2017 In Review

"Winter running, is SO much fun!!"

What a year it has been, so many "firsts" and so many accomplishments that I never thought were possible.  Many people have come into my life this year - made a mark, and helped me achieve my goals....memories, the will never be forgotten.

"It was a cold one...  -31 C"

The first race of 2017 was the Chilly Willy here in Grande Prairie in early February.  In 2016, I completed the 5 km as my first race ever, so I decided to step up my game for 2017 and signed up for the half marathon!!  Although this was my 5th half marathon since I started running, it was by far my coldest run.  With the wind, it was a bitter (not CHILLY) -31 degrees celsius!!  Luckily I had met up with an experienced runner about 12 km in and we chatted about races around the world that she had completed.  I don't remember who the lady was, but she was an inspiration and had many stories to tell!!

After Chilly Willy, it was down to business and the start of training for my first full marathon, the Calgary Scotiabank Marathon!!  I teamed up with a nutritionist and a running coach to help me get in shape and train correctly.  Most of my runs were solo runs on paved trails in Grande Prairie, but I started meeting local runners from the various run groups in Grande Prairie.

My original target finish time for Calgary marathon was 4 hrs 20 min, but when I started doing my speed training, I could see that a 4:20 finish time was a little bit greedy....4:30 to 4:45 was more realistic for me.  All through training, I managed to run injury free until about 6 weeks prior to race day.  Less than a kilometre from home, I felt a sproing (yes, that is what it felt like) in my knee.  I had to walk the rest of the way home, the pain was so bad!!

Once home, I talked with my coach Krista; iced it as she recommended; and cancelled the next days training run.  The following day, I went out for an easy run and didn't have any pain.  During my subsequent runs, I discovered that the pain would come back if I ran with my toes pointed out.  With a conscious effort to keep my toes pointing straight ahead, I prevented any other pain in my knee.  Fortunately, that would be my only injury of 2017.

"Crossing the finish line
at Brian Harms"

While training for my marathon, I completed the 15 km Brian Harms road race.  I was supposed to run 23 kilometres that day, so it was an easy 3 km run to the race start point, run the 15 km race, then run the longer 5 km route home.  Sometimes it is just about getting creative to get your longer runs finished!!  Even with running the extra distance, this was the first time that I ever placed in my age category....and Im pretty sure there were more than 3 of us in the category!!

"Run Now, Wine Later.  These are the crazy people that got me
into this whole running thing in the first place...."

When the "big race day" finally arrived the end of May - I felt ready!!  My brother Steve, Megan, Eileen, who originally got me into running, joined me in the race.  They have all completed several marathons but failed to tell me about the severe boredom runners face during a road marathon!!!  Halfway through the race, as we were running through the university grounds, there were no pace bunnies in site, and boredom seemed to be slowing my pace.  Looking for motivation, I finally spotted a bunny underneath a scrubby spruce tree on the grass close to the road.  When I attempted to catch up to him, it was very apparent that he was not the pace bunny that I was looking for.  After a short sprint through a hedge and across the manicured lawn I realised his pace was much faster than what I could maintain for the duration of the race, so I rejoined the group of runners on the road and continued towards the finish line.

The final 5 km of the race were definitely a challenge for me.  Steve and Megan set a pace I could maintain and we finished the final portion of the race with run/walk intervals.  As we neared the finish line, Steve and I discussed the proper "running etiquette" of sprinting to the finish line.  Steve agreed with me, that I would be able to sprint the final 10 meters and that should satisfy the "running police".   When we rounded the corner in front of the Calgary Stampede grandstands, the finish line was less than 100 meters ahead.  Steve's stride increased, so I stepped up my pace to match his.  Then I sped up a bit so I could cross the finish line ahead of him!!!  He responded to my speed increase, by going into full "sprint mode" at which time, I did the same.  We crossed the finish line in an arguable dead heat at a full out sprint!!!  If we would have had hair, it would have really been blowing in the wind!!!!

The video that Cheri took of the finish was inconclusive as to who the winner was...so we left up to the official timing chip.  (I must clarify, this was not a sprint for first place....we were fighting for the 583rd spot.)  When the results were posted, we both had the same time of 4:45:33, but because he is older than me, they gave him 583 and I graciously accepted 584.  The race was finished and in the book and for that I am thankful.  So far, I don't have any desire to do another road marathon.  I learned that these types of races are very long and actually quite monotonous especially when there are no rabbits around to chase.

"The summit of Grande Mnt"

 I took about 10 days off running to recover from the marathon, then got right into training for the 85 km (3 Day) Golden Ultra Marathon.  I quickly discovered that running with a group was not only very entertaining, but also made the long training runs much more enjoyable.

"Training for Golden on the
Emperors Challenge trail"

Throughout the summer, I made many new friends and acquaintances.  Some have become long time running partners, and others just run with me to challenge me to a good sprint at the end of the run, or to push me through out the run!!!  Either way, they have all become inspirations to me in their own way.

