,lake, and Whistler village. Running with a guy who did leadville 3X, a woman who did death race, and another woman who did transrockies...meanwhile " hi , I'm Heather, of this is my first 50 miler"... feeling out of my league ! Big Time !

- ve: The metatarsal pain starts. 2nd toes, both feet burning from the pavement pounding. I'm thinking 'lovely, I got another 8 hrs of this' But that too passed....

LAP 3 : 21 km

+ve: I now know the course, and am feeling like the the aid station attendants are old friends. I most looked forward to seeing Gottfried Grossier (organizer of several great local runs -including my FIRST 50 kilometer 'Frosty 50 k" http://www.trailwhisperer.ca/ I was ahead of schedule. I guessed 10 + hr finish time. I was a bit confused when I checked the time to see I was only 6 hrs in ... was I only on lap 2 ? no, I was on lap 3 as I had 3 elastics on my wrist to mark each lap when I picked up my goodies from my drop bag from each lap. Being a nerd paid off.

Only 21 Km to go- would I finish in 8 1/2 hours? really? am I hallucinating?

- ve: Now its time for the ITB to kick in. All my other aches and pains are gone, now I get to enjoy the results of having my womanly hips. Lovely. The commings and goings of aches and pains are actually becomming amusing.

Lap 4 : 21km ( The final 60- 80 km )

+ ve: I finally get to feel the push PAST a 50 km !!! Woot woot !!!

Felt suprisingly fine until about the last hour where I think I did a great impression of what MR BEAN would look like if he started running- Tee hee !

My nutrition etc. was dialed in, I thought I was lucid ... except for the part where I called my husband:

" I've got 4 kms to go to the finish ... it should take me 45-50 mins (thinking in miles)" Meanwhile my husband has visions of me crawling to the finish.

-ve: Yup, a new entertaining pain. My ARMS ! wtf ! both biceps aching, I can't hold my arms up any longer- had to rest my thumbs in my waistband and literally run like a cowboy !

DONE ! 8:04 ! 8th woman, 4th age group.
A couple of women sprinted past me on a downhill in the last 10 km, but I diddn't care. I wasn't racing, I was just finishing, just enjoying my first 50 mile run . And dammmit, it was actually enjoyable.
It was great to meet my husband and 14 yr old daughter at the finish line. Best hug ever !

And lets not forget the recovery drinks:

Heather V

HERE IS A GREAT VIDEO THAT CAPTURES THE RACE EXPERIENCE; Thanks to Rory Bass

Summer in a Snap!

2011-10-17T08:50:00.000-07:00

SUMMER IN A SNAP

Summer 2011 is now over. Here is a summary in a few quick snapshots.

This summer was very slow to start- pretty crummy weather till about August, but we managed to squeeze out a few adventuresome weekends around B.C. in spite of it all.

I managed some great training this summer, but was disappointed as I was not able to apply it to 'my first 50 miler'. I trained for two of them, but never ended up making it to either one ! (funerals, etc). I could imagine how disappointed someone would be who put all the training time in for say, a 100 miler, then ends up not going. Oh well.

RUNNING IN THE ROCKIES (Invermere, B.C.)

PLAYING IN PENTICTON

Long, flat, dry, hot Run .....

Skaha Lake. Memories of this should get me through the winter.

LOCAL HIKING AROUND BUNTZEN (Polytrichum, and Diez Vistas)

CARPENTER LAKE

(and a great 4X4 drive on FSR to get there)

Brothers...

Super peaceful -no boats, few people

Waterfalls - love them Picnic on a quiet FSR road

Burke Mountain Dennett Lake

2011-08-28T18:59:00.000-07:00

I don't know any trails on Burke mtn... but my friend Marc does!

So, he leads the adventure.

Up the gravel road we go... up, up , up.

Then we shoot off to check out some old Burke mtn cabins- many still inhabited. I can not believe people packed the wood and supplies this far up a mountain! years ago. Much respect!

BEAR !

Then the BUSHWACKING began !.... we went over logs, thru brambles....questioning our location, but frequently reminded with flags and signs we were on track . Picture on the left was ALL that I could see for a good hour ! It got pretty boggy too.

So, this was all I could see- but my 6 ft 3' husband thankfully could see ABOVE the brambles to guide us.

I was seriously doubting my husband, and Marc, who was going on MEMORY alone (from some odd 30 years ago! omg) but as we crested the top, and came around to beautiful Dennett lake- IT WAS ALL WORTH IT !!!!

DENNETT LAKE !

Jim even went for a swim !! It was BEAUTIFUL!.... not a picknic spot due to the black flies, but totally worth the trip.

BACK HOME:

You would think it would be SMART to take the SAME route back! but noooooo, my husband decides to try a different way... and his friend is keen to do the same. I've been outvoted. grrr...

Well, lo and behold, the trail back was much nicer, with less bushwacking. We went past some cute lakes (including twin lakes) and thru yet more mud. Its so fun running round the mountaintop!

SKI HILL?

Yup, apparently there used to be snow on Burke mtn, and my friend Marc, has fond memories of learning to ski at the ski- hill here. Hard to believe now. The old lodge was burnt down, and there is only a little evidence of a ski hill. As usual, there is garbage left from what I assume is 'stupid teenagers'. We popped out onto harper road and booted down the gravel road.

Views from the 'ski hill' and sign prooving it existed.

BACK HOME

Marc took us down the 'elevator' even had buttons ! loved it ! Great single track home

Thanks Marc for the wonderful adventure!

... I wish I had my GPS watch with me, but I figure we did a loop harper road to the cabins, up the southwest side of the mountain, to Dennett, then back down the much better marked trails on the north side of the mountain to harper hill again.

Heather

KNEE KNACKER 2011

2011-07-11T09:20:00.000-07:00

LAST year I had something to PROVE- I wanted to make a 'time'. Mission accomplished !

...but in my efforts to run fast, I was frustrated with the difficult course and was angry for half of the run.

THIS year I had something to PROVE- to HAVE FUN! and actually ENJOY the course.

GPS of the course-horseshoe bay to deep cove:

KNEE KNACKER 2011 RACE REPORT

To stick to my mission, I showed up at the start line with NO watch.

As usual, I start cramping up at the start of the run... then after encouraging words from Peter Watson, I wind down, relax, and loosten up. Thanks Peter!

The first 'hill'.

Me= fun !

Dirk= Funner

Sean dude (in yellow) = Funnest ! Great attitude!

THE FIRST HALF (0- 25 km)

Up Black Mountain:

"Yaay, the scree slope, my favorite part" I announce, and subsequently got a lot of groans from the guys behind me. I cautiously climb the boulders as earlier I dislodged a very large rock that bounced down the switchbackes, picking up speed. People were diving into the bushes to avoid injury. Ooops,...

Hitting the top (and probably a 170 heart rate), the expansive view is magnificent on such a clear day! Got a bit of vertigo there- not good when climbing on a cliff so eyes went back to the ground.

To Cypress and Hollyburn:

SNOW !

I was so worried about the snow reports, I actually had a nightmare that I was lost running in the snow. Why did I worry- the snow offered a new level of FUN ! It took mega focus to watch my foot placement. I saw a guy shoot one leg down a 'post hole' with the other one still on top of the snow- Ouch. Another poor soul "ran though" a puddle, only to sink in thigh- deep ! So I went around that 'puddle'.

Hats off to the trail maintenance- they really had to dig deep to get to a bridge. We even had to climb a rope to get back up on the several feet of snow. Golden shovel award.

Sipping, sliding, and skiing- omg, the 'skiing ' down the hills in trail shoes was a blast! I must admit, by the time we hit hollyburn chute, after over an hour of running in the snow, the ankles and back were getting pretty fatigued. It was such a pleasure to finally hit dirt.

THE SECOND HALF(25-50 km)

Cleveland dam to Seymour Demonstration

Pretty much a blur to me. I just remember going up/down , up/down. Power hiking on the hills, running wherever possible. I did go off course a couple of times, but quickly re-routed thanks to hollers from other runners.

Amidst the blur of running off the miles, what stood out most on this section was all of the enthusiastic volunteers! Plus there were so many people I have gotten to know from the great trail running community, I felt like I was circled with friends!

Thank you JENNY for keeping me company, and pushing/pulling me (and sharing chips after ) .
Thank you dude in the Stormy shirt (waving in pic above) for the company while you catch me/lose me (and repeat)

Seymour Demonstration to Finish

5 hours in, I got my first sense of woosyness/weakness and started to question if it was ;

a) my nutrition,

b)a psychological barrier to cross as I haven't trained past 5-51/2 hours (racing excluded)

To address (a), I popped a gel, and grabbed a cookie and chips from the aid station as I was craving fatty stuff at this point for some reason. To address (b), well, I just kept running to see what happens-what else can you do.

6 hours in, I got a second wind! I actually started feeling better that I did in the middle of the race . It actually freaked me out a bit, wondering if I was losing my mind ! The descent into Deep Cove was a blast- Waaahoooo! flying down roots, steps and rocks. Ripping across the bridges. Weaving in and out of people and dogs like its a videogame. I even ran all the last hills, which was pleasing as last year I could barely run this final section at all. I owe it all to the great training runs with my friends.

I Cross the finish and see my time: 6:45 !

Only 2 mins slower than last year AND I had FUN !

Considering the hours of snow running, and how great I felt after, it was a good 'pat on the back' for my spring training.

My Stats (for future reference, cuz I'm a freak, like many other trail runners )

Position : Overall at 1/2 way point: 76th position at finish 51st/205 . 12/67 women, 4/26 age.

Pleased, as there were some amazing athletes attending.

AAAHHH the post race soak in the OCEAN!

Water: 3.5-4 L

Coke: 3-4 cups

Food:

Carbopro- 2X200 calories=400 cal

Gels- 2 =200 cal

Fishy crackers (for variety)= 100 cal

2 cookies = 100 cal

Handfuls of chipsX2 = 100 cal

Total - 900 on run + 300 breakfast bagel = 1200 Calories (about 170/hour)

Heather
Some pics from the race. $ for purchase went to North Shore Search and Rescue- great idea! Its neat to see the VARIETY of terrain we got to run through in one day- SNOW, SINGLETRACK& GRAVEL ROAD .

Jim's Comeback Race

2011-07-07T12:02:00.000-07:00

9 Months Post Pulmonary Embolism.... Not many people would go into a 50 Km race- But Jim did!

4 Months of Running ....Not many people would be ready for a 50 Km race- But Jim was !

He trained hard, got his nutrition downpat and was feeling confident.

Jim decides to do "SCORCHED SOLE" in Kelowna. He heard it was "EASY" previous years.

BUT,

The race director this year decided to make it much more difficult- giving it about a 2850 meter elevation gain, in the Kelowna desert heat, with no cover! Thats about 400m more gain than Knee knacker.

MY VERSION OF SCORCHED SOLE FROM HOME I Wait....

7 hours in I'm expecting a finish line call... no calll. Hmmmm. Finally, 10 hrs pass and I get a call from his training partner who just crossed the finish line without him. Now I'm worried. At this point I would rather be running the race than waiting! Apparently, elites who take 5-6 hrs to finish a race took 7-8 to finish this one.

And wait....

I get random calls from other friends they dropped down from the 50 mile to 50 km as the trail had so much bushwacking it was difficult to run in. They saw Jim at an aid station, sitting in a chair with reports of back spasms. They figured he planned to DNF.

"Thats what she said"- Being married to a Physio, one would think he would work on his CORE. But nooo, he did not. Apparently he was running great till it broke down on him, then every step hurt. Chair!

Impatience is a virtue?

Jim waits in the chair for about an hour and 1/2 with a group of people also thinking of DNF'g . He was told he had to wait until takedown to get a ride back. He is not a patient man, so he got up, and gutted it out to the finish line. Everyone was suprised to see him cross 11 hours later!!

JIMS SCORCHED SOLE RACE REPORT:

It was HOT,

It was LONG,

It was STEEP

It was a lot of BUSHWACKING.

