Trail Running Canada Issue 3

FALL 2012 ISSUE 3

FALL SHOE REVIEW from minimal to stability

THE FUTURE of trail running in Canada

p.39

PETER GOODE

Running Visionary in Saskatoon p.8

First Sinister 7 Solo p.20

i2P YOUTH INSPIRATION p.12

Off the tourist

path in the Cdn Rockies p.15

ellie greenwood Elite Q&A p.15

| Issue 3: Fall/Winter 2012

Cover Photo: Monica Hardy, Matthew Reich and Charlie Breakey explore the Rockwall Trail in Kootenay National Park, British Columbia. Photo Credit Alan Lam.

15

off the tourist path

Epic Rockies Running

by Sean Blanton

What’s Inside

20

Sinister 7 for the first time

by Joanna Schmidt

Editorial It’s All about Community

4

26

wisdom from Knee Knacker

by Sasha Brown

PETER GOODE

Running Visionary in Saskatoon INTERVIEWS

OLIVIA YUEL Elite Mountain Runner in the Prairies

Saskia valsey

Youth Ambassador Trains for Epic Expedition

ellie greenwood Elite Q&A

FALL SHOE REVIEWS REVIEWS

From Minimal to Stability

GEAR The North Face Clothing Review

gear

Arc’teryx Clothing Review

gear

Columbia Solar Polar Short Sleeve Crew

gear

Compressport Calf Sleeves

8 11 12

33

the Pemi Loop

by Michel Caron

36

14 18 42

49

sun peaks Race and Resort

by Sasha Brown

38

cranberry flats

Flats Race Report

by Chad Sawatzky

39

44 48

exploring

What’s the future

of Canadian trail running?

by Keith Iskiw

41

news from

the Canadian ultra scene

by Jonathan Schmidt

www.trailrunner.ca | 3

Editors

Editorial

Jonathan Schmidt Isabel Ostrom Design & LAYOUT Alex Whyte Advertising & Marketing Jonathan Schmidt

It’s all about community I’m always amazed at what draws people to the sport of trail running. At first many of us grabbed onto trail running because of the beautiful scenery or sense of new challenges, but it seems that what keeps runners going is the sense of community.

While at the 2012 Lost Soul Ultra I was astounded at how many runners cited the reason for running this race year after year was the feeling of community and especially the incredible volunteers.

Personal challenges abound in my different sports and activities, but it seems the trail running community has separated itself from other sports with the rich and real sense of community that develops at particular races or in particular towns and cities across Canada.

When we run together, whether in a race or while training we share the same trail, but often we each have a unique experience. My high point will be different than someone else’s and my low points may be too. When the run or race is complete we’ve established common ground to share unique stories and experiences.

4 | Issue 3: Fall/Winter 2012

This is a special experience, fairly unique to trail running and a select few other similar activities.

Often times in life we go through challenges on our own or without adequate supports. I find it heartening to see runners support each other at a race and encourage each runner to meet their goals. Recently on our website Chad Sawatzky shared his Lost Soul Ultra story of how his wife and the volunteers refused to let him DNF and pushed him to his year-long goal of finishing the Lost Soul 50k.

In this issue of Trail Running Canada’s e-mag there are plenty of stories of about Canada’s trail running community. Peter Goode, race director, runner and trail running visionary from Saskatoon is featured in a Q&A. Joanne Schmidt shares her experience of how friends, family and volunteers aided her first Sinister 7 finish. We also feature young runner Saskia Valsey who will be taking part in an epic running

Contributors expedition with Impossible to Possible. Keith Iskiw looks at where Canadian trail culture is headed in the coming years and Sasha Brown covers the scene in British Columbia.

At times runners are criticized for being egotistical and self-centred, focusing only on their own goals. I must say this isn’t what I’ve seen at most trail races and in the local running groups. In fact, I’ve often seen runners put aside their own goals to help others; whether it be to volunteer for a race, help a struggling runner during a race or by training with a friend or family member to help them accomplish their own goals. These are the actions that build the running community and keep runners coming back year-after-year to races and local clubs.

If you have a story to tell, share it with us at run@trailrunner.ca.

Jonathan Schmidt is co-editor and administrator for Trail Running Canada. He can be reached at run@trailrunner.ca.

