Summer Solstice: Ha Ling Challenge

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In: Hiking, Running
Whew! I survived the 12-hour Ha Ling challenge.

I may never want to see Ha Ling ever again but I had a lot of fun. Most of all it was great training for my next ultra – Lost Soul. Loved the elevation gain! (I can say that now because I am on flat land.)

Diane and her pal Liz joined me in the challenge. It was their first time in Canmore and climbing Ha Ling. Neither one has done much climbing or experience on mountains so I was excited to show them a new experience. We drove in together on Friday night and stayed at a basic hotel.

A collision on Hwy 1 delayed our arrival in Canmore by close to hours. It was a fun drive. I amused myself by blowing kissers and pretending to take pictures at the cars on my right. I’m a fun passenger. Because we got in so late, we ate at an expensive restaurant next to our hotel.
We met at the parking lot just before 5:26 a.m. On the way up we nearly collided with a parked SUV that was in the middle of this crappy mountain road. These drunk guys were trying to scale the rockface. We had to convince them to move the truck because we couldn’t drive around them.
About 45 people confirmed on Facebook, and 10 runners (2 dogs) showed – mostly from Edmonton. Thankfully these guys were a fun, encouraging group (like most trail/ultra runners) and not assholes. When I was taking this group shot, I thought this will likely be the only time I see them on the trail. What a speedy looking bunch! 
 

Vincent organized the challenge. Here he’s explaining the challenge rules and pointing to the peak of Ha Ling. Each go at the parking lot and finished at the sign on the peak. Shortcuts would get you DQed.

We hiked at a good pace for the first go. Both Liz and Diane were surprised at the elevation gain. I kept saying downhill would be the reward. I was so overdressed that I felt like I was melting. But I know how windy it can get on the top so I just kept my jacket.

We crossed paths with the guys and shared words of encouragement throughout the day. It was awesome to see them fly down so quickly. I wish I was that confident and strong. I’m getting better with my downhills though. I ran down the first two times and walked a third with Diane. 

This goat was looking a little sad. I convinced him not to jump. As the day went on, I found my groove and I felt stronger. And as the hours passed, we began to see more people. Word quickly spread about the challenge on the mountain. I didn’t tell anyone I passed because when you’re huffing and puffing you don’t want to hear “well this is my third or fourth time today.” Nobody wants to feel like they suck. But it was fun to hear “didn’t I just see you up here?”
Going in my goal was to finish three. I am confident I had another under my belt but I am sure Liz and Diane would have strangled me if I said I was going up a fourth time. We called it a day around the 9-hour mark. There were still a few guys gunning for a 6th. Most guys did about 5. A few later comers showed up and did three including Facebook friend and ultra rockstar Dave, who I finally met in person. (Super nice guy by the way.) Check out his blog. 
Here’s a glimpse of what we did from my Garmin. Looks like fun, right?  I am glad I listened to Jeff, my ultrarunner turned crossfitter, coworker who told me to take it easy. My foot started complaining slightly after my second descent. But overall it did not bail on me. 
It’s now Monday and I feel fine. It was perfect day weather wise – not too hot and not too chilly. It was supposed to rain so that likely kept the crowds away. Otherwise I think it would have been pure madness. 
What a wonder and memorable way to welcome the summer!

4 Comments

  1. Oh my goodness! Just going up once would be plenty for me. But sounds like you had fun!

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