A lot shorter than my race reports!-. A man of few words. He did later say how beautiful the area was, so he did manage to enjoy the journey :-)

IN THE END

Jim was proud and happy that he finished and he served as an INSPRATION to me. If he can gut out 11 hours in a 50 km with only a few months of training ... could I pull off a 50 mile ???

I ask : "So, has this turned you off from 50 Km's forever? "

His answer: "No, eventually I will forget and go in another one"
Don't we all. ....Dont' we all !

Heather

ODE TO MY RUNNING FRIENDS

2011-06-06T23:32:00.000-07:00

I thank god for my running friends;

- they push me farther, push me harder, they keep me going,, and get me out of bed in the morning.
- they wait for me when I'm weak, and encourage me when I'm strong.
-they listen to me when I have issues, and talk to me when they have theirs.
We all accept each other for who we are. There is no make-up nor 'masks' - we are who we are... people running through the trails, running through the paths of our lives .

We just keep moving forward, leaving the past behind us, and looking forward to the future.

Heather V

WHEEE AT IRON KNEE !

2011-06-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

IRON KNEE 2011

Last minute decision to do this 'just for fun' with friends- and boy am I glad I did !

IRON LEG
That is how my right calf felt running up the first long, slow incline. It cramped up big time and slowed me to a walk to try and get feeling back in my foot. Seriously thought of DNFing... but it was only a mile in !
I have renamed this hill F-U Peter hill !
Don't know if it was his idea, but he announced the new changes in course, so the messenger always gets the blame. Apparently he has big shoulders and can take it.

IRONED OUT

By the time I hit single track about 30-40 mins in, everything was feeling natural again, loostened up, and I got my legs back... and started to ENJOY the trails. Can you say WAHOOOOO !

I've run most of this during Knee knacker, but the 25 km prior made me a bit delerious, and it wasn't nearly as fun flying down the hills with the fresh legsI had on this race.

IRON KNEES

They felt solid. Strongly march up the last hill (reading fun motivational signs en route ) and by an hour in I was in my groove! Had a blast running down to Deep Cove... roots, rocks, stairs, all on fabulous single track. I was warmed up and ready to rock!... I was happy with my 5th place finish (2:24) considering my slow start.

THE IRONY (ha ha, thats a good one. The Irony of the Iron Knee... I crack myself up)

All that 50 K/50 mile training kept me fresh till the end . However, I felt that if I had another 10-20 Kms I might have done better. Too funny! Maybe I should warm up for an HOUR before a 25 Km ? All that endurance training was beneficial anyways as I felt great and enjoyed another 2 hrs of yardwork after .

The race finished in Deep Cove beach where we got to enjoy a beautiful sunny day with friends.

I would DEFINATELY do this race again. It was a well organized and well marked FUN course. I seriously plan on doing this race again !!

Heather V

In Life, there are NO endings, only NEW BEGINNINGS !

2011-05-09T23:16:00.000-07:00

Grief;
Grief is like a long, winding tunnel whose entrance is closed behind you, and the only way out is through.
But to get through, we need to find that light at the end of the tunnell.
To me, that light was to free myself from those who have left this plane, and pay more attention to the people and life I have HERE, NOW !

so, all that deep crap aside,
I missed my first 50 mile race I have been training for !! Was it a waste? not really.

" WE MAY TRAIN AND PEAK FOR A RACE, BUT RUNNING IS A LIFETIME SPORT"
Alberto Salazar

Oh yeah baby!
In the meantime:
I have been enjoying 'coaching' my husband back into his 4 hour runs (now 7 months post pulmonary embolism- pretty good eh!) . He has been Heart rate training and he enjoys finishing 'refreshed' instead of trashed. His old approach was 'run till ya puke'. Mr. All or nothing.

It has also been nice doing SPEEDWORK... since I am doing the Westcoast renowned Knee knacker, I better get some kick in my step! This last weekend I did a 4 hr Sat run, then ran a 5K Sunday mothers day run - Lungs were great, I tried to talk to people I met encourse, but no one talked back... but the legs were slow.... really slow. Will finish this story on my next blog.

Heather

Dad's Death and Deciding Not to Run.

2011-04-26T22:53:00.000-07:00

CAPITOL PEAKS 50 MILES

I signed up, and I planned to go. My FIRST 50 miler !!
I know I did the training. Threw in a couple of 3.5-4 hr doubles, and two training 50Kms. Studied the maps, even packed my bag.
But,

Then 'life' happened. Or should I say death- my father passed away suddenly a couple of weeks ago and I just got back from his funeral. 4-500 people showed up ! (pic of line up after arena full on the right-->)

he was a big volunteer in a small community. Countless years for Jr hockey, and even had a world professional bullriding event (that he organized locally) dedicated to his name! I love him dearly and am still processing what just happened.

Needless to say, the last week had too few miles, too many tears, too many buffets, and too many glasses of wine. Nice prep for a 50 miler wouldn't you say?
On the positive side, preparing for this run was a nice distraction but I was hoping it would be some kind of healing/ pilgrammage/ or life answer from this event.
However , I was lacking my key ingredients for my runs; "Fun" and 'Drive". Yup, no sense of 'ha ha' here, and definately exhausted. Every day is kind of a haze. I am expecting this 'frump' is just a part of my 'stages of loss' and I will deal with it and move on. I hope.

Luckily there are a lot of races out there, so I will eventually get back on that horse and charge forward!

I end with an inspiring quote I came across today:

"SOMEBODY OUGHT TO TELL US , RIGHT AT THE START OF OUR LIVES, THAT WE ARE DYING. THEN WE MIGHT LIVE OUR LIFE TO THE LIMIT EVERY MINUTE OF EVERY DAY. DO IT, I SAY, WHATEVER YOU WANT TO DO, DO IT NOW! "
-- MICHAEL LANDON (died age 54 of pancreatic cancer)

Heather

Sucking it up at CHUCKANUT 2011

2011-04-14T22:43:00.000-07:00

This entry is a bit late... Chuckanut was in March. But then I was busy with 'life events'. Plus, I got a new video camera just before the race and had to figure out the software.

Hot tip: Learn how to use your new camera BEFORE using it on a race. It was probably dangerous fiddling with the buttons while running along a ridge and a technical trail. Oh well, I lived.

Chuckanut was to be a 'training race' for my running friends in preparation for Capitol Peaks 50 mile. Unfortunately, I had a miserable cold, but I sucked it up and in the end the misery of the cold was offset by such a beautiful day and a wonderful race! Funny, I drank a LOT of water, and it all seemed to fall out of my nose... by the end of the run my sinus's were clear !!

Hope this choppy video sums it up:

I was so happy to meet up with one of my training partners at the end. We agreed not to have a 'race sprint' against each other to the finish line, (to save ourselves for the next race). We pushed forward, for a nice, easy cruise across the finish line together... awwww.. Thats what friends are for :-)

And now, I have to prepare for an 80 K (50 mile).... I'm afraid, very afraid......

Heather

Snowshoe in the Sun

2011-02-25T17:33:00.000-08:00

Third Time Lucky

This is the third time we have showshoed up Mt. Seymour, and FINALLY we got great weather! Definately a picture taking trip. It was great to bring the 'kids' (14 and 20 yr olds) along to share the experience!

There were BEAUTIFUL views EVERYWHERE !!

I got some Beautiful pictures of the girls AND the Scenery

There were some tough uphill climbs for the girls...

But the muscled it up to the top of the mountain !!!

More Amazing Sights up on the Mountain

The girls were Exhausted by the end. I took some self portraits as I waited. The two pooped kids drug themselves home. I say to them: "Isn't that exhausted feeling wonderful". They reply, "you're weird" . Priceless.

The final view of VANCOUVER on our route home.

It was a beautiful day I hope my girls will remember for the rest of their lives. I know I will.

Heather

Just me, for now....

2011-02-03T21:01:00.000-08:00

" 13 years of Jim and Heather, still growing as we age together.

Ups and Downs, smiles and frowns,

we will succeed at succeed at this adventure called life"

That has been my motto and I still stand by it ! However, Jim has put his running on the sidelines to deal with other/more important things in his life at this time. I fully respect that.

He jokes that he is training to be an " ultra-relaxer"... LOL !!!

So now, it is just " Heather's running adventures" . (Thus the pic of me alone). Who knows what the future brings. People go through stages in their life and their training. As his partner in life I will stand by him and support him in all his endeavours, just as he would do the same for me. Yes, we may annoy each other a bit along the way, but that is part of the fun. Nothing worth doing was ever easy : )

Heather

My XTRANORMAL interview with Larry King

2011-01-23T23:12:00.000-08:00

My Husband made this video - poking fun at ME AND MY FRIENDS with our ultra-running. Then he sent it to my friends. Lovely, my cartoon character is pretty cocky, so now I'm afraid for Sundays Run! lol !

The link for a laugh:
http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/8284856/

Heather

New Years Day FAT ASS 50 K

2011-01-03T13:06:00.000-08:00

So Exactly how much can I Drink on New Years Eve, and still manage to run 50 km's the next day? That was the question ! I started off 2011 with a bunch of firsts;

My FIRST CLUB FAT ASS event

The FIRST time I DROVE DOWNTOWN Vancouver ( slight fear of driving)

The FIRST time I was relatively SOBER on New Years eve in years!

At the Start:

A beautiful, crisp, cool, clear day it was. The fatassers casually hung around the starting 'line' ... which is a fire hydrant of all things. We listen to pre-race instructions, take the club picture, and off we go...many of us enjoying passing Gary Robbins who was running (on crutches)- a first and last time that will ever happen.

Stanley Park:

I read the map and instructions, which would have worked if I was WALKING it, but at the pace we were going, I just kept up with the group I was in (which was going faster than I planned). One trail was just above the seawall, had beautiful views and no people. We ran thru paths that I never knew existed-beautiful ! I held onto the 8:00-8:30 min/mile as long as I could to stay with the group. Once we got spat out onto the beach, I slowed down into a more comfortable pace and took in the amazing scenery. A lovely run along the seawall then up and over the Burrard St Bridge.

Kits/Spanish Banks:

This is where I met Ray Levasseur, who kept me company and guidance from here and all the way through Pacific Spirit Park. I had a lovely visit with him and was sad to leave his side in the second half of the run,

Pacific Spirit Park:

Wide, runable trails, oldgrowth Cedars, and a myriad of interconnecting trails. At the 25 km turnaround, I felt great so I kicked it up a bit and picked up a new running partner 'Mark'. As two newbies, Mark and I took a few wrong turns, and I was really missing my former guide Ray.

Going through Point Grey, I did ask a little old lady if I was on the right course to the Burrard St bridge and she said "yes dear, but its a long ways away"... if she only knew how far I had already gone... and still had to go!

Back to the Finish:

Once finding my way back to Spanish Banks, I retraced my steps back.

Going through the POLAR BEAR SWIM event was a definate mistake. I was slowed to a shuffling walk to get past the crowds. About 25 miles in my left ITB was starting to scream at me, the lateral knee pain was annoying, but bearable. I was worried I took the wrong side of Lost lagoon lake, until someone yelled at me " Go Fat Ass !!"...so I must have been on track.

Heading to the finish... 4:57.... 4:58.... I can do it, I can get in under 5 hrs ! then RRrrrrring ! wtf? my phone?

My transcendental running state was interrupted by reality.

I answer, "Hello?"

My daughter replies " Hi Mom, Can you pick me up at Sandy's"

I answer "Um,,, I'm kinda busy right now, can I get back to you"

4:59:58 I finish!

And pleased with the fact that my Last 10 miles were faster than my first 10.

Things I learned:

* Don't try to squeak the last few miles out of a dying pair of trail runners on a 50 km

- especially on a flat course like this. My feet are mad at me today.

*Avoid the 'Polar Bear Swim'- should take a few minutes off the run next time

*Although a few celebrational glasses of wine felt great at the time- it is not a good 'recovery' drink.

