Today was my first official trail run of the season. I have ran the mountain bike course in the coulee in front of my house a bit, but today was the day I drove out to the lake and tackled the Horsehoe, the cruel beginning to the Beaver Flat 50 trail races where every racer, regardless of distance be it 5k or 50k, must tackle at the very beginning of the race, and the 10k and 20k racers get the privilege to finish their races by running it back as well. It starts out with a 600 metre meander through the meadow where you end up at the base of the hill. There is then a steep 500 m climb where you gain 80 metres of elevation, followed by a run along a narrow ridge for 500 metres with some undulating hills that give you another 25 metres of elevation gain. You then take a sharp right turn to run down an animal trail along the side of the hill then you continue downhill through a meadow to another hillside edge above a pond, finally cruising through the flat in the meadow until you hit the road at the 3k mark. This is where the different race distances all go their separate ways to continue their respective trails. Today I decided I would run the horseshoe and when I got to the road, I would decide if I would just run the gravel road back to the Equestrian campground where I parked or if I would then turn around and run the Horseshoe back to the beginning.
Driving out to the lake, you could see the rain showers all around as the weather station predicted. The radar map showed rain coming and going all day but there was a risk for thunderstorms and strong winds up to 70kph this afternoon. I have a very busy day ahead of me and the start of my weekend of call at 5 but knew if I drove out there after dropping kiddo off at school, I should have time to complete all my necessary errands and get an all important mental health run in today.
So off I went. I got to the campground and could see others climbing that crazy hill as well. There were no other cars around so they must've ran over from one of the different trails for the 50k from the parking lot at the Visitor centre parking lot. I felt a bit self conscious then since my plan was to test out the new hydration vest and the 4D pole holder system it has to see if I could make it work with my collapsible poles or would I have to buy yet another piece of kit to stow the poles when not in use (or carry them in my hands). So although I looked like I was in for an all day adventure, I wasn't. I felt like a bit of a fraud but it looked like they were deking down the backside of the horseshoe that would lead back toward the trails heading the opposite direction as myself. Since I wasn't running those and they had no vehicle where I was (and it was a 2.5k drive back to the visitor centre) I figured I wouldn't see them anyways. I also have a huge dislike of ticks which should be out now so I was sporting my lovely long compression socks over top of my capris. I really was a sight for sore eyes but there was to be no exposed skin for any of those vile little creepy crawlies to latch onto!!! I was expecting to not see anybody on the trails today 😱
As I got out of my vehicle, large rain drops started to fall and the wind picked up. I hesitated slightly, but then remembered that this is pretty much what every trail race has been like so better get back conditioned to it and got my gear on, did some dynamic stretches, sprayed my legs with insect repellant, put on my insecticide repellant buff (yes! They make those!!!) and off I went. I had my partially collapsed poles stowed in the back of the vest as designed to be used and they seemed to hold fairly well with little bounce as I ran. As I got to the base of the hill, I decided to pull them out and use them. I doubt I'll use them on this portion of the hill on race day due to the congestion of all the runners, but I'm alone, not conditioned to steep hills so I could use all the help I can get, and it allows me to be more upright which makes breathing so much easier. When I get to the top of the hill, there is the dilemma of to just hold them in my hand while running, collapse them down and hold them, or re-stow them. I kind of did a combination of all three on this run, seeing what works and how easy it is to collapse and rebuild them and stow them all while on the move (these poles are amazing, by the way, are so easy to collapse and make full length again and are super light if you do decide to carry them for extended periods). When I got to the road, I felt pretty good (just a little hot) so decided to take my jacket off and stow it in my pack, and run the horseshoe back to the car.
As I got going on the run back, I plodded along the flattish meadow and then hit the gradual uphill, which seems like it should be so runnable, but has always been a tough spot for me, mentally. I did a combo of run/hike to the narrow side hill where I know I'll want my poles and will need to hike until I get back up to the ridge. I traverse the ridge, quite happy to chug along, grab my buff that I wore around my neck to wipe my sweaty face and Owwww! I forgot the first rule of trail running! You must always watch the trail in front of you. Just as I went to wipe my face, I kicked a rock (or maybe it was a mound of dirt) with my bunion toe. I catch myself before I hit the dirt face first, take a quick look around to make sure nobody is around to see it, and carry on being a bit more aware of my footing. My poor big toe joint throbs a bit but thankfully isn't so bad I can't run (Phew!). I get to the last downhill, carry on down it slowly since my trail legs will be needing a bit of work again, through the meadow and back to my lonely car in the parking lot. As I look at my elevation map, I have a revelation. I have always found running the horseshoe back so much harder than running it forward. But as I look at the elevation map, what looks like a gentle meandering slope as you're running is actually 1 1/2 km that just keeps climbing for over 100m. That is one long slope. I'd like to work on being able to run it in training, and will hopefully achieve that this summer with some hard work, but am pretty certain on race day, after running 17k with some other great hills in the 14k loop after the horseshoe, there will be no running it all! Baby goals though, right. Baby goals.
