It was -22C (-7F) this morning. Yes, I know it is March 6 and Spring is a mere 2 weeks away. Don't talk to me, lambaste Mother Nature...
So, Lee Anne and I ran on the indoor track at Base Borden. The outside lane is 237 meters, so by my calculation, it is 106 laps to complete 25K. I don't attempt to count laps (recall my memory challenges) so I maintain a +/- of seconds between the actual time and 90 second laps. I only have to remember a "buffer" (seconds +/-) and a "lap bank" (accumulate over or under 40 laps per hour). Example: I started at 8:57 and ran 2 laps before 09:00. I "reset" the counter to zero at the top of each hour, so at 09:00 I had zero laps for the hour, with a bank of 2 laps. At 9:03, I was 14 seconds ahead (14 second buffer - i.e. it was 09:02:46 at the end of my second lap for the hour). When the buffer reaches 90 seconds, I add one to the lap bank and reset the buffer to zero. I know this sounds inordinately complicated, but with my math background and a complete lack of memory, it is surprisingly straightforward.
Lee Anne runs by time (granted - a much simpler method). She ran for 5 hours today and will probably run the same tomorrow, as Friday / Saturday is her normal back-to-back schedule. I ran 25K in 2:39, which was much tougher than expected. I hauled the evaporator to the sugar shack on Tuesday which involves putting a 2' X 4' sap pan (5" drop flues), a 2' X 2' finishing pan and all the hardware onto a sled I built custom made for the evaporator. Did I mention that the snow is like sand? I was ploughing so much snow, that on the uphills, I was afraid the 1/4" nylon ropes might break!
I have one more load of maple syrup jugs to haul in and I am ready to tap. Guess what I plan to do Sunday? You got it! I have invited son-in-law Daryl up to help with the tapping. I am not sure if he can make it, but tapping is much easier with two. It appears that the sap will run on Tuesday and/or Wednesday hence the tapping on Sunday / Monday. The forecast for Wednesday is sunny and +4... I know, say nothing.
According to the running log, my mileage has slipped this week, probably due to heightened activity at the sugar shack. Snow shoeing in the woods is very taxing. There is only about 3 feet of snow, but with such cold temperatures since January, the snow is like 2 feet of sand. Snowshoes sink deep and are reluctant to come back out. Tapping will probably result in another low-mileage week.
That's it for now. Embrace the warm weather!
Friday, March 6, 2015
Thursday, February 26, 2015
We Get the Point
Thank you very much for all the incredibly cold weather during February - it has spawned countless humorous stories about life in the big chill, big storm, big snow. I'm the first to head out in -20C (-4F) weather for a run. It's great to be outside, alone (you don't see many people reading a newspaper on their front porch), pitting yourself against the elements. The slurred speech, losing all feeling in the toes, frozen water bottles. Great fun!
I avidly track ice coverage on the Great Lakes. This year is poised to be a record breaker! Lake Erie went from zero ice at the beginning of January to 96% coverage in mid-February. Ice coverage is well ahead of last year's figures, which hit a "recent" record.
Hypothetically, I also enjoy the first few days in late February / early March that rise above freezing and I can stretch out the legs on wet or dry pavement, without donning arctic running gear. I say hypothetically, because when the temperature heads north of zero, I'm at the sugar shack, getting ready for the syrup season. Otherwise, I would be out there, enjoying the first few frost free frolics. What's the term for when you use too many words, all starting with the same letter? Annoying?
This February is a little different than other years and I am starting to lose patience. Yes, we all know how Mother Nature is queen, that the arctic air mass trumps the great lake's moderating influence on weather, we get the point. Using the weather network's 14 day trend for Creemore, it will be mid-March before temperatures rise above freezing. This is not funny. For those of you who have not followed this blog, I make maple syrup. I need +5C (41F) temperatures or the trees will remain dormant. I went to Atkinson Maple Syrup Supplies today, in a bit of a panic. I needed to purchase some jugs (early-bird perquisite for the Creemore Vertical Challenge race) and filters. I woke up this morning and realized that it will be March this weekend! I have to get ready now, in case the forecast changes (I realise this never happens...). The season typically ends in early April. This means that if the season doesn't start until late March, it will likely be a short season. All the effort of preparing the sugar shack and tapping 325 trees, for a short season?
It has literally been too cold to work in the woods and prepare for maple syrup season! -22C (cold F) this morning, the forecast calls for -26C (-15F) tomorrow morning. I have to snowshoe 1 kilometer from the road to the sugar shack (and back) and I need unfrozen water (the best type!) to clean stuff. I need to shovel the roof and check all the lines. With 325 taps, this usually takes 4 days. Once the cleaning is done, all supplies are brought in (including jugs and jars for about 300 litres of syrup - I hope!) I then need to haul in the evaporator pans and build the evaporator. Much easier to perform when the weather is mild (sunny and -3 is perfect) than in -25C weather...
This has been an incredibly long rant on the weather, but it is -15C (5F) outside, so I can do nothing else...
Running is going well. One bright spot is that both Lee Anne and I are tired of donning arctic running gear for a survivalist fight to complete a 12K training run. Stepping on the treadmill is becoming anathema to a pleasurable run. What to do? Base Borden's Buell Gym has a 237 meter indoor track. Rubberised surface, slightly below room temperature, it is a welcome change to running outside or on the dreadmill. The first time we made use of the indoor track, I had forgotten how effortless it is to run in short and a T-shirt. Running at 10 KPH felt like a warm-up. Running outside with 14 layers of clothes on 3 inches of snow, dodging cars, it is difficult to maintain a 6 minute kilometer pace. The indoor track was simply wonderful! We intend to abuse this form of cheating the elements in years to come.
I will use the above as a spasmodic segue into a humorous episode that nearly cost me my life. Our main parking lot can easily hold 3 cars abreast during the summer. In the winter, I plow the parking area so that the tractor (Kubota with 6 foot snowblower) and 2 cars can fit abreast, but there is not much room between vehicles. I keep asking Lee Anne to park close to the tractor, or on the far side of the parking lot, so that I can also park my car. Without fail, Lee Anne parks straddling the 2 narrow parking spots. This is usually not an issue, as I can also park in 2 other areas. However, yesterday, I needed to blow the laneway, which might require boosting the tractor with battery cables, from my car. So I parked between Lee Anne's car and the tractor. This left about 2.6 inches between Lee Anne's and my car. No problem, as I was going to change into snowblowing clothes (read arctic survival gear), quickly blow the laneway, then move my car.
Problem: I did not realise Lee Anne was in her car. For those in sunny California or other weather-exotic locals, it is not always possible to see through glass at -20C (-4F) as they are covered in snow, ice, frost, etc. and remain so, even after driving your car. I have had frost on my rear window (yes, I have and use a rear window defroster) for 4 weeks. I have never had the nerve to ask Lee Anne what she does in a parked car, for so long. Let's quickly move on. While changing into boots, snow pants. parka, etc., the phone rang. I thought Lee Anne was in the pottery studio, and I have learned better than to answer the phone, as it usually entails stopping what I am doing and starting a task I have been allocated by Lee Anne. I was almost dressed when I heard Lee Anne leave a message. The message, without swear words was this: " ".