Heather

ULTRARUNNER CARTOON VIDEOs- Too funny

2010-12-13T23:17:00.000-08:00

These videos crossed my desktop and I thought I would share. Too funny. Gotta watch.
"I AM AN ULTRARUNNER":

THE WINTER WARRIOR :

Heather

Love finding new trails.

2010-12-05T18:16:00.000-08:00

BEAUTIFUL, Sunshiney day !
Long run, where to go....
Well, I found some trails on an adventure run with Jim this summer. I was excited to show them to my running friends today. I love showing, and being shown new trails.

THE ROUTE

Depart from Anmore, some road, up past Aspenwood school, to powerline road (turnaround of DV 50 km) .We head up a trail and cross a river. Thank goodness for the ropes cuz the rocks were icy and super slippery! Hands were pulling me across, feet were doing very little. I apologized for the ice and water, but thankfully my friends are tough and looked at it as an adventure. Off to some cool mountain bike trails, singing "deck the halls" , shot out into a pretty open trail. We hit a road they recognized and up they went... behind the mountain, and up towards Cypress lake, up thru the snowline. Part way up we took a single track trail down- back toward Buntzen , academy trail, and back home. A beautiful 3 hr circuit I must do again!

MORE PICTURES BELOW:

And all this before noon !!

And all this in my 'back yard'

Life is good !

Palm Springs Cold Adventures

2010-11-24T20:15:00.000-08:00

After Jims stay at the hospital (hey, it was all inclusive), I thought I would take him down to Palm springs for a REAL holiday. It was Short and Sweet, but little did we know, we would hit their 'winter condition warning"

Oooh, high of 17-18 degrees Celcius (low 7-9) , 30 mph winds. They knew we were Canadian cuz we were the only ones in shorts!

So instead of whining about the cold weather, we took advantage of cool things to do in the cool desert.

Cold Weather in Palm Springs Positives:

Beautiful sunrise's

Great weather for running, hiking, and SHOPPING!

Cheap hotel that includes breakfast (that carried me till dinner). Cheap food, big portions.

Cold weather forces us to ' Howard Hughes' hole up in the hotel... and hang out in the hot tub!

Adventures and Highlights

Visit to dessert interpretation center... as dark looming clouds crept in. Cool Ironic views.

Hike up to canyon.

Palm to pines highway drive. Windyfun

Shopping at Palm Desert- too lavish for my budget!!! but really nice art shops. Saw some scary looking plastic surgery/ botox mishaps.

GREAT 10 mile run along ARTSMITH trail;

- Desert trails,

-Oasis

-Beautiful views of Palm Desert below

AND BEAUTIFUL RAINBOWS IN THE DESERT !!

Now thats special. I don't know when I will ever see that again!

But to get that rainbow, we had to go thru some wicked rain and wind- can't even hear what I have to say below;

And, isn't that just life.... you can't have rainbows without a little rain.

Heather

Phantom Phun

2010-11-15T13:06:00.000-08:00

Phantom 24 Km Run : North Vancouver

After volunteering at Fat Dog 100, I was given the added bonus of a free entrance to this run. Both events are put on by Mountain Madness http://www.mountainmadness.ca/races.php. Volunteering rocks!

I showed up just for fun,

And as you can see from the pic below- I definately had Fun ! ``runners high`` or what!

Fun HILLS , beautiful run along the RIVER , MUDDY technical return, and a sprint to the finish!

I enjoyed the MUD so much, I took a dive to really get into it (involuntary)

I practiced 50km pace, taking the hills slow at the start to keep my HR down and prevent calf cramping.

As this is a 24 km, I was passed a LOT...so I picked it up the second half.

I could not believe how much gas I had in the tank the last 4 miles.

2 hours in I was ready to race!... but it was over by then- too funny! Finished in 2:28

I will definately take this approach for my next 50 km though.

The race is reccommended;

It is well marked.

Great volunteers.

Diversity of terrain

Enough aid stations

Upbeat atmosphere
At about 1.5 hrs in I had a lovely visit with girl representing ``save our skin`` . She was so nice, but I never got her name. She beat me in the end- thanks for that final push !

I liked that (other than top 3) results were not posted at the race...so could feel like I had a good run, based on how I felt, and not how I placed.

YUMMY post race food! Potluck. -wish I had some of their recipes.

The soup was sooo good! Best I`ve had in a long time.

- Thank you Don Scott for not posting the horrible pic you took of me literally inhaling the soup- this one much better.

It was a great fall reunion with many runners I met over the summer.

I look forward to doing it again next year.

WHAT ABOUT JIM ...

He sends me off to the race, telling me `they are calling for freezing rain and hurricane force winds!`Funny.

The next day : JIM takes me on an 8 mile `recovery run` to scope out some cool new trails in the heart of Belcarra forests, ending with a beautiful oceanside run. Its so nice to run with my husband again! I love his sense of adventure. Half way thru the run, I`m hurting, but I had to tell him `` you`re fun !`` . Its amazing how quickly he is getting back into running. I had a hard time keeping up with him.

Heather

Morning Running poem- The world flows by

2010-11-07T21:05:00.000-08:00

This morning I opted out of a great hard training session with my usual group for an easy adventuresome run with my husband Jim as he recovers from illness. His first long run on the trails : -10 miles! 2 hrs+ . Yeah baby!! and all because it became an adventure finding new trails! Thank goodness I had my watch telling me we when to turn around cuz we could have gone forever!

I dropped him off, refueled at home ( best aid station ever! -running toilets and everything!) then kicked in a faster 7-10 miles. As the sun shone thru the trees, I was so enthralled with the beauty of it all that I thought up this poem :

Morning Run

Air is crisp and clear,
Like no one is here
- Till I run by

Dew on leaves twinkling,
As if its winking
- As I run by

Sun filters through trees
As if to guide me
-So I run by

‘In the now’ is a thrill
Like I’m standing still
-And the world runs by

Heather V

I missed out on a good hard training run, but appreciated an adventure run. It really did feel like I stopped running, and the world flowed by me. It was beautiful today.

Heather

Getting Excited for Next Year!

2010-10-29T21:08:00.000-07:00

Three sucessful 50 km 's this year. Husband almost dies (but lived). Oldest daughter in university, youngest in middle school and competing in figure skating. Its been a busy year.

I took 3 easy weeks hiking/easy runs with my husband. I enjoyed eating and drinking whatever I want and 'relaxing'. Not suprisingly so, this has gotten boring quite quickly.

So now what?
Thankfully, I have a great running group. As my husband is out of the loop (for now), I thought I would just do the same old local races . But my friends have better plans! yaay! I am so there!
1. I LOVE the team/ friend/social aspect of runs- so much more fun than running a race alone.
2. I need a new challenge to keep me 'honest' with myself.

"My Best friend is the one who brings out the best in me" - Henry Ford

So my plans for next year are : tentatively....

March 19- Chuckanut 50 K
Apr 30- Capitopl peaks 50 mile - my first run exceeding 50Km and a gague for the death race.
May 15 - Tenderfoot Boogie possibly.. 50 mile or 50 km . May be too close to 50 mile above though.
July 31 ish - Canadian Death race- 125 km, ...17000 ft elevation gain . I'm so scaaaared!!!/Excited!!
Sept- Frosty mountain 50 Km. I have a bone to pick with this race. Haven't ran the whole thing.

Its starting to look like an addiction. Like, 50 km isn't enough? I'm looking for more to satisfy my running 'fix' !
Heather

First time the Wheels Fell Off

2010-10-19T22:28:00.000-07:00

THAT WAS A FIRST
It wasn't even a race... just a nice long Sunday run with the gang.

45 minutes into a 3 hr run, hitting the second hill of ... Calf cramps! quad cramps! out of breath! WTF??

I felt fabulous otherwise (energy level etc), except that when I asked my legs to push me uphill... there was NOTHING there, like no blood was getting to my muscles.

LOSER!

I bowed out, told the gang they would probably spend the rest of the run waiting for me. I went back downhill and ran relatively flat to finish out a 2 hr run. Hard to believe someone can feel like a loser only running 2 hours- but I did.

WHY??

Literally depressed at my performance, I spent 1/2 the day trying to find an explanation. The flu a week earlier ? Recent speedwork? Spending hours on a ladder?.

... Probably all of the above

TAKE HOME LESSON:

So I ask myself :

"Why am I running if I end up mad at myself cuz I wasn't up to par one day?"

After much introspection I remind myself:

" I run for fun, for health, for adventure, personal accomplishment and socialization."

Sometimes the fun gets lost in the seriousness of training.

Race season is essentially over, so why not cross-train, take the pressure off and go have fun!!!

I think I'll go buy some snowshoes... Look up a cool hike , ride my bike, and maybe even take a dip in the pool.
...And eat cookies : )

Heather

RETURNING to this post I reealize how I need to chllax. I am back at it with the gang and am catching up. Why?
STRETCHING!!!
MASSAGE !!!
ROLLING !!!! ON the roller
AND I'm back doing core exercises.
I am BACK on the WAGON!!!! the running wagon that is. Yeah baby !!

FEAR IS TEMPORARY, REGRET IS FOREVER

2010-10-02T07:39:00.000-07:00

What are you afraid of? How does it limit you from living your life to your fullest?

Fear of the Doctor:
My husband is recovering from a serious illness… which brought on this discussion.
Was he afraid of yearly checkups for fear they might find something??

…. But had they found something, they may have prevented his current health issue!.

There is food for thought…Wouldn’t you kick yourself if the doc finds something that could have been fixed a few years ago if you saw him then?? Get that physical!

But it Expands from there- what else do you avoid because of fear?

Fear of Wildlife:

Some people never go enjoy the outdoors for fear of bears, pity! What they are missing!!! According to the wildlife research institute, people are 250 times more likely to be killed by lightning than a bear. The odds of being hit by lightning are 1 in 4.2 million. The odds of dying in a car accident are 1 in 20, 000. So put down the cell phone, put both hands on the wheel, quit worrying about bears!

Fear of Driving:

Well, that is definitely one of my fears- especially in the city. But when I added up all the great experiences I turned down because I was afraid to drive , it was again, a pity. I have since taken the wheel (albeit white knuckled) and have expanded my adventures outside of my little neighborhood. Doing so has expanded my life and independence- What a GREAT feeling!

Sad story of Fear:

In my clinical experience I recently came across someone who admitted she was afraid of intimacy and rejection so she chose to be obese on purpose! (I’m talking 300+ lbs and had a stroke in her 30's) . She DENIED herself health and happiness, just because of her fears! Whoah, give your head a shake!

So Get out there, do what you HAVE to do... do what you WANT to do,

and don’t let fear stand in your way!

And here are a few quotes for Motivation:

“The greatest mistake you’ll ever make is FEARING you’ll make one” . Elbert Hubbard

“You’ll ALWAYS miss 100% of the shots you DON’T take.” Wayne Gretsky 1961

And of course one suited for those ultra-runners;

" Only those who risk going TOO FAR can find out HOW FAR they can go” . TS Elliott -Love it!

Heather

Since when did I think a trail 1/2 marathon was a SPRINT? Since yesterday.

2010-09-26T07:45:00.000-07:00

Years ago I did 5 peaks trail races- the "Enduro's" (10-17 kms) . I used to think they were long. After my first race I had to go have a nap, and was stiff for a week! Years later, I'm doing 50 kms, training longer (and running slower I might add)

I was granted a freebie entry into this weekends 5 peaks 1/2 marathon trail run (payback for Volunteering).

I knew I could do the distance. That is all I knew. Sadly, due to the trail conditions we did not get to do the fun technical Diez Vista trail... oh well, its going to be a fast one then! And FUN it was!! And it was a BEAUTIFUL SUNNY day!!!

"AND THEY'RE OFF ! "

Like GREYHOUNDS out of the starting block, all the 1/2 marathoners took off at what seemed like blasting speed. I looked at my Garmin- 6:45-7 min miles- yikes, I can't run that fast... but I kinda had to.

