Tag Archives: outdoors

My Running Goal for 2021: Repeat 2020

I always used to love signing up for races, putting together a training plan, trying in vain to stick to it, then enjoying the end result of completing an event in, or around, my goal time.  Then a funny thing happened the last couple of years… I found that I still enjoyed signing up forContinue reading “My Running Goal for 2021: Repeat 2020”

Choose Your Own Adventure

Growing up, I loved a series of books called Choose Your Own Adventure. If you are between thirty-five- and forty-five-years old right now, you probably read these too when you were in elementary school. Each book had a different theme, but at the end of every few pages you had to make a choice andContinue reading “Choose Your Own Adventure”

The Berg Lake Trail… A Right of Passage for Rookie “Trailers”

It is June 1996 and three young fellas have just written their final high school diploma exam. While most teenagers were about to plop on a couch for the next few days and hang out with friends at the mall before summer jobs were starting, these three were about to embark on an adventure ofContinue reading “The Berg Lake Trail… A Right of Passage for Rookie “Trailers””

Why Trailing Is So Important Right Now…

The term self-isolation make me feel very uncomfortable.  This isn’t because I do not think it is important… but it creates a sense that you do not have control of things in your life and that you need to limit yourself to regain that control.  Now at this time, self-isolation is mandatory for anyone thatContinue reading “Why Trailing Is So Important Right Now…”

Rocks, Roots, Elevation and Enlightenment…

It is 4:30am on a Thursday morning this past fall and I am about to step out the door into the black, damp abyss that I call my neighbourhood. It has been raining all night and I can see the once beautiful fall leaves now covering the ground before me. What am I doing leavingContinue reading “Rocks, Roots, Elevation and Enlightenment…”

Hills of the Prairies… this is the Blackfoot Ultra

I have been out on course for two hours and fourteen minutes. It is definitely not the fastest that I have ever run this course, but I overall I am pleased with the outcome. I had hoped to run the 25km course in under two hours and fifteen minutes, so I am right on trackContinue reading “Hills of the Prairies… this is the Blackfoot Ultra”

When Hypothermia Sets In…

It is about 12kms into the 50km Canadian River Valley Revenge and I see Eric climb out of the ravine looking strong.  Surprisingly, he is the first runner through on the snowy single track and is followed about a minute later by a pack of three runners, all with frosty toques and icy beards.  TheContinue reading “When Hypothermia Sets In…”

A 50km Trail Race in the Dead of Winter…

It is 5:00 am on a Thursday a few weeks ago and as I stumble downstairs with my eyes half open, wondering if I put my shirt on backwards or my slippers on the proper feet, I am greeted by a cheery voice.  “Morning Dad!” Am I hearing things? That couldn’t possibly be Eric upContinue reading “A 50km Trail Race in the Dead of Winter…”

Wait, did the bearspray get packed?

I am five kilometres into my final leg at the Blackspur Ultra this past August.  Dusk has set and its about to get quite dark once the trail drops back into the trees.  I look down at my watch and notice the battery icon is flashing. Crap. I forgot to get Eric’s watch after IContinue reading “Wait, did the bearspray get packed?”