The Greatest Adventure of them all

I have been neglecting this blog because I have embarked on the greatest adventure I can imagine. Teaching. ALWAYS an adventure. I live for adventure

That is all.

Chris

50k = 55k Part II

Wow. It has been several months since I last updated this sight and entertained you with tales of my adventures. I apologize. In the next post I will describe the adventure that has delayed my words from emerging on this page.

When you last checked in, I was describing my first ever ultra-marathon.

After correcting our mistake the group of eight took the right path and began our long climb up Frosty Mountain. I separated from the group here as I sprinted ahead, hoping to make up lost time. 

The climb up Frosty Mountain started out in the forest and then ascended to meadows and eventually an alpine, rocky environment. It was here that the day went from glorious sunshine to snow, rain and fierce wind. Every step I took it felt like the mountain was trying to push me onto the jagged rocks below. 

I had to stop once to put on my jacket as the wind was tearing at my flesh, causing it to go numb. The ascent was painstakingly slow as there was a bottleneck up the path.

Finally I arrived at the top and managed to glimpse the mountain range behind me. The view was worth the effort it took to get up. I was now ready for the long descent back into the race.

The descent down was fast and I eventually arrived at km 25, halfway. I stopped at the snack station, grabbed some gummy worms, potatoes and chocolate and continued on my way. I now had a long descent, followed by long rolling hills before that last descent to the finish line. I continued along the lake for 5 km before starting up the path to the next summit.

This was the hardest part of the race. I had to run along the shore and the whole time I could see the finish line. Begging me to come to her, begging to me stop and just give up. That was mentally draining. I was glad to enter the tress and get away from that tempation.

Stay tuned for Part III.

50k = 55k — Part 1

It is a tough thing to run a 50 km race, even tougher when a wrong turns extends the race by an extra 5 km. This is what happened to me during my first ever ultra-marathon, the 50 km Frosty Mountain Ultra in Manning Park, British Columbia. My aim was to run the race in 6 hours and 30 minutes or less, so I had a lot of work to do. 

The day before the race, I was teaching until 3:30 so I had a tough decision to make regarding departure from Vancouver. I could either leave right then, fight traffic and get to the trailhead early and sleep in my car. Or, I could go home, relax and leave very early in the morning. I decided to leave ridiculously early in the morning as I was exhausted after a long day of teaching and did not want to sleep in my car. I believe I made the right decision. 

After leaving my house at 4 a.m, the drive to the race was uneventful, I only pulled over once for some  food and once to have a 20 minute nap. I pulled into the parking lot 1.5 hours before the race and preceded to take another nap. It was glorious. I was tired after being awake so early.

With about 45 minutes to go until the race started, I awoke, found water, changed, chatted with a guy from kelowna named Neil and registered. I got a sweet bib number, a sweatshirt and the info about the aid stations. It was at this point that I really started to get nervous and cold. I realized, it may be possible that what my friends and colleagues were saying was correct. Maybe I am a little crazy. But, that is something for future Chris to deal with. The morning was very chilly and I was wearing by big insulated jacket to keep warm. My hands and feet were slowing going numb and I was eager to get running.

A minute to go before the race!!!!

My heart was racing and my stomach was all knots. I needed to start so I could get rid of this nervousness. Despite feeling this way I loved every minute of it. Being nervous makes be aware of what's going on around me and it sort of makes me feel more alive. And it is only a big competition that can do this to me.

Suddenly, the race directer yelled "go" and we were off. A mass of people, pushing and elbowing to get a decent race position. I got out near the front and held that for the first 8k until a wrong turn devastated my day. 

For the first 8k, I was in the chase group (there were two crazy fast runners ahead of us) and we were moving along at a pretty fast pace. From the start we stayed on a nice flat trail for 3km and then the climbing began and it never seemed to stop. All day was just one climb after another. We would run, walk, run walk our way up the first climb until we got to the first aid station at 8k. There was nobody there, no water, food, snacks or directions. Only a sign attached to a post saying aid station.

