All Downhill From Here

We had thunderstorms Friday, but the sun shone Saturday morning and the air was very fresh. I laced up my new trail shoes and headed out, up and down and uP and down and UP through the doggie parks and escarpments of Ranchlands, Hawkwood and Edgemont. I even got all the way into Nose Hill Park.

It was hard to find my stride at first on the ascents, but the Moose kept calling to me. “Are you going to go around Moose Mountain? or UP it? Can’t go down until you go up, eh?”

The dirt trails were damp but not squishy. Wild grasses tickled my legs with drops of water as I swished through elbow, shoulder, and even head-high prairie meadows. Hundreds of purplebells (alkaline soil here turns all the bluebells purple) and pink and white wild roses nodded their encouragement my way. The mosquitoes seemed to be sleeping in, which was fine with me.

Usually when I’ve done this route, I turn back as soon as I round the top of Edelweiss Point, making it home in 90-100 minutes. Now I’m working on building up endurance to more than four hours of trail running by September’s Moose Mountain race, so I went exploring in the woods and paths between the Point and Nose Hill Park.

I tried out an orange ginger Nuun tab (yum) in my water bottle after 30 minutes. At 60 minutes I downed a Clif Shot Mocha gel (blech), just before crossing Shaganappi Trail into the park. I ran a short 15 minute loop in the park before heading back for a negative split on the way home. I stopped my watch at 1:19 2:19something.

My legs were heavy and achy the rest of the day, but nothing hurt much. The shoes worked well too (no blisters), though I might experiment with the laces to prevent slight internal slippage. The trail shoes seemed a little heavy on the sidewalks, but I appreciated not having to feel every little rock and root along the dirt and rocky paths.

That afternoon I stretched out the hamstrings and calves by doing some weeding in my ski-slope back yard.

Last night I ran for about 40 minutes with the Roadrunners from Gord’s, as part of their monthly Club Night Social. I went straight from work to arrive early enough to buy a new pair of trail shoes (zoom in to see the cute snowflake, etc. on the lace holders) and a few more gels for long runs.

There was a great turnout for the run and I got to hang out with several members that I don’t see often. Gabino was out with his camera, happy to catch our club out running together when we weren’t all bundled up against winter weather. I tried to keep up with Helen on the run, which was a challenge towards the end. I took a small walk break before running all the way up the Curling Club Hill. Whew, I haven’t done that for a long time.

We headed to Mykonos afterwards  for Greek food. The service was slow and they seemed intimidated by our large group, but the food was good and the waiter was apologetic. They complained that they were very busy, but there was hardly anyone in the restaurant. The slow service gave us plenty of time to visit, however, and I enjoyed listening to Jeff rave about his latest passion, Total Immersion swimming. Apparently I have to try that. We all got to break a plate in the fireplace as we left. Opa! Thanks to Carla for giving me a ride home.

Tonight Hubby and I went out to Bolero’s, a Brazilian style restaurant. Out of the 12? skewers on the menu, we only missed seeing two, and the offerings we tasted were all yummy. The service was fabulous, the meat was delicious, and we liked our location in a booth just off the open kitchen. I liked it that I could control how much meat came across my plate, and that I wasn’t limited to one choice, like in a regular restaurant. Being able to choose my carbs and veggies from the hot and salad bars was a bonus, too. I hate being presented with a big plate of food I’m going to waste. This was way better than a traditional buffet, since just-right slices of the hot meats came to us.

This weekend I’ll be breaking in the new Brooks Trail Adrenalines. I hope they serve me as well as my old Brooks Trail Addictions did.

Last night I made it out with the Calgary Roadrunners 10k group on the river pathway near Edworthy Park. Check out the new summer workout schedule - it looks like our Thursday hill workouts have new names. Ha!

After our usual warm up jog, drills, crunches and push-ups, we ran 10 x 60/60s. This is an exercise in which we run hard for 60 seconds at a time, alternating with 60 seconds of gentle jogging at about half that speed, in this case for 20 minutes total.

