Burnaby Mountain Killer Hill

I have to admit that in the 15 years I have been living and running in Vancouver I had never ventured to Burnaby Mountain. Fortunately, I tested the course descriptions a few weeks before the Burnaby Mountain Run and can vouch that the views are spectacular. Unfortunately, on the morning of the events, the clouds hung very low and none of the participants were treated to the breathtaking scenery.

Not only did the clouds hang low, rain also hammered down on the group of diehards assembled at the start line in Burnaby Mountain Park. Nevertheless, the majority of the Fat Asses planned to do the full 2 loops for a total of 24km. Not so Maureen and myself who gingerly set out to run 12km and were hoping not to be lapped by the hot shots...

Following Pandora's Trail steeply downhill through deep mud puddles we soon lost sight of the leaders and tried stay close to Craig and Sharon whose bright jackets lead the way. Alas, they took a wrong turn and we found ourselves alone on the course.

The first half of the course is either downhill or flat...which leaves the question what to expect from the second half. Answer: A killer hill! Old Buck and Homestead are benign in comparison to this ascent. As Maureen and myself huffed and puffed to the top, we traded war stories of being lost in the fog during some previous adventures. Thanks to Maureen for pulling me up there!

The rain was still coming down when we finally made our way back to the start. Luckily, nice restrooms allowed us to get rid of the wet gear and change into warm fleecies. I only thawed eating soup at the post party get together....

Gotta come back in the sunshine.