There were about eight of us in this lead group and we decided to head straight up the hill rather than go off on the trail that branched to the right. So we continued up hill for another 3 k until we got to the end of the trail. There we realized that we had taken a wrong turn and were now far behind all the other racers. We turned around, descended and sped downhill as fast as we can. We got back to the aid station and daw the two volunteers there who were supposed to tell us where to go. We found the right trail and sped off to try to catch up. By this point we were 5km behind everybody else. Regardless to say the rest of the day was spent running with our little group of miscreants trying to pull people in and climb our way up the results ladder.

I have to say that I was disappointed by the race organziers. There should have been appropriate signage at this aid station and the volunteers should have arrived before the runners to ensure the proper course was followed. We all read the maps before but it wasn't that helpful. We were told there would be signs and people watching for us. This was not the case and it cost us 25 minutes in the race. But alas, the only thing better than running 50k is running 55k. 

Stay tuned for part two. 

%@&! Happens

%@&! Happens and we all must deal with it. I just dealt with some lately and while it initially breaks us down, it allows us to reflect and discover who we really are. 

I recently drove back to Vancouver after three wonderful weeks in Calgary. It was great being back home, that really is where my heart belongs. But for now I am living in Vancouver, a place I also love. But it is a big adjustment now that I am no longer at UBC. Vancouver this year will be much different than last year. I have to find some work to complement my teaching and focus on my training for ultra marathons.

I stopped by Takkakaw Falls on the drive back to Vancouver. It is good to get out of
the car and stretch the legs.

My shit occurred around missing a job posting, a job that would have been great and I would have had a really good chance of getting. But oh well, it wasn't meant to be. The person who got the job is very deserving and will make an excellent run at it. Hopefully success follows her.

I learned that I need to check the job posting website everyday. My bad. This incident and some very powerful talks with my parents and friends allowed me to reflect on all the other positive accomplishments and paths in my life. I have much more going for me than many people and I am lucky for that. For instance, a big part of my life is trail running and my focus for this year, along with teaching is running ultra-marathons. So, I can really focus on that this year. I also recently. took a canoe guiding course and will be doing some guiding this year around Vancouver. So that is another fantastic aspect of my life. Also, I plan on travelling extensively next year, to Patagonia and perhaps even the Himalayas.

So, one door slammed in my face, shit happens and I was devestated. But I realize that I am not a one dimensional person. I am going to focus on my other dimensions and have some amazing adventures. 

I learned how to use the big canoes. I can now guide people in them.

So I am going to end this post with optimism and I know Vancouver will be great this year, I just have to get used to it. I did manage to get a 35km trail run in today (Sunday) so that was great. I am starting to explore the trails on the north shore and have enjoyed getting lost while finding my way.

Blood, flies and the Rockwall

This run took place on the same day As Jack Layton's funeral. I came home and watched it, very emotional. Layton loved the environment so instead of staying home to watch it live, I went and and enjoyed the wilderness. You were and always will be an inspiration Jack Layton. I even wore my orange flip flops to honour you yesterday.

As I arrived at Floe Lake my ankle was bleeding and my legs were screaming for mercy. I had just run 10k straight up, from the parking lot to Floe Lake in Kootenay Park, British Columbia. I don't start off runs well as it takes me time to get my legs under me and my body operating at full capacity. To start a run with 10k of climbing, that was pure hell. I cut my ankle on some rocks on the ascent and my foot was drenched in blood. Even running in the mountains can cause harm to a person's body. With all that said, it was worth it and I got to enjoy the beauties of Floe Lake. 

Crossing this beauty before starting the climb to Floe Lake

An alpine meadow on the way up to Floe Lake

Floe Lake

I am still bringing my body back from an IT Band injury, so my climbing legs have not yet returned. So on the way up I was not setting a very good pace and it hurt my pride to have to take the breaks. Then I realized that the only good thing about doing all this climbing is that the entire second half of the 30k run would be downhill or on moderately rolling terrain. I would really be able to fly then.

At the top of Nema Pass. All downhill now.

