Running in East Sooke Park and Harvesting Spaghetti Trees

I packed my bags during Friday's howling windstorm and amidst stories of power outages, canceled ferries and closed roads. While I was looking forward to the run, sailing to Vancouver Island through high waves was very low on the list of my favorite things to do...

Assuming the weather forecast would prove right and we'd run in cold rain for most of the 16km of the Spaghetti Tree run, I threw my rain gear and warm stuff for afterward into the ever growing pile for the road trip and added some Gravol to my breakfast menu for good measure.

A sleepless night despite the sudden calmness outside. I tossed and turned fearing I would miss Kat's carpool scheduled to pick me up at 5:30am...or did she say 5:00am? At 4:00 I finally rolled out of bed to toss the last forgotten items into my bag, switched on the coffee machine and swaddled Active Porker, the golden pig and club mascot in a warm blankie for the trip. Just as well, Kat, after not sleeping a wink herself, arrived 10 min early. Next stop, Reagan, near the city centre - then Claudia near the highway in Richmond. The happy bus was loaded!

We were plenty early for our 7am ferry reservation in Tsawassen. Porker decided to get out of the car and enjoy the ferry ride on the passenger deck. Nobody objected having a pig on BC Ferries and he got quite a bit of attention when he posed for photos in Active Pass. The skies were dry and beautiful, but the forecast called for more rain for the afternoon and by the time we drove off the ferry in Swartz Bay, the rain was coming down again.

Reagan and Active Porker had never been in Victoria and we gave them the whirlwind tour of everything important: Elk and Beaver Lake, location of the annual Elk/Beaver Ultras and 2010 ACU 50K National Championship, Thrifty Foods to stock up on food, the Empress for afternoon tea, the Parliament Building, the Royal British Columbia Museum and the Gorge (where we watched UVic win a rowing race over UBC).

Just so happened that Lysanne, one of the Spaghetti Tree Run organizers, was also on the Trestle Bridge watching the rowing race, and we were able to follow her car to the start in East Sooke Park. By the time we arrive at the little parking lot in the middle of nowhere, we were all cold and tired and eager to start running to get rid of the cobwebs.

Teagirl, aka Katie, had organized everything beautifully. There were maps and sign-in sheets, handheld radios and the little mainlander's group even ended up with their very own guide, non-other than the famous Jackal. Active Porker greeted everybody and then decided to wait in the car. Patty promised to keep him out of trouble.

Our little group soon fell to the back of the pack with an islanders group around Linda, Elaine and Fergus just ahead of us and fasties Doug, Lysanne and Katie disappearing immediately in the distance. The single track trails climbed steadily up and no one stayed cold very long. The trails were in exceptional condition, especially given the major windstorm that blew through just a day prior. All intersections were marked with big wooden trail plaques. Together with Katie's perfect route descriptions we didn't really need Carlos ;-) but it sure was nice to sit back and relax.

The chit chat centred around the scenery, past bagging mishaps and helicopter rides as well as April Fools pranks and looking for the elusive Spaghetti Trees. Did we find them? Did we harvest Spaghetti? This video might shed some light on these questions:

While Katies route description was impeccable, her GPS measurements were thought to be off. Because of all the ups and downs and zig and zags, the distance turned out farther than the GPS had us believe. The route wound its way past mossy rocks, Arbutus trees, wild strawberry plants in bloom, strange succulent, semitropical ground covers and ancient, abandoned copper mines, west to the shore line where the waves crashed against high cliffs. The views more than rewarded for the constant ups and downs. The weather had cleared up and the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, USA was visible in the distance. I scanned the horizon for the tell tale sign of whales, but couldn't see or hear the spray from their blow holes.

