PYP

PYP- Pick your Poison... and for me it was patience.

This was a training run. A practice in pacing and eating and logistics.
50k in four 12.5k loops. Very similar to the four 20k loops at sulphur.

Had a good time just moving along for the first three loops, except for a parachute on my back reminding me by its sure presence to slow down and not race. By the fourth loop I was soo ready to go. Not sure what the splits are as this point. But I ran most of what I had walked on the other loops. Finished with the sure knowledge I could have done another lap and that I can race it faster. The course had changed over last year. Somebody described it as tough but fair and I can certainly agree. In the entire race there was over 5000metres vertical gain. Only two really tough uphill sections though. Only one section of mud and a small river crossing made for a good day. Stayed mostly on top of eating. Only one episode of nausea but it resolved with time and a ginger candy. Had handful of chips, handful of m&m's, two gels, two energy bars, and a sandwich. If I had been racing it most certainly would have been more.  
One amazing upset that didn't happen was feet blisters. I always get blisters in races regardless of types shoes and socks Wore toe socks and at this point I want to buy stock.

Very happy to have beat somebody who has beaten me several times... even if he got me to the finish.

Next comes a 2-3  longer days, and I think I am good for Sulphur. Just waiting for the post race amnesia to set in prior to signing up.
Work today, and aside from the weariness and chafing- which is nothing new. Feel pretty good. Will be running tomorrow. 
Pictures...I am wearing green and am seen in two. http://www.flickr.com/photos/vertical-pierre/6979554762/in/photostream

Spring

As in what happened to ours??

A cure for bad language.....

Is a new sewing machine!!!!

My Kenmore went to the parts department as its ability to actually do the work as a sewing machine has come to an end. Thus today at a local- as in really the only store I had two choices and picked this one.
I am yet to use it as my Thursday night combo of run/swim/ sauna/drink and randomly surf the Internet comes first.

Luke is excited I will fix his pants.... oh funny story. When I left Luke for three months and went to Churchill his pants all fell apart. When I returned he complained to me about this turn of event... never once realising that he could have just bought new pants ....all by himself. Another interesting fact, Luke had never bought himself underwear. Oh how I love him.

Impressions

When I was a teenager I seemed to care a lot about about what other people thought, thank goodness I have out grown that stage. One of my many irrational fears was that while being alone with my niece and nephew out in public I would be mistaken for their mother. It would have  meant I was a teen mother. It would have meant I had  sexual relations with a man of whom I had  not been joined in marriage, it would have meant I was a female of loosened petticoats.... hence I was reluctant to be alone with those darling children in public and be left to face the shame of others.

Move it forward college age level years and....

Somebody at work was saying that any adult she sees riding a beater bike in town is automatically assumed to have received a DUI and is basically on the lowest rungs of the socially acceptable ladder.

Guess I should just hand in my productive member of society card now eh.

Danger

 

There is a saying in our family...

All cars want to kill you.

A simple way of expressing the sure danger that is an automobile to a cyclist- especially a cyclist that is the height of a bumper. My kids do not get it. They simply are not afraid. They do not see see the danger and I really do not know what it will take for them to fear cars.

I think I developed my fear growing up on a large farming operation, where large farm machinery by all means got the right of way. I was always on my own and didn't have another cyclist to mimic so I developed a healthy view of the rules of the road.

On the other hand, my kids have always rode in town. They mimic Luke and I who to them are fearless in traffic. People see Little Ever popping wheelies and give him a wide berth. When they fall on the ground crowds of people rush to their aid. So basically they think they are the centre of the universe.

Thus, I now see my job as a parent to make them realise they are but a speck. They need to realise that when they go down on a curb onto the road, crying needs to come second to.... GET OFF THE ROAD.

I am not the mean parent who will not  give my child comfort. I am yelling at them to get up off the road NOW cause I really don't care about the scraped elbows and the bruised knees. I am trying to prevent a car that didn't see them from hitting them.

I am trying to save a life.

Blossom Time

Well it isn't even May and the blossom tree is just about done..but not before the annual photo. 

Traditions

Maya did a unit on family traditions at school. Thus we had to have big discussion on what ours were growing up....it was rather a short discussion. I'm not big sameness- I like change. However, one tradition remains. My mothers enthusiasm for holidays and her making of the traditional Easter bunny cake.