Isabel Ostrom Keith Iskiw Joanne Schmidt Chad Sawatzky Michel Caron Jonathan Schmidt

Have a comment or story?

Write or email us to: TRAIL RUNNING CANADA 124 Lakhota Cres. W Lethbridge, AB T1K 6H6 run@trailrunner.ca www.trailrunner.ca Copyright 2012 Trail Running Canada

Education.

Inspiration.

Empowerment.

Impossible2Possible (i2P) is a non-profit organization dedicated to using the platform of adventure and technology to educate, inspire, and empower the global community to reach beyond their perceived limits and make positive change in the world.

There is no cost for schools, Youth Ambassadors, or students to participate in Experiential Learning Programs and Expeditions.

To learn more, please visit www.impossible2possible.com.

Drying in Motion tHE nEW StAnDArD in SWEAt rEMoVAL AnD tEMPErAtUrE rEgULAtion FlashDry molecular drying technology acts like your second skin, pushing moisture to the surface of the fabric and eliminating it. During high-endurance activities, FlashDry works with your body to keep you dry, cool and focused.

See the real-life athlete story behind FlashDry tHEnortHFACE.CoM/rUn

The NorTh Face aThleTe Tracy GarNeau ruNNiNG sTroNG iN Jasper NaTioNal park. sTormy Trail JackeT, BeTTer ThaN Naked™ crew + shorTs. phoTo: Tim kemple

| Issue 3: Fall/Winter 2012

InterviewS

Peter Goode – A Running Visionary

by Chad Sawatzky

I was introduced to Peter Goode 3 years ago when I attended my first Saskatoon Road Runners Association (SRRA) Monday night speed session. As a group, we gathered around the back of his car as he described our speed play for the night. I was a total newbie to these sessions; however Peter and the other veterans of the group kept the vibe light and welcoming. I managed to complete that first workout and since that evening, I have completed many of Peter’s Monday night workouts as well as participated in numerous races he has helped organize.

Peter has been instrumental in numerous initiatives brought forward by the SRRA

in recent years. It is through his vision that the SRRA started offering the Monday night speed work sessions.

He was also a member of the group that envisioned and organized the first Sask 50k Ultra and this year he has spearheaded the SRRA trail race series.

Although Peter maintains a busy schedule (volunteering with the Meewasin Valley Authority and SRRA, working full time as a senior environmental planner for Stantec Consulting Ltd and teaching geography part time at the University of Saskatchewan), he managed to find some time to answer a few questions.

www.trailrunner.ca | 7

Trail Running Canada (TRC): Were you always a runner?

Peter Goode (PG): My running goes back to the late 1970s.

I was initially interested in cross country skiing and used running for my summer training. I also did a lot of cycling back then, but very soon realized that of the three sports, I really loved running.

I loved the freedom of going where you wanted to, with weather and equipment not really being an issue.

TRC: Do you have any favorite spots to run or favorite training workouts?

PG: My favourite training spots include the Meewasin Valley trails, but I love to run anywhere. As for favourite workouts, I do love a nice easy long run, but really like a good speed session like 1km repeats or fartlek runs.

One of the reasons I like trail running is that it reminds me of the fartlek workouts I did with friends when we were training for cross-country ski loppets. Cross-country skiing and trail running are similar in many ways.

TRC: How did you come to be involved with the SRRA? PG: I have been involved with the SRRA since sometime in the 1980s, but didn’t really get seriously involved with them until 1995 when I got onto the executive. Since that time I have been president (7 years) and race director for the marathon, the River Run, the 10k Classic, and created the Monday night speed work sessions, the Blizzard Run-Ski-Run, the SRRA trail series and helped create the Sask 50k Ultra. Most recently I was vice-president for several years.

8 | Issue 3: Fall/Winter 2012

We put on the first Sask 50K ultra in 2008 and had 150 entries, which we considered a huge success.

That year wind gusts of 80kph added some “fun” to the event.

TRC: Where did the idea come from to organize an ultra-marathon?

PG: The idea for the Sask 50k Ultra developed while doing long runs with some SRRA members. It led to three of us deciding to test the waters, although we had to cancel the first year because we had so few entries (three from what I remember). Rather than giving up, I decided to do it again the next year. With help from Yvette Chartier and Lorrie Dobni (both longtime SRRA members as well), we put on the first Sask 50K ultra in 2008 and had 150 entries, which we considered a huge success. That year wind gusts of 80kph added some “fun” to the event.