Trying not to laugh too hard, I went out to the driveway, just in time to see Lee Anne move from the driver's seat to the passenger seat in order to exit her car. The humorous aspect of this episode was based on the assumption Lee Anne made, that I KNEW she was in her car when I parked so close. It took some explaining to convince her that I did not see her in the car. I would include the dialogue, but it lacks cohesion without the expletives. My wounds should be 85% healed before March...
So, we are now ready to start signing up for some races. Lee Anne is helping with marketing for OUSer (Ontario Trail and Ultra Series races), so she has free entry into the Niagara and Dirty Girls races. I have signed up for the Limberlost and Horror Trail races. Eventually, we will both be signed up for the same races!
According to my running log, I am starting to up my mileage. I ran 169.5K in January and I am currently at 194.5K for February. As I hope to run long tomorrow (Friday) and possibly squeak in a run on Saturday (February 28), I should have a healthy total for such a short month. I still hope to run during the OUS Spring Warm-up on Saturday April 11, but I might also be making maple syrup. For those who would like to know more about the SW:
http://www.ouser.org/spring_warmup_2015.pdf
The SW is a fun run with reduced numbers (compared to the races) and is a great venue for chatting with other runners who frequent the OTS and OUS races. As purely an academic note, in some years, there have been more spot prizes (maple syrup, pottery, grand prize) than participants. Not that a jug of maple syrup should be the deciding factor in spending $35 for a fun run...
Cheers!
I avidly track ice coverage on the Great Lakes. This year is poised to be a record breaker! Lake Erie went from zero ice at the beginning of January to 96% coverage in mid-February. Ice coverage is well ahead of last year's figures, which hit a "recent" record.
Hypothetically, I also enjoy the first few days in late February / early March that rise above freezing and I can stretch out the legs on wet or dry pavement, without donning arctic running gear. I say hypothetically, because when the temperature heads north of zero, I'm at the sugar shack, getting ready for the syrup season. Otherwise, I would be out there, enjoying the first few frost free frolics. What's the term for when you use too many words, all starting with the same letter? Annoying?
This February is a little different than other years and I am starting to lose patience. Yes, we all know how Mother Nature is queen, that the arctic air mass trumps the great lake's moderating influence on weather, we get the point. Using the weather network's 14 day trend for Creemore, it will be mid-March before temperatures rise above freezing. This is not funny. For those of you who have not followed this blog, I make maple syrup. I need +5C (41F) temperatures or the trees will remain dormant. I went to Atkinson Maple Syrup Supplies today, in a bit of a panic. I needed to purchase some jugs (early-bird perquisite for the Creemore Vertical Challenge race) and filters. I woke up this morning and realized that it will be March this weekend! I have to get ready now, in case the forecast changes (I realise this never happens...). The season typically ends in early April. This means that if the season doesn't start until late March, it will likely be a short season. All the effort of preparing the sugar shack and tapping 325 trees, for a short season?
It has literally been too cold to work in the woods and prepare for maple syrup season! -22C (cold F) this morning, the forecast calls for -26C (-15F) tomorrow morning. I have to snowshoe 1 kilometer from the road to the sugar shack (and back) and I need unfrozen water (the best type!) to clean stuff. I need to shovel the roof and check all the lines. With 325 taps, this usually takes 4 days. Once the cleaning is done, all supplies are brought in (including jugs and jars for about 300 litres of syrup - I hope!) I then need to haul in the evaporator pans and build the evaporator. Much easier to perform when the weather is mild (sunny and -3 is perfect) than in -25C weather...
This has been an incredibly long rant on the weather, but it is -15C (5F) outside, so I can do nothing else...
Running is going well. One bright spot is that both Lee Anne and I are tired of donning arctic running gear for a survivalist fight to complete a 12K training run. Stepping on the treadmill is becoming anathema to a pleasurable run. What to do? Base Borden's Buell Gym has a 237 meter indoor track. Rubberised surface, slightly below room temperature, it is a welcome change to running outside or on the dreadmill. The first time we made use of the indoor track, I had forgotten how effortless it is to run in short and a T-shirt. Running at 10 KPH felt like a warm-up. Running outside with 14 layers of clothes on 3 inches of snow, dodging cars, it is difficult to maintain a 6 minute kilometer pace. The indoor track was simply wonderful! We intend to abuse this form of cheating the elements in years to come.
I will use the above as a spasmodic segue into a humorous episode that nearly cost me my life. Our main parking lot can easily hold 3 cars abreast during the summer. In the winter, I plow the parking area so that the tractor (Kubota with 6 foot snowblower) and 2 cars can fit abreast, but there is not much room between vehicles. I keep asking Lee Anne to park close to the tractor, or on the far side of the parking lot, so that I can also park my car. Without fail, Lee Anne parks straddling the 2 narrow parking spots. This is usually not an issue, as I can also park in 2 other areas. However, yesterday, I needed to blow the laneway, which might require boosting the tractor with battery cables, from my car. So I parked between Lee Anne's car and the tractor. This left about 2.6 inches between Lee Anne's and my car. No problem, as I was going to change into snowblowing clothes (read arctic survival gear), quickly blow the laneway, then move my car.
Problem: I did not realise Lee Anne was in her car. For those in sunny California or other weather-exotic locals, it is not always possible to see through glass at -20C (-4F) as they are covered in snow, ice, frost, etc. and remain so, even after driving your car. I have had frost on my rear window (yes, I have and use a rear window defroster) for 4 weeks. I have never had the nerve to ask Lee Anne what she does in a parked car, for so long. Let's quickly move on. While changing into boots, snow pants. parka, etc., the phone rang. I thought Lee Anne was in the pottery studio, and I have learned better than to answer the phone, as it usually entails stopping what I am doing and starting a task I have been allocated by Lee Anne. I was almost dressed when I heard Lee Anne leave a message. The message, without swear words was this: " ".
Trying not to laugh too hard, I went out to the driveway, just in time to see Lee Anne move from the driver's seat to the passenger seat in order to exit her car. The humorous aspect of this episode was based on the assumption Lee Anne made, that I KNEW she was in her car when I parked so close. It took some explaining to convince her that I did not see her in the car. I would include the dialogue, but it lacks cohesion without the expletives. My wounds should be 85% healed before March...
So, we are now ready to start signing up for some races. Lee Anne is helping with marketing for OUSer (Ontario Trail and Ultra Series races), so she has free entry into the Niagara and Dirty Girls races. I have signed up for the Limberlost and Horror Trail races. Eventually, we will both be signed up for the same races!
According to my running log, I am starting to up my mileage. I ran 169.5K in January and I am currently at 194.5K for February. As I hope to run long tomorrow (Friday) and possibly squeak in a run on Saturday (February 28), I should have a healthy total for such a short month. I still hope to run during the OUS Spring Warm-up on Saturday April 11, but I might also be making maple syrup. For those who would like to know more about the SW:
http://www.ouser.org/spring_warmup_2015.pdf
The SW is a fun run with reduced numbers (compared to the races) and is a great venue for chatting with other runners who frequent the OTS and OUS races. As purely an academic note, in some years, there have been more spot prizes (maple syrup, pottery, grand prize) than participants. Not that a jug of maple syrup should be the deciding factor in spending $35 for a fun run...
