A tougher go than last week.

[Decker]

Second run with the group today was harder going. Through some beautiful riverside ravines with lots of hills. Got a stitch halfway through and slowed slightly till it passed, then after looping back, got a short lived second wind that lasted nicely until the two great big monster hills at the end. Thankfully I got stuck at a light at the top just before the end to regain at least some of my composure 😁. BIG respect to those that do lots of hills each week. Got another 10k PB out of it at least, at 1:01:27. So close to the 1 hr mark I’d like to crack sometime. Think I’ll need to slow a bit next week to survive as I think it gets longer!

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10]

Wow! Quick pace, especially given the hills! You'll be breaking the sub 60 min 10k in no time.

[Decker in reply to SaskAlliecat]

I dunno, these guys really wore me out today 🙂

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10 in reply to Decker]

I bet. It's becoming an unintentional speed workout? It will help build some speed, but take care to not overdo it.

[Decker in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Yeah it definitely is the challenging run of the week. They increase the distance for three runs and then drop it in the fourth and repeat the cycle. The fellow that runs it did the Fredericton marathon then RAN to Ottawa and did the Ottawa marathon a while back!! He is an elite Ultra marathon runner. After coming back from cancer. Hard to complain when you are running with someone like that. 🙂 I will post his profile video. Totally inspirational guy.

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10 in reply to Decker]

Just watched the video on the marathon forum. He has quite the story. It puts things in perspective and helps to realize all that is possible if the desire and focus/motivation is there. Thanks for sharing it.

[Decker in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Seriously does. Makes you think, “if I can develop one tenth of that inner strength then things are really looking up”

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10]

Fab run

[Decker in reply to Mummycav]

Thanks Mummycav. Hope you are doing well.

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Decker]

I’m plodding on..assessing the pavements all the time!! Bursting to get out there....maybe tomora x

[Decker in reply to Mummycav]

The ice and snow can be tricky. Better to be safe. Sounds like the melt is on though so you can get back out there 🙂

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Decker]

I am DEFINITELY going out tomorrow...we’ve had a bit of rain so it’s washing it away...hopefully it won’t freeze otherwise it might have to be the dreadmill at the gym because I’m losing the will to live here!!!!

[Decker in reply to Mummycav]

Go for it!!

[davelinks Graduate10 in reply to Mummycav]

My nephew & his 7 yo son were running at a snowy Parkrun yesterday, then at junior Parkrun today and thoroughly enjoyed it.. no fear!😊

[Decker in reply to davelinks]

Youth eh? 😀 A few of the younger 20 year olds that ran the full 12.5 with us yesterday also had the Chili half marathon to run today!

[davelinks Graduate10 in reply to Decker]

You did well with the hills, took me a few goes to master them which made them a tad easier, need proper technique as well, just remember, your not a marathon runner like the guys your running with..😊

[Decker in reply to davelinks]

Thanks Dave. I think there will be more opportunities for hills with this group. Yes I am usually just trying to keep the front pack in sight so as not to get lost on the trails. I am not familiar with that neck of the woods just yet.

[Sandyscroll Graduate10]

Sounds like a great run! I love how running with a group really pushes you. I realise how slow I am, but also how regular running, as the others do, will pay off eventually. I love traffic lights on a club run. Just a few seconds breather gives me the chance to get it together before the next challenge.

[Decker in reply to Sandyscroll]

Yes the group separates into smaller pace groups almost immediately and you know exactly where you stand. I think my running mate felt sorry for me and slowed down to my pace. But even he had to go on without me at the very end while I struggled with the final hills. But it feels good to finish. You find yourself hoping for the lights to change towards the end 😀

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

Wow.. that sounds an amazing run and hills thrown in for good measure So close now with your times

I have a virtual run on You tube that I use/watch when I am on my cross trainer...I always imagine you running the routes.. they sound like your kind of territory...

youtube.com/watch?v=cX3gO4_...(Not working as expected?)

I love it x

[Decker in reply to Oldfloss]

Wow thank you Floss,that was absolutely stunning. I would love to someday run in such a beautiful place. Maybe once I get more used to the hills 😁

[Decker in reply to Oldfloss]

It looks like Old Man’s cave is in Ohio, not too far from us in Toronto. Hmmm...maybe a summer destination

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Decker]

I love watching that when I have to use my cross-trainer,, if you headed there..I really would be able to imagine you running there

There is another one... and when I first watched it..I found myself ducking as the runner went under some boards blocking a bridge!!!

That one is one called The Clifton Gorge trail run...Along the Miami River.. I started using them after I broke my ribs and had to use the trainer... just to stop the boredom.. there are some fabulous ones..

Just found this link... you could have a great summer break

hockinghills.com/

[Decker in reply to Oldfloss]

Yes I was just on that link. It is tempting! It kind of reminds me of a trip we did last summer with our family to the scenic caves in Collingwood. Not nearly as large or majestic as Old Man’s Cave, but still really beautiful. Here are some pics I took: photos.app.goo.gl/hXtpypXVT...

Going to look up the Clifton Gorge run next!

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks for the video, Floss, it is absolutely stunning. I would LOVE to explore a place like that, hiking, running, it wouldn't matter....