After four years of organizing the event I decided to focus more on the Trail Race Series I have been developing for the SRRA. I passed the torch to Lynn Cushway, who has helped me with the event in the past. She is now the race director and I am helping on the race committee she has organized. That gives me a bit of time to try and get the trail race series going, which

is my major goal for 2012 and 2013.

TRC: What were some of the learning curves or roadblocks that came with organizing an ultra?

There have been very few roadblocks to the Ultra, primarily because I wanted to keep it very simple to organize. My initial philosophy was to develop an inexpensive, fun event that had a challenge.

The magazine iRun said it all in a short blurb they put in their magazine when they listed the first Sask 50k Ultra in their racing schedule.

They made a comment about our event getting back to basics...the race organizers provide a start line and a finish line. The runners do the rest.

TRC: Why start a trail race series?

PG: I wanted to start a trail series to reach out to a wide variety of runners. I think the SRRA should provide a good mix of events, and while I have been a long time member of the marathon committee and totally

appreciate the complexities of organizing a very large event, I think the SRRA’s role includes introducing runners to new experiences.

I chose one event in 2011, mainly to test the interest.

That race attracted 100 runners, many who had never run off pavement. It was an inspiring turnout, even though it happened to be the hottest day of the year. In 2012 I thought 3 races might be a good start to a series.

For next year I plan to have a points system in place to further attract runners and to have them interested in running in all three events.

TRC: You have planned 3 trail races for the 2012 running season. How did you choose the courses and distances?

PG: Choosing the routes has been based on experience with the City and its surroundings. The Sutherland Beach event is within the City and very easy for runners to attend. It offers some challenging terrain, yet was easy to develop relatively short routes for an early spring event.

Cranberry Flats is close to the city and offers a different type of trail with less trees, but more rolling sand hills. I am looking forward to seeing how runners like the course (5k and 10k events).

The fall wrap-up is once again at Blackstrap Provincial Park, using their 5k crosscountry ski course. This is a challenging, hilly course that I use for 5, 10 and 15k events.

It surprised a few people last year who thought they could easily run 15k on a trail. The heat and hills showed a few just how challenging trail racing can be!! Depending upon interest, I may modify

some of the distances for next year, although currently I am happy having a 15k distance being the longest.

TRC: What are the differences (if there are any) between organizing a trail race compared to organizing a road race?

PG: I think trail races are easier to organize than road races. I have organized many road races and always enjoyed it, but I am finding the trail races so much easier.

Trail races don’t need road closures and the number of volunteers is reduced. I also plan my trail races so

that they loop back through a central point which again, helps reduce the number of volunteers and water stations. It also is fun for the finish line volunteers to watch the event as runners loop through. /\/

Peter Goode instructs runners prior to a race.

Chad Sawatzky is The North Face Canadian Trail Ambassador for Saskatchewan / Manitoba.

Photo credits: PG. 7 & 9: SRRA and Dave Stark

www.trailrunner.ca | 9

10 | Issue 3: Fall/Winter 2012

Olivia Yuel – Prairie Mountain Runner

by Chad Sawatzky I participated in a trail running clinic through a local running store this spring. Every week we had an expert guest speaker and during the last session, Olivia Yuel was our presenter. Olivia is a former Canadian Mountain Running team member. Olivia’s story was inspirational because as a prairie athlete she managed to run herself onto the national mountain running team.

I enlisted the help of Irene, our instructor, to help me encourage Olivia to do an interview. Olivia’s humble nature needed persuading.

She did not believe that her story was worthy of sharing.

So with Irene’s influence and some positive peer pressure, Olivia agreed to answer a couple questions. railRunningCanada (TRC): T What was your introduction to running?

Olivia Yuel (OY): I joined a track club when I was 12, prior to that my memory of running was running around my elementary school playground. I would get lost in the feeling of the wind breezing over my skin and blowing through my hair. I could block out all sounds and thoughts. I remember loving the feeling of floating along the ground and keeping my movements light and powerful. I still love these same feelings.