Cheers!
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Trail Running in February
I have a litmus test for successful winter running. This personal gauge is to see if I can run trails at least once in each month of the winter. For southern Ontario, the key date is early February. There is usually a thaw in late December or early January which provides access to the trails at the beginning of the year. By late March, the normal weather patterns reduce snow in the bush to either hard pack (run on top of the snow) or a foot of slush. Either condition allows for easy and fun running along the trails! For those of you who have run in a foot of slush and are currently yelling at me, please speak to the hand.
A brief explanation on the above term "Southern Ontario". I am using the definition that refers to the area that includes the snow belt. People in Toronto (sigh) commonly use the descriptor NO89 (North of 89) to define the snow belt, but the proper definition is Southern Ontario. Toronto is typically defined as "South of Southern Ontario", which includes places that don't get any real snow (less than 4 feet per year, if you can imagine that!). SOSO includes Toronto, Miami and LA. You get the picture.
A brief note on the explanation: 89 refers to highway 89, an east-west road approximately 1 hour drive north of Toronto. What Torontonians are thinking when they say NO89 is "wild wild country with crazy weather and unstable inbred farmers that cannot differentiate between rednecks and latte toting accountants". I will spare you what we (NO89'ers) think of those SOSO dweebs...
Success is attainable this year, as I have been able to run a 7.5K loop that I run frequently, on both February 2 and 3 (today). Yesterday's run was tough, as we received about 8 inches of snow overnight, it was -16C (3F) and a strong north wind. Today's run was balmy (-4C or 25F) with a gentle southwest wind and only a few spots had drifted over.
Well, I broke down and started a running log. I realised to be serious about training this year, I would need to track my progress. It is humorous how a log forces you to get out and run. Can't have any gaps on run days now, can we? Broken leg? Cut your run down to a 15K. So, my weekly totals have now edged over 50K, with my long runs finally crossing the 25K threshold. The total for January hit 169.5K, which makes me happy, even though Lee Anne would see it as a heavy week...
There is usually a February challenge, but I have not heard about this year's version. I had to chuckle about last year. My running was not great at this point last year, but Lee Anne was churning out some impressively wild numbers. She heard about the challenge on February 2 or so, but her posting on the 3rd was a lie. She had run 40K on the first, 50K on the second and 30K on the third (yes, 120K in 3 days!) but she posted less K's because she didn't want people to think she was a freak!
Challenge or not, enjoy running out there; it will give you something to remember during the hot runs.
Cheers!
A brief explanation on the above term "Southern Ontario". I am using the definition that refers to the area that includes the snow belt. People in Toronto (sigh) commonly use the descriptor NO89 (North of 89) to define the snow belt, but the proper definition is Southern Ontario. Toronto is typically defined as "South of Southern Ontario", which includes places that don't get any real snow (less than 4 feet per year, if you can imagine that!). SOSO includes Toronto, Miami and LA. You get the picture.
A brief note on the explanation: 89 refers to highway 89, an east-west road approximately 1 hour drive north of Toronto. What Torontonians are thinking when they say NO89 is "wild wild country with crazy weather and unstable inbred farmers that cannot differentiate between rednecks and latte toting accountants". I will spare you what we (NO89'ers) think of those SOSO dweebs...
Success is attainable this year, as I have been able to run a 7.5K loop that I run frequently, on both February 2 and 3 (today). Yesterday's run was tough, as we received about 8 inches of snow overnight, it was -16C (3F) and a strong north wind. Today's run was balmy (-4C or 25F) with a gentle southwest wind and only a few spots had drifted over.
Well, I broke down and started a running log. I realised to be serious about training this year, I would need to track my progress. It is humorous how a log forces you to get out and run. Can't have any gaps on run days now, can we? Broken leg? Cut your run down to a 15K. So, my weekly totals have now edged over 50K, with my long runs finally crossing the 25K threshold. The total for January hit 169.5K, which makes me happy, even though Lee Anne would see it as a heavy week...
There is usually a February challenge, but I have not heard about this year's version. I had to chuckle about last year. My running was not great at this point last year, but Lee Anne was churning out some impressively wild numbers. She heard about the challenge on February 2 or so, but her posting on the 3rd was a lie. She had run 40K on the first, 50K on the second and 30K on the third (yes, 120K in 3 days!) but she posted less K's because she didn't want people to think she was a freak!
Challenge or not, enjoy running out there; it will give you something to remember during the hot runs.
Cheers!
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Creemore Snow Run
The Creemore Snow Run is one of those ideas that looks great on paper, can be inspiring in reality, but some years, makes slushies out of the most determined runners. The course starts with 2K on the Ganaraska Trail, followed by 3K on roads for recovery, then finally a 2.5K section on a moderately technical trail. Sounds easy, right?
What is not described in the brief course description above is that there are cliffs, ravine crossings and beaver dams. On a summer day it is a tough, energy draining 7.5K loop. Now add some snow. Yesterday's conditions were close to ideal, with a packed trail and never more than 6 inches of snow to trample down. In some years there has been 2 feet of snow. Trying to run up a steep hill in 2 feet of snow is known as "near-death-running", something only runners lacking the "prudent" gene (most trail and ultra runners) would attempt.
Make no mistake - running up and down hills in 6 inches of snow is no sight-seeing jog. Although the weather was good, hovering near the freezing mark, it was difficult to take in the scenery along the Mad river and while running the residual moraine, as your attention was focused on your footing. Looking up generally resulted in one of those seventies dance moves that is a cross between artistic license and spastic release. Let's move on.
Numbers were down slightly, perhaps because the forecast was calling for freezing drizzle during the night before the snow run. Those who braved the drive were rewarded with a fine day for running, on a course that was both pleasant and tough. Lee Anne and Sharon opted to run roads. Lee Anne would be considered a sane runner in one sense - that running in snow on treacherous trails would never be misconstrued as her preference. I am guessing that Sharon ran roads because the turn-around point is at the Giffens store, where they sell the world's best butter tarts...
Those that elected to run the official CSR route (FYI: it is the first 6K and last 1.5K of the Creemore Vertical Challenge) expended considerable energy during the day. I was the only "short" runner, completing 3 of the 7.5K loops. Steve and Adi extended their 3 loop run by including a side trail. The trail girls (Kinga and Dawn) showed all of us up by running 3 consecutive 1:04 loops, then tacking on a spur, for intimidation purposes, no doubt! Stephen, Stephan and Dawn completed a fourth loop.
After satiating our desire for trail running in the midst of winter, we then sat about in the house, talked of the upcoming season and snacked on cheese, crackers, wine and beer. We experienced a pleasant surprise when Gerry and Cheryl showed up during the afternoon. I knew that Gerry would not be running, as reports indicated he was injured. I thought it might have been a flare-up of his leg problem, but it turns out Gerry had been involved in a serious accident in late November and was still convalescing. He is badly banged up, but is already talking of starting to train soon. Gerry: Listen carefully. Heal first, train later. Do as I say, not as I do...
Yesterday's 22.5K run was my longest this year. I felt tired, after running in snow for over 3 hours, but not overly stiff and sore. This bodes well for my planned ramp-up. Just need to continue spending time on my feet and worry about the speed later.