It felt great to get out for an actual trail run today. 6k of trails in the bag. I'll be starting my official training plan next week for my 12.5k trail race in July and my 20k trail race in September, and I can't wait! We'll hopefully get our houseboat launched in the next week so we'll be spending weekends out there, living the life! Floating on the water, training in the hills, playing on the beach....what more could a girl ask for? Retirement so I could do it full time😂 ...... but I'm a long way off of being able to afford that 😢. Some day hopefully, some day.
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SaskAlliecat
Graduate10
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Your runs are so completely different to what many of us will ever do in the UK SaskAlliecat, so your posts are so fascinating to read. You go from running completely covered in your winter of minus degree temperatures to avoid frostbite ❄️❄️ to running completely covered in the spring to avoid midges and ticks🦟🦟. You are a pioneer runner indeed. Amazing pictures of your landscape too.
On the subject of insects, I did an evening race in April near a lake and waterways, and wore my long leggings which had a design of reflective dots below the knees. While I waited for a friend to finish, unbeknown to me, mosquitoes 🦟 🦟 were being attracted to the reflective lights and I was covered in bites all over my calves. I couldn’t believe that they could bite through Lycra, but it is more stretched at that point.
Keep enjoying your prairie and hill running girl 🏃♀️🏃♀️And I’ll carry on jogging along the prom.
That is an interesting point how the mosquitos were attracted to the reflective points on your tights. I’ll have to remember that when the mosquitos come out. Last year we were in a drought so the mosquitos weren’t bad. We seem to going that way again this year (not great for our farmers but sure is nice for the people) but time will tell. I am amazed how they can bite through so many fabrics including denim 😫.
Enjoy your prom runs. It was so nice to run without headphones listening to all the birds again and trying to determine if the roots were roots or snakes as I approached them. Fortunately they were all roots yesterday 😰
Fortunately they're bull snakes so not poisonous but can get quite large and can be quite intimidating. The race directors posted a video of this huge one they came across last year on the trail. It was massive and hissing. They can be mistaken for rattlesnakes with how they respond to a threat. It wasn't too happy to see them. I've always got my eyes peeled for them...except last year when I was driving down the road, staring up at the hills, felt a huge bump, bump and saw in my rear view mirror I had ran over one. It was thrashing about. When I drove back after my run, it was gone. I can't believe it survived, but it was huge 😱
None in our area but have been found in other areas of this river valley further north. I hope they stay north, I'm not a huge fan of bears but have a massive respect for them having grown up in an area with them. There are a few trail races I've looked into that have required kit including bear spray (you can actually buy a running belt designed to carry bear spray so it is very accessible) but I'm not signing up for those....yet
Wow, and there’s us worried about tripping over dogs at parkrun! My friend used to live in Montreal and she’d go out hiking and tell us stories to make our hair curl. Take care out there x
Fascinating post Sask! As Dexy says, so different to what we do.
Have you seen Gary Robbins doing the Barkley Marathons? He uses those collapsible poles. I thought they were a bit over the top in terms of kit but you described their use perfectly so I understand now why they are necessary.
If you haven’t seen his documentary, you really need to, I think you’ll love it (on YouTube, ‘Where Dreams go to Die’).
I have! That is one crazy race. An extreme ultra to say the least and so much mystery to go with it. Their legs are so trashed running through thorny shrubby areas. I’m fascinated by the race but have zero desire to ever do that kind of ultra!
There are definitely divided opinions on poles and I wouldn’t use them for groomed terrain but sure is nice in rugged terrain with steep inclines. I got them mid season last year and it really helps. It does add to the faffage though but I should get lots of practice before my big race and will know when to pull them out and when to stow them hopefully since I’ll run the route a bit before race day.
