Grab a cuppa tea or joe and settle in, it's another long SaskAlliecat ramble......
I was eerily calm about my 10k trail race today. I had a great sleep, a decent breakfast and really didn't fret about the things out of my control, which is not my norm. It felt like any other training day that I would drive out to the lake for except hubby came and drove me and it was an hour earlier than I would typically go.
It was NOT a nice day at all; 6 C while driving out this morning and oh so windy. The forecast called for winds in the 20's gusting into the 30's kph but after running last week in wind gusts on the same course that were around 50kph, these winds were definitely stronger than that. Unfortunately, as we were watching the 20kers leave and were waiting for our turn to go, the rain started. It wasn't a nice warm summer rain, but a blustery cold, chill-you-to-the-bone kind of rain. We did our race debrief under one of the tents, and fortunately the rain died down a bit as the starting gun went off.
Now as some of you may know from my previous posts about this trail course, there is a lot of very narrow single track trails, including the initial trail to the base of the first hill. They didn't talk about that at all in the race debrief, just mentioned the colour pins we were to follow and the last minute course change they did that had us following a bit more of the 50k course ("whatever you do, do not go right but don't worry there are signs" which there was; they have the course very well marked). So needless to say, there were people starting at the front of the pack that shouldn't be. I knew based on my training times on this course, I should be in the top third so tried to start near the front but not so far front to hold others up. But just as we got through the shoot, and you figure we should all be running, there are walkers.....what the heck. You're kidding right? Now, I have absolutely nothing against anybody choosing to come and walk/hike this race. It's an incredibly hard but gorgeous trail and in our back yard so Go for it, but please, choose your starting point in the pack appropriately, especially given all the single track trails. I think there was also somebody crouched down in the middle of the trail that we were all trying to avoid running over, but it was such a blur, I'm not even sure anymore what that start was all about. Maybe it was just people trying to start their watches and having issues, I know I was looking down to see if my watch had started when I realized there was a serious traffic jam in front of me. So after that little debacle, there were many of us running through the grass beside the trail vying for position before the nasty hill-that-kills, leading to the horseshoe. I watched the front of the pack running up the first portion of the first hill and thought nope, I can't do that. It'll kill me for the rest of the race (I learned that from last year's 5k) so was very pleased to see the people immediately in front of me start walking as soon as we hit the hill. Perfect. We're power hiking up the hill. There is a little jostling for position but it feels like I'm in about the right spot, give or take a few runners. As I approached the very top, the wind really hits you broad side. I remember what this felt like last week so grabbed on to my hat, but as I was trying to grab a Kleenex from my pocket (my nose is running like a steam train with all this cold wind) my hat blows off my head. Fortunately I had my buff pulled up over the back of it and my ponytail through the tab in the back so it slowed it down enough to grab it. I carried it along the entire ridge until we deked down onto the deer trail that runs along the side of the hill. The rain made this portion of the trail a little sketchier than normal given the clay based soil, juniper roots, and very narrow trail so I didn't run as much as I have other times when it was dry but the group I was running in seemed to be keeping the same pace and navigating this area in a similar fashion so all seemed well.
At this point I remember from last year that there should be a photographer nearby. I am not a smiley runner and have a really good RBF (Resting B!tch Face); last year's pics were not great so I'm watching for him. He's not at the first spot, but I see him at the second spot, should I smile? Do I wave? Is his camera pointed at me? Oh wait, you're past him now. Likely another picture with RBF again 😆. Oh, boy. Oh well. It is my natural expression. I don't think I'm grimacing at least this year.