On the maple syrup front, I was at the sugar shack recently and shovelled the roof. It was a pleasant surprise at how much snow there is in the bush, as it has been a lean year, precipitation-wise, so far this winter. It is hard to grasp that I will start preparing for the syrup season in earnest, in as little as one month! As always, I am hoping for a good season.
For future consideration, I marked a trail through the swamp from the sugar shack to an area of the property that includes about 25 acres of mature maple trees. In order to expand significantly beyond 400 taps, I will need to install a pumping line across the swamp. Although the cost of setting up the pump line is considerable, it would allow for expansion to upwards of 2,000 taps. Whether I want the added effort is debatable, but the evaporator is rated for up to 500 taps. It would be nice to obtain full value out of the evaporator. And of course secretly, I have dreams of buying a bigger evaporator and actually making some money out of this hobby.
Well, I wonder if there will be a February challenge this year? The challenge is to run as often as possible during February. I hope to be comfortable running 25K - 30K as my long run by then.
Enjoy the cold weather. It is wonderful to get out for a run, ski or snowshoe at this time of year. Make sure you are ready for the Spring Warm-up on April 11, which is a short 9 weeks away.
Cheers!
What is not described in the brief course description above is that there are cliffs, ravine crossings and beaver dams. On a summer day it is a tough, energy draining 7.5K loop. Now add some snow. Yesterday's conditions were close to ideal, with a packed trail and never more than 6 inches of snow to trample down. In some years there has been 2 feet of snow. Trying to run up a steep hill in 2 feet of snow is known as "near-death-running", something only runners lacking the "prudent" gene (most trail and ultra runners) would attempt.
Make no mistake - running up and down hills in 6 inches of snow is no sight-seeing jog. Although the weather was good, hovering near the freezing mark, it was difficult to take in the scenery along the Mad river and while running the residual moraine, as your attention was focused on your footing. Looking up generally resulted in one of those seventies dance moves that is a cross between artistic license and spastic release. Let's move on.
Numbers were down slightly, perhaps because the forecast was calling for freezing drizzle during the night before the snow run. Those who braved the drive were rewarded with a fine day for running, on a course that was both pleasant and tough. Lee Anne and Sharon opted to run roads. Lee Anne would be considered a sane runner in one sense - that running in snow on treacherous trails would never be misconstrued as her preference. I am guessing that Sharon ran roads because the turn-around point is at the Giffens store, where they sell the world's best butter tarts...
Those that elected to run the official CSR route (FYI: it is the first 6K and last 1.5K of the Creemore Vertical Challenge) expended considerable energy during the day. I was the only "short" runner, completing 3 of the 7.5K loops. Steve and Adi extended their 3 loop run by including a side trail. The trail girls (Kinga and Dawn) showed all of us up by running 3 consecutive 1:04 loops, then tacking on a spur, for intimidation purposes, no doubt! Stephen, Stephan and Dawn completed a fourth loop.
After satiating our desire for trail running in the midst of winter, we then sat about in the house, talked of the upcoming season and snacked on cheese, crackers, wine and beer. We experienced a pleasant surprise when Gerry and Cheryl showed up during the afternoon. I knew that Gerry would not be running, as reports indicated he was injured. I thought it might have been a flare-up of his leg problem, but it turns out Gerry had been involved in a serious accident in late November and was still convalescing. He is badly banged up, but is already talking of starting to train soon. Gerry: Listen carefully. Heal first, train later. Do as I say, not as I do...
Yesterday's 22.5K run was my longest this year. I felt tired, after running in snow for over 3 hours, but not overly stiff and sore. This bodes well for my planned ramp-up. Just need to continue spending time on my feet and worry about the speed later.
On the maple syrup front, I was at the sugar shack recently and shovelled the roof. It was a pleasant surprise at how much snow there is in the bush, as it has been a lean year, precipitation-wise, so far this winter. It is hard to grasp that I will start preparing for the syrup season in earnest, in as little as one month! As always, I am hoping for a good season.
For future consideration, I marked a trail through the swamp from the sugar shack to an area of the property that includes about 25 acres of mature maple trees. In order to expand significantly beyond 400 taps, I will need to install a pumping line across the swamp. Although the cost of setting up the pump line is considerable, it would allow for expansion to upwards of 2,000 taps. Whether I want the added effort is debatable, but the evaporator is rated for up to 500 taps. It would be nice to obtain full value out of the evaporator. And of course secretly, I have dreams of buying a bigger evaporator and actually making some money out of this hobby.
Well, I wonder if there will be a February challenge this year? The challenge is to run as often as possible during February. I hope to be comfortable running 25K - 30K as my long run by then.
Enjoy the cold weather. It is wonderful to get out for a run, ski or snowshoe at this time of year. Make sure you are ready for the Spring Warm-up on April 11, which is a short 9 weeks away.
Cheers!
Sunday, January 11, 2015
2015: I'm going to need shades
For those of you who don't quite get the subject line, it is not a reference to the future being so bright I'm going to need sunglasses. I built a sunroom and I'm going to need to install shades soon.
Sorry. I had to chuckle at the above!
I am truly hoping that 2015 marks my return to tangible ultra running. I'm not exactly sure what I mean by "tangible", but it would be a step above what I did in 2013 and 2014, where the ultra races I entered where a study in survival. Hopelessly under-trained, focused entirely on triage (get to the next aid station, get to the next aid station, get to the net aid station,...); the only realistic goal being to finish.
In 2015, I want to develop a sound ultra running base. I.e. 80K - 100K per week. No time off, no distractions. Sculpture the body until it is a lean mean ultra machine. I am retired and I have run out of excuses. Without the annoyance of having to work, I can set up some impressive weekly tallies, even during maple syrup season. This is all theory, but I will no longer allow reality to encroach on the Running Dream...
I am retired, but live in a very strange financial landscape. I stopped working at Honda on May 1, 2014, but my first pension cheque arrives on February 1, 2015. How did I do this? Mainly smoke and mirrors, but also some esoteric portfolio manipulations. I would provide more details and insight, but I'm not altogether certain I understand what transpired... Suffice it to say that for 2014 and this year, I will be focused on races that are within biking distance of home. Please ignore the races and holidays that Lee Anne and I did last year in New York, Florida, Pennsylvania and Florida. Those were momentary lapses of reason, for the most part.
Focus Item 2015: Run more OUS races.
Until recently, not many people realized that Ontario has become a hotbed of ultra running. With a 14 race schedule, there is little in northeast North America to match it. I say "until recently", because some of the bigger names in running have started to plunk down races in our back yard. North Face and Red Bull to name two. I expect more to come. At first, this filled me with a modicum of trepidation, but now my stance is "bring it on"! OUS (Ontario Ultra Series) has grown the Ontarian ultra base from circa 25 people, to north of 800, over the last 20 years. Doug Barber recalls races in the '80's where 7 people showed up. In 2014, two of the bigger races (Sulphur Springs and Run for the Toad) combined, had 400 people in their ultra events! The ultra segment of Trail Runner's Trophy Series is chronically sprinkled with Ontario runners. If the big names come into our neighbourhood, I expect even more people will be trying trail and ultra races. This will inevitably help us little guys!