Thank you so much Floss. With every post I hesitate a bit because they are so long but I like to bring everyone along with me. I’m glad you enjoy them.
It has been such a long winter! I’ve been trying to get out to the lake for a while now and even though yesterday wasn’t the ideal day to make it happen, I just had to! There was still some snow in the ditches driving out to the lake but was pleasantly surprised to not find any on the trail I was running.
The vest is amazing! So comfortable. I’ll be interested to see how it feels when I’m wearing a tank top under it. Hopefully there are no rub points. My friend has a different hydration pack (camelback) and she can’t wear a tank top - it rubs too much. When it gets hot, I like to run in as little clothing as possible 😱- such a change from winter. On the last stretch when I stowed the piles for the last time they were pushing into my right shoulder blade so something wasn’t right. That was the only time I felt it so I should get better at finding the right position with practice. It might be because my jacket was in the back pouch changing the angle of the poles.
I’m already thinking about which trail I want to run the next time I’m out there (hopefully next weekend) and will be sure to bring you all along with me 😊
The posts are glorious...please do keep them coming...
I will try my vest with a tank top too...although I tend to cover up...even with a light t shirt...after the infected horsefly bite last Summer..I am a bit neurotic ...!
I am intending getting more Trail runs in...not as dramatic locations as yours though! Xx
Understandable! Horseflies are so nasty and aggressive. That was a nasty bite you got last year. I hope you can get some more trail runs in; I find them so interesting, peaceful and enjoyable. It is the only time I run without music, listening instead to the birds, bugs and watching for other wildlife.
Wow Sask, well done! Such a lot of kit you have to take and so different to most of us who take nothing but ourselves and just walk out of the back door to country lanes or city streets.
I hope you have a great spring and summer, it must be wonderful to see the landscape without snow after a long hard winter! 😀
Yes, lots of kit. I'm sure some run with less, but it is so isolated and rugged I like to be prepared for anything that could happen. Last year I just had a run belt with water and bought the poles at the end of the season but I was training for the 10k and that race is on less isolated trails. It does take some prep and it will get more as it heats up and less clothes is worn - sunscreen, antichafe products, more water and fuel. I do love running these trails though. It is worth every bit of faffage that there is.
It is nice to have most of the snow melted. The landscape is so dry and brown right now, but soon it will be lush and green.....and then back to scorched brown if we're in another drought this year. Time will tell.
Fortunately there aren't bears in my area. There are some in the same river valley but quite a bit north so I don't worry about them. We did scare up some moose last year, and a couple cows 😆
I definitely had more muscular legs and tushy after last summer that's why I was quite surprised my Physio found really weak glute medius when I saw her last month. I've got some exercises I'm supposed to be doing, but will hopefully be well balanced and strong by the end of summer 💪. It sure is nice to get back out there. It was a long cold winter and I was getting bored with running in town. This should re-ignite my spark again!
Wow what a run!!! What a route !! Sounds more like an adventure than a run. Hard work though with those climbs. Huge Well done 👍. You are inspiring me to find new routes too 😀 . I Hope that toe has settled down for you. Good luck sask with the training. Keep us posted.
It is definitely an adventure! The toughest part is looking at the slow pace when it is all said and done, but then you look at the elevation change and you feel a bit better about it. It was tough though when I started trail running to try and let it go. I'm hoping to get a bit faster this year, but we'll see. Fortunately the toe feels good today! Ready for next week's run out there again, if I'm lucky!
It is definitely a whole different world. I like that it is more about the adventure and the accomplishment of tackling those hills and the terrain vs always trying to run faster and faster. Walking /hiking is encouraged, especially up the hills since you can hike them faster than run them and it is best to save the legs for the runable areas. of course, it is fun to run up some of the shorter banks and feel like a bad@ss 😂. Of course I am going to do a bit more speed work when I'm running in town to help to get stronger and maybe faster, but I'll never run 5k in 30 minutes out there!
I have a huge dislike of ticks but running these trails (and dealing with lots of ticks on dogs at work) has helped some. I would never go out though without lots of bug spray. I didn't run through any tall grass but there were times the grass would run my leg so I'd stop and do a tick check. None found yesterday. phew! There is often a few expletives said when I find one 😱!