We hit the point to veer off where all but the 5k runners go. The 20k and 50k carry on to a separate loop, while the 10k skip the loop and head straight up the next hill. This hill isn't as steep as the first one and has a wider path but it goes on and on and on, climbing then levelling out then climbing and levelling and climbing. A few people step out to hit the aid station. I have my Tailwind with me that I haven't even touched yet so carry on up the hill. I end up stopping after the first climb, take a drink and carry on. There is a group of people stopped to peel off a layer and reposition their running bibs. I get distracted by them (I'm so easily distracted), and ended up tripping over a rock on the middle of the trail. Fortunately I caught myself before hitting the ground, so it was just a stumble and a little curse word. It was a good reminder to run my own race and pay attention. Shortly after this, at about the 4K mark, there is a runner flying toward me! Wow! Is he bookin' it! He is the leader of the 10k pack already making his way back down the trail. Crazy fast! Can't wait to check his final time when the results are posted.
At this point the pair of friends that had running and chatting behind me the whole time overtook me when I walked to drink some of my Tailwind, but then I would pass them as soon as I started to run again. We did this a few times over this second hill but then once we reached the top of the hill, we found our rhythm with a women in grey in front of me, and the 2 friends behind me. We pretty much ran the rest of the race in this configuration, running at a very similar pace. As we reached the last incline of this second hill, my eyes were peeled looking for my heart shaped rocks that my friend pointed out to me last week on our final training run together. I missed the smaller white one, but was able to see the large red one. Yay! Denise is with me, in my heart, on this run. I can hear her telling me, you're almost there. Keep going! 😍 Such a great friend!
At the top of the hill is the course change. We dump down the back side of the hill onto another skinny little deer trail, I see the signs directing me to go straight instead of switch backing on to another set of hills. Phew! Don't you worry 50k route.....some day, I'm coming for you! We meander through a grassy trail, beside a pond we could see from up on the hill, onto the side of the hill, through a gully of trees with their leaves all gorgeous red, yellow and orange, and back onto the interpretive trail we were just on. Now we just need to run back the way we came! Yay! We're about 2/3 done. Sweet!
Now we're meeting runners that are behind us heading up the hill. The pathway is wider here so no worries at all. Wow! Who's this guy bookin' it up the hill now? He can't be a 10k runner behind me running that fast?!? Nope... he's got the 50k bib on! He's the leader of the 50k pack! So my geeky math brain starts kicking in. He started 30 minutes before us, has done the loop for the 20 and 50kers, so he's done roughly 17k in about 80 minutes?!? What!!!! The person who won the 50k last year did it in 5:45, so yup, there's the leader or at least someone from the front of the 50k pack😳. I'm in awe!!! I continue on at my comfortable pace, hiking up the hills and running as much as I can.
Finally, I turn onto the final leg of the race. It's another long up-hill that was a lot more fun to run down than up, but I remember my training and walked where I needed and managed to navigate that sketchy part on the way out but now climbing it without getting lightheaded and didn't even need to stop at all to catch my breath. I just kept truckin'. Oh boy, here comes the ridge again. Has the wind picked up even more? Is that even possible?!? Yup! Better take my hat off and hang on tight. I had lowered the zipper on my jacket but kept it on and now it is just a-flapping in the wind, but I'm not cold so whatever, flap away. It's off one shoulder. Perhaps if I wasn't all red faced, red nosed with crazy wind blown hair, I'd look sexy? Ha! Nope. Oh well. I'm a runner! The wind was absolutely brutal! Twice gusts almost took my legs out from under me. You're running at 45 degrees leaning sideways into the wind, just to try and stay on the ridge. That was the only point in the race where I questioned what the heck was I doing! But that thought quickly passed once I got off the ridge. There was a photographer on the final descent that I can't wait to see the pictures! Yes, I'll still have RBF, but my jacket and hair should be blowing out sideways and I'm hanging on to my bright pink hat with all my might. Should be a good look 😂.