Lee Anne has signed up for a very strange race (this is news?) in Tennessee. It is called "A Race For the Ages" and is tailored to older ultra runners. The race ends at 6:00 PM on Monday, September 4, 2015. Runners are given one hour for each year they have lived! Lee Anne (61 years old) starts at 5:00 AM on Saturday morning and has 61 hours to tally as many miles as she can, before the race ends at 6:00 PM on Labour Day.
OUS will have 14 ultra races. My 2015 aspirations are twofold:
1. Run a 50 miler. I'm tired of being labelled a baby ultra runner, regardless of how good my reasons might be (surgery on both knees, back problems, broken neck, being only semi-rational... Okay, the last point is an advantage).
2. Run more of the ultras. Yes, this will stress the knees, but I can't help but think that running a 50K on little training is a bigger stressor. My skewed logic states that simply running more ultras will get me ready for the next race. Please don't reply and burst my bubble!
2015 Race Schedule:
2015-04-11: Spring Warm-up. Hopefully I can get in a run (maple syrup season)
2015-04-25: 50K at Pick Your Poison.
2015-05-23: 50K at Sulphur Springs
2015-06-06: 6H at Kingston
2015-06-20: 50K at Niagara Ultra
2015-07-04: 50K at Laura Secord
2015-07-11: 28K at Limberlost (nope, I can't do B2B ultras yet)
2015-07-25: 12H at Dirty Girls (yup, longest ultra yet. Might run the night option)
2015-08-08: RD at Creemore
2015-09-04: Crew at Race for the Ages
2015-09-12: 50M at Haliburton. Training: Please make this happen
2015-10-03: 50K at Run for the Toad
2015-10-31: 6H at Horror Trail
Horror Hill was a toss-up between 6 hour and 50K. I would prefer the 6H (secret plans of running more than 50K) but I plan to enter a lot of 50K series races. Realistically, I have no chance of doing well in the 50K series, so let's focus on the ultra series specifically and sign up for the 6H.
Is 13 races sufficient to keep me out of trouble in 2015? Stop! You're killing me! Ah, but seriously, along with our plans for travel and renovations, I should avoid long stretches with idle hands...
Will the schedule change? Count on it. I'm sure commitments such as vacations will crop up that will preclude running some of the races. I'm fervently hoping that the "commitment" is not of the surgery flavour...
Very long term (2016+) plans are to align vacations with goal races. I don't ever see myself being able to run a 100 mile race. My knees and back are nodding their heads in agreement. Races such as the West Highland Way are most likely out. But there are still many 50K - 80K races around the world than pique my curiosity. Even shorter races, such as the Fell runs in GB would be a blast. As a tantalizing tidbit, check out Scotland's Ultra website
http://www.scottishultramarathonseries.org
Cheers!
Sorry. I had to chuckle at the above!
I am truly hoping that 2015 marks my return to tangible ultra running. I'm not exactly sure what I mean by "tangible", but it would be a step above what I did in 2013 and 2014, where the ultra races I entered where a study in survival. Hopelessly under-trained, focused entirely on triage (get to the next aid station, get to the next aid station, get to the net aid station,...); the only realistic goal being to finish.
In 2015, I want to develop a sound ultra running base. I.e. 80K - 100K per week. No time off, no distractions. Sculpture the body until it is a lean mean ultra machine. I am retired and I have run out of excuses. Without the annoyance of having to work, I can set up some impressive weekly tallies, even during maple syrup season. This is all theory, but I will no longer allow reality to encroach on the Running Dream...
I am retired, but live in a very strange financial landscape. I stopped working at Honda on May 1, 2014, but my first pension cheque arrives on February 1, 2015. How did I do this? Mainly smoke and mirrors, but also some esoteric portfolio manipulations. I would provide more details and insight, but I'm not altogether certain I understand what transpired... Suffice it to say that for 2014 and this year, I will be focused on races that are within biking distance of home. Please ignore the races and holidays that Lee Anne and I did last year in New York, Florida, Pennsylvania and Florida. Those were momentary lapses of reason, for the most part.
Focus Item 2015: Run more OUS races.
Until recently, not many people realized that Ontario has become a hotbed of ultra running. With a 14 race schedule, there is little in northeast North America to match it. I say "until recently", because some of the bigger names in running have started to plunk down races in our back yard. North Face and Red Bull to name two. I expect more to come. At first, this filled me with a modicum of trepidation, but now my stance is "bring it on"! OUS (Ontario Ultra Series) has grown the Ontarian ultra base from circa 25 people, to north of 800, over the last 20 years. Doug Barber recalls races in the '80's where 7 people showed up. In 2014, two of the bigger races (Sulphur Springs and Run for the Toad) combined, had 400 people in their ultra events! The ultra segment of Trail Runner's Trophy Series is chronically sprinkled with Ontario runners. If the big names come into our neighbourhood, I expect even more people will be trying trail and ultra races. This will inevitably help us little guys!
Lee Anne has signed up for a very strange race (this is news?) in Tennessee. It is called "A Race For the Ages" and is tailored to older ultra runners. The race ends at 6:00 PM on Monday, September 4, 2015. Runners are given one hour for each year they have lived! Lee Anne (61 years old) starts at 5:00 AM on Saturday morning and has 61 hours to tally as many miles as she can, before the race ends at 6:00 PM on Labour Day.
OUS will have 14 ultra races. My 2015 aspirations are twofold:
1. Run a 50 miler. I'm tired of being labelled a baby ultra runner, regardless of how good my reasons might be (surgery on both knees, back problems, broken neck, being only semi-rational... Okay, the last point is an advantage).
2. Run more of the ultras. Yes, this will stress the knees, but I can't help but think that running a 50K on little training is a bigger stressor. My skewed logic states that simply running more ultras will get me ready for the next race. Please don't reply and burst my bubble!
2015 Race Schedule:
2015-04-11: Spring Warm-up. Hopefully I can get in a run (maple syrup season)
2015-04-25: 50K at Pick Your Poison.
2015-05-23: 50K at Sulphur Springs
2015-06-06: 6H at Kingston
2015-06-20: 50K at Niagara Ultra
2015-07-04: 50K at Laura Secord
2015-07-11: 28K at Limberlost (nope, I can't do B2B ultras yet)
2015-07-25: 12H at Dirty Girls (yup, longest ultra yet. Might run the night option)
2015-08-08: RD at Creemore
2015-09-04: Crew at Race for the Ages
2015-09-12: 50M at Haliburton. Training: Please make this happen
2015-10-03: 50K at Run for the Toad
2015-10-31: 6H at Horror Trail
Horror Hill was a toss-up between 6 hour and 50K. I would prefer the 6H (secret plans of running more than 50K) but I plan to enter a lot of 50K series races. Realistically, I have no chance of doing well in the 50K series, so let's focus on the ultra series specifically and sign up for the 6H.
Is 13 races sufficient to keep me out of trouble in 2015? Stop! You're killing me! Ah, but seriously, along with our plans for travel and renovations, I should avoid long stretches with idle hands...
Will the schedule change? Count on it. I'm sure commitments such as vacations will crop up that will preclude running some of the races. I'm fervently hoping that the "commitment" is not of the surgery flavour...