My legs felt like jello before we even started, but once we got going my body sucked it up and I did okay. The group was very supportive. At the beginning of each hard minute they’d all take off at their speedy paces, but when each slower minute began the faster ones looped back behind the slower ones and we all stayed together. It was hard to run hard, but the momentum of the group kept me going.

Afterwards we did a couple more kilometers to cool down together, and in the first one my legs were tired and cranky. By the time we finished they calmed down. Maybe they just went numb. Whatever, they don’t hurt now.

I was going to go orienteering tonight, but decided to stay home and spend a little time with my neglected hubby. Priorities, eh? Tomorrow I’ll be missing the Douglas Fir run (and I LOVE running the Douglas Fir trail) to go to Club Night from Gord’s Running Store. I’ll have to get some trails in on the weekend instead.

This Monday night swim habit is very nice.

Last night I swam two laps of breast stroke before tackling ten laps of front crawl. I did all ten laps (500m) without stopping for more than 5 seconds between laps. I’m pretty sure I’ve never swum that far all at once. I realize that 500m is merely a warm-up for most experienced swimmers, but I was still happy with it.

By four laps I was wondering if I could do the 10 all at once. Somewhere in the seventh lap I felt like I could swim forever (I love it when I hit that point in a run!). At 7.5 laps I made a note to thank my mom for the swimming lessons she eked out of her tight budget for me when I was a kid. Thanks Mom!

The ten laps took me 19:28, so I’m hoping that maybe by race day I can make it in under 19 minutes.

After that I did another lap of breast stroke and two more laps of front crawl because I felt like it. Then I sat on the side of the pool and thought about how I might try to swim better. I wondered about bilateral breathing and realized that before I could manage a pattern of breathing on the left and right I’d have to be able to comfortably breathe on the left (my “wrong” side). So I swam a lap of front crawl while breathing on the left. It felt all wrong, like front crawl did a few weeks ago.

Next week I’ll try alternating sides for a bit, and see how it goes. I’d also like to learn how to turn efficiently at the end of the lane - I could save some time there.

Today I rode “Stretch” (my bike) out west of Calgary on the #1A. This highway west of Calgary is a popular route for cyclists. There are very broad shoulders in both directions and the gently rolling prairie has no intimidatingly steep hills until one gets to Cochrane. I didn’t ride all the way to Cochrane.

Biking out of town from my neighbourhood is a logistical nightmare. While I am not far from the city limits, the freeway between my place and rural freedom is under construction and not cyclist-friendly. I could put my bike in the trunk, drive it 5 km and start my 30k ride from there, but no, I wanted to ride from home. I’m stubborn that way. Ask my mom.

I managed to work out a compromise through the construction zone. At the end of the shopping district near me there is an approach that isn’t open to the freeway yet. There was enough fresh new pavement done that the workers could ignore me as I used it to avoid having to ride between real traffic and cement barriers.

Getting through the shopping district was more annoying than negotiating the construction. At one point I was taking up the left lane of two empty ones before slipping into a third far left turning lane. It seemed like the best way to turn left. A car came up a-honking behind me, like he couldn’t possibly change lanes to go around me (he was going straight). Between his curses and obscene gestures he indicated that I should be turning left from the far right lane. What a jerk. I’m a vehicle too, eh.

I had brought my backpack along so I could visit the farmer’s market on the way back. I must have looked funnier than the usual cyclists do, as I don’t have any cyclist-type clothes. I was wearing zip-off nylon cargo shorts made for hiking and my bright red long-sleeved tech shirt from the ‘06 Police Half Marathon. I didn’t care if I looked like a novice - hey, I am one.

Eventually I settled into the aerobars, pedaling with a steady cadence. My neck and shoulders got sore holding my head up, but after a while I distracted myself from discomfort by listening to the sounds of the road. When cars weren’t wooshing past I became fascinated by the snap-crackle-pop of roadside grit under my tires.

I still haven’t figured out my bike computer, but I had pre-measured my desired route online and knew to turn back at Glendale Road. I stopped by the Bear’s Paw Farmer’s Market on the way home and bought some fresh asparagus, a big bag of sugar snap peas and a few spanakopita to eat later.