The first time I ran with my trail running partner who lives out there, she took me through some tall grass. I was wearing long white socks so I could see if any ticks were crawling up my legs. All of a sudden she heard was me yelling an F-bomb and to run faster, faster as I ran up her back side. We were still fairly new friends at that point. She wasn't sure what was wrong, but she high-tailed it. When we hit the road, I told her I had just flicked a tick off me and just had to get through the grass as fast as possible. We laughed so hard because she had no clue why I was swearing at her. It is a good thing she's easy going. We still laugh about it and she now knows if she hears me swear or scream, it is likely just a tick....but she still tries to lead me astray through tall grass 😩.....and I still follow her😜
You often need snacks and perhaps a cup of coffee to get through my posts. I have a tendency to be a little (ok more than a little) long winded....but you know you get to come along for the ride 🙂. Glad you enjoyed it. Now I want to go read some Jon Krakauer - might just have to add him to my reading lists.
Reading it in parts is probably a good idea....it is quite novel-like 😆.
Every year I seem to pick a hill that I "think" I should be able to run. I didn't quite achieve my hill last year, but I got pretty close. I did a pile of hill repeats and will likely do some similar drills this year. It is nice to have goals 🙂 ....other than surviving the distance which is my big goal this year (to end the race strong and be able to walk two days after my race - I booked some time off work for after the race this year, I'm a little worried Crouching down at work might not be possible the next day or two 😂).
It's funny, even though this is my third year trail running, I still feel like such a newbie. There is always so much to learn and there are some amazing racers that come to our event. I'm pumped to up my distance this year and see how it feels to run it on the trails. I found the last bit of training for my HM on the road a bit daunting. I don't think I'll feel that way on the trails, but this year will be the test. When I'm running on the trails, i don't usually have much else I'm worried about since it usually means I'm at the lake in relax-mode. I'm usually shocked to find out how long we'd been out, the time passes so quick with the great scenery and wildlife. It really is a great way to spend a day.
The longest part is driving to the lake if we're not already out there, which is 30 minutes from home. Otherwise it isn't too bad. It's all part of the routine and I have all the stuff together. It can get a little longer in the summer as less clothing is worn and I have to worry about chafing so glide is applied, Tailwind is made, snacks are packed. I haven't tried the bladder yet for this hydration pack but will be this summer once it gets hot and I need more than a litre of fluid. So that will be a bit more faffage. I'm fairly used to faffage though with trying to get ready to run in the middle of my winters where it is often well below zero and lots of layers are worn. Too extremes in my part of the world 😂
Saskie, I can barely breathe reading your posts. And as for that poor toe clunk, i almost turned blue. Will she tumble, will she fall? Not our alley cat. I'm in awe of that run - you are a toughie. I am delighted to read that there will also be rest and recreation on the boat. I dare any tick to get through those socks 'though. Hope the on call weekend wasn't too difficult.
P.S. Looking forward to the next run report with a photo of the poles please
I wish I was as graceful as an alley cat but fear I am more like a Bassett hound puppy tripping over her ears 😂. I usually manage at least one fall early in the season as a good reminder that this isn't the same as road runnng and I better pay more attention. I'll definitely take and include a picture of the poles on the next trail run report.
My weekend on call has been a doozy. I've been at work more than at home. I was there until 3 in the morning last night, back at 9 am, just got home to have lunch and got called so I need to head back in. Not how I wanted to spend Mother's Day - me at work while my boys are at the lake. Oh well, we'll have fun next weekend. I'm all the happier to have gotten that run in on Friday now!
Good for you for grabbing that time to run when you could. Well, the weekend is almost over and you have next weekend free I hope. Take it easy if you can
We're fortunate the tick that is most common here doesn't carry Lyme's disease. But it is still possible given we pulled a tick off a dog at work which was the species that can carry Lyme. I'll be putting a little container in my vest to put any ticks I find on me in if they're not the usual kind. I don't want to mess around with Lyme's disease, that's for sure!
Goodness sake, I need a lie down, and a strong cup of tea! 😱 Fantastic stuff Sask,👏 you're proper hardcore. As I suspected from your cold weather runs 😬 Here's to plenty more, hopefully minus ticks and snakes, and stubbed toes🤞
Fantastic SaskAlliecat!! Sounds like a great adventure. 😁😁! The houseboat will be amazing too!! I must say... especially the beach bit.👌🏽 Happy running! 🤩🤩❤️
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The goodness of humans and the beauty of well-kept trails