Very long term (2016+) plans are to align vacations with goal races. I don't ever see myself being able to run a 100 mile race. My knees and back are nodding their heads in agreement. Races such as the West Highland Way are most likely out. But there are still many 50K - 80K races around the world than pique my curiosity. Even shorter races, such as the Fell runs in GB would be a blast. As a tantalizing tidbit, check out Scotland's Ultra website
http://www.scottishultramarathonseries.org
Cheers!
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Always Have a Plan
Okay, here was the plan:
Wednesday December 17 (incidentally, I was 56.5 on that date):
Move couch.
Thursday December 18, 2014 until April, 2015:
Increase my running speed, stamina and distance until I am a "running force". A running force is one of those runners who seemingly effortlessly cruises through a 50K or 50M to an age category podium finish. In my case, it would be in the geezer category, but that suits me perfectly! A non - "running force" finishes an ultra with these words: "Blospertoto werkolominy", which is what you say when you are desperately trying to avoid puking and falling down. A running force says: "Golly gee that was tough!", and it is apparent that they can easily knock off another 20K.
So, the plan was set, I had cleared my schedule, allowing me to focus on "the official ramp-up". Pending future derailments (maple syrup season, Spring Warm-up (oops! more on that in a later blog entry) and the Spanish Inquisition) would have to be dealt with in due time, but NOTHING could stop the ramp.
Or so I thought...
After a full year of demolishing a house, then building a new one, I had become stronger, faster, higher. I lifted plywood, lumber, heavy objects with a smile. Four of us lifted three 43 foot 2X8 LVL (laminate veneer lumber) beams to the roof peak. That would be 16 feet above the second floor.
A week ago, I lifted a couch with my son-in-law Daryl. Yes, it was a pull-out couch (has a bed in it), but I doubt it weighed more than 150 pounds. While holding the couch, I shifted the weight to my left hand, in order to get a better grip with my right hand. The twisting motion, while bending down, resulted in something popping in my back and shooting pains travelling down my left leg to my toes.
I have had major back problems for 30 years. I have a bulging disk that puts pressure on my sciatic nerve. Very painful! The last major episode was 20 years ago, while skiing out west. It took 6 months before it was better... All year I have been extremely careful to avoid stressing my back. Now, simply walking will start my left leg twitching for hours.
So much for the ramp-up!
Yesterday, in a "Damn The Torpedoes" mood, I went for a run. The sensible components in my brain (they are highly atrophied) dictated a slow and short run. The DTT components elected to run the Ganaraska trail, in 6 inches of snow. I know, less intelligent than almost anything you can think of, but it is completely unfair to put a major trail at the end of my driveway. The cost was considerable, but staying awake most of the night with intermittent pain was an acceptable trade-off. Running 4K on a trail in late December near Creemore was fantastic!
2014 in Review
I have (as intimated above) big plans for 2015, that will have to wait for an early 2015 blog entry. Reflecting on 2014 will help put my aspirations into perspective. In 2014, newly retired and with a significant construction project on the go, I decided to channel much of my running energy into supporting my wife Lee Anne. Lee Anne turned 60 in November 2013 and we decided to make an attempt on a Canadian age category record. It did not turn out according to plan, but she has learned a lot, which will help in the future.
Races:
Pick Your Poison 25K, 3 Days at the Fair 12 hour, Niagara 50K, Limberlost 28K and Canlake 50K. 2014 was a lighter race schedule than in most years.
Crew: 3 Days at the Fair, Pinecreek Challenge, Icarus Florida Ultrafest (crewed Lee Anne)
Volunteer: Dirty Girls, Run for the Toad
Organize: Creemore Vertical Challenge, Creemore Copper Kettle Dash
My running did not meet expectations in 2014. Perhaps I should rephrase this as training did not meet expectations. It is difficult to put in adequate mileage when most days you are working construction and driving for 4 hours. I was badly under-trained for the Canlake 50K, which is apparent in my PW time of 7:01:21.
However, runners are nothing if they are not optimists! I have unrealistic expectations that the weight loss alone (I went from circa 200 pounds to 180) will shave an hour off my 50K time. I just finished the book "What Makes Olga Run", which is inspirational for older athletes. A recommended read for anyone north of 50.
Cheers!
Wednesday December 17 (incidentally, I was 56.5 on that date):
Move couch.
Thursday December 18, 2014 until April, 2015:
Increase my running speed, stamina and distance until I am a "running force". A running force is one of those runners who seemingly effortlessly cruises through a 50K or 50M to an age category podium finish. In my case, it would be in the geezer category, but that suits me perfectly! A non - "running force" finishes an ultra with these words: "Blospertoto werkolominy", which is what you say when you are desperately trying to avoid puking and falling down. A running force says: "Golly gee that was tough!", and it is apparent that they can easily knock off another 20K.
So, the plan was set, I had cleared my schedule, allowing me to focus on "the official ramp-up". Pending future derailments (maple syrup season, Spring Warm-up (oops! more on that in a later blog entry) and the Spanish Inquisition) would have to be dealt with in due time, but NOTHING could stop the ramp.
Or so I thought...
After a full year of demolishing a house, then building a new one, I had become stronger, faster, higher. I lifted plywood, lumber, heavy objects with a smile. Four of us lifted three 43 foot 2X8 LVL (laminate veneer lumber) beams to the roof peak. That would be 16 feet above the second floor.
A week ago, I lifted a couch with my son-in-law Daryl. Yes, it was a pull-out couch (has a bed in it), but I doubt it weighed more than 150 pounds. While holding the couch, I shifted the weight to my left hand, in order to get a better grip with my right hand. The twisting motion, while bending down, resulted in something popping in my back and shooting pains travelling down my left leg to my toes.
I have had major back problems for 30 years. I have a bulging disk that puts pressure on my sciatic nerve. Very painful! The last major episode was 20 years ago, while skiing out west. It took 6 months before it was better... All year I have been extremely careful to avoid stressing my back. Now, simply walking will start my left leg twitching for hours.
So much for the ramp-up!
Yesterday, in a "Damn The Torpedoes" mood, I went for a run. The sensible components in my brain (they are highly atrophied) dictated a slow and short run. The DTT components elected to run the Ganaraska trail, in 6 inches of snow. I know, less intelligent than almost anything you can think of, but it is completely unfair to put a major trail at the end of my driveway. The cost was considerable, but staying awake most of the night with intermittent pain was an acceptable trade-off. Running 4K on a trail in late December near Creemore was fantastic!
2014 in Review
I have (as intimated above) big plans for 2015, that will have to wait for an early 2015 blog entry. Reflecting on 2014 will help put my aspirations into perspective. In 2014, newly retired and with a significant construction project on the go, I decided to channel much of my running energy into supporting my wife Lee Anne. Lee Anne turned 60 in November 2013 and we decided to make an attempt on a Canadian age category record. It did not turn out according to plan, but she has learned a lot, which will help in the future.
Races:
Pick Your Poison 25K, 3 Days at the Fair 12 hour, Niagara 50K, Limberlost 28K and Canlake 50K. 2014 was a lighter race schedule than in most years.
