I apologies to those who have attended the CSR and saw the title of this post... Sorry for the dark memories of slogging through knee deep snow, lungs hyperventilating, legs burning up (the Dilithium crystals canna stand much moore, Captain!) and this little voice in the back of your head asking you if you really think this is such a great idea...
And picking the date is always a study in trepidation. Will there be an optimal foot of firm snow on which to lay a track, or will the weather gods make this venture manifestly unhealthy, with 3 feet of snow and no chance in hell of completing one loop?
Tactics are a big part of the equation. Veteran CSR'rs study weather maps diligently, to determine when they should show up for the run. Too early on a deep snow day and you are exhausted before seeing the second loop. The optimal plan is to sleep in and arrive late... "I am so sorry I'm late! Gee, did Pierre already complete 2 loops? Well, the course must be packed down perfectly, so time for me to start!". Arriving late when the weather is north of zero results in DNF - Diabolically Nasty Footing. While the early birds are sipping their first wine or cider, you are out there slipping, falling, staggering for a 90 minute 7.5K loop, with little chance of getting in a second loop.
I think the above is sufficient to entice runners to venture up to Creemore. If not, I plan to make finishing medals. What runner can resist a hand crafted ceramic medal?
So, you are cordially invited to the 8th annual Creemore Snow Run! Details:
Date: Sunday, January 15, 2017
Time: 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM
Where: Lee Anne and my house (same place as the Creemore Vertical Challenge)
Bring: Change of clothes, stories
Map: On request (email me at vertical.pierre@gmail.com)
Itinerary:
9:00 Arrive and prepare for the run
9:30 Official start (see tactics above)
1:00 Soup, cheese, crackers, wine, cider and beer
3:00 Official end of the run. Medals awarded to anyone who finished at least 7.5K (1 loop)
5:ish Wrap up
Notes:
- Bring your own aid station supplies. We will have water and some candies
- There will be a warming hut (the garage) for storing drop bags/clothes, changing, etc.
- You and friends are welcome. Usually only about 30 people show up. After all, it is in Creemore in the middle of winter!
- Running in deep snow is called post-holing. The first 30 seconds are incredible fun!
- Marika is not allowed to hit me, even if I declare that running up a hill on a gravel road is recovery.
- In some (most) conditions, you will need 2 pairs of running shoes. Expect to get wet!
- There will be a bonfire if we can find the fire pit...
Cheers!
