Running Mania

I think this might be the best 5 Peak course in Ontario. I know I've said that Rattlesnake Point is my favourite, but this is a better all-around course. 11.2 K, its a mix of sandy hills, rocky technical sections, and single and double-track. 2 k in, there is an 800 M hill rising about 75 M. That was my only split over 6 minutes, at 6:42 exactly the same as last year! Only splits under 5 minutes were first and last. My time this year was 59:22, 12 seconds faster than last year. I have to admit, I was looking for more like 2 minutes better. Still, I felt strong and fast. It was hot, they said 32.7 at the finish line. The first 2 k were in the full sun. Alfie from Pickering was there, he passed me about 1 K then I got past him again on the big hill. One guy got past me at a water stop around 5 K, and I stayed with him for the rest of the race. He pulled ahead on the uphills, but I'd catch him on the technical downhills. Together we passed a lot of runners, both on uphills and down. I don't remember much flat stuff. There was a crazy downhill near the end where we were literally swinging from trees on the switchbacks. Today they had assigned starting waves, so you never knew who you were passing. It was based on age and gender, after the first wave of elites. For what it is worth, I placed 56 overall out of 219, 15 out of 35 in my 40-49 male group, and 48 out of 123 men. Bottom line it was a good day at the races. I don't know why I wasn't more improved over last year, there were detours etc that played a part. You can never run the same trail race twice really. Best thing is my flakey knee was 100% during and after. Next week, the 32 K ITT. Gulp.

Nice seeing you again Sheldon. I have a lot to learn from you about trail races, otherwise I'll be falling to the ground on my back like I did today in the middle of the course.
Congratulations again!!
(I deserve my new name after my awful run today)

Awesome work Sheldon! Any improvement is a step in the right direction, so 12 seconds is nothing to sneeze at. Do you happen to have info on the heat this year vs last year? You are going to do great next week- don't sweat it.

Way to go Doonst! Swinging from trees, eh?

Sounds like a fun course! Congrats on beating last year's time - 12 seconds is 12 seconds!! You are so going to rock ITT!!

That's right! 12 seconds is twelve seconds!! Good work, Doonst!

I wouldn't worry. I don't think the 5 peaks is a qualifying race, anyways.

Another race, doonst you're relentless ... congrats, on another great performance ... :clap:

I love reading off-road race reports! Nice going Doonst!

You bet your $$ "gulp"! I'm giving it a pass for reasons that will be evident shortly.

Glad your knee is with the plan buddy - congrats on yet another rock-solid race and have lots of special fun next week.

Agree with all the others that a PB is a PB.
Great job on the trails... you seem to really enjoy and adapt to the terrain. Stay healthy and focused for your race next weekend.
Looking forward to another great race report.

Nice run man, see you next week at ITT. Don't worry you don't need to run at that pace next week. Like you said Gulp! My same thoughts.

Way to go, Doonst! You did awesome in that weather. It was damn hot yesterday. You're so fast, man. Congrats and good luck at ITT. Gulp.

You are always such an inspiratiion...your progress over the past couple seasons is just simply fantastic.

Course...I guess I have to say that...as your Official Fan

Nice warm-up race, Sheldon. Next week the Force will be with you....

Nice race. Don't sweat ITT, it is not as bad as you think. You won't be able to run that pace, but it will be a lot of fun.

Good job!

Well done in the baking heat! Probably one of the hottest weekend this season amd it really takes a lot more out of you than you expect so do not be hard on yourself for not hitting a two minute improvement. Any time better than previous is a win!

Shaggy

Sheldon - improvement is improvement in my books...

Way to go on yet another very sucessful 5 Peaks event...