They were greyhounds, I felt more like a little WEINER DOG pumping my legs as fast as they would go to keep up. I was actually thankful for the hills- a place where I could catch up! But catching up was difficult with this fast group. I ended up running alone most of the race.

" Well, I guess this will just be a good speed training run" I tell myself. I had to give my head a shake, speed training? diddn't I used to think of a half as an endurance event? How things have changed ! I finished the first loop of lakeview/buntzen lake in about 1hr 30 mins- then some guy waves me in the direction of my second loop up and around some trails- " Oh Goody" I tell him. As usual, once I'm warmed up, I really start to enjoy the race. I do the rest with a smile on my face.

Thanks to all the endurance training, I was at least able to keep a solid hard pace the whole run and finished with gas in the tank and enough energy to dance all night at a wedding.

It was good to revisit old experiences to see where I've improved (and need improvement) .
The BEST part was when Jim suprised me and met me at the finish line! It totally made my day!!

Note to self:
Hard run - feel GREAT after.
Night of partying, dancing in stilletto's- NOT so great after .
Will I ever learn? probably not. Its all in good fun!

Heather

Jims Toughest Test Ever

2010-09-17T22:04:00.000-07:00

Roads to run, Trails to Traverse, and Peaks to Persue.... All great tests of our endurance and strength.

Last week my husband was given one of the toughest tests ever...
He damn near died with BLOOD CLOTS in BOTH LUNGS !! Yup, bilateral pulmonary embolisms!! Freaky hey!
He had calf pain for months, then it mysteriously went away.... only cuz the blood clots moved up to his lungs!

He couldn't breathe, had massive chest and rib pain, but had to hold on... and hold on he did!! Several sleepless, painful nights he endured . Thanks to his great fitness level going in he had enough reserve lung capacity to keep alive. And now he is back walking on the trails.

This is not an endurance event I recommend for anyone, but it certainly supports WHY WE RUN. I truly believe that had he been sedentary he would not have had the physical and mental strength to make it through this.

Yet another reason to get off the couch. And if that isn't enough, have a look at this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SbXgQqbOoU&feature=player_embedded

Just keep moving forward....

Heather

Swan Falls Loop Revisited with Video

2010-08-29T09:51:00.000-07:00

Amazing hike/run on a sunny day.
I even took some videos to enjoy when I'm 80 yrs old and can't do this.

Looking down on Vancouver from Mt Beautiful

THE PICTURES SAY IT ALL!

Lindsay Lake

Ropes up rock

Here is the VIDEO:
Listening to myself, I realize I am truly a NUT !! I guess thats why I love trail running.

The Hangover Run Poem:

2010-08-22T16:18:00.000-07:00

I read a great athletic poem by Tom Craik on Stormy http://tomsrunnow.blogspot.com/ ... and that put me in a 'poetic mood'. So I created this poem on my run today- though it certainly doesn't relay any uber athleticism. Enjoy!

The Hangover Run

Drank in moderation, or so I thought

Woke up this morning-apparently NOT

Morning meal diddn’t sit right,

Run or not, with myself I fight.

Get that Sunday long run in!

Today I pay for last nights sin.

Head is knocking, stomach queasy,

This run is not going to be easy!

Outside I go into fresh air,

Dew on the ground, wind in my hair.

With every step, I feel more clear

As I run off last nights beer!

Heading home I sprint ahead

Knowing that is where I’ll find my bed.

Second wind, now I’m cruising

Hot damn, I do love running!

3 hrs down, I’m feeling spent,

I did it, I did it! So glad I went!

(or, an alternative ending for those hardcore partiers out there)
3 hrs down, I'm feeling great,
Now lets go out and celebrate!

Some pics and Videos from today:

Beautiful wide trails to Sasamat/Belcarra

Sasamat Bridge

Second wind VIDEO , LOVE running Downhill!!

INAGURAL FAT DOG 100 - Voley/pacer experience

2010-08-07T12:29:00.000-07:00

INAGURAL FAT DOG!! 100 m/100 km.

Should be called the MAD dog!

because you would have to be MAD to do it!!! ( as per my opinion...but I used to think anything longer than a 10k was too far, and now I'm doing 50k's )

How hard is it? the numbers tell the tale:

The 100Km was reported to be more like 130 km, and took 19-30 hours to finish.
The 100 mile, also longer than expected .

NOT to mention the elevation gain!!! 17500 ft gain and loss!

Several Veterans of 100 mile races DNF'd at this race!!! WHO IS TOUGH ENOUGH!

Only 13 of the 35 entrants finished the 100 mile. Hassan Lotfi-pour won the 100 Mile in 27 hrs 59 min.. This guy had the BEST attitude, and the best sense of humour when he hit my aid station! The longest runners took about 41 hours- thats a long time to be running!

But luckily, most runners got in the beautiful views from Cathedral Mountain and/or Heather trail (above)

VOLUNTEERING ROCKS! : LOOK at all the water! not to mention the volunteers who packed each and every container!

The 4X4 trip up to my aid station had beautiful views . Just me, Amber, watermelon, and the bears. Totally worth it! As a runner, it felt great giving back to the running community .

DOING THE CALCITE AID STATION ( 2nd one in) ... felt kinda like a first aid station.

The first runners were to arrive at 7:30.but did not arrive till 11 am!

EVERYONE was out there longer than expected

Several wide eyed, salt laden faces-They either looked like they were in ADVENTURE HEAVEN.. Or, like they had bitten off more than they could chew!!!

One guy said he did not pee for 7-8 hrs. We fueled, and watered him till he was good (and speak in full sentences) and I am happy to report he FINISHED the 100 miles !

Once ALL runners were thru I went ....Back to the finish line to find my HUBBY !!

MEANWHILE, BACK ON THE TRAILS:

Jim was Pacing his 100 km friends for the last 50 Km:

I expected them 8 hrs later. so..

I Sit at the finish line:

Expected arrival- 10 pm ... but I knew it would be later.

3am... STILL no runners!!! Did they call it off??

Staring int the darkness for the slightest headlamp flicker...

Some Pictures Jim took :

Great volunteers , good friends, and a crazy photographer

HOT DOG!

I catch word that my gang of guys hit the last aid station at 10 pm in good spirits..When everyone else was ready to puke at that point and could only stomach liquids, apparently Gary Robbins offered Jim a hot dog and Jim scarfed down 2 or 3 of them! Since then, he has been coined "HOT DOG JIM". LOL !

RUNNING AT NIGHT:

It was a beautiful FULL MOON!!

Meanwhile, me.. 5 am... I'm starting to stress a bit: Twelve hours ! omg, Jim must be F'd by now! He just go over plantar faciitis, he must be crawling by now. Or are they all lost on the mountain?? I start to get mad- thats it! our holidays are now wrecked!

7am.. ish- The most beautiful site! Jim lumbering in. He is walking !! (not limping) and laughing!!! The guys finish in around 23 hours.

Jim Doesn't even cross the finish line... He yells "Food!" B-lines right to the food table. Too funny! glad he is only a pacer. In the end they all make home ! finishing 4th and 5th !! and all the guys had a great adventure together ... though I hear 'what happens on the trail stays on the trail' - and I really do NOT want to hear the details.

So, after running all night, they get back to the campsite.

Jim Quote: " Nothing says breakfast like soup,grill cheeze, 3 freezies and 2 beer"

I think the neighbor campers were jealous and wondering where they got this girl to bring them food and beer in the morning.. let alone the massages . LOL.

BIG THANKS:

All runners who were BRAVE enough to attempt an inagural event, fully knowing there would be glitches.

Heather for taking on this gargantuan task.
Gary Robbins for offering Hot dogs to Jim ( which probably kept him alive)
Nicola and Peter for their nonstop support and enthusiasm for this great event.

Amber- for putting up with me at the aid station.. for my arts and crafts moments, and nonstop chatter

All volunteers- many of who's long hours were an endurance event in themselves!

Heather

This was a bit late as I was on holidays with no wifi for 2 weeks..

Schooled by the Knee Knacker

2010-07-12T23:53:00.000-07:00

My first Knee Knacker 50 K er, 30 miler

8000 ft elevation gain, 50 km. I can do that. Done it before. No problemo- or so I thought.
The terrain and the heat were another story.....

It has been called "Canada's gnarliest 30 miler", and "one of the 25 toughets races in North America" ,
um yeah!
       Uphills so steep, I had to go on all 4's at times to pull myself up. I have callouses on my hands!
       Huge boulders, I gingerly step over, hoping I don't dislodge one onto my friends below
       2-3 foot high steps at times, not condusive to my short little legs!!

Roots so gnarly, it was tough to even run on the flats at times . When I did try run thru them, it was a

drunken, ankle-rolling game of hopscotch- staggering, slipping, and toe stubbing away. I can't give a detailed race report cuz I had no idea where I was most of the race! It was actually kinda trippy!

But man, it was BEAUTIFUL!!

Going up Black mountain

View of Bowen Island

I felt pretty chewed up by the time I was spat out of the mountains to the finish line.

What was most impressive was the organizers and volunteers. Throughout this difficult course, I felt cared for, cheered on and safe the entire race!

My Day of Firsts: Perfect for my FIRST Knee Knacker!!!

First bad FALL in a race. Slipped on a root and slammed my shin on a rock on the first peak. Of course it had to be the leg with the steel plate- tawang! It swelled up and jiggled all the way down hollyburn chute- so I took it slow, which probably paid off in the end. Got to Ice it in the snow at mountain top.

First 50K in the HEAT . I have new respect for my friends who ran the Sahara!

First race without my running friends or husband (sad face) . Cross finish line, go 'yay me', then kinda walk around aimlessly.

First time DRIVING 'in the city'. I spent more time researching/googlemapping the 45 km drive than I did the 50 km run!!! ha ha !! I'm almost more proud of my drive than my run!

After Race Thoughts: Mixed Emotions
*Happy to destroy my sub 7 hr goal.
*Disappointed in my slow down the last 7.5 mile stage of the race due to the heat.
*Validated after looking at the results and seeing how many others crashed in the last 1/4 and were actually slower than me. I was actually 39th fastest finisher in this stage...should I have pushed harder? Still learning.
*Disappointed in my 4th place finish. Damn, KK brings out great runners!
*Laughing at myself cuz at the end I encouraged a running colleague to giv'er. No worries, cuz she is in a younger age group than me....NOT.. apparently she turned 40 and took 3rd ! ha ha. I'm happy for her tho.
*Sad cuz my running friends were not there to hang with after.
*Grateful for the wonderful running community. Everyone is so nice and supportive!

Wow, I wonder how someone feels after a 100Km/miler ??

Some Pics from the KK Site:

Start: run, stop at trail, wait to get in-Bottleneck!

First hill. Me trying to keep up with the 'big boys'. I look so little! This pic cracks me up!!

Hollyburn and Cleveland dam (1/2 way). Its getting warmer... shirt rolled up, gut hanging out-but I don't care at this point. By the end, the shirt is off! Glad I planned for respectable gear underneath.

Ahhh, some things are worth stopping for!!

The FINSH LINE!!

My Stats- for future referencel

Goal- Sub 7 hrs -the longest 50K I will run (due to the technicality)

Time- 6:43:37 Yaaaay!

Splits: Stg 1- 1:50 (all up) Stg2-1:27 (post injury slowdown) Stg3- 1:36 (feelin' great) Stg4- 1:48(damn hot)

Place: 4th in age / 10th woman overall / 45th out of 206 overall.

Pleased with the race, but see lots of room for improvement... after a rest of course!

Heather

Knee Knacker Jitters

2010-07-06T08:35:00.000-07:00

KNEE KNACKER THIS WEEKEND!!!

This will now be my fourth- 50 km run.... and I still get the Jitters. The other runs I did this year were so FUN, I should be more excited than nervous.

Why am I nervous?

a. My husband isn't doing the race, and now my back up running friend is pulling out last minute. So I am all alone.... (except for the other 200 runners there).