After the stop at Floe Lake to absorb the scenery, contemplate this crazy adventure and take some pictures, I hit the trail and started to climb again, this time 2.5k to the top of Nema Pass. My high point on the day. I fared better on this climb as I had some energy after my tiny break, but it was still a pathetic pace I set. I will have to do a lot of climbing and hill running in the next three weeks before my ultra marathon in September.

After summiting Nema Pass, I began the descent and before I got even 80 metres from the summit I saw a group of ladies heading up the scree slope. As I was getting closer one of them yelled, "It's a runner." I found this amusing, they must have either witnessed too many runners and had some kind of experience or were so shocked someone would run these trails that they were simply calling out. Or they just wanted to make sure that everybody knew somebody was coming down the path. Most likely the third one, but I still found the way she stated it it quite funny.

The descent down to Nema Falls was quite uneventful. I quickened my pace to make up for my slow ascent and caught my time per/km up to a respectable pace. If I can maintain that pace for another 20km I will set a respectable time for my first ultra.

The descent trail took me through forests and along creeks and I was constantly attacked by huge flies and monstrous bushes the entire way. I only passed a couple hikers on the way down, as they were slogging up to Nema Pass. I did not envy them and their massive packs.

After 30k I was glad to see the parking lot and the wonderful falls. It was a great run and taught me what I need to work on before my race in three weeks. I headed back to Calgary and watched the fireworks competition at night. It was a great day of adventure and mental and physical exercise.

The river at the end of the run

My "Protege" Emergeth

My latest adventure did not take place in a wild environment or alpine meadow. It happened in Calgary, my home town. I bought a car. A 2003 Mazda Protege 5. The steed that will deliver me to the mountains and the adventures inherent within.

I have my "Rocinante." Now it just needs a name of its own.

I had never undertaken an adventure such as this so I got help from my Mom and Dad. I found the cars and they went with me to look at them, helped me ask the right questions and made sure i got a very nice car. So I thank them wholeheartedly, I could not have done anything without them. Thank you Mom and Dad.

In Don Quixote, "Cervantes skirts the issue of Rocinante’s aesthetic worth by stating that Rocinante was a rocin, a work horse, rather than some noble steed." Similar to Cervantes fictional Rocinante, my new vehicle is not a flashy car or a speed demon. It is a car that will take me on many adventures and be a true and solid car. I do not need it to be flashy, I need it to provide me with the freedom to escape the city, hold me when I sleep at the trail head and take me across the continent from race to race. 

I have to support my favourite Canmore pub. This sticker is on the back of my car.

I found my "Rocinante" and it will carry me to many adventures in the future.

Moose "Brokeback" Mountain

This post will be particularly interesting for those of you that have seen the award winning film Brokeback Mountain. Today, I ran to the summit of Moose Mountain, the mountain used in the film.

Moose Mountain. I would soon be up at the high point (peak on left)

I wish I had a horse to take me to the top as it was a lot of elevation gain in only 6km. The trail started out with a nice descent for a km, which I knew would be hell on the way back, before rising steeply and consistently for the next 6km. After the descent, the trail followed a well trodden fire road before opening into a beautiful alpine meadow before you traverse the ridge of Moose Mountain. Looking at the peak from down below was intimidating and psyches you out. Just knowing that you have to climb that within the half hour leaves a sinking feeling in your stomach. Mostly, because you know that pain that is coming. 

There was little break in the climb until you reach the summit and the forest fire lookout. For me, it was pure hell and happiness. I had done only a little climbing since my knee injury so this was a good baptism by fire. I have never done a run this hard in my life. usually when I do hills I get some rest time between sets, but this was one hard slog to the very top. My legs burned the whole way up and even though I thought of giving up and heading down, I said "Shut up Body, Shut Up Legs" and pushed onward. I was rewarded with amazing views of the mountains, the foothills and the prairies of Alberta. It really is the best place to be in the entire world. Alberta you are awesome.

Me, on top of Moose Mountain. The view behind me is my reward for completing the gruelling climb.

