A new trail find

[Decker]

On the weekend I had the chance to run a new trail route. They are still allowing us to run here in Ontario for now, but there has been some pushback against runners from the casual walkers, media etc. I’ve gotten a few hard stares lately. It’s fine. I just try to go early and stay alone as much as possible. I’m also leaving even more space (3-7m) where possible. This trail series is just north of us. It turned out to be a lovely morning and I only came across a few people. I found another shorter trail this morning near my place that I want to check out next. Happy runs to everyone that can still get out, even if its just round the garden.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

If I could, I’d hop on a plane and run those beautiful trails Decker. What stunning scenery. 😍😍😍 It looks so peaceful.

I think it’s sad that some people have started to disapprove of runners. Yes, there are some “Covidiots” out there, not social distancing, intent on sticking to their chosen path come what may - but I’m sure most of us on here do the right thing and divert, or say thank you if walkers do so first. I’m ok in that my route is a wide open space so it’s easy to spot walkers and pick an appropriate trail. 🏃‍♀️

Hope you can continue to enjoy your runs and don’t get restricted further. 🤞

Take lots of care. 👍

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I was careful to crop out the creepy abandoned graffiti house Cheeky ! But it is quite peaceful in spots, once you get past it.

I'm just trying to be a good ambassador for runners, so pople don't get too worked up. I worry sometimes on the smaller trail bits that I won't startle a walker, but leaving early seems to work as they are all sleeping still

[C3PO Marathon]

It's lovely. Apart from the photo in the bottom left, it could be here.

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to C3PO]

It was quite lovely - I would love to visit your part of the world someday.

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

I would guess that the population density in parts of the southern end of Ontario is pretty high. Nearly all of my experience of the place is further north; forest, lakes and lovely people in small hamlets. More chance of being joined by a bear or moose on your morning run up there maybe! Supposed to get over there at the end of July, but not hopeful. Pity about the hard stares; people are just frightened. I am sure they won't put you off.

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Yes you are quite right BC, Southern Ontario is where Toronto sits, and you've got to drive around 2 hrs north to get up to Cottage Country where the smaller towns and wildlife are more prevalent. Last year we took the family up to Manitoulin Island which was just beautiful. We got an AirBnB with an older couple on a farm with horses and mules. The kids just loved it. And the runs were fantastic!

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

We have spent a few lakeside cabin holidays on cottage country; around Rice Lake and Plevna. Canoes and boats with outboards main means of travel. Beautiful, peaceful and friendly. Plenty of space for social distancing up there! Our daughter has now moved down to Windsor which is of course heavily populated and only a river’s width from Detroit. Plan is to see her at the end of July and go on to Hawaii....not hopeful though.

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Rice Lake sounds very familiar. I think we may have been there in years gone by. Lots of space for everyone up there! Yes Windsor is quite close to Detroit. Media is covering the health workers who work in the Detroit hospitals right now. They have it really bad. Who knows, we can hold out hope this all wraps up by July - I suspect the restrictions will be very slow to lift as they test the waters. Hawaii sounds wonderful. That is on my bucket list! Hope you can make it work

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Looks amaaazing! Lots of lycra bashing going on locally here too.

Someone called out a 'fifty something brunette female jogger wearing sunglasses' who told her and her three year old to F off when asked to keep 2m away. Absolutely apalling behaviour for sure. Only this family hadn't 'named and shamed' the dreadful lady on our local neighbourhood forum, instead they had described her ... and me, and possibly several other local runners. I felt judged by every pair of eyes for a few runs after that 😱. It's hard to imagine you meeting anyone on those trails from the photos- gorgeous!

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to linda9389]

That really is disappointing, but not fully unexpected - one of our runners here had a similar experience. My quest for quieter spots is actually paying off with some beautiful new found locations like this one, so there is a silver lining i guess.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Decker]

Lots of silver linings. It's making us question all sorts of things we usually do on autopilot. Some of the changes we make will definitely be for the better. Who knows what else we may discover 😊

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to linda9389]

I agree. Open minds lead to progress.

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

That looks absolutely beautiful...... I’m sure the air is so fresh there.

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Irishprincess]

The air really does feel cleaner and I'm sure it is with all the factories shut down for awhile. The earth must be breathing a little easier with this break.

[Oldfloss Administrator]

Simply beautiful...I think there are beginning to be more instances of .. you should not be running... folk about! I cannot understand why!

I am still wary of heading out onto the fields even.

Garden running is fun and challenging!

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Oldfloss]

We’re allowed out. End of 😃

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to misswobble]

yup!

[mrrun Ultramarathon in reply to misswobble]

Yeah. The letter of Law says that l can don a green jersey and run out there! Like a 55 year old vintage gazelle! To stop me you need to catch me.

[misswobble Marathon in reply to mrrun]

A chit of a lad 🌪🌪🌪🌪🌪🌪🏃‍♂️👍😃

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Oldfloss]

I try to be careful of other walkers and not to startle anyone but so far the earlier runs are much more solo. No one has spoken to me yet. If they have, I have not heard them as my music is usually on in my earbuds

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon]

I think people have misunderstood the guidelines. Some think you should stay very local, some think you're only allowed one hour. While every country has different rules, I went straight to the actual legislation....no mention of how long, or far, or indeed how many times a day you can go out. We must just use some common sense...where I live people are being sensible and even walking/running in the road if they need to to pass safely.

Lovely trails Roger, I love your pics xx

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

Common sense is often not that common 🙂 I saw a heron this morning, but it flew too far away to get a pic

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

I did Curly! The Statutory Instrument or sommat No mention of time or duration. it's just a one-liner "to take exercise either alone or with other members of their household"

I think the time thing cropped up after press doorstepped Gove, and he came up with an hour's walk and a 30 minute run, as an approximation of what he thought was reasonable.

I have the wording in my pocket in case

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

That idiot!! Yes, indeed, and in France they are only allowed out for one hour, people have confused that too.

I got called selfish when I commented that I had seen people on running groups saying they ran half or full marathons. I never said I did that myself..... It's so easy to confuse a moron...

[mrrun Ultramarathon]

Pushback against runners from casual walkers and media? Why? Is it because we run so they think we carry the virus quicker? What are those other guys doing there then?

Here some mention cyclists in the same light. I try and run away from anyone and will cross the road if l can when approaching someone. I stopped using parks and run roads only. So far so good. I wear basketball gear so they probably assume I'm harmless.

It looks beautiful where you run, and you should continue for as long you and everyone else is safe. Strange and challenging times we live in......but that will all pass.

Stay & keep well!

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to mrrun]

Yeah a bit of pushback. It’s just fear I think. People are not always rational when afraid. Also this study indicates more distance should be given behind runners, so a wider berth while passing I guess: medium.com/@jurgenthoelen/b...

There are some really nice spots I found thanks to the adventurous runners in my group scoping out new parks north of us, away from all the people