It will be the first time with out friends and family along.

b.This means I have to drive! Being a bit of a country bumpkin, I hate driving 'in the city'. I'll run the 50Km in the mountains, but dread the drive to the race. Not to mention I will have to leave home at 3:30 am race day!

d. I do not know the North Shore trails at all. I even get the mountains mixed up- Seymour?cypress? Capilano? same thing right?

e. I'm still a little leary about some 'hardware' in my Tibia from an old fracture. It starts complaining at about 5 hrs... this run will be about 7 hrs. But if most of it is soft trail , I should be OK. Then Jim tells me he is irritated cuz "you never have a bad race, you never dnf'"-Psyche! hope my luck holds up!

Well, I'm DETERMINED to go. I look forward to what the North Shore trails have to offer.

So this buttercup will suck it up. I'll print all my googlemaps to get there, I'll study the KK site, I'll get up early, I'll do the run!

I have a feeling I will definately know the North Shore trails much better by the end of it all and meet some new running friends along the way!! We will see.....

I do Like how my LOVE of running has helped me overcome other fears. Cool, added bonus!

Heather

1400 m up in my back Yard. White Rock Bluff Port Moody

2010-07-03T22:40:00.000-07:00

RUN TO WHITE ROCK BLUFF

I have lived in my area for years. Ran Buntzen, Diez vista, Lakeview, Dilly Dally, powerlines... you name it! I never knew about this trail till recently. I need to give thanks to the man who marked the trails (named Stridor? on trail peak)

Today, I got to enjoy a beautiful hike/ run to "white rock"- a bluff above the Halvor Lunden trail... with my husband! He's Baaaaack!!! and he kicked my a$$ on the way back down!

Did a great workout of run/hike up to top of halvor lunden in about an hour.

Lovely gnarly, root laden trails!!

After the 1000 m hike/run we took a right as the trail went toward Lindsay lake loop. We hit some great mud and treefall. Slowed down for some scrambling. We finally came out to the 'plateau'.

Jim looks so little in this scene. 'The rock" is on the right.

Here are some pictures in the area.... apparently about 5 years ago there was a fire... which gives it the eerie feeling. Beautiful, spiritual place. But had to keep moving due to the bugs!!!

It Was actually kinda scary at the edge of the rock.Big drop off!! Hard to believe that just behind all those trees are the cities of Coquitlam and Port Moody!

AT THE TOP:

Jim "I need food, ya got any?"

Me: " I'm always ready for shit"... So I hand him my gel.

Jim: " I'm ready for shit too... I brought toilet paper! "

Too funny!

The Stats:

1 hr 20 mins up from Anmore Grocery

50 mins down, walked 20 mins back up to Grocery

Slowed down- as we hit a 'tour group'-yikes! 30-40 people!

Elevation Gain 1300-1400 m

No Injuries. But should have brought more food.

Yessss, it was muddy. Wahooo!!

Lost a running partner, gained a friend.

2010-06-27T19:37:00.000-07:00

As the post says, 'Heather and Hubby's excellent adventures". My hubby has been out for about 2 months with what I believe is fractured sesamoids and plantar fasciitis. He is 6 ft 3" and 230+ lbs. Something has to give!

I miss running with him. I now know what it is like to be a gal trying to put mileage in by herself in the wilderness. I now have to rely on my great running friends to get the mileage in.

I do not miss running with him. We are both so competitive we have often come home from runs angry at each other cuz we were racing and one of us won. Seriously, its either humerous or dysfunctional.

Since we have not been training together (he has been biking) it is amazing how well we get along!
It is actually nice to train alone. If I feel great, I can go for a really long or fast run, without having to cater to how someone else feels that day.

Relaxation wasn't in my Schedule:
Last weekend he 'whisked me away' to Harrison Hot springs for my bday . I was supposed to be peaking and doing a 4-6 hr run. Instead, I was floating in the pool, drinking wine !

Its All Good:
I am so thankful my partner 'balances me'. I was going a bit gangbusters and was starting to hurt. The hardware in my old fractured tibfib was giving me serious pain (got to get that out if I plan to run more). This last weekend of relaxation was just what I needed. Though I did squeeze in an 18 km hike with 1000 m elevation gain up bear mountain.

Great waterfallfoggy

Knee knacker 50km in North Vancouver in 3 weeks!! I gotta run off some of that great food this weekend!

Heather

Happy birthday to me!

2010-06-03T21:39:00.000-07:00

BEST start to a birthday? - 10 mile run in the woods at 6am (with a friend much faster than me). Rock it!
NEXT?- shower, then meet my other friend for 'coffee at Starbucks"
THEN- a 1 hour massage (therapeutic and painful I might add- but worth it)
BREAK for a mini nap before the family gets home.
Wow, got that 'trophy wife' feeling... but realize, I still have to goto work tomorrow.

THEN- Open presents! yaay! Jim remembered my bday and is taking us to Harrison Hot springs for the     weekend. GREAT gift idea! Not sure how I'll get a 6-7 hr run out there though. Megan got me chocolates- that I had to share of course :)

DINNER- at the heritage pizza place. OMG- the BEST pizza I have ever had. Thin crust, all
        meat/garlic/pesto/ whatever! .

Tomorrow is 'back to reality' day. 5 am for figure skating. yikes.

Love my life, love my friends!

Heather

From the WET coast to the DRY interior (Jug Island to Stein Valley)

2010-05-25T22:11:00.000-07:00

JUG ISLAND WITH FRIENDS

As my favorite running partner (my husband) is out of commission due to his foot, I am left to get my long runs in with some great running friends.

THE ROUTE

This was a solid 3.5 hr run starting at Buntzen, over the hill to Sasamat, then over another hill to Woodhaven lake (swamp), down a beautiful trail by the name of 'springboard' to Belcarra. I suggested we run a couple of blocks to the start of Jug Island trail cuz it is well worth the 3k run down.

Lovely forested path

It was beautiful!! Probably not too smart as I was still hacking with bronchitis, and struggling to keep midpack- but worth it. We took the road back to Sasamat as it was only planned to be a 3 hr run. My footpod told me it was a solid 19 miles. Nice.

Stretching on the beach

MEANWHILE, BACK AT HOME

Jim was busy doing his own endurance event called home renovations. 12 hrs of drywalling- yuk!

Poor Jim.

DRIVING TO DRY LAND

SKIHIST

For Victoria day long weekend we were dying to get away from the Vancouver rains. Not wanting to battle traffic to the Okanogan, we chose to hit another 'desert belt' farther north- Lytton! 20 deg C or more and sunny!! Great campground called Skihist to hang out at . You are perched way up top and can watch the trains go by. Quite enjoyable.

What was very cool was there was an explosion of spring flowers and flowering cactus's in the area. There was a 5 mile loop to hike, but of course that wasn't enough.... so we looked for more.

THE STEIN VALLEY DELIVERS!!!

After a freaky tiny ferry ride over the raging Thompson river, we drive about 4.4kms up a road to the park entrance. We instantly fall in LOVE with this place

1. The trail is relatively flat ( and runnable! )

2. there is ALWAYS a fresh water source as the trail is alongside the river!

3. There are many beautiful campsites along the river!

4. The trail goes a good 70 kms ! and shoots you out Pemberton way.

As we had our 13 yr old and dog, we only did 10 km out and back.

Jim and Timber along rockslide

My 13 yr old I renamed 'Princess Rawhide" for toughing it out. She was tough as nails... but she never broke one!

I CAN'T WAIT TO GO BACK AND EITHER DO A 50 K OUT AND BACK OR, A 'FAST PACK' WITH AN OVERNIGHTER....Now if I could just convince some of my friends!!

Well, back to Renos, back to Reality...

Till the Next adventure!

Heather

Funny Newbie runner video

2010-05-04T21:36:00.000-07:00

This cracked me up. Can anyone relate to the annoying co worker who just wants to talk about herself?... and to top that she is a runnner... who is dying to talk about her last run- to someone who has NO idea about running. Too funny.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cvcs9KF-gt4&feature=player_embedded

Heather

post 50k ramblings

2010-04-15T13:29:00.000-07:00

Wow, there is so much going INTO a 50 Km run.... what about the AFTER? I learned so much, I thought I would jot it down.

First, There is no way I could eat the hot dog/smokie/ whatever lovely food they were cooking after.
Learned: I should bring my own post recovery drink/ or whatever. Especially if I plan to wait 2 hrs for my colleagues to race in. Little light headed after that one.

Second, After a painfree 7 mile run 3 days post race, my recovery tactics worked. Good ol' RICE.
Rest- once I mellowed out and got home. Good time to write on the blog.

Ice- Stood in cold lake. Felt great!

Compression- Slapped on compression socks

Elevation-On my back, legs up on the wall (or bed headboard). New tactic, Is apparently a Yoga pose- but studies show EACH of the components of RICE work equally well in reducing swelling/ inflammation- so why not do them all! Plus some credit goes to 'Recover Tabs' from Epic products. My recovery is astonishing lately, and this is the only thing I added to my usual routine.

Third, I was totally hyper after crossing the finish line. I apologise to anyone who had to listen to my ramblings.
Learned; I love my running friends who understand me

Fourth, my husband DNF'd (for many a good reason- poor hydration and foot Bone contusion query sesamoid fracture going in- One look at those powerline rocks and he went home).

            I was racing the clock and the course, he was apparently racing me!  oh oh, recipe for disaster. At one point on a descent, he was cutting me off, not letting me pass! He hates it when I beat him. I was hoping I wouldn't have to pass him. Oh well.
          There are enough dynamics in a relationship/marriage, you do not need to add racing  AGAINST each other!   Some tense moments the day after. I celebrated my 'win' quietly to myself. We got over it . We love each other and there is just more to life.
        Learned; My husband and I are both too competitive. We shouldn't compete against each other....but I'm thinking we would be great as a team!

And those are my afterthoughts. I guess after a bit of recovery, its time to start looking forward again...keep moving forward.

Heather

Diez Vista 50K on a Beautiful Day

2010-04-10T20:24:00.000-07:00

GR gps

50K- FULL CIRCLE

5-7 years ago I stood at the DV finish line and watched with awe a 'ripped' Suzanne Evans cross it in record time. People do this?? 50 Km trail runs?? I was inspired. Today I got to meet Suzanne Evans and thank her for her inspiration- I am here today because of her.

2 years ago, still a fan of DV, but scared to run it. I came across the male record holder's blog; Gary Robbins.http://garyrobbins.blogspot.com/2010/04/training-through-it-diez-vista-50k.html I have learned so much from his blog to help me be a better trail runner. Plus, many a time his inspiring runs got my a$$ off the couch. Today, I got to meet Gary, his gf Tamsin, and of course the Famous dog Roxy. Oh, by the way, I think he broke the record again.. on what he calls his 'training run' !

Last year I met up with some great running friends to train with. This year many of them were there to
cheer me on! What great friends! And isn't that what its all about- Fun and Friends!

RACE REPORT- I see it as 3 parts;
1.Diez/Buntzen
Run around Sasamat, nice warmup as I listen to some guy tell me how he went out too hard last year and blew up at the end. Freaked me out so I took it easy up first climb. Walk/ran Diez Vista. I finally caught up with Jim 1 1/2 hrs in. We cruised down diez together, and around Buntzen.

First first 3 hrs of the run I felt woosy and unsure about my future performance. It was nice to run with Jim. He was having issues with a bone contusion on his foot. He toughed it out for 4 hrs but the Rocky powerline did him in...he just limped home from there. Good decision, its not worth losing the entire summer of running and having pain at work just for a race at the start of the season.

2.Powerlines
Long, rocky, hilly out and back. Today it was sunny, so I want thru the water faster than usual. Thanks for the great aid station at the end! The metal plate in my tibia complained a bit on this rocky secion. I only fell once, dropped my potato chips and actually picked them up off the ground to eat them cuz I was so hungry! 10 second rule!

