No phone left behind

I love trails. there, I said it. I know you are wondering why I would let you know that when you already understand my need to dance with dirt. But these last few weeks I have had the pleasure to trot with a new and equally excitable group on our urban paths.

the best part about doing trails is getting lost. Not in the Survivor show style or where a cadaver dog is required. but just allowing the dirt to be your guide. Last week the Strides trail group went on a little hill Paskapoo Slopes. In my decades of urban runs I had never been there.

 

I was introduced to a junk yard, a Buddhist shrine, and many a windy trail. I learned what a Stupa is (slang for my action later that night), and saw enough view checks to last a season of Shar Scott trots.

this week was a little bit of home with a Fish Creek run. I expected to see many a downed tree but surprisingly the area we enjoyed was reasonably unscathed. I guess that is one advantage of the spruce tree.

Oops, did we lose Ally?

This Saturday will be a nice simple road trip to the Mount Pleasant Community Arena and subsequent dive into Confederation Park. The arena is located at 23 Avenue and 6 Street NW. See you there at 9 am, the very reasonable time. Christine is running longer and starting earlier if anyone wants to message me and I can pass on the details.

Oh yes, last weekend was the birthdays of Dave and Donna. Who new it would take so long to complete the birthday triathlon?

Donna and Dave's birthdays sans Dave

Who do you thisk was fastest down the track

I have tried to make a race of the London Tube with Joy on our last visit. She wasn't so enamoured with towing sixty pounds of luggage in behind. Fairly though I was carrying the extra bags. If you want to see where you CAN beat the train watch this.

I still run in 1994 but travel 2014

Oh, and the phone? It was found on the centre of Sarcee Trail. It didn't enjoy the trail as much as I did,

Heat, Frost, Sun and Snow. A typical trot week in Calgary

Well, what a wonderful week of weather. You have to wonder how nature is managing the earth. Growing into splendour then allowing the very moisture that helps all grow knock it back to the ground. While the trees have taken a hard hit in Calgary, Nature will surely take it's course and regenerate the plants and trees.

Our trotting friend and local 'pink chick' Dawn lost many trees in her front yard. Luckily she had a group of firemen come to her door and save the day. Hmm, did the snow cause this need or...

Dawn taking names

The weather wasn't too much of a damper on activity. Saturday we had a great trail trot with the gang from Strides. Jeannette led us through some fun little trails allowing the beginner and expert trail trotter to experience a great morning. I did show her a short cut or two which are the important secrets of a good trail leader.

26C and then below...

Oops, big finger in the way...

Tuesday was another trail group with Strides, this time led by our long-time partner Alan. We didn't run too much but we did get some great coaching. Hopefully everyone enjoyed the lessons and will be out next week. I certainly will be!

Snow event? Where???

So, I have been asked to move the trot back to the 9 am hour. Yep, the clock will be easier to hear with the extra hour of rest. I just hope I don't read too much of the paper Saturday and not have a good Sunday spread!

Why I am always on the ish

Well, if we are going to trot at 9 am and we have extra time to drive, let's run from Joy and John's as the bald butt prairie of east Fish Creek shouldn't have too many blockages from fallen trees. See you at the Mallard Point parking lot for a 9 am departure. Christine is running 30+ km, I would like to do 15-20, Joy is doing 12-14, and I am sure other distances will be covered.  See you soon.

A short post for a short trot

It's been a busy few weeks for me. A golf and Guelph trip adding up to a memorable summer with three separate vacations with Joy and my parents. All that and we are still talking!

If you are looking for a trail trot, join www.stridesrunning.com for a trail trot tomorrow. I will be there! Char, Susan, and the rest of you late waking peeps will enjoy the 9 am start.

For those wanting less of a trail can still meet there but do the asphalt paths for their trot training.

On the trail front, check out the Strides website to find info on their Tuesday night urban trail runs. I will be joining their Tuesday runs right through to November.

That's all I have for today. Off to a massage and the Friday night pizza. Woo hoo!

Dear Fellow Trail Runner,  Time flies!... The first Saturday of September is only a day away and we haven't yet provided you with details for the monthly Strides trail run - our apologies!  Due to the lateness of our planning, we've decided to keep it simple this month. On Saturday, September 6th at 9:00am, we'll meet at the Weaselhead parking lot (corner of 37th St. & 66th Ave. SW - top of the Weaselhead hill on the north side of the reservoir) and do a run down through the Weaselhead, along the Sail Trail on the south side, then back to the start.  As in past months, some of our trail running shoe suppliers have donated their test fleet of shoes for everyone to wear during the run. This Saturday we'll have the brand new Fresh Foam 980 Trail from New Balance as well as the Saucony Peregrine 4 to test out with no obligation to buy!  Interested in getting in some additional trail runs this fall, but don't want to drive all the way out to the mountains? Alan Cooper of Strides is pleased to partner with newly retired, long-time High School x-country coach, John McKnight, to offer a FREE Tuesday evening Urban Trail Running group through the fall. The first urban trail run is set to go next Tuesday, September 9th at 6:30pm in Confederation Park in NW Calgary. For more information on these weekly group trail runs, please visit  www.stridesrunning.com. Once you've finished your run, head on over to Strides, where we'll have Starbucks coffee and post-run treats waiting for you! Yours in running, Jeremy & Jeanette Deere