Was a great day out, though the heavens opened with thunder and a bit of lightning just as I got there and did not stop until we were done (of course). I was just happy to be there after having dealt with some health issues earlier in the week. But they were gone today. I already knew this would be tough from the Orientation 20k loop we did a few weeks back. The rain today turned the trails to squelchy soup, and I realized my trail shoes were great for up and down hills, but had no traction left to right for banked hills. And so I face planted, not once but twice. That’s why my pants are more muddy than average trail use. I also now know what the mud there tastes like
With so many hills and mud in the rain, I just kind of said ‘whatever’, let’s roll with it and it was a lot of fun. I wound up walking many of the big hills again, and the scenery was just beautiful. The foliage was green and full of life. There was also a raging river in the middle somewhere. At the end I was so wiped I just collapsed next to a tent and did not get my medal until I realized 20 min later in the banana lineup! 😁. Met a couple of the Ninja runners there too which was great. They are seasoned trail runners and much faster than me. My avg pace was 7:03 and finish time was 2:56 for 25k; two minutes shorter than my Around the Bay 30k race. Those hills were challenging!
Written by
Decker
Ultramarathon
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Whoohoo! You rocked those trails today. I’m so glad your earlier health issues didn’t prevent you from participating today. So are you a convert now, searching for more trail races or prefer the faster road races? I like the “whatever” attitude of a trail race, excited to finish upright versus always trying to get faster and faster, but I know not everyone is a fan of the unpredictable and slower pace. You’re a seasoned trail runner now that you’ve tasted the dirt, you know 😂
Yes it was awesome. I will definitely be doing more trail training runs and maybe a race or two. Also because this was an ultra, their snack game was amazing with PBJ sandwiches and spring rolls and some of the stations. Learned not to carry extra water bottles and to leave my rain jacket in the car next time. They really weighed me down at the end. Overall I was just happy to have gotten there.
Well done, old boy, THAT is some serious business! I see that your image is slowly following your chosen races and fully expect to see you, mid-race, quickly jumping in a river, catching a salmon and devouring it like them grizzly bears on nature programs. l am well impressed but can't see myself in a red Bulls top landing in a pool of mud, face first. London fashion police would disown me in an instant.
It was more like amateur geezer flails his way around wheezing like a steam train. 🤣I should’ve worn a Raptors jersey. Our city is manic this morning with the Toronto Raps going to the NBA finals for the first time in history!
You may describe yourself as an amateur geezer, but you've still done the works, my friend - doing that distance, doing it in the circumstances you've described, that business is hardcore - respect to you!
As for the Raps? Well, wow, l wish you fellas all the best!
l love my basketball. Nicks doubted Jordan, he ended up in Chicago. They were the new boys and did what they did. At that time Golden State were what exactly? Exactly.
You and l were a duet of pedestrians a few seasons ago. Now we call some shots in our own game and none can take it away from us. 👍
What a great race report, Decker! Sounds like a fantastic and very challenging course 😮 and the muddy pictures bring it all to life! So tired you forgot the BLING? Now that says it all! (Glad you got it though - its fab!) Rest up well, you deserve it!😀👍
Thanks Sandra, yes I’ve even more respect for these trail running people now. I still need more hill training. Glad I remembered the medal too And the swag was nice with a duffel bag and my new favourite coffee mug!
Sulphur springs? can't imagine that mud tasted very good! You're really powering through your races at the moment! No stopping you. I'm quite tired just reading that report ... Great job
There was a strange lingering scent to the water there. More floral than Sulphur. 😊 That’s it for me for awhile I think. I just have the Waterfront marathon in October to train for now.
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I also now know what the mud there tastes like
Mud glorious mud! Widnes Chris Lam 5 mile trail race. 