3.Little Diez and home
4-5 hours into a run, I don't know what happens to me, but I become very 'clear'. My legs fell limber and I get a 'new gear' . All woozieness goes away and I actually feel 'hyper'...and really start to enjoy myself! I sprinted down powerhouse road, powerwalked up little diez and ran as fast as my legs could carry me back to Sasamat Lake.
The Finish Line !!!
I was aiming for under 6 hrs, but that passed, so I repeat to myself "6:02 will do"..that passed, um "6:03 it will be"...nope, "6:04 thats even more" grrr.... finally "6:05, I'm still alive!!"

Finish line, friends, a great soak in the lake, a contortioned change in the outhouse and back to watch the awards. It was a pleasant suprise to see I finished 6th overall F , and first in my age group!! ...but really, how many 40 + yr old women do this sort of thing. Tee hee . Oh well, I'll take what I can get.

Great day. Glad to come home to see that Jim is kinda OK with his DNF. I was worried he would quit with frustration. We had a good talk about finding your 'niche'. He kicks my butt for the first 3.5 hrs then I do his 4-6 hrs. He may change to shorter races or even triathalons. Jim isn't a quitter. Besides, its just all about being 'fit and healthy' isn't it!

We shall see what the future brings...
Heather

(Oh, gotta record my STATS for my future reference: )
Calories: Breakfast Bagel-300 Carbopro- 200, GelsX5-500, Chips-100 =11-1200 Cals. Most Ever!
Thermolytes=7
Water=3 liters + some coke
Falls= 1
Shoes= Montrail Streaks- fell apart in the race... but I was pushing past the 300 mile mark on them. Tried to hold em together with epoxy - diddn't work. I still love them. Maybe time to try another pair.
Time=6:05
Place= 6 overall, 1st age.
By the way, Suzanne Evans, my first inspiration, finished, like, an hour ahead of me !! Totally different level!

Evolution of a Trail Runner

2010-03-27T07:17:00.000-07:00

On a nice long run the other day I was thinking of how my running has changed. In the end I came up with this humerous list:

"Evolution of a Trail Runner"

1. You like the outdoors and go for hikes. But you think people who run 50Km+ are CRAZY.
2. You want to cover more ground, so you run a bit.

3. You go in a few races and actually enjoy it. You feel like a kid again.
4. You start signing up for longer and longer races.
5. You develop a subconcious 6th sense for foot placement on gnarly trails.
6. What used to be a 'hill' is now only an 'incline'
7. You start seeking out trails with more HILLS
8. You research ways to run longer without bonking or cramping.
9. You even look up trails to run while on holidays.
10.You run your first 50km race.
11. You have huge respect and admiration for those who run 50Km or more.
12. Now all your friends think you are CRAZY.

Doing the DIRTY DUO with Jim and Marc

2010-03-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

I know that sounds kinky- I couldn't resist. But really, the 'dirty duo' is actually a duo of run and/or mountain bike race. We chose the 50 Km run!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

I must first off say this was one of the most well run run/bike events I have EVER been to. Amazing aid stations, great course markings, fabulous attitudes, and a buffet lunch at the end with yummy lasagne! I really diddn't need to study the map the night before, but it was entertaining reading the crazy names of those northshore trails- 'Neds atomic dustbin?' , someone was smokin' some wacky tobaccy. Hats off to all the volunteers and Heather the race organizer (which drove me crazy cuz I kept hearing my name everywhere).

I went into this race as a 'training race' for the more difficult Diez Vista race in 4 weeks time. I took it easy uphills, charged downhills and paced a nice 8-8:45 min mile on the flats (my weakness).

OFF WE GO!
My husband, Jim, my friend Marc and I line up at the start. As we head down the road Jim loses both Marc and I quickly, then I lose Marc. About 1/2 hr later, as the crowd thins out, we all ended up together again as a pack. It felt just like another training run. Perfect!

THE FIRST LOOP

The trail

Beautiful single track most of the way, undulating hills, all under the canopy of giant Cedars.

The hill started up old Buck, then it got steeper (ie-time to walk) toward 'Neds'. SNOW at the top! yikes.Couldn't feel my toes after running in the slush and rivers of frozen water. Steep technical downhill- crazy fun. It became more runnable by the Bottletop trail which spits you out onto Fishermans trail along the river. Nice flat run... till the next hill. A little circuit 8 at the top then do it

all over again for the second loop.

Hilarious Pee Break

After stopping for a pee break I go to pull up my fancy new compression shorts. NOT . With frozen fingers, tight shorts and sweaty legs, they got stuck all rolled up half way down my thighs. So there I was, with my butt hanging out, scrambling to get the damn shorts up. After losing a fair bit of time, I take of running agian with shorts askew, me yanking at the legs and crotch trying to straighten them out. Must have been a sight!

I finally catch back up to Marc and Jim, who both seemed disappointed to hear my voice. "You thought you lost me, but I'm back!". They both mimicked my voice later in a cackling hag-like voice. Nice.

Rockslide

I thought my husband was trying to take me out- He kicked a fairly large rock/boulder which was perfectly round and it started picking up speed down the trail. It literally went between my legs, me running with legs apart I got ahead of it, but as the boulder got faster, it began chasing me down the mountain, freaking me out a little bit.... Of course, Marc and Jim finding the whole thing amusing.

SECOND LOOP

Another pee Break

Jim stopped to pee- which made me happy cuz in the last 50 K he went 7 hours without! (which explains why he diddn't feel so well on that run). Wow, I've never been so aware of this- how many times I go, where to go, is it clear, etc etc, This trail running is getting a bit odd.Marc and I continued up the second loop, dreading the snow at the top. Somewhere up the hill I lost sight of Marc... I was running alone.

Running alone

Hmm,which route?

Running alone gave me too much time to question myself. "Am I still on the trail?, Am I lost?" , "Where is everybody?, Maybe I talked too much", "What if I fall, I could lie there bleeding for a good 10 minutes before anyone finds me" .... then my toe snags a rock, I get flung toward the ground, but somehow, as time slows down as I watch the ground come up toward my head, I managed to save myself awkwardly with my other leg. "Stop daydreaming and concentrate silly girl" I say to myself. So concentrate I did, and descended off the mountain in a zen-like meditational state, just focusing on foot placement over every rock, root, and puddle. It was quite an enjoyable state of mind, there were no outside thoughts, my attention was streamlined.

And To the Finish

Log or Bridge?

I get spat out onto the Fishermans trail again, back into civilization. According to me, I was as good as done, just tie a knot in my rope and hold on till I get to the finish line. I was suprised I could kick it up near the end. All that endurance training with the running gang has really helped. Of course the amazing times of the leaders is always a humbling experience. There were certainly some top notch athletes on the trails today!

I was welcomed at the finish line by Marc's wonderful wife then we race up to catch Marc and Jim who were right behind me. Full of adrenaline, I may have lost a vocal cord cheering them in. Good fun!

THE STATISTICS

Time: 5 hrs, 30 mins 44 sec splits: 1st 10 miles= 1:47 2nd 10 miles =1:48 last 11 miles =1:54

(Jim 5 hrs, 40 mins 45 sec)
--> Pleased with even pacing. Don't know why I picked 10 mile intervals, but it worked out ok.
Place: 7/19 overall 2/6 age (Jim got 19/39 oa, 6/14 age)

Elevation: 450 meters largest hill, smaller 200 m hills. Much easier compared to "Frosty,s"1206 m gain!

Thermolytes: 6

Liquid- 2 Liters in hydration pack + shots of water and coke on second lap

Food- 4 gels, 200 cals carbopro in pack, 100 cals of potato chips appx

Owies post run

- Thoracolumbar stiffness- Hm, a new area, guess I need more core work

-Left shoulder- probably from grabbing trees/roots on sharp descent

FUN PEOPLE I MET -The part I love about 50kms. The people, the storylines.

-Everyone at the aid stations. I tried to get the guy at top of Neds make me a slurpee but no clean snow!

Finally met Gary Robbins in person (as opposed to just blogging) at an aid station-tho he probably diddn't know me from Adam.

-Cool dude from outskirts of Kamloops who had only been snowshoe running prior to race

-Guy who DNF'd at Frosty 50K due to bee stings- great to see him finish this 50k

-2 ladies rocking in their bright 'Save your Skin' shirts who were kind enough to tell me they were doing the relay. Whew! cuz I couldn't keep up.

-Matt Sessions who just finished umpteen other races and tells us he is running a 5 km tomorrow! wow.

Well, thats only two 50 Km runs under my belt. I look forward to adding more this summer. I still can't consider myself an 'ultrarunner' till I get more experience in this area. Working on it!

Heather

Great day for Canadian Hockey!!

2010-02-28T19:05:00.000-08:00

Yaaay! Canada won the final hockey game of the Olympics!
I am so proud to be Canadian, and so impressed with the patriotism seen over the last 2 weeks!

Olympics and Endurance
Started with a 3 hr run with great friends this morning. Raced home for a quick 5 min shower, 15 min prep to head out the door to a friends Olympic party. No time to eat post run. Soo happy they had food at the party!
Chowed down, washed with a few glasses of wine as we watched the Hockey game. Certainly an 'endurance event' of a different sort....

A perfect day! Run, fun, and friends!

Heather

FINALLY enjoying the Olympic spirit!

2010-02-26T18:00:00.000-08:00

The last 2 weeeks I have been soo busy at work. Why? Cuz everyone else is taking holidays to enjoy the Olympics!! So I took today off and made a point of going downtown Vancouver to enjoy the 'spirit'

EARLY START

Dropped my daughter off at skating at 6 am then easily took the transit train down town. I checked out most things before 10 am!

THE OLYMPIC FLAME- looked soo cool with the stormy sky

This was the Crazy line up to see the CANADIAN MINT at 7 am!!

Line-ups for the BAY Olympic Clothing just as long! I dont get it!

I thought this pic of skating at Holt Renfrew was Hilarious

GO CANADA !!

The ZIPLINE ACROSS THE CITY

Love OLD TOWN VANCOUVER!

Thats All. I could have got into the partying 'IRISH house at 11 am, but wasn't up to drinking at that point! "

I logged a good 10 miles of shopping, Robson St to Denman, up Granville then down to Yaletown.

No running tonight :)

Will do a double this weekend then taper for Dirty Duo 50 K - yaay!

Heather

Throwing out the training schedule

2010-02-25T00:01:00.000-08:00

DEPARTURE FROM "THE PLAN"

I was recently criticized by a trailrunning colleague about my 5 hr run I did a few weeks ago. He insisted it was not necessary and, well, was basically 'stupid'...and not in line with a programmed 'training plan' he outlined for the group . It may mess up my 'peak'.. for what? the olympics? NO! just another fun 50k adventure run- of which I have several planned for the year.

Why did I do it? Because I could! It was fun with friends, interesting, and Jim and I had a greater sense of accomplishment, confidence and self worth than we did when we finished our first Marathon! There was no flags, finish line, or medals... Just memories.

SUCH A REBEL (not really,)

Ooops! I did it again! Apparently Monday is supposed to be a day off running... but not in this beautiful weather! There is NO way you would find me in the gym, cross training.

Camera in hand, I went for a most enjoyable 'Photo Safari" on my run; BUNTZEN LAKE

THIS is why I run !

Entering in races is just a motivator/ destination.

Its the training that is the Journey.

We should make the Journey as beautiful as possible.

ISN'T IT GREAT!
I have the ability now to traverse large distances.
To fit more into a day than the average person.
To go on great run adventures with my husband.

REALISTICALLY;

I'm no Olympian, just a lady who likes to run. As a physiotherapist and personal trainer, I know how to train. As a human being, I am striving for balance an enjoyment in life.

THE ADVENTURE
In turn, I have decided to make my training this summer more about adventure = the main reason I got into this in the first place! (sometimes we lose sight... but get back on track) I will have a 'backdrop' of training- the tempo/speed/ taper stuff... but not let that rule my fun! yes FUN!!!!

