I tagged along with the Calgary Trail Runners for a 15K run near Barrier Lake. Mark and I ran with them earlier in the summer. You will remember I could barely keep up with them. I expected pretty much the same on this windy, windy day.
The drive was about 20 minutes from Canmore. I lost iPhone reception as I turned onto Barrier Lake Road. It wasn’t a big deal but I like to have service especially when I am running. I had my bear spray so I wasn’t too worried. Besides I am a ninja.
I didn’t know anyone really in the group. I met a few of the guys – Brayden, Ben and Tony – on my first run and ran into them at Grizzly and Lost Soul ultra. The organizer was Lori, a friendly lady from Calgary (obviously!).
My legs were feeling Saturday’s run straight away. I just pushed through the climbs. It was the downhill portions that I knew would put me in the back. Sure enough as soon as we hit the downhills my right leg gave up on me. Sigh. I just waddled my way through the run.
It was very windy to start. (Yes I am all over the place with this post.) I was super prepared for windy weather. It turns out I was over-prepared and over-dressed. I didn’t bother to remove any clothing like the rest of the group. I was too lazy. In my mind, once it’s on, it’s on. (Besides, I thought maybe I could lose a pound or something.)
We started at the Barrier Lake dam where we ran about a kilometre on the exposed gravel road. From there we headed into the trail. It was a nice challenging 5.5 km climb to the rocky summit.
And climb we did. Gosh I really, really need to work on my uphills. I was sucking wind the entire way. It was challenging to say the least. A couple of the guys just flew by us like it was nothing.
The view was totally worth it. The pack was in a hurry to keep running. Another runner and I stayed around for a few more minutes to snap some photos. I could have stayed longer but we were there to run.
From the summit, we ran down and looped to the parking lot. Like I said, I was completely overdressed. The sun was beating down and it was turning out to be a gorgeous day. It was nice to chat with some new people and to see another great trail in Alberta.
It was really nice of the Calgary group to let me tag along with them. It’s always slightly awkward at first when you run with a bunch of strangers. But they were very welcoming. Lori even baked chocolate chip cookies for the runners. (I ate two!). I don’t usually like to run with people because I am complete dork (and I usually can’t keep up with anyone). But this was a great change. (I really need to get out more.)
Looks like a great day out. I know what you mean about not wanting to run with people and hold them back. But looks like a great group!
Yes it was a lot of fun. 🙂
Looks like fun! I've hiked that route, and it would be a tough run, way to stick it out!!
Thanks buddy 🙂 It was a great morning with great runners!
Oh you! You can so keep up… 😉
There is a pace group for everyone, we just have to find our "like" pacers.
Anyway, great pics Crystal!