I have a race coming up in the middle of September so I need all the distance and elevation training I can get. This race will be my very first ultra-marathon so I am nervous and excited at the same time. More of that to come later though.

I retuned to Calgary exhausted but extremely happy. I definitely deserved those beers I had later on at a Kensington Pub. Well deserved indeed.

Forgot my shoes today

Don't head to the mountains without your shoes. If you get nothing else from this post, I hope that at least you learn to always bring your shoes to the mountains. I learned a valuable lesson today.

My sister and I headed out to Banff today in the hopes of hiking the Bloom Lake Trail. Halfway out, I looked into the backseat and realized, in my tired state this morning, that I forgot my trail shoes. After much apology, we had to turn around and make alternate plans for the day, which turned out to be absolutely fantastic. Any day in the mountains is better than a day in the city. 

Sometimes a plan does not go according to, well, plan and we have to adapt to the circumstances. Instead of getting angry, simply realize that it is okay, nothing can be one and carry on with another great adventure. You can't control life, you have to absorb what comes forward. 

We hiked into Grassi Lakes instead and enjoyed the beautiful aqua-marine lakes, the towering rock walls and the superb views of Canmore. It is not a remote hike but that does not mean it is any less awesome. I used to climb here when I lived in Alberta so it was fun to go through the area as a passer-by. I enjoyed admiring the rocks and the lakes instead of having to worry about everything that goes along with rock climbing.

After spending a couple hours in the hills, we walked around Canmore, checked out the amazing stores and then had beer, soda and food at my favourite establishment in Canmore, the Grizzly Paw. They serve the best nachos and beer I have ever had. I love walking around Canmore because it is so diverse and eclectic. You see used book stores, high end furniture stores, gear stores, fantastic candy stores, a bagel shop, a fancy itlaian restuarnat. It is truly a town for everybody.  It was a great day and we arrived back in Calgary refreshed and looking forward to our next adventure. Hopefully mine will be a nice three hour trail run tomorrow. We can only hope.

Back on the trails

It's Saturday, time for another adventure in the mountains. This time I am visiting Ribbon Creek in Kananaskis country. We have a trail running date. I arrive at the trailhead around 10:00, it is already quite full with folks getting outdoors for some natural TLC. I load up my bag, gear up, take a pre-adventure dump in the loveliest smelling outhouse in Kananaskis and then head to the start of the trail.

Ribbon Lake Parking Lot. It is great to see so many cars.

Just driving to Kananaskis makes my heart skip, I just love being out in the Rocky Mountains, undertaking as much adventure as I can handle.

The first portion of my run is fairly easy as it is a rolling trail up to Ribbon Falls (11km in). I am currently coming back from an IT Band injury and my feet are not quite accustomed to trail running after the long lay-off. So for the first 10 k my feet are screaming as they are pounded, step after step into the alpine trail.

After Ribbon Falls the Trail began to get steep and then crossed some shale before leading right to a rock face. The only way up was to climb some chains bolted into the side of the mountain.

Once above the rock face, it is a short uphill run to Ribbon Lake and beyond. I round the lake and end up going through the trees before emerging in a beautiful alpine meadow. Running through this meadow brings me to another steep, muddy section of trail and finally the high point of my day, the junction that leads to Guinn Pass or Buller Pass. Now it is time to go down.

One the way down, I am stuck at the chains as a large group is moving quite slowly down said chains. Despite a seemingly inconvenient roadblock, I find it rather fortunate as I am able to take a little break, eat some food and air out my feet. Wonderful.

The rest of the way down my legs feel amazing. I am much stronger now that I have been running for a couple of hours. I fly by the people heading up to the falls and chains and I get to answer a couple questions from a wonderful lady about where I have been. She is amazed that I made it all the way to the junction.

I get off the trail and head to the stream to cool off. Sitting down in the water is exhilarating as it punished my legs with icy cold, alpine water. It instantly makes me feel great and I get to reflect on the run while wincing in pain. I know it is a good adventure when I need to cool off my legs off in a stream.