TRC: What brought you to trail running?

OY: My best friend Irene Kokotailo brought me to trail running. We had both spent many hours on the track and then the road.

Irene found the trails much gentler on the body and more exciting. So, I followed her lead and registered for races in Alberta. I was hooked immediately. For me, running in the trails, is like being in heaven.

TRC: What opportunities has trail running offered you?

OY: Trail running has allowed me diversity in my training, hours of peace and quiet, and even more hours of joy.

Although I am no longer racing, the trails will continue to be my favorite place to be.

Fortunately, I can still run for hours on end, it’s not fast but it continues to be fun!

TRC: Tell us a little bit about your time with the Canadian Mountain Running team.

OY: I can’t claim any fame on the Canadian mountain running team. It only included the race in Mexico.

I ended up getting what was diagnosed as “mountaineers disease”. Which I think means that I had totally over trained and my lungs were rebelling. So I have basically been forced by my body to stop racing. I had entered the national championships in 2008 but was unable to race and therefore missed going to world championships also.

But, as a prairie girl, I was thrilled to have made the team. And I think it only goes to show that there are no limits, there are no excuses you can race at any level no matter where you live.

TRC: What is your most cherished accomplishment as a trail runner?

TRC: What did a typical week of running look like when you were on the Canadian Mountain Running team?

OY: My favorite racing moment was in Mexico. I don’t remember the details, of the race. It was a mountain run which means it goes straight up. I know this race was straight up and the elevation was way higher than that of Saskatchewan, but I was completely comfortable with myself in that race. I was a battling some illness and I was anaemic, but I raced as best I could and finished completely happy.

OY: I ran 6 days a week, and did weights 3 times per week. 2 running days were interval days. One of those days was “hills” where we would find loops so that we could get in as many rolling hills as possible in 3 to 6 min. On another day we did longer intervals sometimes including a mild incline of 20 minutes. I would also try to travel to Canmore or Bragg Creek to train there. The remaining days were longer

runs, one run being between 90 min and 2 hours TRC: What is your favorite running workout?

OY: Favorite running workout of all time has to be 10 x 200 meter intervals on the track.

While trail running, my favorite workouts were shorter intervals on single track trails.

TRC: What words of experience would you like to pass on the next generation of trail runners?

OY: I think the best words of wisdom I ever heard were keep light hearted, relaxed and enjoy every running step. /\/

www.trailrunner.ca | 11

Preparing for i2P A Youth Ambassador’s Perspective Saskia Valsey

by Isabel Ostrom Impossible2Possible (i2P) is a non-profit organization founded by ultra runner Ray Zahab, and its mission is “to encourage youth to reach beyond their perceived limits, and to use adventure as a medium to educate, inspire and empower our global community to make positive change in the world”. To date, i2P has taken youth on expeditions to Baffin Island, Tunisia, the Amazon and India. This fall, i2P will lead eight youth ambassadors aged 17 - 21 on the journey of their lives as they run across some of the most beautiful regions in the Republic of Botswana in Africa.

During the expedition, the i2P youth ambassadors will relay information back to thousands of students in classrooms around the world using interactive internet/satellite technology as they study the issues related to water shortages and food security firsthand. They will also share the experience of running ultra marathons day after day, and learn what it takes to execute an international expedition. In this way they will be able to bring learning to a whole new level, adding relevance, depth, and interest well beyond the range of traditional textbooks and classroom learning. Through video-conferencing with classrooms, writing blogs,

12 | Issue 3: Fall/Winter 2012

and posting clips, i2P strives to inspire youth all over the world to believe that anything is possible. In this way, it empowers thousands of people to make a difference in their communities and to challenge themselves with physical activity, regardless of their level.

Saskia Valsey is an 18 year old high school student at Gleneagle Secondary School in Port Moody, BC who was chosen to be a youth ambassador this year. She and the others will traverse 400 km on foot in Botswana.

In the understatement of the year, Saskia says, “In running 50 km a day, we’re certainly taking on a challenge.” She explains, “But we’re not being set loose in Botswana unprepared either. We’ve been training under guidance and there’s a doctor, a trainer, and an athletic therapist on the trip. We’ll have a support vehicle within a certain predetermined range the entire time and it’s not a race, so the pace is up to us. Each day the run is broken up by educational break-outs and there is a lunch break in there too... as well as the learning component at the end of every day in which we will be communicating with students in classrooms all over the world.”

