Two pigeons are chatting on the balcony across from mine as I sit down to write this week’s update. The sun is shining – somewhat – and I am feeling good.
Thankfully the cold front has passed over Calgary. Judging by the traffic on the Trans Canada this pass weekend I can say we’re all breathing a sigh of relief. I know winter is not over yet but those two frigid weeks were enough to damper anyone’s spirit.
All that said – I had two full weeks of low mileage. During week five, I ran 38 kilometres. I did lots of yoga and strength training so it wasn’t a complete write off.
Week 6: week day runs
Hallelujah and goodbye to the wind chill factor. I ran Monday, Wednesday and Thursday along the Bow River pathway system. Funny how I am beginning to recognize the same group of runners.
Although a little groggy, my legs felt pretty good. While I have enjoyed running along the Bow River, I think it’s time for me to get back to Nose Hill.
Weekend runs
I arrived at the Fullerton loop marking lot around 8 a.m. There were only a handful of cars in the parking lot. In retrospect, I should have parked somewhere else because when I finished my 20K loop I had to wait 20 minutes until other cars left so I could leave. A few cars had parked creatively behind me so I was unable to back up without hitting their vehicles.
I digress … I have run the 20K loop enough times now that I can do it on auto pilot without second guessing any turns. Thank you to whomever first posted it on Strava. The trail was in pretty good shape. My climbing is getting better and I am starting to run a little harder. It was great not having to stop every few minutes to adjust clothing or such because of the frigid temperatures.
On Sunday I met Sue at Lake Minnewanka. It was my first time at the popular tourist hot spot. I have always wanted to go but Parks Canada enforces a four-person group requirement to protect the bears. I think it is in place from early July to September. That just means I will have to get back there before the summer.
Our plan was to run up to the Alymer lookout but the heavy snow stopped us short about a couple kilometres from the lookout. We still managed to get in 20K despite the heavy, heavy wind. I am going to try to get back there again to run more along the lake. It’s a longer drive than to Kananaskis but it’s worth it for the views and the sweet trails.
Mileage for the week clocked in at 75 kilometres. Can’t wait to start building those bigger numbers.
All in all, I am feeling strong and ready to take on the next phase of my training – longer long runs and picking up some speed.
How is your running going? What have you been working on this winter? I would love to hear from you in the comments below.