AirForceRunner discovers Shangra La at 5 Peaks Horseshoe

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AirForceRunner
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AirForceRunner discovers Shangra La at 5 Peaks Horseshoe

Postby AirForceRunner » Sat Sep 12, 2009 8:14 pm

This week has been a journey towards discovering trails, and after today, Ithink I may have found a new religion...TRAIL RACING!! Last weekend, I found an old rail bed near my place, did a 12 km on it, and proclaimed myself transformed. Later in the week, I found more technical trails at the Tiffin conservation area, and quickly forgot about that rail bed. Today, 5 Peaks Horseshoe gave me my ultimate baptism to the world of trail racing.
Arrived at the event ridiculously early as this was new territory to me. By the time the race started, I had completed my first goal of meeting DGrant (again), Doonst and La (met QuickChick after the race). COOL!
I was nervous come start time. I fancy myself as a really fast mid-packer on the road (or slow front runner :lol: ), but this was new territory. I shuffled ahead to get closer to Doonst, as I figured he was a trail vet and would know much more about tackling this course than I did. More on this later on.
The horn sounds, and we immediately go thundering down a 200 metre sand hill. My first thought..."Thats gonna suck coming back up". The first couple of kms were nice and flat, and I went through them in about 4:45 a piece. I passed Doonst here (mistake), and we entered into the more technical stuff. Mostly single track, up, down, up, down...if it wasn't for the fact that I was concentrating so hard on not falling, I'm sure this would have been uncomfortable. You just can't focus on discomfort (or at least I couldn't).
I eventually caught up to an older (than me) guy, and got stuck behind him. The only place I could pass was on a stout uphill. I did, but the wiley vet caught me back. This happened 3 or 4 times. See, he knew what he was doing..me, not so much. All the while, I kept peeking over my shoulder for Doonst. He was never more than 75 yards behind me.
After a good stretch through the steep twisty stuff, we came back out onto a wide trail. On a trail like this, you tend to notice how tired you are. Despite how difficult the steep single track was, I now longed for it to return, if only for the distraction. Return it did! Some of the climbs on he next section required 3 points of contact to scale them (2 feet and a hand). It was in this area that Doonst caught me. I'm guessing this was around 7 or 8 km in (correct me if I'm wrong Doonst). We ran virtually the entire race together from this point, and I'm extremely happy we did. Doonst started talking about trail racing, coaching me if you will. He brought up an excellent point. Most injured racers, he told me, injure themselves in the final kms of a trail race because they are fatigued and can get lazy over technical trail. I thanked him for the tip, and proceeded to trip over a big root. :oops: He kept reminding me, because I kept tripping...I was TIRED!! All jokes aside, thanks very much Sheldon. You saved my butt out there.
I was eventually passed by the RaceDayRush camera guy during an uphill walk. I jokingly wined that he actually had the gall to record me walking. Later found out, again from Doonst, that they record sound as well. That should be a funny video. :lol:
With about 2 km left, there were 3 or four of us together, and I tried to shake this group. I was able to break free by about 50 metres, but eventually gassed for this overly impetuous move. It garnered a 4:30 km, but I was walking a flat path at the end of it. Doonst caught up to me and asked if I was waiting for him. :lol:
The finish...SADISTIC!! Doonst and I swapped the lead on each other about 4-5 times in the last 300 metres. I quipped that I'd never walked in the last 300 metres of a race, but had no problems doing it today. This final hill was BRUTAL. As the hill started to crest, I emptied the tank and surged as hard as I could to the finish. It was over.
I have quite frankly never experienced fatigue to this level before. I had nothing left. But you know what...I loved it! I loved it because I loved the course, the race atmosphere, the distance, the challenge...all of it. I just sad that I'm only discovering this now.
So here I sit, still unable to wipe the tired perma-grin off my face. My poor wife has put up with me re-canting the race over and over, god bless her soul. :D Next weekend is the Army Half, my final race. I can't help but think that it will seem secondary to today. Today is quite frankly my most cherished racing experience.
A special thanks to Doonst...had a BLAST racing with you. Hope to do it again.

Results
57th of 164
1:33:33
AG 17/31
http://www.itsmyrun.com/?display=myrace ... orceRunner


2011 Wishlist
Sulphur Springs 50 miler
Dirty Girls 12 hr night run
Haliburton 100 miler (gulp!)

"Try the meditation of the trail, just walk along looking at the trail at your feet and don't look about and just fall into a trance as the ground zips by..."
-Jack Kerouac

"I am no longer a runner, I am now a father who runs. I will let the running come to me and I will make the most of every km I am fortunate enough to receive."
-Smack

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La
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Re: AirForceRunner discovers Shangra La at 5 Peaks Horseshoe

Postby La » Sat Sep 12, 2009 8:23 pm

Great to finally meet you today, AFR! And you're right about trails being very special, and unlike road racing. Doonst is a wise trail racer - you were luckly to have him as your "rabbit" on the course.