Getting back into my neighbourhood through the construction was going to be even more treacherous than the way out, so I took a long detour through Scenic Acres for an extra 3km. The snap peas and spanakopita tasted divine.

“Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter.” - Izaak Walton

Last summer I did not do enough long runs to accomplish my goal of running the Moose Mountain 29k. This year I have the same goal, but a different strategy. I am much more likely to get myself out for a long one if I have company, so I’m arranging buddy runs.

Earlier this week I read that Leana was planning a long run in town so I asked if my friend Giovanna and I could tag along. I wanted about 10 miles or 2 hours of running, and they were happy with that. Leana suggested a 10ish mile loop around the Glenmore Reservoir and we happily showed up at 7 a.m. with our water belts and mosquito spray.

Aside from two bathroom breaks, we trotted happily around the res without incident. We stuck to running 10s and 1s most of the time and took a gel half way through. We enjoyed views of the water, sail boats, lovely residences near the hospital, the beauty of the marsh, flowers and lush greenery. The sun shone and the conversation never lagged.

Even when my legs got tired, our momentum kept us moving. It was nice having three of us, as there were times when one could rest and breathe while the other two conversed.

We started from the 37th Street parking lot and ran east first, leaving the big hill out of the Weaselhead for last. We jubilantly conquered hill at the end with high fives and 5 minutes left in the 2 hour window, so opted for a 5 minute cool down jog at the top before packing it in.

A modest celebration brunch then ensued at the Primal Grounds Cafe on 37th Street.

It’s Stampede Week here in Calgary. That means everyone wears country western clothes to the office and there is a festive mood throughout the city. Many companies and communities host big pancake breakfasts and socializing is part of doing business. I work in a small office, so today we all headed out for a Stampede lunch. On the way to the restaurant we stopped by Rope Square, where one of our bunch volunteers with the square dancers. Of course, some of us got roped into a square dance as well. It was fun. I’ve always wanted to do that. Yeeha!

Tonight Little Runner and I traipsed about Votier’s Flats with the Foothills Wanderers. We’re not familiar with this part of Fish Creek Park, and it’s a wilder place than the last 2 parks we’ve explored recently, so we stuck together on her Level 1 course. We each had our own copy of the map, so I hung back, letting her decide where to go. She made great decisions. There were some other kids wandering around with the same map, but she went at her own pace and found most of the flags on her own.

There was only one point when I led the way, when we were being attacked by a swarm of mosquitoes at a path junction. Yes, we had insect repellent on. Those skeeters didn’t care! She couldn’t stand still long enough to consult the map, so I pointed up the hill and we hightailed it up to a breezy, bug-free spot near the next control.

Tonight I was the parent du jour, so skipped the usual Tuesday night Roadrunners appearance and took Little Runner out for a neighbourhood tour. She rode her bike while I jogged within a half-block range.  It wasn’t long before we came to a playground near a big hill and a field. She parked the bike and hung out on the monkey bars while I tackled the big hill and made another loop around the big field. We stopped by the 7-11 on the way home so she could get a few gummies for a bedtime snack.

It was a very short run - 32 minutes - but it was enough.

Last night I swam for the third Monday night in a row, and I am making progress. It’s still a very short distance compared to anyone who swims regularly, but compared to myself earlier this season, it’s great.

After a lap of relaxed breast stroke, I eased into a slow front crawl, reminding myself to not rush the strokes or the breathing. I found a good rhythm and managed four entire laps in a row that way before Liesbeth showed up, and then kept going. I completed 10 entire laps of front crawl with minimal breaks to adjust my goggles and to exchange a word or two with Liesbeth once in a while.

I didn’t feel exhausted or choke, or like I wanted to revert to breast stroke instead, like I usually do. I focused on exhaling fully, so that inhaling would be a natural action, rather than a gasp. When I was happy with my breathing, I tried to remember things like kicking well, cupping my hands, and keeping the stroke form efficient.