Heather

Notes to myself for the long run

2010-02-16T19:43:00.000-08:00

I plan on doing several 50k+ this year so am making notes for myself to remember...in case I get old one day and forget what works :)

FOOD

I try to eat 'real food' on long runs. I have the stomach of a billygoat. But, I do add Carbopro in my pack just to ensure I keep my wits about me. I average 200 cal/hr with real food, then gels.

IF they made gels that tasted like cheezecake, gingerbread, nachos, french fries, I would probably eat more.
Prefer 'GU' to powerbar gels as it is less sweet and less runny- (oh yum). If only I could get it in bulk!

My husband, on the other hand has difficulty eating on the run . He has found a new gear in his step with a combination of gels and "carbopro powder" . He is a new man with his 'bonk' ( grumpy, dizzy, walking man) moved from 3.5 hrs to...I don't know. We just did a 5 hr run with no problemos!

ELECTROLYTES

I like the thermolytes. I can really gague EXACTLY how much electrolytes I am taking in every hour. My new mantra is:

"If I don't feel right, I may need a thermolyte"

I Now put into a pill holder am/aft/pm/night X2/section=8 pills. Still debating the blister pack idea for longer runs. .

TIMING

I need to figure out how to set my watch to beep on the hour to remind me when to eat etc. After about 3.5-4 hrs I get in a happy zone and lose track of time.

LUBE

I finished last weekend with a nasty chaffing spot on my low back from the pack.

-->It looks more like I had sex on a carpet than ran for a 30 miles!! So now there is yet another spot

to remember to lube in addition to all the others. I always pack extra lube (I dig out the remainder from the bottom of the stick and put it in Saran Wrap)
CLOTHING - added after dirty duo
Compression shorts so no chaffing... but not so tight I can't pull them up when peeing in the woods.
Good 'running bra' that has been well testd that does not give me 'bra burn'. So far UNDER ARMOUR and running room products working.
Socks- I WANT DRYMAX socks (can't get in canada) , but will settle for dual layer dryfit socks from runners den. No blisters so far
SUGOI jacket I have worn forever. Removable sleeves are great . Might be replaced with soft sleeves
NATHAN hydration pack. The best! with lotsa pockets- except bladder 'weak' . Replaced bladder with PLATYPUS - waay stronger.

RECOVERY

Since my bathroom is under reno- no ice baths for me. So I'll have to rely on recovery tabs and compression garments. Seems to be working dandy so far.

Packing for the long run is now seeming more like packing for a weekend getaway! Whew! But its worth it.

Heather

Valentines day 5 hr Run

2010-02-14T17:47:00.000-08:00

LIFE DOES NOT CONSIST OF GAZING AT EACH OTHER,

BUT LOOKING TOGETHER IN THE SAME DIRECTION

While other romantics were lying in bed, drinking champagne,eating strawberries, we were running the trails, drinking carbopro and eating gels! Too funny!

We had a most rewarding 5 hour/ 25 mile run through most of the Diez Vista course. It is probably the best running I have seen Jim do. He has finally learned to eat and drink enough on the run.

As you Can see, Jim isn't a little guy, so nutrition is even more important for him.

( though I think he is standing a little taller for the pic- goof!)

Our great friend Marc came with us ...He led most of the way.

He may have been a bit 'spacey' near the end as he mentioned something about going onto the space-ship up ahead. But it was actually the sun shining beautifully thru the trees.

Felt great at the end so we flew down the last hill just for fun.

Finished Valentines day watching the Olympics, sharing gifts, and eating...lots of eating. The wine may not help with recovery, but hey, its Valentines day. You gotta live a little.

Life's a garden, Dig it!

Heather

Jims getting his groove back

2010-02-08T10:22:00.000-08:00

Since my husband and I run together, if he "isn't into it", then I don't get a quality run in either...or at all. I do train separately, but prefer to run with someone for the long trail runs.

JIMS TOUGH YEAR
Tough walk/run to finish

He did a great marathon last yr 3:34. Unfortunately, the big guy 'bonked' on his first 50K and we walked/ran together to finish. He only consumed 600 calories the whole race! It was a huge blow to his confidence and he had little desire to race again.

And he had Plantar Fasciitis
And he repetitively sprained his ankle.
And he was working 6 days/week all year
And he was having difficulties running more than 3 hrs b4 feeling ill

CONFIDENCE BOOST Happy Running Again!!

Last weekend we got up early and ran 4 hours/ 20 miles with a 2376 meter elevation gain....and we both still felt GREAT! We were on a high all day. What did he change?

-Active work on ankle rehab
-Consume enough calories EVERY hour- duh! My mantra to him was "when you feel the least like eating is probably when you should be eating the most!"
-Drink enough water - another duh! But is is finally following 'what to do' with great results. He's ornerey, but is learning :)

PSYCHED !
So now he is excited again for another 50K. YAAY! - Now I have someone to join me in my enthusiasm for races !!! Now he wants to do a 5-6 hr full DV 50k practice run next weekend.
- I'm in !!

Heather

A CHALLENGING PATIENT

2010-02-04T07:36:00.000-08:00

Everyday I see injured people. I treat, educate, stretch and strengthen them to get them back to their sport/work/life. My most challenging patient of late is MY HUSBAND!

ANKLE SPRAIN:

About a month ago he was running down a trail and did one of those ugly ankle rolls where you can see the foot turn 90 degrees and you're certain you hear a 'clunk'. This is not the first time he has done this!

AND AGAIN !:
So, he gets all the free physio a husband can get. But does he listen?? No!
The next week, since he figures he can walk he does a long run with the gang over Diez Vista (a gnarly trail to say the least). Lo and behold, he sprains it again! Of couse he did. He diddn't even begin to regain his peroneal strength or reaction time...let alone the ligament healing.
Luckily half the gang were in a wimpy running mood so they were keen to run him home so I got to continue with the others.

HOME PROGRAM:
Finally I 'put my foot down' with this 'difficult patient'. Once we got the swelling down he is on a strict ankle rehab program that I tried to configure to his lifestyle;

1. Theraband peroneal strengthening exercises- When he crashes on the couch after work I tie his feet together and make him do 30 Reps.

2. Sissel seat balance excercises- It is placed beside the computer and he is to balance on it (2-->1 foot) when he watches videos on the computer. I would prefer a wobble board, but considering his low compliance and that the sissel is only $20, but the WB is $100 .

3. In addition, I work with him one on one doing single leg balance exercises and fig 8's with the theraband. I'm sure that if he had to pay for Physio he would be much more compliant and independent with is exercises.

4. We have been road running (ugh, ...but at least I found a nice long uphill route) and I insist he wear a dynamic ankle brace (allows movement but not to end range so he can strengthen with support) for anything near a trail run.

Why am I doing this? Other than the fact that apparently its my duty as a physio and his wife ? I want my favorite running partner back on the trails with me! Plus, since he is 6'3" and I'm 5'3" I really don't want to have to pack him out of the woods .

Heather

50 K recovery time??- help needed for race planning.

2010-01-23T22:12:00.000-08:00

HISTORY
I am still a neophyte to this whole 'race planning' thing. I built up to a 50 Km Frosty run last yr (following a demanding Hal Higdon schedule). It seemed fairly easy only cuz my husband 'bonked' at 27k so I walked/ran with him for the rest( he had the flu prior). Which meant I felt GREAT after so now I have NO idea how to plan recovery. I currently do a 3-4 hr trail run every Sunday. I love Sundays- Just Run and Relax... and maybe a bit of rum. Tee hee...

GOAL: Diez Vista 50 K:
No 'big race'. But THIS is the race that got me hooked on trail running. Some 5 yrs ago I saw Suzanne Evans finish (current CR holder) WOW, as a Physio I was amazed at her physique and conditioning. IF I see her again, I must thank her for the motivation. But I MUST do this race.

THE PLAN:??
Dirty duo in March - 4 weeks later- Diez Vista 50 K in April. enough time? - I have no idea. If I survive this, I plan to do the other 50ks in the BCUTS. |Too much?? Maybe I'm too
old for this type of thing (43).

Any other experiences out there for recovery from a 50 K?? Love to hear.

Heather

Selfishness in Running

2010-01-19T00:15:00.000-08:00

THE GUILT TRIP
Having some introspective moments here. Usually my 12 yr old sleeps thru the whole Sunday long run thing. This Sunday she asks me to "make it a shorter run so we can have some quality time ". GUILT TRIP! ...killing me! Even though I have spent tons of 'quality time' with her watching stupid teen movies with her, baking , talking, shopping, etc. and I know she won't get out of bed till 11am ! (when we get back)

Then there is HAITI- omg, these people are in bare bones survival mode. People starving, suffering and dying. Here I am counting calories, trying to make 'healthy food choices" etc, etc, . Not to mention recording and logging my miles/altitude, intensity etc.. It seems so self centered in comparison to this world around us!! I feel so selfish!

THANKFULNESS
But at the same time, I have massive amounts of gratitude for what I have in my life. I am soooo lucky to be able to make these choices. WHAT should I eat, how FAR should I run, WHEN will I spend QUALITY time with my daughter. I don't think the people of Haiti wonder about 'quality time'. The other night I was bored. Well, BOREDOM IS A LUXURY!!! Many people in this world would love to be bored- not starving, not scavanging, not diving bombs, but bored.

ACCEPTANCE
In the end I have come to the conclusion that although my running IS selfish. It is something I do for ME. I LOVE it. There isn't much else I do only for myself. I work to help heal other people, I volunteer for others, and the rest of my spare time is spent supporting my family (driving, homework, cleaning,cooking,banking, laundry) . Running is a GOOD thing. It keeps me FIT to help others, it keeps me SANE to be there for others and the events I go into are often fundraisers for those in need!

Maybe it isn't as selfish as I think it is....

Heather

Chai carbopro recipe

2010-01-10T20:38:00.000-08:00

I am not a fan of lotsa goop out there. I like real food-potatoes, date bars etc- but over xmas I fell in love with the gingerbread "gu". I went to get some more- but it is only seasonal!!
So, first hand , I really like Carbopro- no aftertaste, no digestive probs - great stuff!
I got creative;

CHAI CARBOPRO

4 oz gel container- fill with water, pour water into small pot (plus a bit more for evaporation)

Add sprinkle of cinnamon/nutmeg,/alspice ( or just a wine mulling spice mix)

Add ginger- preferably 2 slices of FRESH ginger. If not available, sprinkle of dried.

Simmer, cool, Add your 2-3 scoops of 'CARBOPRO" (take ginger slices out)

Voila' I'm sucking back some lovely 'chai tea' festive flavoured carbopro- for only a fraction of the cost of the gu/powerbar gel . Plus- I hear the ginger is apparently great for settling the stomach!

As for sugar, I added a tsp. I was told to use 'agave nectar' to avoid the sugar spike. I don't think 1 tsp makes a difference to me.

Adding spice to our life!
Heather

Snowshoeing up Seymour Mountain

2010-01-04T12:30:00.000-08:00

I can never say this enough; "I love my new ACTIVE group of friends I hooked up with last year". I still have my old party friends, but its so much more interesting to visit while participating in an adventure!!!

This one was snowshoeing- organized by Marc Bremner.

The uphill was Definately a GREAT workout

It was very 'mystical' at the top

Half way up we stopped to take in the view

The Gang is all here!

Fun run down- Yes, I can run in snowshoes, now I know!

The cool thing about being in shape is that we can go that bit farther... away from the overused, public trails...and up to where it is PRISTINE! LOVE IT!

Till my next adventure,

Heather

Dogsledding VS. Ultra Running

2009-12-27T08:29:00.000-08:00

Dogsledding as a Christmas Present

We head back to Invermere B.C. for Xmas and I find out my dad got us a 'dogsledding tour'. I was a bit unsure at first, but once we went to Toby Creek Adventures and were driven past Panorama ski hill, to a camp the excitement built up. We met the mushers and helped hook up the dogs. Megan and I were strapped in securely, and Jim and Aaron(the musher) were at the back. The dogs were smaller, and friendlier than expected. Once the harnesses were hooked up they went nuts! With all the howling etc, you would think they were at some major race!!