Good luck in the Army Half and on your 18-month hiaitus/recovery. Hope you'll still check in with us on RM (even if over on The Dark Side once you take up cycling... :twisted: ).
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Re: AirForceRunner discovers Shangra La at 5 Peaks Horseshoe

Postby VeloCarrie » Sat Sep 12, 2009 8:31 pm

Isn't it awesome? It took over a week to wipe that grin off my face!
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Re: AirForceRunner discovers Shangra La at 5 Peaks Horseshoe

Postby Doonst » Sat Sep 12, 2009 9:05 pm

Great description Rick. I'm glad you enjoyed it, it was fun. You picked quite the race for your first time!
next up:


This broken wing will fly again
One fine day
This blackbird's mute gonna sing again
One fine day

So all you sinners come out
And all you drunkards crawl out
Come into the light of one fine day

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Re: AirForceRunner discovers Shangra La at 5 Peaks Horseshoe

Postby LisaB » Sat Sep 12, 2009 9:30 pm

Sounds like you had a great race!!!
Lisa
2012:
Resolution Run - 5km - done
Hypothermic Half - done
WPS Half Marathon - done
5km & Fargo Marathon - done - done
Air Force 5km - done
Manitoba Half Marathon - done
Try a Trail 6km - done
Lockport Half Marathon - done
Winnipeg 10/10 - 10km
Fire & Paramedic Half Marathon

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Re: AirForceRunner discovers Shangra La at 5 Peaks Horseshoe

Postby QuickChick » Sun Sep 13, 2009 6:45 am

It was great to meet you! I'm glad you had such a fun experience. Really that's what it's about!
"Don’t let negativity rent space in your brain for free. That is how you become a badass…by excavating her from inside you. You don’t have to become someone else. You need to identify the effing awesome parts of you that are your tools to work with, and maximize those." -Lauren Fleshman

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Re: AirForceRunner discovers Shangra La at 5 Peaks Horseshoe

Postby Marg » Sun Sep 13, 2009 7:20 am

Cool! What an awesome report for what was obviously an awesome experience! Way to go Rick, hope to see you at Army!
Chilly 1/2 - March 4
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NCM 1/2 - May 27
Manitoba 1/2 - June 17
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Re: AirForceRunner discovers Shangra La at 5 Peaks Horseshoe

Postby DougG » Sun Sep 13, 2009 9:19 am

Great report AF. Sounds like you had a great time, well done!
2014
injured
2013
Snowflake 10k....stopped at 5k
Rest of the year a write off because of injury.
2012
Snowflake 10k Jan 1 done
Run 4 Kids 10k Jan 7 done
Harry's Spring Run Off 8k. April 8 a disaster, but I finished
Centurion 50k at Horseshoe Valley (cycling) done
Centurion 50 miler at Blue Mountain (cycling) done.....barely!
Snowflake 5k, Dec 16 - done
2011
Harry Rosen 8k. April. done
Rotary 5k fun run. May. done
CANI 10k. June. done
Canada Day 10k. July. done
Barrie Waterfront 5k. Aug. done
CANI 10 k. Oct. done
Base Borden Army Run 10k. done

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Re: AirForceRunner discovers Shangra La at 5 Peaks Horseshoe

Postby scrumhalfgirl » Sun Sep 13, 2009 11:25 am

Congratulations! What a great description of your experience - isn't trail racing amazing?
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April - Boston Marathon
May - Sporting Life Ottawa 10K
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Re: AirForceRunner discovers Shangra La at 5 Peaks Horseshoe

Postby HCcD » Sun Sep 13, 2009 11:33 am

Nicely done, Airforcey ...

Did you not say that you won't be road racing for the next 12-18 months ?? But, did that include trail running, by chance ?? :shifty: :think: :thinK:
Race Results: http://itsmyrun.com/index.php?display=p ... unner=HCiD

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Re: AirForceRunner discovers Shangra La at 5 Peaks Horseshoe

Postby West Grey Runner » Sun Sep 13, 2009 11:52 am

AirForceRunner
he told me, injure themselves in the final kms of a trail race because they are fatigued and can get lazy over technical trail
Good advice , the same word were rattling around in my head at Haliburton!

Congratulations on discovering the joy of trail running...fun isn't it! :dance:

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Re: AirForceRunner discovers Shangra La at 5 Peaks Horseshoe

Postby richie-rich » Sun Sep 13, 2009 12:39 pm

what a great report. it's great when you have those races where you don't give a crap about the time and just really enjoy yourself.

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Re: AirForceRunner discovers Shangra La at 5 Peaks Horseshoe

Postby Jo-Jo » Sun Sep 13, 2009 12:58 pm

Great report Rick. I'm so glad Sheldon was with you as a guide...he's awesome. Mind you...I am his Official Fan...and there's a reason for that...He Rocks :D :D

Sounds like you've got the Trail Bug. I suspect roaring madly down steep inclines and rocky terrain might just suit your personality :roll: :wink:
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Re: AirForceRunner discovers Shangra La at 5 Peaks Horseshoe

Postby ratherBrunning » Sun Sep 13, 2009 2:26 pm

Awesome!! :D :D
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AirForceRunner
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Re: AirForceRunner discovers Shangra La at 5 Peaks Horseshoe

Postby AirForceRunner » Sun Sep 13, 2009 8:40 pm

HCmD wrote:Nicely done, Airforcey ...