Basically it is a boxed cake and canned icing decorated with candy, but she really enjoys making it and labours over the exact placing of the candy. At family gatherings there was always great fuss over the reveal of decorated cake.

My Easter offering was Cinnamon buns. I have wanted to make them for years... but had never gotten around to it. Quite simple- however time consuming with the endless rounds of dough rising.  I didn't use the glaze that goes this the recipe. I made one up with orange juice.

34 on 34

 

For my annual run my age in kilometres.. I actually felt quit guilty.. perhaps I should be running it in miles.... but that didn't happen.

I ran from east to west around Owen Sound on the Bruce Trail. From the Sydenham Forest East to Jones falls. This was a reasonable selection to do except I have done around Harrison Park/ Inglis Falls countless times so the enthusiasm dripped quite low there. I saw exactly two other hikers, which is rather alot for a spring day. Awkward how the one gentleman caught me singing Single ladies. 

 

The route was surprising in the fact there were not alot of dramatic uphills- a few minor blips that I had to remind myself to hike. I mainly did my walking on the rocky- unrunable sections. I did manage to twist my ankle, the same one, twice and took a couple of falls.

 

Notice the birthday wrickles - of which Maya reminds me of on a daily basis. Due to her dislike of them I am sure she has a strong future in cosmetic surgery.

This section was really cool- in fact I wish I had more time just to explore around the trail. Really cool how the trail was directed between two rock faces- I think at km 77 of the Sydenham club.

 

This is on the east rocks where I realised I was making horrible time taking pictures and doing a ton of walking on rocks. Also, spring has felt sooo long this year. There has been such a long pause between snow on the ground and trees budding. Last year on my birthday the only trail I could do was exposed trail as the Bruce trail was still completely covered. However it was a slightly warmer day last year. When I finished this year I was cold- and come to think of it I was wearing more layers this year. Part of the problem is I now run with a pack and the sweat/ wetness just accumulates on my back which in turn makes me colder.

 

This is on the West Rocks on Owen Sound. The escarpment sits above West Hill High School. It is again another section that needs further exploring. Tons of cool flat sections which are a local party hangout. This area local ripe for animal sacrifice- thus warranted a picture.

 

You know at the bottom of the escarpment you see rocks on the ground and think they had to have fallen sometime. Always slightly worry that in cases like this my weight will be the straw that broke the camels back.

Good training day. I learned I need to wear easy up and down shorts for peeing vs. compression shorts, and I best take in food frequent small quantities and chocolate milk during perhaps isn't a good idea.

I still want to get a 50k in and maybe a eight hour day on my feet sometime before the 50miler. I should let my ankle heal as well.

Bruce Trail Tuesday

Ahead of my potential attempt to run 80k at Sulphur Springs at the end of May, I was thinking perhaps I should do some training. Parked here and ran for a while out then came back. Did take a short cut route on the way back as the main trail took soo much time. In the end I spent three hours on my feet. Not going to say how many km cause I still don't understand how time on your feet is equal to km. You still need to run 80k in the end of the day. As a hint... 3k in 30min. Ouch!

This area is is in the general vicinity of Kolpole Uplands which I have spent a bit of time running and biking at previously.  Nothing like looking up and going "oh no I am going to have to get up there, on that cliff."

 

I have always wanted a lawn jockey- instead we have gargoyles on our porch cause Luke says NO. The first time I saw this fellow last year I think I screamed. Today, it was like seeing a old friend.

 

 

This is the medcalfe crevice side trail. It was funny as the sign said some climbing required. Like it was nothing.

 

You can't tell with this photo but in the centre is a skunk... on the trail. Thus, i ventured of the trail and didn't follow the white blazes as instructed but in this case I think I was justified.

 

Some times you see odd things on the trail.. like a random shoe. I call it trail magic. IN the past I have fown neglected and forgotten  sweaters and made them mine.

Wearing my Montrail shoes which I LOVE. Except the end of my toes are getting bruised. I want the local running store to carry the brand but the owner has said he has no room.

 

My borrowed pack. I am trying to buy a particular one but there is no Canadian distribution apparently... and then today I got the great idea to have it shipped to Kathie then when I go to actually buy it.. it is out of stock. I am losing my patience, I just want that one. :(