Most of my laps in the 25m pool took between 1:38 - 1:50. Yay, I remembered my watch! The velcro on the strap is getting old and flaps open in the water though, so I left it on the side of the pool and used the lap button from there.

After the 10 laps (11 total)I even did a few more laps of front crawl, mixed up with more breast stroke at the end, just for fun. I kind of like this sport.

I was so tickled pink with my swim that I nearly made it out of the building without my glasses. I have a very strong prescription, so this is hilarious. I was fully dressed down to my shoes and groping about for my brush when I realized the room was still fuzzy. Duh! I’d left my glasses out by the lifeguard’s sink at poolside. I quickly reverted to bare feet and sheepishly popped back to the pool to retrieve them.

I didn’t race at the Calgary Marathon this weekend, but I still got to hang out with some of the crazy nuts who work behind the scenes.

I still had to squeeze in a run somewhere, so Saturday morning I got up bright and early for a hilly 55 minute run on my favourite neighbourhood trails. The intensely green hills were alive with the sound of birdsong. The wild roses, bluebells and brown-eyed susans were so beautiful they took my breath away. No wait, maybe that was the hills.

While running high up over a freeway on a pedestrian overpass I watched my shadow below and wondered if the oncoming traffic would run over it. Ha, it missed. And bonus, I ran over a gravel truck.

I had a two hour run written on the calendar, but I was going to need some of that energy later, so I turned back early. As I emerged from the last wooded dirt path I heard country music playing from the local Stampede pancake breakfast - Kenny Roger’s The Gambler. I smiled and took the lyrics as a confirmation that cutting the run short was okay:

You got to know when to hold ‘em, Know when to fold ‘em
Know when to walk away, Know when to run

After the run I showered, packed up breakfast and some spare clothes and rode my bike 45 minutes downtown to marathon headquarters at the Mewata Armoury. It was starting to warm up and I got all sweaty again.

Dawn told me where I could put my bike and then I hung out at the CRR booth for two hours, selling new club clothing and encouraging potential new members. Heck, I even sold a club membership. By lunch I was very tired, but Dawn told me they’d ordered pizza, so I hung around until it arrived and then wolfed down a couple of pieces with a chocolate milk. My shift with package pick-up didn’t start until 2, so I wandered out to the nearby park and dozed briefly in the shade of a tree to the sound of finish line set-up.

Once back inside again, I cheerfully handed out bibs to marathoners for about an hour. Then the girls at the “$5-for-last-year’s-shirt” booth needed help, so I sold shirts. By 5 pm I was exhausted, so walked my bike to the train instead of riding it up hills on the way home. It still took me 20 minutes of riding from the train station to home, where I showered again and then collapsed on the couch while Hubby picked up pizza.

This morning Little Runner really wanted to come along to course marshall and cheer, so I got her up and she was a great cheerleader all morning. She cheered. She rode her stick horse around and waved her cowboy hat while yelling Yeeha and Giddy Up to racers. She drew stick-people runners and GO RACERS with chalk. She even garnered a few high fives.

We hung our old Penguin banners on the road blocks and the Canadian bear *jeanne* sent us came and held the Be Strong sign.

My Dutch running buddy Liesbeth coincidentally pulled the course marshal position across the road from us, and we cheered together.

She clapped so much her hands hurt. We made a lot of noise and called our corner the “Party at 35th Street - only 4.5k to go!”

By the time Denise came running through, our party was in full swing. She was delighted to learn how far she’d come, and looked forward to finishing in good time.

There was some cloud cover for the first few hours, but then the sun came out in full force and I was reminded of my hot marathon in 06. I was glad to be cheering instead of running, and highly respect those who struggled out there today.

After the course shut down and the remaining racers were sent to the sidewalks, we packed up our gear, left out a few wet sponges for stragglers and headed for the finish line. I gave Little Runner the choice of going for ice cream or going to the finish line, and she chose “Both”. She wanted the finish line first, so we went and cheered in some of the racers we’d seen earlier. After a quick hug from Dawn, we drove home, stopping at DQ for ice cream on the way.

Whew. Is it Monday yet?