It is official. I am committed to tackle the full 50km on at the Vancouver New Year's Day 50 Run. Pat is in and Rhonda and Cheryl have expressed interest in joining us slow pokes. As Rhonda put it, "a 50K on New Year's Day would be an excellent way to spent the day....as in, I'm never in a hurry to finish and don't mind extending the time in an activity I love."
Time to begin the training. We started today with a jaunt into Stanley Park along the trails the New Year's Day Fat Ass 50 follows. Setting out from the Aquatic Centre at the Burrard Street Bridge on a beautiful sunny morning we followed the seawall west to Stanley Park. English Bay sparkled in the early sun rays smooth as a mirror. The forecast was for heavy rain and wind again, but it never materialized - seems to be a thread in my blog ;-).
Chatting away, we ran almost to Siwash Rock, before realizing we missed the turn into the trails. We hooked up with the proper route only to miss another turn. So much for Pat leading the way! No harm done, however, and the little detour rewarded us with the sight of two Bald Eagles perching on an ancient, albeit dead, giant cedar tree.
From Prospect Point the trails led downhill, eventually circling Beaver Lake where lots of Mallard Ducks were basking in the morning sun. Winding towards the ocean along Beaver Creek and Ravine Trail we smelled the salty air over Burrard Inlet. The last few km before our planned turnaround point at Brockton Oval (the start location on New Year's Day) seem to take forever, but at least we didn't get lost again...
Luckily, the return route appeared shorter, maybe because we stayed on the trails, maybe because a horde of interval runners pulled us along.
Pat and I (Achilles tendon permitting) are hoping to do all three upcoming CFA events: Go Home 20, M&M's Fun Run and Pure Satisfaction. Training runs on weekends with no events will focus on sections of the New Year's Day 50 course. If you are running turtle pace, why not join us? For those of you wanting to get to know the route, but training at a faster pace, the course description is posted year round.
See you on the trails.
Comments
Joining the New Years 50 training group
I used to have a great group of long distance, weekend, runners when I lived in Smithers. Since having kids and moving I'm just starting to build my distance again. I would love to join you in training for the New Years 50....great way to justify all the overeating of shortbread over the holidays. What day do you run?
The more the merrier!
Hi Lisa,
We are usually running Saturday mornings. Would be great if you can join us. We are very slow and stick together. I'll contact you offline regarding specifics.