Final 600 metres! Yes! We're in the meadow, protected from the wind, hat back on, time to pick up the pace, Allie! I find my groove, have closed the gap between me and 2 runners in front of me (grey lady has already passed them and I can no longer hear the pair behind me). I see the guy stop and look back... will he and his partner move to the side, nope. He was just waiting for her. Can I pass them? Maybe if I cut into the grass but we're almost at the finish line.....I can see it now. Is it worth it? Do you really want to be THAT runner? Nope, all is good. Passed the finish line right on their heels. Still had gas in the tank, felt like I could've run some more but hey, that's ok. Remembered to stop my Garmin shortly after crossing the finish line; unofficial time 1:24:22. I'm happy with that given it is faster than any of my training runs and the course change added another couple hundred metres. Could I have done it faster? Probably, but I feel great so hey! ho! I'm happy. Got my badge, my poutine, but skipped the beer. It was way too cold out and I'm not a big beer drinker. Now if they had coffee and Bailey's, I would've been all in, or if it was more than 10 degrees, maybe a beer would've been more enticing.
Will I do it again next year? You betcha! But next year, I'm running the 20k!
Edit: Race results posted: I finished in 1:24:11 putting me in 20th place out of 58 women; or 37th out of 91 runners. Yay 😊
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SaskAlliecat
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Amazing run report! It sounds like quite the adventure . You’re a brave woman to try the 20k next year. The pictures are great too! I love the references to RBF. I seem to suffer from that too.
It’s a fairly common affliction 😂. Last year my running partner was all smiles (she’s naturally so smiley) and there I was all grimacey and frowny behind her. Oh well. I was a little more prepared this year so fingers crossed they’re not completely cranky looking.
My job makes it tough to train for a longer race like the 20k but i’m hoping I can keep momentum this winter. The 20k is all hills and deer trails, skipping the interpretive trail so it is even more rugged. There are 2 water crossings in it. I’m not sure what has become of me...I think that sounds fun now 🤪
Thanks OF. I’m still feeling great. Now I just have to convince my training partner to run another one with me next month at a different lake 😆
Wow, Allie, just wow! I'm exhausted just reading that and definitely need a cup of Joe, whatever that is (what is it?). Well done with stars on!!!! And love the pics x
The poutine was fantastic! I just got the traditional while my husband got the bacon. I should’ve got the bacon.... it was huge, but was feeling all traditional at the time. I couldn’t seem to fill up yesterday though. Was hungry all day.
I grabbed a cuppa and read your post and I'm knackered now as I ran every step with you 😏 Wow! That sounds so tough. Many congratulations to you Saska, it sounds as if you had it in control from the start, apart from the photo thing 😂 but whoop whoop! Well done to you.
I love your reference of RBF but there's no sign of it in that lovely photo 🙂
Thanks your majesty. It’ll be fun going through the photographers pictures when they get posted next week. I’m already thinking of how I can train out there next summer building up the distance, especially early on when the ticks are bad. I’m such a nerd 🤓. My coworker ran the 20k yesterday. I can’t wait to get the blow by blow when I work with her next week.
Oh i’m sure. She’s young and fit but didn’t run much this summer. It took her 3:15 and she’s talking of only doing the 5k next year. I don’t think she’ll scare me out of doing the 20 though. I’m such a planner, I know i’ll find the time to hit the trails next summer. I’m hoping to still get a few more trail runs in this Fall yet.
What a fantastic run report! Well done for taking on such a challenging course. As someone who loves trails, it sounds beautiful but...tough!! 5k last year, 10k this year and 20k next....that's two years until your first official Ultra (50k) then!🙂
My plan when I started this last year was to go for the 50k for my 50th. I turn 45 this year so I have 5 years. My husband thinks i’m absolutely nuts. I guess we’ll see how the 20 feels next year. My toughest hurdle will be training for these longer distances with my job. If only I could take the summer off to train.... that would be the dream (that will never happen 😢). We’re so short staffed for vets right now, fingers crossed that improves for next year 🤞
Wow SaskAlliecat, what a fantastic race report. It sounds like everything was thrown at you in this one, and I was with you all the way. Well it's the only way I will experience anything like that being a mainly flat coastal runner. It sounds like a good idea to have done a trial run. I
Thanks Dexy5. The only thing missing was snow ... maybe next year 😳. I’m still feeling pretty good today. My hip flexors we’re feeling a little tight last night and my calves are a little tight today, but overall, not bad. Time to go for another soak in the hot tub followed by another roller session.