Did you not say that you won't be road racing for the next 12-18 months ?? But, did that include trail running, by chance ?? :shifty: :think: :thinK:


You truly are evil, aren't you Andy :twisted: :lol:
http://www.itsmyrun.com/?display=myrace ... orceRunner


2011 Wishlist
Sulphur Springs 50 miler
Dirty Girls 12 hr night run
Haliburton 100 miler (gulp!)

"Try the meditation of the trail, just walk along looking at the trail at your feet and don't look about and just fall into a trance as the ground zips by..."
-Jack Kerouac

"I am no longer a runner, I am now a father who runs. I will let the running come to me and I will make the most of every km I am fortunate enough to receive."
-Smack

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Re: AirForceRunner discovers Shangra La at 5 Peaks Horseshoe

Postby horselady » Mon Sep 14, 2009 7:18 am

Your report makes we want to do another Trail Race! :wink: Sounds like you had a blast!
Well done and hope to meet you at Army 1/2!
" The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man" Winston Churchill"
2013 Plans so Far
Princess Half Marathon Orlando Feb 23
Run for the Reach Water StationVolunteer April 14
Spring Fling Running Thing April 21 10k
Gran Fondo Road Race July 20th
Ride the Rideau 100km Sept 8
Army 1/2 Marathon Sept 22
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Re: AirForceRunner discovers Shangra La at 5 Peaks Horseshoe

Postby Robbie-T » Mon Sep 14, 2009 9:25 am

Great report!! I'm sorry I missed the tears of pain running down your face after this race along with your excited smile. Trail running is huge fun, and will make you strong on the road too, I think you should add ITT (IROQUOIA TRAIL TEST) http://www.ouser.org/races/iroq.htm to your list of trail races to do. Much more pain but a much bigger smile at the end too.
Mississauga Marathon - 2:52
Around the Bay - 1:58
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ian
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Re: AirForceRunner discovers Shangra La at 5 Peaks Horseshoe

Postby ian » Mon Sep 14, 2009 9:30 am

Thanks for sharing a great experience. Trails should definitely be a carrot to motivate your recovery.

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Re: AirForceRunner discovers Shangra La at 5 Peaks Horseshoe

Postby tgilpin » Mon Sep 14, 2009 9:33 am

congrats on an awesome race :D
2014 Races
Chilly Half Marathon Mar.2 - made it to the finish line
Mississauga Half Marathon - May 4
Philladelphia Full Marathon - Nov.23

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Re: AirForceRunner discovers Shangra La at 5 Peaks Horseshoe

Postby 5km » Mon Sep 14, 2009 2:04 pm

Great report. Thanks and good luck in the Army Half.

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AirForceRunner
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Re: AirForceRunner discovers Shangra La at 5 Peaks Horseshoe

Postby AirForceRunner » Tue Sep 15, 2009 10:47 am

Robbie-T wrote:I'm sorry I missed the tears of pain running down your face after this race ... I think you should add ITT (IROQUOIA TRAIL TEST) http://www.ouser.org/races/iroq.htm to your list of trail races to do.


Would this, perhaps, be a 'shallonge'? :twisted: :lol:
http://www.itsmyrun.com/?display=myrace ... orceRunner


2011 Wishlist
Sulphur Springs 50 miler
Dirty Girls 12 hr night run
Haliburton 100 miler (gulp!)

"Try the meditation of the trail, just walk along looking at the trail at your feet and don't look about and just fall into a trance as the ground zips by..."
-Jack Kerouac

"I am no longer a runner, I am now a father who runs. I will let the running come to me and I will make the most of every km I am fortunate enough to receive."
-Smack

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Re: AirForceRunner discovers Shangra La at 5 Peaks Horseshoe

Postby Darth Tater » Tue Sep 15, 2009 1:20 pm

:D :D :D :D :D

Methinks you enjoyed yourself. :D
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Re: AirForceRunner discovers Shangra La at 5 Peaks Horseshoe

Postby kpoire » Tue Sep 15, 2009 2:01 pm

Congrats AFR. Welcome to the trails.

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Re: AirForceRunner discovers Shangra La at 5 Peaks Horseshoe

Postby Doonst » Fri Oct 09, 2009 11:35 am

Race Day Rush video is up. There is a 100 second trailer viewable on their website. I am on from 1:04-1:07 then its 3 seconds of AirForceRunner. Luckily they overlaid music instead of hearing curses and swearing. You can save the video too. The full 90 minutes is available if you register.
next up:


This broken wing will fly again
One fine day
This blackbird's mute gonna sing again
One fine day

So all you sinners come out
And all you drunkards crawl out
Come into the light of one fine day

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Re: AirForceRunner discovers Shangra La at 5 Peaks Horseshoe

Postby b_squared » Wed May 19, 2010 1:57 pm

Hmmm, it's hard to believe that you actually beat Doonst after all the help he gave you...you've got some gumption AFR :twisted: :lol:


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