Somehow, we missed the cut off for the shorter route. Because Claudia hurt her knee in a hard fall I had considered taking the shorter route back, instead of heading further west on the Coast Trail. Thanks to Carlos' unintentional (or so he claims) oversight, we all ended up committed to the long course - and were glad we did. Just before a little ghost cabin high over the water, Carlos pointed out that this part of the course was an out and back - the girls opted to visit the cabin next year and headed inland...only to discover that they missed the Bobbington Hill loop when the group ahead of is appeared from another trail at the next intersection. A bit confusing, but we waited for Carlos and Reagan and sorted it all out.

Despite my lack of training - resting an injury - I was feeling good and didn't fizzle out at the end. We clocked in at 3:40h. As soon as we stopped, the rains started. Perfect timing. Porker was happy to get to the pub, for some well deserved beers and a burger.

If you'd like to run the Spaghetti Tree Run next time, please find details here.

My Running Start to the New Year!

My idea of a good start to the New Year includes running 50km. Doing anything less among our ultra friends always makes me feel like a couch potato.

Now, there are good reasons to opt out of a full 50km on New Year's Day:

• The distance is insane on any day, but on New Year...you got to be kidding!
• Then there is the weather. It always is lousy one way or the other. Conditions are usually perfect for curling up beside the fireplace and ponder the things to come. Conditions are never perfect for a 50km run...in previous years we braved snow storms, hail, Gail force winds that uprooted numerous trees along the course, freezing rain and freezing temps. This year was no exception. The weather man had posted a heavy rain fall warning for the region along with strong winds.
• Physical fitness after a month of feasting usually is not quite where it should be to run an ultra
• ...and lastly there are injuries, that always seem to pop up toward the end of the year when my body tells me to rest but training to run 50km takes precedence

Despite having enough reasons to turn around in bed when my alarm went off at 6:45 on New Year's Day, I rolled out of bed, pondered what to wear to be comfortable for 7 miserable, wet hours and gulped down a cup of coffee while processing the last registrants for this insane endeavor.

Just before 8:00 Carolyn Goluzza arrived at our place to car pool to the start. It's hardly raining, she happily proclaimed as we dashed down the stairs trying to avoid to get soaked before the run started. Ean was rather quiet on the drive over...his nickname rightly is "Rain-No-Train-Jackson and if the event wouldn't be his baby, he would definitely have wished me a good day and hit the snooze button a few more times. But alas, it was supposed to be his 100th ultra, 116 registrants expected him at the start line and some members of the media had set their eyes on his accomplishment, too. Not a day to make excuses.

Smiling faces met us at the start in Stanley Park. I am always amazed at how many people want to run 50km on New Year's Day. We had a line-up at sign-in...

Just before Ean send us off I decided to pull on a plastic poncho. I had decided to wear shorts, my favorite long sleeve CFA shirt and my (not so water proofed - despite the claims) MEC Jetstreak jacket. Figured that the poncho might come in handy if the rain would last all day. I only lasted about 1km with the noisy plastic cover before I stripped it off and thrust it into the hands of Glenn, who was cheering us on at Prospect Point. I was running in a group of people: Karl, Wendy, Neil, Carolyn K. and others. The mood was upbeat as we twisted our way through the old growth forest of Stanley Park. A few times I directed the group ahead of us to the right path or hollered after runners that went down the wrong trail. The pace was crisp and Karl and I agreed that it was too fast - before Karl took off never to be seen again that day.

Popping out of the woods and on to the Seawall near Second Beach Pool the skies didn't look too bad. We introduced ourselves to Laura and Rachel, who didn't know each other, but who had fallen into a steady rhythm. Laura had Ray accompanying her on a bike. His knapsack looked like he could support a few runners and I figured it be good to keep close to him ;-) Laura also looked like a chick on a mission and especially after Wendy and Carolyn turned around at the Aquatic Centre it was good to have some company, motivation and strength nearby. Somewhere along the way, Craig, who didn't look too good at Prospect Point, caught up again. So did the rains... Torrential rains. We all were sopping wet and cold. Until Anthony caught up with our little group, I was the only one wearing shorts and I started to doubt that decision. Question was if I would be any warmer in soggy tights? I also wished I had hung on to the poncho...