Fantastic SaskAlliecat!! Just fantastic! I hope you do get a surprising non RBF photo too! That’s a brilliant achievement, obstacles and all! 20k next year!! 💪🏽! Go you!! 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽❤️
There’s always hope, but i’m not holding my breath. I must embrace my RBF. I’m one extreme to the other. My laugh is a loud, boisterous belly laugh, but my everyday face.... not so much.
Goodness Allie what a fantastic run you had! Sounds like despite those weather conditions and with the problems at the start, it couldn't have gone better for you...and your training helped get you round in a brilliant time!
What a tough race, it sounds quite dangerous and I'm so glad you managed to save yourself when you tripped...
Your Hubby and son must be so proud of you...you are Awesome 💪😊...
Do let Denise read this run report, she will love it! ❤
Huge Congratulations, so pleased for you and of course that 20k next year is on now!😉xxxx
Thanks Jan. I keep trying to convince her to join us on here, but haven’t succeeded yet. Will need to send her a copy of the report though.
I was reading about some drills for trail runners last night and they are interesting. It’s all about being quick on your feet to help with avoiding obstacles and balance. I find as I get tired I tend to shuffle a bit and wobbly which isn’t great on a trail. On one of my training runs I tripped 3 or 4 times, catching myself every time thankfully. You definitely can’t let your mind wander on these runs.
Thanks SW16. I love this forum. Being from Canada I don’t know some of the phrases or terms used so I googled Strewth. Yup, that fits 😂. I’m learning a whole new language in here.
People not from the area who come for the race are in for quite a shock. The prairies are very flat and the race is called Beaver Flat 50, but we’re anything but flat being a river valley. They quickly figure it out as you climb the first hill within 600 metres ... cruel, just cruel.... but we love it and keep going back for more 🤪
Yay! You are one awesome lady! You nailed it. A huge achievement, well done. I’m not a fan of poutine, but after an epic run like that I think it must have tasted sooo good.
Good luck training for the 20k next year. I believe you can and will do it. Maybe next year you should pack a thermos with coffee and baileys 😋 (for after the race of course).
Thanks Goforitmama. The poutine was amazing! That’s a great idea on the thermos of coffee and baileys... post race of course. Although if hubby drives me again and has to wait that long in that weather, it might be an empty thermos 😢😆. The first year of the race the temps were in the high 20’s but the last 2 years were single digits. What will next year bring....
I think that post run Baileys and coffee in thermoses would make trail running waaay more popular. It would sure give me something to think about on my way back to the finish line.
Wow Allie, I read your post with my coffee this morn. Fantastic! What a run! On that challenging course in that crazy weather. You have so much to be proud of here. The pics are great too. And you have some guts going for the 20 next year. But I know you will crush it. Really well done my friend!!
Thanks Decker. I still don’t have the post race pics but was chomping at the bit to post a race report so used our pre- race pic of my training partners and I.
Hopefully next year isn’t as windy, that was the part which sucked the most but it will be what it will be. Maybe it’ll be snowing 😳😂... oh man, I hope not! Don’t listen Mother Nature, i’m joking 😇
Thanks mountaindreamer. I’m in Canada 🇨🇦. Originally from the beautiful west coast (BC; perhaps I should’ve been mountaindreamer or at least mountainmisser 😂) but living on the prairies now (Saskatchewan) but have found the beauty in farmland, coulees and long snowy winters.
We spent 3 weeks in BC a few years ago and loved it (climbing in Squamish then over on Vancouver Island...) The mountains there are so remote compared to the U.K., so I was left just gazing and dreaming about those! (No time for a major expedition just to get to the bottom of them...but they looked wonderful.)
You go, SaskAlliecat! Make that 20k yours! I managed my first 5k fun run today, and I'm aiming for a lot of gains before Christmas, and to do a ten k by Feb! WELL DONE!
