I am back. I know, it seemed like it would never happen. Although, just because I have have not been writing does not mean I have been sitting on the couch eating potato chips and drinking soda pops. I have been engrossed with skiing up at Whistler as well as running along the seawall and trails of the North Shore. I also tried yoga for the first time ever. Meh!
I thought that I would make my triumphant return to the blog with a quick blurb about my amazing trail run this morning. Today was a particularly nasty day (see rain, cold, wind, mud) and not the best environment for a run up a muddy trail. But this is the kind of weather I thrive in, gross. I still hold on to the belief that winter does not truly exist in Vancouver. If my feet are not numb while wearing flip flops, then it is not winter.
My run today existed during my first block spare at school, where I teach Social Studies and History. I chose to do a hill work-out as it is shorter an necessary for my upcoming races. I picked a trail that had a lovely 1km hill, perfect for repeats.
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| Just a little bit of mud on the shirt. |
The trail was muddy, wet and oh so much fun. With each step I was getting basted with mud and that just made it truly enjoyable. The trail started out with a gradual incline, and then, once over a wooden bridge, I climbed a series of steep switchbacks to a flat section where I was able gain some speed to propel me up a steep rocky gully the drains the energy form the legs. The top flattened out before the final 60 m push to the end. It is a good trail to work on your climbing legs, especially for going fast. The downhill is also fast with only one tricky section through the switch backs.
I did several repeats up the hill before turning around and heading back to the school to teach. I ended the workout with a wet walk through the halls back to my classroom. I was pulling off the classic look, red flip flops, sweat pants and a hoody. Oh so classy Mr. Pedersen.
I'm back and will make sure that I keep you all informed of my training progress and my many adventures.
