I don’t know if I mentioned or not … but I am running the Grizzly 50K Ultra in Canmore on Oct. 12. It was a spur of the moment decision. Initially I signed up as a two-person team. My plan was to finish the proper running season with a fun run with a pal. Mark agreed to be my teammate. I don’t think he really wanted to do it because he had just run the Lost Soul 100K. He pretty much swore off long distances following his finish. Ha ha
So … I gave him the boot and switched over to solo. He wasn’t too bothered. Anyway I have about three weeks to get ready & taper for my second 50K.
I don’t know too much about the ultra but I love running in Canmore. The race organizers like to give runners an idea of what’s in store for them by offering a few guided runs of the five legs leading up to the race.
Yvonne and I drove to the Canmore Nordic Centre early Saturday morning so we could join the group run. There were probably about 20 runners. The leaders explained it would be an easy run of the 12km leg. They also said it was likely the most challenging leg of the five. Yvonne isn’t a big runner so I swore up and down that I would stay with her.
Shortly after we began our run, the group divided into two. Our group got lost so it was a bit confusing with the trails. The map that we had was a complete mess. Eventually Mike, one of the leaders found us and guided us through the leg. I loved the trail. (Thanks to Tina for snapping this picture of me!)
12K is short for me so I wanted to make sure we got a few more hours on our feet. Afterall we drove two hours. We decided to drive to Banff and hike up to the gondola on Sulfur Mountain. We would hike up together and I would run down. And the funny thing is I beat Yvonne down! The tourists were pretty funny. A few of them took my picture running down. I think they were impressed with my rock-jumping skills.
Our bodies deserved great food after our good efforts today. We headed to Bistro Nourish in Banff. I highly recommend this spot. It’s completely vegan/vegetarian. The menu boasts absolutely mouth-watering dishes. Love it there! A bunch of guys from Edmonton who we were leap frogging the trail with “followed us” to the restaurant. Funny.
We had a great but a tiring day! It’s always a great day when you’re surrounded by Mother Nature in all her glory!
I LOVE Nourish!! Good choice and great run!
Me too. I am a big fan. Thanks!
Sooooo jealous!!
You should be! lol