Moon Joggers - Blast off to Venus

So a friend of mine referred me to a group that is collectively running to the planet Venus. Yes, you heard correct. Venus. The lovely planet of toxic gases, extreme temperatures and goddess of beauty. Last year, this group, aptly named MoonJoggers, decided to run to the moon, and together they pooled 557,000 miles (896,770 kms) in less than a year. So they made it to the moon and back in less than a year. That's pretty cool. Check out their video below.

This year, 2014, they are trying to collect 25,000,000 miles (40,250,000 kms) to run to Venus. I have opted to take part. Why not hey? After all, running is all about community. At least it can be. There are several membership options and you get some pretty cool swag, but I opted for the free membership. If you do pay, money goes towards Little Heroes Foundation charity.

So sign up, why not? There are many different distances to commit to. I committed 1000 miles, and I know that is achievable as I am training for my first ultra marathon this year. Yeah, I've said that before, but I want to complete this goal before I turn 30 (this June). I have a few races picked out however I have not registered for anything. I want to get my training at least a month in before I do register.

 See you all in outer space :-)

2012 Iron Legs 50 Miler

Yesterday was the Iron Legs 50 Miler race in Kananaskis Country. I want to draw inspiration for my running since my motivation has been low lately, and I also wanted to help out. So I signed up as a volunteer for the race. I was needed as a course marshall (directing racers on the right path) and also asked to take photos of the race. So I borrowed my work's super-awesome Canon DSLR, packed my gear, and headed up to Jumpingpound Summit.

First off, the race itself is an 81km footrace in Kananaskis. This is 4th year that is has happened, and the race itself was sold out (again). It started at 6am, and racers were expected to take anywhere from 9-20 hours to complete. I believe the fastest time posted was 8:41, which is incredible considering the elevations, technical trail and distance. I was in place at 9:30 at the 35 km mark when the first racers came through.

Here are some photos of the race. All of these photos (and more) are available for download at full resolution here. I took photos of every single racer who came by Jumpingpound Summit.

The views from the top are stunning! This is Mt. Yamnuska to the north. 

Jumpingpound Summit was the highest elevation of the race. However, racers had to descend and then reascend Cox Hill, about 8km further down the trail. No small feat. You can see the trail on the left ascending the ridge.

A closer view of Cox Hill. The trail is easily visible. 

Looking south towards Forget-Me-Not ridge, I believe.

To the south was Nihahi Ridge, with Outlaw Peak, Cornwall and Glasgow behind.

Banded Peak!

At 9:30, we saw the first racer ascending to Jumpinpound Summit.

Looking north along the trail, you can see little white specks that are the racers.

Racers had to check in at the summit of Jumpinpound Mountain, and then come back down and head north. I was making sure they followed the path.

Looking down the Jumpinpound summit trail. Mt. Bogart and Canyon creek are off in the distance. P.S., that's where the racers were coming from.

It was great to see so many people out racing.

The grind to the summit. Most people said things like: "Sure... take my photo when I'm walking!" I said I would make them look glorious.

A chipmunk came and visited me. That's the only wildlife that I saw while out there.

From the summit, I could see the town of Cochrane to the north. Yay home!

As the running field narrowed out, I had a little bit of time to take some photos.

Your truly!

The sweeps came through at 2:30. They had their dog with them, and they were hot on the heels of the final racer! 

I was trying to capture the immensity of the race.

Or maybe I was trying to capture the solitude of such a long race.

Or maybe I was just trying to capture the stunning scenery...

All I can say is that the views were incredible. It was a great day to be outside and a wonderful event to be a part of.

It really was a treat to be stationed up there. The views were so beautiful.

The view from the top, capturing Black Rock Mountain to the north.

Another picture of Cox Hill. Bragg Creek would be way off to the right. 

Looking again at Mt. Bogart and Canyon Creek. On Powderface Road, at the base of this mountain is a memorial for a WWII trainer aircraft that crashed in the area.

The Ranger Station high atop Moose Mountain.

The race was truly inspiring. I took a photo of each racer as he/she ran by, with hopes that every photo would end up on the Iron Legs website. It was great to get involved with a community that I so closely can identify with, and it was so nice to see people out enjoying this small piece of heaven that is Kananaskis. I am truly inspired by all of the racers who participated and ran this race. I hope to be one of them next year, or in the coming years!

:-)

Canada Day Loop

So yesterday was the perfect day for a run. It was a long run day, so out I went. GPS data can be found here. 

The loop starts from Heritage Hills and heads south along Horse Creek Road to the River. I had a  blazing pace here of about 3:30/km.

I love running along the river. So purdy!

There is some singletrack along the river, which is always fun.

So high up above the river, which is very high at the moment due to all of the rains we've had lately.

I ran past Mitford Park which was preparing for the Canada Day concerts (that we would attend that evening). I could hear the "check-check, thump-thump-thump, check-check" for the better part of my run.

Cochrane's Red Rock pathways.

Yours truly, Canadian do-rag and all (I've had it for 13 years now).

Running through the culvert under Griffin Road!

Through the parks! It is so very green from all of the rain we've had.

Under the train bridge and highway.

Creeeeeeepy......

The RancheHouse Ravine is great for singletrack, but it was still quite muddy and wet.

So lush and green.

Did I mention muddy? Wet shoes are never a good thing, especially wet and full of mud. I did slip and fall in the mud.

Singletrack back to the RancheHouse.

A great run!

The last part of the run is all road and gravel back to the neighbouhood. Not my first choice, but it's nice to be able to run from home.

At the apex of my run, looking south to the mountains (and Moose Mountain, which I ran on Thursday).

Looking back towards my beloved home of Cochrane. I love it here!

And looking west towards my mountains. Yep, I claim them in the name of Lorne. Devil's Head (the knob mountain), I shall conquer thee.

So I was winding down the run along the gravel road back to my place when I hear a "screeeeeeeeee" above my head. I look up, and no more than 10 meters above my head is a hawk floating right above me.

I zoomed in with the camera and got this photo. Not bad, but very cool!

So my first week of ultra running training consisted of 2 trails runs, 1 track runs and 2 road runs. There were also some weight training sessions in there, which are critical to maintain and build strength, both upper and lower. I ran a total 45.3km, which is a good start in my opinion.. I also purchased some good technical running clothing, which makes all of the difference in the world! However, my best discovery is a recovery smoothie:

1c frozen kale
1c frozen blueberries
1 whole lemon, peeled and seeded
Water until smoothie consistency is achieved
1 tbsp chia seeds

Blend until smooth, and enjoy within 30 minutes following a long run. The high-antioxidant value of this smoothie and the chia seeds really help recovery and reduce inflammation. Also, drink lots and lots of water. Nom nom nom!

:-)