At the 2h mark I munched on a granola bar and had some vitamin I. I always enjoy running along Jericho and Spanish Banks, this year however, the view was obstructed by low hanging, heavy rainclouds. Greeting Curb, out for a stroll was a welcome distraction, as was Kirsten, shivering in the wind at the last concession. She was manning the Kintec Aidstation and because her car broke down, she hitched a ride and couldn't bring the tent. The coke and pretzels hit the spot. Thanks, Kirsten. In years past the course moved into Pacific Spirit Park after the aidstation. Because of trail maintenance we had been asked to pick up Admirality trail a little further down the beach. I made the mistake of staying on the beach path a bit too long and ended up running across a soggy grass field. Ick, more water in my shoes.

Heading into the park we passed a gaggle of Coquitlam runners and all huffed and puffed up to Admirality Trail, which follows the ocean along a rim high above the water. The trail was extremely muddy and slippery until we veered onto the wider Salish Trail.

I was happy to leave the flat gravel trails behind us and have a bit of variety to keep my calf muscles and hips happy. The uphills though, were difficult on my legs. The cold and lack of training had caused them to be quite tight and each step started to hurt. Luckily, the weather improved just as we hit the long downhill stretch after crossing 16th Avenue. I was able to produce a bit a body heat and limber up. Craig was not having a good run and knowing that his partner, Ethelyn, would be at the turnaround, I asked him if that would be a temptation to bail. He didn't think so.

The downhill to the turnaround at 41st and Comosun seemed longer than usual - this was were I injured my calf some 7 weeks earlier and I wistfully remembered how well trained I was back then. Ethelyn was sheltering in her car as I approached the turnaround and she didn't see me. I decided not to linger like the rest of the group and get started on the long uphill. My plan was to walk most of the uphill and try to loosen up the ankles and hips. The plan did not include to bail, which given the pain in my Achilles Tendon probably would have been the prudent thing to do.

Slowly the rest of the gang (but not Craig) caught up to me, but mercifully, nobody got ahead too far, or if they did, I caught up at their various stretching, food and bathroom breaks. I figured that stopping wouldn't serve any purpose for me at that point and I was better off to keep moving. I wondered aloud what happened to Craig. None of my new trail buddies recalled him leaving Ethelyn's aidstation. Did he bail. No he wouldn't. But where was he?

The weather, which was cooperating during the 14km through Pacific Spirit Park, took a turn for the worse as soon as we hit the open beach. It was head down and dig deep mode. Our conversation became sparse and I was hoping that Kirsten would still be fighting the elements at the aidstation as I was craving salty stuff. Kirsten wasn't there anymore (who could blame her) but wisely had left behind an assortment of coke and water. I briefly questioned if the stuff (open cans parked beside a garbage bin) was hygienic to drink, but we all agreed that the taste of coke was worth the risk of contracting H1N1 (I didn't tell my new friends that I was vaccinated). As we lingered around the coke for a few minutes, I had a chance to look back to scan the course for Craig. Surely, I would see his yellow jacket from far away. But no Craig was in sight.

In previous Vancouver New Years Day 50km runs, I experienced a high somewhere between Kits Point and Sunset Beach. This year I was anticipating this high and relying on it to get me to the finish starting somewhere along Spanish Banks as the wind and rain was whipping my face. I was also hoping for a little pep talk from Craig and digging up memories of New Year's Day 2008. Where was Craig? Back to the anticipated and sorely needed runners high. It didn't hit. I was telling my running buddies, Anthony and Rachel at this point, that once we hit Kits and can smell the finish the pains will miraculously disappear. Anthony probably figured I was totally off the rocker and started to pull ahead. Rachel kept her distance, too and fell back. Laura was nowhere to be seen and did I mention that Craig was missing?