Crew: 3 Days at the Fair, Pinecreek Challenge, Icarus Florida Ultrafest (crewed Lee Anne)
Volunteer: Dirty Girls, Run for the Toad
Organize: Creemore Vertical Challenge, Creemore Copper Kettle Dash
My running did not meet expectations in 2014. Perhaps I should rephrase this as training did not meet expectations. It is difficult to put in adequate mileage when most days you are working construction and driving for 4 hours. I was badly under-trained for the Canlake 50K, which is apparent in my PW time of 7:01:21.
However, runners are nothing if they are not optimists! I have unrealistic expectations that the weight loss alone (I went from circa 200 pounds to 180) will shave an hour off my 50K time. I just finished the book "What Makes Olga Run", which is inspirational for older athletes. A recommended read for anyone north of 50.
Cheers!
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Exercise Room: Complete! Short Update on Creemore Vertical Challenge
Anyone who has undertaken a construction project knows that "completion" is a relative term. My definition is that a project is complete, once I am tired of saying that it is "almost complete"...
Running has taken a back seat to the project for much too long, so another reason to call it complete. Sure, the trim needs a final coat of paint and the exercise room couch is still in Toronto, but the tools are put away (I take them out several times a day to "complete" something else) and I haven't been to Hamilton Brothers in 7 hours! Hamilton Brothers is quite unique. It is a company that has been in business since circa 1850 and (to put it mildly) is well represented in the town of Glen Huron. Not having heard of Glen Huron does not automatically make you urban-centric (Toronto / other), but you need to immerse yourself in the GH culture at least once, to be considered well-rounded. There is an apple store. I could describe it until the cows come home, but it would be better for you to experience it first hand. Butter tarts that should have WHMIS labels. Many varieties of apples. "Many" is the term I use when "several hundred" sounds like a patent exaggeration. Buying apples in Giffens ( http://www.giffens.ca ) is a bit like buying coffee in an uber-exotic New York Coffee Emporium. Be warned. Back to Hamilton Brothers.
I estimate there are 7 town lots in Glen Huron that are covered in building materials. HB has huge hangers for fiberglass insulation. They own about half the town (this might be underestimated). Of interest is that one of their churches (it might be a house) has green number 1. Enough said! They sell re-sawn 1 X 12 pine for about $0.92 per foot, but don't quote me on the price. I think the reason some of their lumber is inexpensive is because they own a water powered feed mill and a water powered saw mill. Yes, they own a lake, dam and water powered businesses. Who doesn't? You can buy maple syrup production equipment, seed potatoes and Christmas trees. Their selection makes Walmart look meagre.
Creemore Vertical Challenge: Update
CVC lost money in 2014. Normally this would not be such a bad thing, but I retired in May, 2014 and guess what? I can no longer afford to plough a few grand into the race. Cancelling CVC was not my first option. There must be some way of holding the race, yet not killing the bank account. The CVC also takes an enormous amount of work and energy. I need to find methods that reduce the workload, yet do not make a large impact on the quality of the race. Many people run Creemore because it is unlike the big races, yet still offers value. What to do?
As a sidebar, there has been a huge outpouring of support, suggestions and offers for help, to keep CVC going. It was inspiring to realize how much the race means to others, not just me. The support meant a lot when I crunched the numbers and made the decision to keep CVC going. Many thanks!
There are many reasons behind the changes. Not all reasons are apparent in the changes, but here are a few:
1. Keep CVC as a challenging race with unique swag and prizes. There will be 60 prizes for the 3 races (25K, 50K and 75K) to be spread amongst a capped field of 250. Hint: If you are over 50 and female, consider the 75K!
2. Generate a profit, to benefit the Canadian Ultra teams. It may seem strange or unfair to take a portion of the entry fees from 25K runners and hand it over to the ultra team, but the reality is that the Canadian Ultra teams have little support from any sources. The federal government is about the only other source. I hope that the 25K runners realize that should they have the temerity to enter an ultra race, Creemore is a logical option. They know the course, they understand the risk and they get so much more for their money. Yes, pain and suffering is bountiful at CVC!
3. Provide the runners with a serious challenge, followed by a social event. Many first-time runners, after cursing me for the course, have declared the post-race event as one of the best they have experienced. Some mentioned that at other races, they normally leave shortly after their race is complete. At Creemore, they stick around and socialize with the other runners. I'm sure the river, pizza and Creemore Springs beer has nothing to do with this!
4. Reduce the workload on the RD (me). This is unfortunate and could be viewed as a down-side, but it is very difficult to ask friends, fellow runners and family to drop everything they are doing and help me for the week leading up to race day. I have been very lucky to have some friends, such as Henri and Diane, Everhard and Ken help me for a good chunk of the preceding week, but the reality is that there are not a lot of people who can take a week off work to help with preparations.
CVC Changes: Here we go!
Date: Now in early August. Saturday, August 8, 2015
I thank Diane Chesla (Laura Secord, Chocolate race, Dirty Girls) profusely for providing a date that does not conflict with the new North Face race in Blue Mountain, or the chronic near-conflict with Limberlost. When it was apparent that early July held too many conflicts, I realized that holding CVC during the summer months was paramount. CVC would lose a considerable amount of its appeal if it was held in the Spring or Fall, where sitting in the river would not be pleasant. Early August is ideal.
Distances: 25K, 50K and (new!) 75K
The reasoning here is that I need to draw back some people who have "been there, done that" with regard to CVC. With the new North Face race, the 50K numbers dropped from 105 (2013) to 66 (2014). Ouch! Although a big component was the saturated ultra market, I am hoping that part of the reason is that some of the seasoned ultra runners are looking for a bigger challenge. Can you say 3 times up O2? Very good! Breath deep!
In a perverse logic, I am also hoping to entice some of the 25K runners to view the 50K as a "middle" distance. I know, good luck with that!
The 75K (starts at 6:00 AM) will have the most difficult cut-off, at 12 hours. The 50K cut-off (since the aid stations will be open longer) can be made more reasonable at 8.5 hours. The logic here is to provide slower runners with an ultra (50K), yet avoid signing up for a race that would be difficult to complete before dark. I would prefer not to have exhausted runners on country roads after 6:00 PM.
No Camping. Alas, this is part of the give and take. I need to shut everything down by 9:00 PM Friday evening in order to be ready for registration at 5:00 AM on Saturday morning. I will contact the tent park in New Lowell (very close to Creemore) to see about setting up a special deal. I have some trepidation that Saturday will be a LONG day. If we have insufficient volunteers to run the aid stations, then post-race clean-up will suffer.
Price Increase.
In 2013, I vowed that I would do everything in my power to avoid a price increase. So much for vows! I am a little upset that marathons have crept over the $100 mark. Why? It is a relatively short racing event, typically over in about 6 hours. 50K's, although only 7.8K longer, usually last quite a few hours longer. I had hoped to keep CVC under the $75 mark, for the 50K.
The reality is that everything is becoming more expensive. New in 2014 was chip timing (which off-loaded a tremendous amount of work from me, figuring out the age category winners) but it comes at a price. For 2015, I will need police for 8 hours (possibly 12) instead of 4.
Oh well, I didn't want to increase entry fees, but the $10 increase is hopefully not too painful:
25K: $70, 50K: $80 and 75K: $90
There will still be a small jug of maple syrup for the first 100 who sign up for the race!