Dogsledding Vs. Ultrarunning

OFF we went... faster than I expected. We get to chatting with the musher. He has done the Iditarod - wow! So I start the questioning:

1."Do you usually start this fast??"- answ- 'no- we start slow at the start- Save up for the end'

2."What do you do at checkpoints/camp?"

- answ- " we give the dogs nutrition and look after their feet"

3."What type of fuel do they use?"

- answ- "dogs burn fat like we burn carbs". Their diet is largely fat".

-Immediately after a workout, they are fed a high fat treat

4."What kind of Mileage do they practice?"

-answ- "10 miles, 3 times a day now...we build up/peak/taper"

4."How do you determine which dogs are fit for the race?"

- Answ- their build (perfect lean/muscle), their feet (compact) and their ability to eat during a race. If they cant eat during stress, they will not make the race!! ...

I can certainly see the similarities with ultrarunning! The head musher thought that with our training so far, we would make great mushers in a multistage dogsled race. 30-40 degrees C below.... no thanks! Not to mention that when Jim got to drive alone, the sled was headed toward a rock so he.. LET GO!(#1 no-no in dogsledding), leaving his poor wife (me) and daughter strapped tightly into the sled,pulled blindly by the dogs, tilting at a 45 deg angle as we went up the side of the rock! Thank god the head musher got control of them. We finished off the chilly trip with hot chocolate around the fire, amidst beautiful scenerey.

Of Course we RAN

With no immediate races, it was nice just to run for fun (and keep some level of conditioning over the winter).

Over the week we were in the kootenays, only two days it warmed up to minus 10-15 degrees. Warm enough to run without your nostril hairs freezing together.

12 mile out and back run (6 mi up/6 down) along endless logging roads back into the Purcell mountains.

When the snow got too deep to run on the logging roads, we resolved to do a 15 mile run out on pavement through farmland. 7 miles out in the boondocks, we come across a guy in a mack jacket, with a large axe on his right shoulder stumbling out of the bush..."Melvin! " I holler with excitement. I was certainly glad to see this farmer I knew from years back, but I was more excited /relieved that I knew who the dude was with the axe! ahhh, only in the Kootenays.

Well, after a wonderful Christmas in Invermere with my Parents , its back to Vancouver, and running in the rain. Its a price I gotta pay to have the warmer temperatures :)

Heather

DIEZ VISTA 50 K !!!

2009-12-10T00:12:00.000-08:00

Yaaay! the Diez vista 50 K is happening!!! This is a MAJOR goal of my running.
Here is the short story;
- After breaking my tibfib I get into trail walk/running for my rehab.
-My first trail race is the 5 peaks diez vista ( only 14km section). I place top10. psyched.
-I show up to view the 'crazies ' doing the 50 K diez vista finish line, um, 4 yrs ago.
-I watch Susan Evans cross the line- WOW! I am so impressed by a woman in such great shape.
-It is now a DREAM to do this race'. I show up to cheeer the 50K finishers every year .
- Jim and I train... me recovering from a broken leg, him from a pulmonary embolism (welder, 2 pack a day smoker- obviously he quit)
-Did several trail races and a 3:34 marathon together- NOT the endgoal... was training for the 50K
-Did the Frosty 50 K . NOT the endogoal... was just practice for the Diez vista..
-Find out the Diez vista might not occur--oh no! ... and now the great news . It is happening! Yaaay!

.... I'm actually thinking of a post race party as I live 5 min away from the finish. Hmm. Luv2run, luv2 party!

Psyched!!
Heather

And this is why I run...

2009-11-28T05:57:00.000-08:00

PALM SPRINGS

After Schlopping around in the rain in Vancouver this last month, Jim and I decided to take advatage of a deal to Palm springs. Aaaaah, sunny Palm Springs! Hot, dry, 25-30 degrees.

AND THIS IS WHY I RUN....

Not so much for 'winning' or a 'tight butt', but more so I can adventure through backcountry and see things that others could never see! I am my own 'tour bus'. But instead of sitting in a stuffy bus, seeing only the touristy things. I get to feel the terrain, smell the air, touch the plants and go places a tour bus could never go!!!

RAVE 10 mile RUN IN PALM SPRINGS

While staying in Palm Canyon Drive area, we would look up at the mountains wondering...where the trails are. With some local investigation and driving around we found the LYKKEN TRAIL!

Short warmup on the road, then straight up switchbacks for 1.2 miles or so to immediate vistas! Then, a fun run alongside the mountain with views of Palm Springs below. What a Beautiful way to start our day!

Cool trail.

We ran until we basically hit , well ,a cliff. I believe it is called Taquiz Canyon. Again, beautiful views. We met a lady who did a hike straight up every Sunday for 18 years. She was unaware this longer/more gradual trail existed. Funny how people get in a rut.

INDIAN CANYONS

We shared our love of the outdoors with our Daughter. We did a very interesting hike thru the oasis then up top of Indian Canyons. A lovely 2-3 mile easy, hot hike. She thouroughly enjoyed it.

JOSHUA TREE

Of course, any visit to Palm Springs should include the drive thru Joshua Tree National Park. Amazing trees,landscape and rock formations. Nice campgrounds with lots of rock climbers. There is actually a climber on the TOP of the phallic rock on the right. Amazing.

MISC

Of course, the trip includes shopping, drinking, and lounging by the pool. But those events weren't nearly as memorable as the adventures above. I can't wait to go back. There is soo much more to see and do! I want to hike more in Joshua tree, and go visit the 'Salton Sea"- the start of Badwater race, etc, etc,

I think we were the only ones in Palm Springs who diddn't golf! ha ha !

Heather

Down time adventures in Vancouver

2009-11-07T22:30:00.000-08:00

So, we trained all summer for our first 50 K, did it, then I ran a 30 K just for fun in the mud. Not many races to prep for so we put our energies into family life active adventures in the lower mainland as follows:

CRYSTAL FALLS

Beautiful hike. Only about 5 K right in the middle of suburbia. We brought Megan along, and took it easy since we did our 3 hr run earlier that morning. I love this picture. Someone painted 'REST' on the tree. Megan took it literally The Falls themselves were beautiful . Will Certainly visit on a hot summer day. Lots of nice 'pools' to soak in. i was a bit sore after as I was wearing high heels! I diddn't know we were doing a hike till it was too late.

CHILLIWACK LAKE

First time there. MUCH nicer than the teen hangout Cultus lake. TONS of hikes in the area. The picture below is a 2 hr straight uphill hike we did to a glacier lake . Beautiful!

What is weird is that in the middle of bf nowhere we come across a sign saying 'transcanada trail'. Wow, its everywhere!

BUNTZEN AREA

Eagle bluff:

A beautiful trail with about 20-30 mins of switchbacks. Megan loves this trail. She talked the whole way up. Funny how kids like to talk when hiking. This is one of my favorite bridges. Soo pretty. At the top you look down to buntzen lake and the mountains. Very rewarding short hike. I am so pleased my tween daughter can also appreciate it. She diddn't want to leave.

BLUE HERON DYKE RUN

Figured we had done enough trailwork and should maybe try the flat. Still working on tying to get our speed back. Found this great 19 km circuit in Pitt meadows we ran with friends. Lovely wide open spaces. the flat was certainly a wake up call. I can not believe we were actually hurting after only 19k! Maybe I'll postphone that 1/2 marathon for a while. hee hee.

The lower mainland is such a beautiful place to adventure thru. There is sooo much in just our back yard. There is always new places to discover. I look forward to discovering more incredible trails.

Heather

Conquering Cultus 30K, and a Few Fears Along the Way

2009-10-18T08:25:00.000-07:00

Conquering my Fears:

I LOVE running on the trails. I HATE driving in the city.

Why do I hate driving?

a) I grew up in a small one street town and

b)As a Physio, I treat many people who have been in horrible car accidents. So many bad stories.

Unfortunately, this fear of driving has prevented me from doing many running events I would love to do. So, as my own personal therapy I entered myself in a race "Round the lake give'r take 30 km" at Cultus lake. A whole 1 1/2 hr drive from my house.

White knuckled, I drove on the highway AND over a bridge AND in the dark AND in the pouring rain. My stomach was in knots by the time I arrived. Since the rain was hammering down, all the runners huddled under the tents. It was nice to visit with some old running colleagues, as well as meet some new ones.

By the time the pre race hype was started, my nerves melted away to be replaced by sheer excitement!

Seeing this pic, I'm thinking my trail running get-up looks pretty funny. But who cares, I'm in the bush! and will soon be very muddy!!

THE RACE:
After taking it easy on the Frosty 50K, I was bursting at the seams to just go out and rip it up. This race totally satisfied my desires. It started with a nice flat loop to warm-up. I couldn't believe how fast people were going at the start, being so competitive at the beginning when its such a long race! The first hill was a steep one. I took my time and walk/ran it as was able, letting people pass me. I did learn a few things from the 50 K cuz then... the downhill... wooo hooo! my legs felt great and limber as I flew past those same people who were running rather apprehensively. The only person I did not catch up to was an amazing older lady wearing pink. Everyone seemed to know her.

MUD

Slip'n slide, jump'n glide thru the mud!! You couldn't avoid the muddy trench, you just ran thru it... sometimes literally skiing down the hill! It was soo fun. I did go off course a couple of times... and felt like I ran for a very long stretch of 20 min or so alone without seeing any markers. I was kinda leary of where I was. Then finally, a marker. Yaay! I'm still on course! There was a beautiful road run with trees overhanging. Unfortunately, if I came across a large puddle, it was either step IN it and get wet or, go AROUND it and get a tree branch in your face. So I ran thru most of them. The trail shot me out onto a field, then by a monastary, then the road.

Second Half

Ugh, the road, a long, pounding downhill, then slight up. My short legs, and the metal in my left tibia do NOT like pavement. Thank god we hit the trail again. At the 17km mark I see the lady in pink resting. I'm like... keep going, you're doing great! then I find out she was doing the relay! no wonder I couldn't catch up to her.

Up teapot hill I walk/run, winding my way up. I enjoyed a visit I had with another runner who I always passed on the uphill, then he passed me on the downhill and flats. Then some jerk flies past me saying " don't you hate it when you suck on the second half and people pass you"... well, my running friend informed me this guy was in the relay and was just starting. Grrr. There were great motivational signs going up the hill "you've come this far, you can finish" etc. Someone had a sense of humour when they put up the sign that said "you are almost at the top". Pffft, right! I ran for another 15 mins uphill AFTER that sign.

Bring it Home

After the top, there was a very, very Long downhill. Wished it was more technical, but was soo fun to fly down. Legs still feeling great. Head was a bit silly. I had been running by myself for a good 1/2 hr now and started to sing to keep myself entertained. Some theme from a game show I think. My thermolytes fell out somewhere before the start so I just ate chips/drank refresh at the aid stations to try to keep my electrolytes up. Good to see I could run without the thermolytes as a 'crutch'. So, back into civilization I come, run along the road, then around the beach. The beach! run in sand after 25 km or so? I just kept reminding myself of my friends who will be doing it every day at Marathon De Sables so I shouldn't complain.

I finished in 3:05 or so and felt great! Very wet and muddy, but great! Soaked in the lake, got changed, enjoyed some yummy chicken soup, then took cover under the tents as the rain storm picked up.

Nice Suprise

As I was busy chatting/eating etc, I was pleasantly suprised to find out I

won my age group! Not only was this a well organized race with a fun course, great support and great food, but I even got a medal! Later that night the results were posted, and I was even more impressed to see I was second female! The first, Nicola Gildersleeve, was like 30-45 mins ahead of me- She is certainly in a totally different class of runners, but I was still pleased. Maybe due to the rain some of the better runners stayed home in bed that day. What was most important was that I did the drive, did the run, and had a really FUN day.

Heather

And now, its back to the family, back to reality...laundry,gardening,cleaning, and of course, back to work. What a wonderful escape today was.