Dodging the splashing water when cars passed me on Point Grey Road got my mind off my aches and I started pretending that my legs were feeling really limber and I could stride out easily....Hahaha - it felt like I was sprinting when I was probably crawling. Where Point Grey turns into Cornwall Ave and the route dips back down to the ocean, Ray, Laura's bike support, caught up and asked if I needed anything. How sweet. Laura had to call it a day because of a shoulder injury. Ray offered to go to a 7-Eleven to grab some salty stuff for me when his knapsack only revealed bars and gels and electrolyte drinks. Had enough of those, thanks ;-) Note to myself, pack some real food next time I embark on an ultra run.

At the sailing club before Kits Pool I decided to wait for Rachel, who I had heard groaning as she descended a set of stairs down to the beach... Figured we were both ready for the company.

The sky in the west started to brighten considerably as we made our way past Muscle Beach and around Kits Point. But the light was deceiving as the skies opened up yet again to empty buckets of cold water on our weary heads. Maybe runners high was finally kicking in, maybe it was the beautiful light over English Bay, the double rainbow over Stanley Park or the hooting and hollering from the start of the Polar Bear Swim across the water, but I started smiling at the rain and all the folks out in the elements. Didn't stop smiling across Burrard Street Bridge. Said hi to Wade and Jackie, who had finished their run and were honking and waving as they passed in their car. Weaving through the costumed revelers just coming out of the water after their Polar Bear Swim at English Bay Beach was entertaining to say the least - was I hallucinating or was there a butt naked flame thrower?

Back in Stanley Park we picked up the speed and Anthony, who had taken a wrong turn. Still no sight of Craig. We cruised past Lost Lagoon and a couple of beautiful swans, the Rowing Club, the Olympic Rings on the barge east off the seawall until finally turning around the bend at the little lighthouse to see the finish in the distance. My hope (before I got injured) was to get a 6:30 time and believe it or not, with our little last km sprint, we made it back to the fire hydrant in exactly 6:30h - Imagine what could have been without injury ;-)

Ean, happily waiting for me was a welcome sight. He had planned to hitch a ride home, but it sure was nice to have him there. He took the finish photo and goaded us into the chilly waters of Burrard Inlet. I can't remember how many times I have run the 50k on New Year's Day, but this was definitely the first time that I went into the drink...only regret: I didn't stay in long enough to soothe my sore muscles. Next Year!

I guess you wonder what happened to Craig... I thought for sure that he had bailed at half way, but he actually made it back to Stanley Park and almost to the finish before an approaching cold forced him to bail.

Successful lost clothes recovery Mission

I lost my favorite Club Fat Ass Wear shirt. For two days I've been completely stumped as to where and how and when - and of course miffed, as the bag that I lost also contained my favorite MEC pants, a fleece sweater and a brand new pair of wool running socks.

But let me start from the beginning. I rode my bike to work on Tuesday. Given that the weather is finally getting a bit more unstable and the fact that I already got soaked twice on my bike commute I started packing a change of clothes. So far so good. On my way home from work I deviated from my usual route to run some errands. First stop was on Lonsdale near 20th. I locked my bike up, took my valuables (leaving the bag with the clothes in my pannier's) and dashed into two stores. Came back, stowed bought items (a bag with bread) into pannier's. Clothes bag is now on top of the bread bag. Push my bike a few blocks up Lonsdale and lock it in front of the MacDonald fast food outlet (what do you call these places...it's NOT a restaurant) and dash into the New Apple Farm for produce, again taking my valuables along, but leaving the clothes and the bread in the pannier's. There is a pan handler sitting beside the bike rack and lots of pedestrians on the sidewalk...but I generally trust people - besides, who wants my sweaty Club Fat Ass shirt and stinky socks. After buying produce I have to reload the pannier's to make everything fit. I distinctly remember placing the bread and clothes bag on the sidewalk. No recollection of packing everything, but also no recollection of leaving stuff on the sidewalk. I am eager to get home and cut down to Chesterfield, up to 23rd and down to Westview.