As in every year, there are more changes. I will add "WRONG WAY" signs directly after turns on the roads. I need to start thinking of what the 75K runners will need, as opposed to "only" running 50K. I also have to plead with the land owners to allow crazy runners access to their trails from 6 AM until 6 PM. I need to be nice to Lee Anne (wife, potter, boss) as the number of prizes has increased. Also, you 325 taps: Please don't fail me in 2015!
Cheers!
Running has taken a back seat to the project for much too long, so another reason to call it complete. Sure, the trim needs a final coat of paint and the exercise room couch is still in Toronto, but the tools are put away (I take them out several times a day to "complete" something else) and I haven't been to Hamilton Brothers in 7 hours! Hamilton Brothers is quite unique. It is a company that has been in business since circa 1850 and (to put it mildly) is well represented in the town of Glen Huron. Not having heard of Glen Huron does not automatically make you urban-centric (Toronto / other), but you need to immerse yourself in the GH culture at least once, to be considered well-rounded. There is an apple store. I could describe it until the cows come home, but it would be better for you to experience it first hand. Butter tarts that should have WHMIS labels. Many varieties of apples. "Many" is the term I use when "several hundred" sounds like a patent exaggeration. Buying apples in Giffens ( http://www.giffens.ca ) is a bit like buying coffee in an uber-exotic New York Coffee Emporium. Be warned. Back to Hamilton Brothers.
I estimate there are 7 town lots in Glen Huron that are covered in building materials. HB has huge hangers for fiberglass insulation. They own about half the town (this might be underestimated). Of interest is that one of their churches (it might be a house) has green number 1. Enough said! They sell re-sawn 1 X 12 pine for about $0.92 per foot, but don't quote me on the price. I think the reason some of their lumber is inexpensive is because they own a water powered feed mill and a water powered saw mill. Yes, they own a lake, dam and water powered businesses. Who doesn't? You can buy maple syrup production equipment, seed potatoes and Christmas trees. Their selection makes Walmart look meagre.
Creemore Vertical Challenge: Update
CVC lost money in 2014. Normally this would not be such a bad thing, but I retired in May, 2014 and guess what? I can no longer afford to plough a few grand into the race. Cancelling CVC was not my first option. There must be some way of holding the race, yet not killing the bank account. The CVC also takes an enormous amount of work and energy. I need to find methods that reduce the workload, yet do not make a large impact on the quality of the race. Many people run Creemore because it is unlike the big races, yet still offers value. What to do?
As a sidebar, there has been a huge outpouring of support, suggestions and offers for help, to keep CVC going. It was inspiring to realize how much the race means to others, not just me. The support meant a lot when I crunched the numbers and made the decision to keep CVC going. Many thanks!
There are many reasons behind the changes. Not all reasons are apparent in the changes, but here are a few:
1. Keep CVC as a challenging race with unique swag and prizes. There will be 60 prizes for the 3 races (25K, 50K and 75K) to be spread amongst a capped field of 250. Hint: If you are over 50 and female, consider the 75K!
2. Generate a profit, to benefit the Canadian Ultra teams. It may seem strange or unfair to take a portion of the entry fees from 25K runners and hand it over to the ultra team, but the reality is that the Canadian Ultra teams have little support from any sources. The federal government is about the only other source. I hope that the 25K runners realize that should they have the temerity to enter an ultra race, Creemore is a logical option. They know the course, they understand the risk and they get so much more for their money. Yes, pain and suffering is bountiful at CVC!
3. Provide the runners with a serious challenge, followed by a social event. Many first-time runners, after cursing me for the course, have declared the post-race event as one of the best they have experienced. Some mentioned that at other races, they normally leave shortly after their race is complete. At Creemore, they stick around and socialize with the other runners. I'm sure the river, pizza and Creemore Springs beer has nothing to do with this!
4. Reduce the workload on the RD (me). This is unfortunate and could be viewed as a down-side, but it is very difficult to ask friends, fellow runners and family to drop everything they are doing and help me for the week leading up to race day. I have been very lucky to have some friends, such as Henri and Diane, Everhard and Ken help me for a good chunk of the preceding week, but the reality is that there are not a lot of people who can take a week off work to help with preparations.
CVC Changes: Here we go!
Date: Now in early August. Saturday, August 8, 2015
I thank Diane Chesla (Laura Secord, Chocolate race, Dirty Girls) profusely for providing a date that does not conflict with the new North Face race in Blue Mountain, or the chronic near-conflict with Limberlost. When it was apparent that early July held too many conflicts, I realized that holding CVC during the summer months was paramount. CVC would lose a considerable amount of its appeal if it was held in the Spring or Fall, where sitting in the river would not be pleasant. Early August is ideal.
Distances: 25K, 50K and (new!) 75K
The reasoning here is that I need to draw back some people who have "been there, done that" with regard to CVC. With the new North Face race, the 50K numbers dropped from 105 (2013) to 66 (2014). Ouch! Although a big component was the saturated ultra market, I am hoping that part of the reason is that some of the seasoned ultra runners are looking for a bigger challenge. Can you say 3 times up O2? Very good! Breath deep!
In a perverse logic, I am also hoping to entice some of the 25K runners to view the 50K as a "middle" distance. I know, good luck with that!
The 75K (starts at 6:00 AM) will have the most difficult cut-off, at 12 hours. The 50K cut-off (since the aid stations will be open longer) can be made more reasonable at 8.5 hours. The logic here is to provide slower runners with an ultra (50K), yet avoid signing up for a race that would be difficult to complete before dark. I would prefer not to have exhausted runners on country roads after 6:00 PM.
No Camping. Alas, this is part of the give and take. I need to shut everything down by 9:00 PM Friday evening in order to be ready for registration at 5:00 AM on Saturday morning. I will contact the tent park in New Lowell (very close to Creemore) to see about setting up a special deal. I have some trepidation that Saturday will be a LONG day. If we have insufficient volunteers to run the aid stations, then post-race clean-up will suffer.
Price Increase.
In 2013, I vowed that I would do everything in my power to avoid a price increase. So much for vows! I am a little upset that marathons have crept over the $100 mark. Why? It is a relatively short racing event, typically over in about 6 hours. 50K's, although only 7.8K longer, usually last quite a few hours longer. I had hoped to keep CVC under the $75 mark, for the 50K.
The reality is that everything is becoming more expensive. New in 2014 was chip timing (which off-loaded a tremendous amount of work from me, figuring out the age category winners) but it comes at a price. For 2015, I will need police for 8 hours (possibly 12) instead of 4.
Oh well, I didn't want to increase entry fees, but the $10 increase is hopefully not too painful:
25K: $70, 50K: $80 and 75K: $90
There will still be a small jug of maple syrup for the first 100 who sign up for the race!
As in every year, there are more changes. I will add "WRONG WAY" signs directly after turns on the roads. I need to start thinking of what the 75K runners will need, as opposed to "only" running 50K. I also have to plead with the land owners to allow crazy runners access to their trails from 6 AM until 6 PM. I need to be nice to Lee Anne (wife, potter, boss) as the number of prizes has increased. Also, you 325 taps: Please don't fail me in 2015!
Cheers!
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