"Finishing Emperors Challenge"

In early August, I competed in the Emperors Challenge, a local half marathon that runs up Babcock Mountain near Tumbler Ridge, BC.  This was the second year I had run this race, and after training all summer for my ultra, I was SURE this was my opportunity to CRUSH my time from 2016.  I knew the course well, and I had run it several times while training though out the summer.  The weekend of the race, I planned to run the race course twice to get in my required training distance for the weekend.  The night befor the race, I went out and ran 18 km of the course at a slow easy pace, not wanting to be too worn out for the race.

Race day dawned very smokey.  We had brought our holiday trailer with us so we camped at the start line with some other runners from Grande Prairie.  The race started with high anticipation, but the smoke soon thickened as the day went on, and seemed to slow me down.  My finishing time was nearly 15 minutes slower than my 2016 time, but then I realized that I had NO taper prior to this race and I was right in the peak of my ultra training.  I guess, you can't beat every record you attempt.....

"I just finished my FIRST 'ultra' run... 44km!!!  What an experience!!"

On one long training run earlier in the spring, I was running with the owner of the local running store, and race director for several local races.  We were discussing the idea of creating an "Amazing Race" type event here in Grande Prairie....and like I tend to do, I took the idea and ran with it....literally!!!  It wasn't long, and the Amazing Grande Prairie Sidewalk Race was formed.

I had an idea for a medal, so I took a picture of the city skyline and ordered the medals.  There was no turning back now, it was time to start planning!!  I started making phone calls and soon had several sponsors on board, and had a local charity chosen that we would support.  Our goal was to raise $2,000 for Junior Achievement Alberta.

I soon realized that I was going to need some help with this operation so I teamed up with a couple other ladies in town to help me plan....and make sure no details were forgotten.  As the big day got closer, we finalized the last of the 9 challenges and checkpoints which were at businesses in the city.  Local businesses kept calling and wanted to be involved as sponsors or checkpoints.  The response from the local community was spectacular!!

We capped the race at 100 competitors and had a goal of 70.  When race day, September 16 rolled around, we had 68 competitors and had raised $5,000 for Junior Achievements Alberta!!  The race was not without its hiccups and hairy moments (Yes, even for me), but it was a huge success as far as I was concerned.

"Thanks to our Sponsors"

"Mayor and Councillor handing out medals at the finish line"

Organizing a race was a perfect way to distract me from my first ultra that was just 2 weeks away.  I had trained all summer and I felt mentally and physically ready for the race, but the pre race nerves seemed to find me.  This was the first taper I ever really noticed, and thought about.  After having spent SO much time training in the previous weeks, I had to find other things to keep my mind occupied....so I spent more time mentally preparing and getting my gear ready for race day.

"Grande Prairie representing at
Golden Ultra"

"The climb...."

 After a very snowy day of driving we arrived in Golden BC.  As the highway descended into the valley, we could see across the valley to the snow covered mountain that we would run up twice in was many days. Day one was a 5 km jaunt pretty much straight up
the mountain with one kilometre in elevation gain.  It provided me with a good taste of what the following day would have in store....

"Sprinting to the finish of day one!!!"

 Day two was the day I had dreamed about, lost sleep over, and imagined myself running for the past 8 months.  Now was the time to see if all my training and careful nutrition planning would really work.

The first part of the 60 km course took us out of town and down the river valley for about 20 km, then it started to climb up the end of the mountain.  The climb seemed to take forever; even though the trails and views were stunning.  Once at the summit, it was about 5 km of ridge running to the finish line from day one.  From there, we ran down he mountain and finished off the remaining 15 km or so in the valley then ran back into town.

With the exception of forgetting the charging cord for my watch (so I could charge it on leg 4), the day went pretty much as planned.  Not having any means of telling time or pace on the final leg of the race was mentally challenging to say the least!!  I just had to push myself to keep going, one step at a time.  Sixty kilometres in, 11 hours, 32 minutes, and 53 seconds....

"Calling home to tell Cheri an the girls
that I finished....and was still alive"

After finishing the race, the feelings that came over me are unexplainable.  It is still hard to put into words, and I think it is a feeling that you can only experience after running a long race like that.  Everything was finished....everything I had trained for and dreamt about was now a reality.

After the "high" of day two; day three was just about finishing!!  It was 20 km along the river valley with some elevation, but nothing really too difficult.  It was a great way to work out all the sore muscles and aches and pains from the previous day.

"The finish line of day two....the smile pretty much says it all!!"

 The long day driving home was actually quite painful.  Several times we stopped and went for a walk, just to stretch out and work the stiffness out of our legs.  But it didn't take long before I was planning my next race!!  I felt invincible now that I had completed my first ultra and I thought I was ready to complete another one.  Some of the other, more experienced runners in the group, soon talked some sense back into me and I opted for a half marathon for my next race of the year.