When I arrive home all three of my charges great me with different needs and wants and before I even unpack my bike I go inside to sort things out for them. Back to unpack my bike with EJPowderhound helping me to lug stuff up. Later that night I want to change from my shorts into the before mentioned MEC pants... but can't find the clothes bag. Hm. I turn the house and garage upside down, ask all the little and big Jackson. No luck. I went over my commute back multiple times, but just can't figure out what happened to my clothes. Option A: somebody swiped them out of my pannier's. Option B: I forgot them on the sidewalk. Option C: they fell out of the pannier's on the way home. Can't visualize any of this.

Fast forward to today. I figured I better retrace my steps and ask at the stores on Lonsdale if anybody turned in my clothes. On the way out I took the scenic route, as I swung by my son's school to deliver forgotten math homework. To my dismay, New Apple Farm was still closed, but MacDonald next door was open and bustling. I have never eaten at MacDonald's and don't even like to set foot in there...but hey we are talking about my favorite shirt. I suffer through the long line up and hope none of my friends walk by and see me. Scan the seated customers and promptly discover Rune who is hoovering down some fatty items to replace calories lost on Mt. Hood. Busted! Anyway, I tell the nice girl behind the counter my dilemma...figuring if they have the CFA shirt I can figure out how to explain the funky name then. No luck. Same at Seven Seas next door and New Apple Farm, which just opened. Argh. I decide to follow the route I took by bike on Tuesday in the faint hope that the bag did in fact fall out of the pannier's...No luck on Chesterfield, 23rd and Westview...but then, cutting into the little trail crossing Mosquito Creek Park (about 1 block away from my home), there is a bag hanging in a tree. YES. I hardly can believe it. All my clothes are in there. I whoop and holler all the way home.

Fighting Injuries

For the last few month I have been running fairly regularly 2-4 times a week. Injury wise, I stayed out of trouble, but my calves have been getting increasinly tight and for a week or so, the side of my heel bone has been excruciatingly painful at night, early in the morning at at the beginning of my runs. I never have been a great uphill runners, but with my calves feeling like they are bursting on the slightest incline, I hardly have been able to walk uphill yet alone run. It's been a bit frustrating, as my overall running and speed has improved over the last few months.

I did a bit of digging and assessing my routines. The biggest downfall probably has been, that I didn't stretch during and after my run over the winter month (too cold, too wet, etc.). My half hearted attempts at stretching didn't do a thing and when the outside of my left heel started to throb, I knew I had to do something.

Lacking coverage for physio or massage therapy, I tend to self treat...maybe not the best solution, but I've had pretty good success. With a background in nursing and 35 years of running behind me, I've learned a trick or two.

Massage: Proud co-0wner of a Myofascial release ball I started to massage my calves every evening. The first time, I felt I was just trying to figure out which areas responded best. When finished, I was surprised at the feeling of release in my muscles. Definetely working in breaking up tightness.

Stretching: Ahem, I try to stretch extensively each evening before bed. I should probably add 1-2 more sessions throughout the day. Working on it. I go through a routine of common calf stretches, taking about 10 minutes.

Ice: I feel icing the side of my heel, would be benefical. I swear by icing anything that is slightly irritated and half had good success...this time around, I just haven't been to keen putting cold ice on my body...it's been a long winter ;-)

Strenghtening: Once my acute heel pain is under control, I will start on heel drop excersise, sets of 3x20 3 times a day.

Ibubrofen: I don't like taking drugs, but sometimes it helps to get the healing process started.

Wish me luck in getting over this.

What's Growing In Your Hydration System?

I dug out my hydration pack today to get packed up for the Squamish Scrambler tomorrow. To my disgust I found the thing was overgrown with specks of mold....Yuck.