Thanks Jundal. Congrats on making your first 5k today. Spend some time enjoying the distance then go for ju-ju’s bridge to 10k plan (it’s a pinned post). Many of us on here used it and successfully made the 10k milestone.
Not my first 5k, just my first race. Did it with my super sporty son, and still managed to haul my fat ass to the finish line before him! I'll be getting to 10k, but i'm one of these control freak wierdos, I have to choose to do it! I'm sticking to the ten percent rule, so I'll get there.
My ultimate goal is a hill 2.2 miles long that I could climb up parts of. (Yeah, I'm exaggerating but not by much...)
Congrats on the first 5k race then. I have no doubt you’ll make it to 10k when you so choose to do it. Good luck on your hill. Hill training is great 😁
Brilliant race report Sask, loved following your run, so descriptive, I felt I could've been there. The lady in grey even has a face! I'm with you in watching the leaders of the big runs in complete awe.
I guess I know what's next 😉
Shame about the weather though, it can make or break a good run.
Must try these tailwind things, heard of them a few times now, presuming you think they're worth recommending!?
Thanks Sutsha. I saw the lady in grey after the race when I was ordering my poutine and the front of her shirt said “I hate running” in bright lime-green. As I went behind her I looked to see if it actually was her because I only knew her from behind 😆. It was.
I definitely recommend tailwind. It was misswobble that put me onto them and I will never go back. I used the different type of gels when I was training for my marathon walk and I found them sickening sweet, especially after a few hours and you had to make sure to drink enough water with them or you could have some gi distress. The tailwind is all in one and has a nice mild flavour. I buy the big bag and can make my solution as weak or concentrated as I like but it also comes with handy little satchets you just add to your water bottle. This would be handy on a long race where you'll need to refuel at an aid station. If i’m out for a really long run or an excessively hot run i’ll take 2 bottles, one with Tailwind and one with just water.
Giggling at you checking from behind, but what can you do eh! 😆
Great advice on the tailwind, I'll see pick some up for the longer runs. Still heading into HM territory so not quite needed anything just yet, but gotta think ahead. 12K is the longest to date. Dropped back with a calf niggle. Soon though I'll be back on track...
Take care of those calves. Mine are tight today so have been using my massage wand on them. I'll take a few days off then try for a short run later this week. We're supposed to get tons of rain all week so I might not head to my trails as initially planned 😪
Had a great stretch out after today's run. Downward dog was particularly helpful. Also rolled it a bit. Dull to invest in a massage wand, it's on the list! 😁
OMG, unbelievable!! What an epic, nail biting run and report you gave!! I am exhausted just reading it. Very well done, you are intrepid and just plain awesome. There's nothing you can't do xx
No not yet!!! yawn.... waiting for my first month's wage from new job to book up a sports physio, it's all been very busy of late with work and stuff, am exhausted! I am desperate to get back out there though - especially after reading your write up, although it'll be pretty tame in comparison! x
That was great Allie. One thing jumped out at me - I have geeky math brain as well. Whenever I run, my brain is always working out times and distances. I can't stop it 😄
I’m glad i’m not the only one 😆. When i’m running my long runs in town, especially if they’re an out and back with audio cues enabled, i’m constantly doing mental math. What can I say, I come from a family of accountants, but my passion for animals and medicine won out in the end. I’d probably make more $$ as an accountant and wouldn’t get peed, pooped and puked on regularly but my patients can give me lots of joy. What can I say 😊
Wow you are amazing! Congrats on completing such an arduous race. I'm in a very flat part of the UK at the moment but will be spurred on to go a bit further when I run today. Hope you recover well.
Thanks slinky. My calves were a little tight for a few days, but feeling great now and chomping at the bit to get out for another run. I'm trying to figure out when I can back out to the lake and run some more hills. I'm not quite ready to hit the asphalt in town again; I just love my trails so much 🙂
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You have had a time with your training..but you blinking well put that run away, and how
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