Don't often see Elk when running: But I did last... - Couch to 5K

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Don't often see Elk when running

OldNed profile image
OldNedGraduate
20 Replies

But I did last week. We've been on hols in western Canada and, I'm sorry to say, running has been low on the agenda. But I did manage two runs. I've been promising myself a run round the seawall in Stanley Park, Vancouver ever since I started C25K and I'm really pleased to say I can tick that one off. It's a good 10K in a great venue. My run was on Labour Day, and very hot too, so the park was heaving with people. I didn't record a time (mostly because I'd forgotten to put my running watch on; Doh!) but I know it was slow. Well, on hols wasn't I? The picture attached is on the seawall, just in front of the Girl In a Wetsuit statue. I think we need a picture competition, not of girls in wetsuits, although.... No, [slaps self vigorously] of far-flung places with C25K t-shirts in them.

And then a week went by before the next run in some woodland just north of Banff and there, lying down and minding his own business, was a stonking great bull Elk with a massive set of antlers. I was about 10 metres away from him and I think we mutually agreed not to disturb each other. he carried on lying down and I ran off. We also saw a bear in the woods near Jasper (no, not doing...) but I wasn't running then, although if the bear had started moving towards me I might have been!

But all this infrequent running (and lots of yummy Canadian food & drink) leaves me with a less-than-perfect level of running fitness before the Great Yorkshire Run, two weeks today. Ooh-er, missus; better get those legs moving again.

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OldNed profile image
OldNed
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20 Replies
IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Love the photo, OldNed and I am jealous. What a wonderful place to run. I have never seen elk, bears or girls in wetsuits on my runs.....I feel cheated.

Good luck with the Great Yorkshire Run. Is that a half marathon?

OldNed profile image
OldNedGraduate in reply toIannodaTruffe

Thanks IT. The Great Yorkshire is 10K, which is quite enough at this stage! Mind you, it might, just might be a prelude to the Sheffield half-marathon next year.

Honorsmum profile image
Honorsmum

Sounds like the perfect balance of r&r&r - rest and relaxation and running :-)

Love that you came across an elk - how many of us can say that! Fab photo too.x

OldNed profile image
OldNedGraduate in reply toHonorsmum

Thanks Honorsmum; I like the concept of r&r&r. Must bear that in mind as a holiday theme for the future.

Oldgirl profile image
OldgirlGraduate

Wonderful Oldned well done on running around Stanley Park, there is quite a climb up to the point you are at if I remember right. Like the idea of photo's in far flung locations, will have to pop my C25K T into my half packed suitcase. Enjoy your 10K, hope the weather stays good for you, its like winter here today, ugh :(

OldNed profile image
OldNedGraduate in reply toOldgirl

Thanks Oldgirl, there are climbs from the seawall into the centre of the park but it's reasonably flat all around the perimeter. It did seem like quite a long 10K though, although perhaps I'd been distracted by the girl in the wetsuit!!! I'm hoping for warmer weather here for the GYR - it's perishing cold here today too.

ju-ju- profile image
ju-ju-Graduate

.... But did you see any panthers??!!!!! Wow Ned I love the pic and what an amazing run . Sounds like a great holiday . Great idea about far flung places. I'm planning on 1 marathon a year when I get to that level in European cities... Paris is number one... Good to have you back!!

OldNed profile image
OldNedGraduate in reply toju-ju-

Do you know, I looked hard for panthers but not one to be seen! I like the "marathons in European cities" plan; Team C25K runs Europe. We'll need a new t-shirt design at this rate!

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor in reply toOldNed

Now there's a business opportunity....C25k European marathon package holidays. The chance to meet all those familiar posters on neutral ground and go running with them. It's a winner all the way.

OldNed profile image
OldNedGraduate in reply toIannodaTruffe

Hmm, think you might be right!

in reply toju-ju-

Really fancy the Amsterdam Marathon at some point and i'm sure it will be flat :-)

swanscot profile image
swanscotGraduate

Smashing picture, OldNed. You look super fit even if indulging in plenty of R&R.

I, too, am running 10 km two weeks today and have done very little training,

OldNed profile image
OldNedGraduate in reply toswanscot

Thanks Swanscot. In a nice illustration of how international Vancouver is, the pic was taken by a passer-by I asked and who turned out to be from Venezuela. I think we were similar distances away from home but in different directions! Best of luck with your 10K; have faith, we can do it.

SBG356 profile image
SBG356Graduate

Great photo, great run and great experience Ned! :) Looking forward to hearing about your GYR, can't believe it's here already!

Sue

OldNed profile image
OldNedGraduate in reply toSBG356

Scary isn't it!

sheffkezz profile image
sheffkezzGraduate

OMG I love Stanley Park and Vancouver. I am so jealous. Only ever biked around it would love to go back someday and run it.

OldNed profile image
OldNedGraduate in reply tosheffkezz

It was pretty good; I'm so glad I did it.

ancientrunner profile image
ancientrunnerGraduate

If that elk had moved you'd have done a great PB!! Looks a great place. Linda

OldNed profile image
OldNedGraduate in reply toancientrunner

I certainly would Linda; he was a big chap! And Canada was great; love it there. If I was younger, with my working life ahead of me, I'd be very tempted to emigrate.

Lovely pic and blog, wish I'd bought my grad shirt on holiday now, what a fab idea. Must remember to take to Berlin in November. Sound like a fantastic run in Vancouver, enjoy the rest of your hols :-)

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