I have been taking great care to dry out the bladder, tube and mouth piece after each use... but after Mike and Melissa's run in November I was so bushed that I must have just dumped the water and lovely Action Jackson packed the thing away. It's been rotting quietly in the basement storage ever since.

Action Jackson, observing me cleaning my pack with the wooden handle of a cooking spoon and a rag a couple of years ago, wisely went to the MEC and purchased a set of flexible hydration bladder cleaning brushes...I was very excited to be able to properly clean my Source hydration bladder only to discover that I wasn't able to remove the tube from the bladder or the mouth piece from the tube to gain access with the brush. Every time I used the bladder, out came the brushes. Fingernails were broken, swear words deployed, but the tube didn't budge until I finally gave up and resigned to my wooden spoon and rag method.

Facing the growing mold in the bladder today, I let out a shriek... Always practical Action Jackson suggested I search the web for cleaning instruction/instructions on how to detach the tube. Websites abound covering the mold problem in water bottles/bladders and how to get rid of it. MEC site didn't offer any instructions on how to disassemble the Source Hydration bladder...

A variety of other websites recommended bleach for serious infestations. Problem is that since I switched to all natural cleaning methods, I do not stock bleach in my house. The second often mentioned alternative was a mixture of baking soda, water and lemon juice. Anybody who cleaned anything with baking soda and vinegar knows that the third and most important ingredient in that combination is elbow grease... which brings me back to my wooden spoon and rag...Sounded like a lot of work, mess and questionable results.

Before whipping out the baking soda, I gave one more tug on that hose...and voila, it came off. Eureka. The tube brush and bladder brush together with soap and hot water did a beautiful job. All set for tomorrow!

BTW, other than the cleaning issues, I love the Source Hydration bladder. I bought the 3l one a few years ago for $12 at the MEC. It has a wide screw top, a non-leak mouth piece and it fits (filled with about 2l) into my small MEC running hydration pack (the bladder in that one always leaked and also developed holes not too long after purchase). I also use it in my day pack or big knapsack for overnighters.

Extreme Weather Running

Let me qualify the title before I get the laughs of denizens of harsher climate zones...Based in Vancouver, I cherish the temperate climate of the Pacific Coast. It never gets too hot or too cold, we don't have blizzards or suffer through slush for 6 month of the year. Until the winter of 2008/2009 rolled around!

Mid December saw us shiver in a cold snap with temperatures not getting above -10 degrees C for a week or so. Vancouverites get puzzled as to their clothing choice in conditions like that. We don't own overstuffed full length down jackets, heated boots and whatever else keeps the rest of the country warm. What to wear when heading out for a run during this deep freeze was a favorite topic of discussion among my running buddies. Some didn't even consider braving the elements and headed to the gym.

For my part, I love running in the cold, crisp air. Nevertheless, it was a challenge to dress appropriately. Bottoms were the easiest part. My usual alpaca wool running socks and trail runners did the trick for my feet. I dug out a pair of MEC thermal tights usually worn under my ski pants. My kids claim they look like long johns and they are probably right, but who cares about looks at minus 10. How to layer shirts and jackets was a more complicated issue. I overheat easily and hate having too many layers. In the end I found the perfect combination with the Chitosante Club Fat Ass shirt, that I have come to love not only for design, feel and no stink features, but also for it's thermal regulation qualities (no matter the temperature it always feels great) as the first layer, followed by another goodie, the hoodie matching the thermal tights. For the outer layer I went with my bright green MEC Jetstreak jacket. I had no experience with the jacket as, after suffering through years of monsoon running in not much more than a windbreaker, it is a recent addition to my running wardrobe. The product info recommended it as a waterproof, windproof jacket for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, winter running, or other cold-weather aerobic activities. Bring it on. My wardrobe choice was perfect. The snug hoodie (combined with a rather large fleece neck wrappy thing) kept my ears and chin cozy. The jacket kept the wind and the cold out and looks snazzy to boot. Only complaint is that the zipper didn't consistently stay up all the way (maybe had to do with the bulk of the hoodie and fleece wrap)

