Somewhere along the way, I got into the habit of running the same trails over and over again. Running on autopilot, if you will. But you know doing the same thing over and over again applies to running – it gets boring and you lose some of that drive to go beyond and try new challenges.
Exploring is what created our worlds. So why not try explore more, and routine less?
I was thinking about my need to explore new trails on Saturday when I joined Rachel to explore some trails near the Fullerton Loop in Kananaskis Country. Usually when I head south to the trails, I go to the West Bragg Trails because I always thought they were the shortest distance from Red Deer (two hours). Now I am not so convinced. I’ve met Rachel at this parking lot a few times now and it took me a little over two hours. (It really all depends on traffic)
Nonetheless it was a beautiful day and I couldn’t wait to get outside. We met at 8:30 a.m. and got on the trail shortly after we got our acts together. We decided to follow the same 20K route that we had done a few weeks ago. With my wonderful trail memory, I knew we wouldn’t get lost. (And if we did, who cares? More time on feet!)
Thankfully the trails were fairly dry. Most of the snow had melted but there were a few muddy spots. I will take mud over snow any day! We ran into some of the Calgary Trail Runners who were doing the 100K fun run. They had run into some snow on another trail. We lucked out but judging from their pictures, they seemed to have a lot of fun (or was it delirium?).
My legs felt A LOT better this time compared to the first time we ran this trail. The combination of being out of shape, snow and ice did not help. We took it very easy and enjoyed the day and the quietness of the trail. I still have A LOT of work to do so I am ready to challenge Iron Legs but I am confident I can get the training in that I need to finish strong.
Somebody built a fort. Whew! I had a place to stay if I decided to spend the night in the wilderness. I just need a sleeping bag and a reading light and I will be good to go.
Exploring and running down this trail made all the climbing worth it. Isn’t it funny how your legs just come alive on the descents? I should be just flying down but I was very cautious. Clearly I have work to do on my downhills too.
Iron Legs will come way too soon. May came too quickly. Two and a half months to get ready for this 60K. Crossing my fingers, I have the time to get race ready (and to drop this damn weight that I put on over three months). I keep telling myself (especially on the 7th hill repeat on Wednesday nights) that if I put in the training, I will finish this race in a good (for me) time.
Happy trails.
Great pics! It boggles my mid (kinda) that anyone would drive for two hours to run trails but then when you look at where you two were running, it kinda makes sense!