October 21 was once again race day!!  The GPRC Wandering Wolf is a local trail race here in Grande Prairie.  I convinced one of my training partners to run it with me so we could enjoy it together.  She was much faster than I typically am, so she set the pace down the trail.

"Sprint to the finish!!!"

"Running on the frosty trails of Wandering Wolf"

After finishing Wandering Wolf, I helped with the local run group once a week, and tried to get in another run or two, but mostly I took the next couple weeks pretty easy.  Gave my body time to heal up and get ready for 2018!!  But by the mid November, I was getting antsy to get running again.

I had the idea to set up an event to raise money so we could purchase winter clothes to donate to the local schools.  Other people could join the event, challenge themselves, and raise money too.  I started Kilometers For Kids and challenged myself to run at least 1 km every day for the month of December.  I had never attempted a running streak and I was really unaware of the benefits of it.

It wasn't without its challenges though.  December had some VERY cold spells and running at -30 celsius is a little extreme...even for me.  I did manage to run every day, and in the process finished off 2017 having run 1,609 kilometres (1,000 miles).

Kilometres for Kids raised over $2,200 to purchase winter clothes for kids here in Grande Prairie, which seemed like the perfect way to end an AMAZING year of running and a great way to start 2018!!!  The year also had many firsts for my, I ran my first full marathon (Calgary), ran my first ultra (Golden), directed my first race (Amazing Grande Prairie Sidewalk Race), and ran my first running streak (30 days).

Training has already started for my second ultra.....Canadian Death Race in Grande Cache Alberta.  It is a 125 km race over 4 mountains that, living up to its name, challenges event the best runners.

While training for the Death Race, I plan on completing the two marathons in the Northern Alberta Trail Series here in Grande Prairie and Grande Cache.  Im sure along the way, I will find some other races to run, and some other trails to explore....but those will be other stories that I will share here on my blog, so follow along with me!!  You can also keep up to speed on my running activities by following me on Instagram at Here Comes The Zoom.

Phil's Gear Guide: Saucony Koa ST, Out of The Box Review

Saucony, Koa ST

If I have learned one thing about running, it is that it is all about management.  Managing your energy, managing time, managing nutrition and my favourite.... managing your gear!!  This is my second winter running with my original pair of Saucony Razor Ice shoes.  They are EXCEPTIONAL in the wet snow, water and slush we encounter in northern Alberta in the late winter and early spring.  They are now on their last few hundred kilometres and with my 2018 ultra training just getting into high gear, I know they won't make it to the slush season if I use them throughout the winter.  And since this is now my second winter using them, it is definitely time for a new pair of winter shoes!!

The aggressive tread works well in loose snow
as well as snow covered ice patches.

With Boxing week sales in full force, I headed to our local running store in search of a good pair of winter trail shoes with spikes.  The trails around here are now hard packed snow and with no recent fresh snow on them, they have turned quite icy.  Since I tend to procrastinate, and I was shopping on the LAST day of the sale, I was not able to find shoes that fit me well that had corks.  I was about to resort to online shopping when the owner of the store recommended the Saucony Koa ST.  They are not corked, but their aggressive tread has been touted as an excellent trail option.

The initial try-on, was just like slipping my feet into a bit of heaven!!!  The inside cushioning is very similar to the Razor Ice.  Soft enough to mold to your feet but firm enough to provide ample support on uneven trails. The most noticeable difference from the Razor Ice (aside from lacking the built in gauntlet) is the spacious toe box.  At first, it seemed that the toe box was TOO big, (even for my wide feet) but the quick lace system easily snugs them up.  The first several runs were in -35 degree celsius weather.  My toes stayed very warm with the extra bit of space for movement, or for an extra pair of socks if that is your choice.  And even with the extreme cold weather, the shoes stayed very flexible.  The heel pocket is deep, and hugs the back portion of the foot.  Even while wearing more slippery compression socks, there is no heel movement in the shoe.

The quick lace system easily closes the  shoe,without
causing any puckers in the toe material.

Weighing in at 292 grams, the Koa ST's are lighter than some of the other Saucony winter shoes.  While Saucony reviews list these as NON water resistant or waterproof, the outer shell does not let any snow or moisture into the shoe and seems water proof up to the tongue opening.  

The traction on the snow packed trails is exceptional and exceeded any other winter shoe I have run in.  Even on snow covered ice, the soft lugs seem to grip very well.  I would assume that the soft rubber would wear quickly (much like the Razor Ice) if used for any length of time on bare pavement.

Overall, these shoes do not disappoint!!  With a local price of only $159.99, I would definitely recommend these as a cheaper substitute for the more expensive Razor Ice, especially if you are looking for a roomier shoe.  I only real down side that I see so far, is they have not built in the little pouch in the top of the tongue to tuck in the laces.  There are a couple other location to tuck the lace end, but they are not as out of the way as the original design.

I would rate these shoes a STRONG 4 out of 5 and highly recommend them.  I am looking forward to putting more miles on them on the snowy trails.