The next weather challenge came just before Christmas. Snowflakes as big as mosquitoes in Winterpeg started to blanket Vancouver. You might laugh, but snow is normally a once a year occurrence in Vancouver. It hardly ever stays on the ground for longer than a day, but is washed off by a nice Pineapple Express. Not so this season. Blizzard after blizzard added to the snow cover and in my back yard, we measured about 70cm. While I did sympathize somewhat with the whining about road and sidewalk conditions and that the stuff was challenging for the elderly, I loved it. Running wardrobe now included gaiters and snowshoes or - during the Vancouver New Year's Day Fat Ass 50- Yaktrak type attachments (thanks for lending them, Michele). The temperatures had risen slightly and I managed with only two top layers, my CFA shirt and my Jetstreak jacket (which is quickly becoming a favorite of mine).

On to the current weather situation...incessant, hard rain. Together with rising temperatures there are flood warnings out for the valley and some communities are handing out free sandbags. Luckily, we live on higher grounds, and short of clearing the storm drains from snow and fearing for the roof to hold the mass of heavy, wet snow, we are not threatened by flooding. The trails are a slippery mess, though and I abandoned my usual trail running loop in favour of a road running session. To avoid traffic and darkness, I ventured out during my lunch break armed with my bright green jacket (great for visibility and a reflective, flashing band around my upper arm. Because of the sidewalk conditions, I chose to run facing traffic (i.e. on the left hand side) on the roads in my neighborhood. I couldn't totally avoid busier roads, but the drivers were in general friendly and I moved out of their way as much as possible. I was looking forward to test the waterproof qualities of the Jetstreak jacket, but alas, the rains stopped for my run (I swear I didn't plan that ;-) and the water test will have to wait...With daytime temps of around 9, I was worried that I would overheat in a jacket designed for cold weather and I only wore an ancient short sleeve Club Fat Ass shirt underneath. Perfect again! I am quite impressed with the heat regulation and breathability qualities of my new jacket.

Let's see what the coming months have to offer on the extreme weather front...and I promise to report in if I manage to stay dry.

A Tight Dilemma

Don't you love running during the balmy days of spring, summer or even those crisp, sunny days of fall?

Unfortunately, it's monsoon season on the wet coast. It's also getting cold. With a heavy heart, I have tucked my shorts into the back of the closet. Problem is, I don't like running in tights. I don't like the restrictive feeling and the heaviness when they get wet.

Well, the tights have been out for a while now and got some good miles in during the CFA fall events I was able to participate in. Poor Arthur got the brunt of my rant on my "old" tights during the M + M Fun Run. It was raining on and off and the fabric got so heavy, it stuck to my quads and drove me to distraction.

Now, I have to come clean here: my tights are a men's size S. As my running buddy, Caroline, pointed out, "What do you expect, they are men's tights". I bought them a few years ago at the MEC (I am a MEC kinda girl for most of my outdoor gear). All their women's tights were flared and I didn't even give them a glance - who wants wide cut pants for trail running? The men's S seemed to fit. They are what they call mid weight and they are great on dry days...but when it rains, they just get heavy and since the fabric doesn't have much stretch they feel restrictive. My old pair needed some repairs and last Christmas I got a back-up, this time in men's M. Again, they are great dry, but when wet they are even worse than the small ones, as they get so heavy, they slide off my hips.

Browsing through the MEC Fall/Winter catalogue, I noticed a pair of women's tights, midweight and narrow cut. Had MEC clued in (when I bought the men's S they were down to the last pair, probably not because a bunch of small men purchased them). Unfortunately, when I looked at them at the store and tried them on, they were not what I was looking for in a pair of tights for running in our wet, but mild winters. They were rather thick (better suited for snowshoe running) and the legs in both the L and M sizes were way to long on my average height frame. Reluctantly, I turned my attention to the wider cut styles and ended up buying a very nice looking pair of Dash Pants. The product info praises them as a great garment for those who aren't fond of tights (yeah, right) but want quick-drying mobility for warm-ups and running.

So far so good. I like the fit. They are not terribly low cut and have a wide, flat waist band with a inconspicuous drawstring cord. The cord needs to be tied together or a toggle as it disappears in the waist band during washing, but that's a minor nuisance. I expected the wider cut legs to be annoying and not very practical on the trails, but surprise, I actually like them and they haven't snagged on anything yet. I like the material. They are made of 100% polyester, in, as MEC puts it, a comfy flat face knit. Looks quite flattering, falls nicely and has a bit of stretch. It's also not too heavy, flimsy, shiny or slippery. Only beef I have so far, is that the fabric gets slightly clingy when you get sweaty. I like the extras. There are two flat, low-profile pockets and an internal mesh key pocket. I like the workmanship. When buying MEC gear I have come to expect good quality, and these pants so far are no exceptions. The seams don't look like they are going to come apart during washing. Speaking about washing... these pants are fast drying. Very convenient.

It remains to be seen how they perform on a long wet and muddy run. So far, I only wore them for shorter runs and the gym. I guess that's what they were designed for...hence the name - Dash pants

Foolish Gerbil 6 Hour Run

Running in circles is not necessarily my kind of thing, but when the motley Fools posted the Flash Foolish Gerbil 6 Hour run, proposing a 10km loop 6h run in Pacific Spirit Park, it fit nicely into my plans to run a longish stretch on the Vancouver New Year's Day 50 course. Others seemed to think along the same line, as pre-event saw a flurry of online activity: Rick posted a map, old timers mused about the opportunity and newbies committed to join us for a loop or two.

The morning dawned crisp and clear, with amazing views of orange glowing Mount Baker on the eastern horizon as I was making my way over Lions Gate Bridge to the start in Pacific Spirit Park. Surprisingly, I was met by a large group of keener's already assembling at the park center... and I thought I could snooze a bit in the warm car before setting out. It was great to see so many new faces brave enough to join some more or less serious gerbils.

After greeting everybody and making sure we all had maps and course descriptions, Karl sent us off on the trails, with Gilles bringing in the rear, offering to stay with the slowest runner to make sure nobody got lost on the first loop. This was a kind offer, but not many took the opportunity and soon the group stretched out, everybody falling into their own pace in several little groups.

I headed out with Lorraine and Claudia, soon realizing that the pace was to brisk for me to maintain on a long run. But the conversation and company was good and I hung on until the quasi turnaround on Marine Drive and Camosun St. where Arthur caught up to us and I decided to slow down a bit. The last time I ran that route was during the Vancouver New Year's Day Fat Ass 50, when utterly undertrained, the slight incline up Salish trail seemed like Mount Everest. I was pleasantly surprised, how gentle the ascent appeared during the Foolish Gerbil. Connecting back to Salish trail proved difficult for the majority of runners unfamiliar with the route and not having taken up Gilles' kind offer, a number of them put in some extra distance. Arthur kept me on track, though, and after a little stretch running with Karl and John, we finished the first loop in just over an hour.

The second loop started at the same - way to fast for me - pace with Claudia and Jennifer, one of the new Fat Asses. After not getting lost the first time around, we somehow managed to include a little detour together with John. No harm done, though, and we soon were able to pick up the correct trail again. Approaching the powerline, I had to say good bye to my running buddies and knew that I wouldn't head out for a third loop, as my quads and calves were starting to tighten up.

I finished the the second loop in 2:16. Happy with my run and pace, I saw the Fools leaving for their 3rd loop and waited for Lorraine, Cynnimon, Rhonda et al to finish their run.

Hoping for a repeat plus one on December 6th during the Foolish Gerbil 12 hour run. See you there.