Describing her athletic background, Saskia says, “I

played soccer from age five until this year and have run cross-country since I started high school. On a noncompetitive basis, I’ve also enjoyed backpacking, crosscountry skiing, and biking.

Given my love of outdoor distance sports and my desire to stretch my limits, this seemed like the perfect experience.” As well, there is no cost to those chosen as youth ambassadors even their immunizations are covered. In this way, the expedition is available to any youth, regardless of finances. This is also the case for schools. There is no fee for classrooms to participate and even the video-conferencing software is provided for free.

To train for the expedition, i2P is very supportive. Each month, the youth ambassadors received a training schedule put together by three professional trainers. This included running instructions as well as strength, stability, and flexibility exercises. For strength training, they were provided with demo videos and tracking sheets to use.

They also received videos on running efficiency to help them improve their form.

In the month leading up to the expedition, they will complete final preparations with additional support from sports psychologists and nutritionists.

“At the moment, I run six days a week with some cross training in the mix. I also go to the gym three days a week and have several flexibility exercises. While I’ve run a lot of shorter distances in the past, I’ve never trained for or raced anything over 12.5 km.

Thus, the length of runs and the amount of continuous effort in my current program is new to me. So far, I haven’t experienced any trouble with the transition, though.”

At the end of each week, all the youth ambassadors update their trainers on their progress and ask about any concerns that may have developed. “Their advice is always very helpful,” she says.

“I am grateful for their advice and support. It helps me feel more confident and guides me in pushing myself to the right level. Also, in this way, we avoid injuries as much as possible and don’t overuse our bodies. I love being this fit and I enjoy running.”

Explaining how she will fit this into her last year of high school, Saskia explains, “I will be missing up to three weeks of classes. However, I’m taking both in-class and correspondence courses, making my timetable more flexible. My school administration and teachers are also open to collaborating with me in order to help me catch-up, as long as I’m

committed to working hard as well. This expedition is a huge learning experience that will no doubt teach me more about everything from food security to myself to geography than anything I could study in the classroom. As another benefit, I will be sharing these tremendous discoveries with other students and schools.

They are aware of this and are very encouraging.”

“This expedition is an ideal way to inspire today’s youth. It offers an interactive, on-the-ground, and crazy adventure to watch.”

What impresses Saskia most about i2P is that its influence reaches well beyond simply those on the expedition, and its goals combine sport with advocacy, education, travel, philanthropy, and the environment. In Saskia’s words, “This expedition is an ideal way to inspire today’s youth. It offers an interactive, on-the-ground, and crazy adventure to watch and get excited about. Plus, the fact that we youth ambassadors are nearly the same age as those following the expedition makes us relatable. Our ultra-marathon will convince i2P’s youth audience that they are truly capable of anything they put their mind and their muscles to achieving. Then, they will hopefully have the determination to go out and do something incredible themselves. Imagine the combined impact of these thousands of individual actions.” /\/ To follow the expedition, or to learn more about i2P and how you can get involved, please go to impossible2possible.com

www.trailrunner.ca | 13

Ellie Greenwood – Western States Milestones

by Jonathan Schmidt Canadian resident and British citizen Ellie Greenwood (Team Montrail) recently won the prestigious Western States 100 mile endurance run for a second year in a row. Incredibly, she broke the previous women’s record by 50 minutes, finishing in a time of 16:47:19 more than an hour ahead of the second place women’s finisher. railRunningCanada (TRC): T First off, a big congratulations on your performance at Western States! You’re very inspiring to many people, especially aspiring Canadian ultra runners.

You’ve come along way in just a few short years (we first featured you after your March ’10 Frozen Ass victory). What has been your key to success and did you ever guess you’d be breaking the WS100 record?

Ellie Greenwood (EG): I knew the record was a tough one and I thought it might just be reachable if I had a perfect day but only just.

I did not expect to break it by the margin I did but the weather helped (cool) and I had a perfect day in all other respects both physically and mentally.

Key to my success has been solid training, no injury and balancing races that complement one another.

TRC: You recently moved from Banff to Vancouver.

14 | Issue 3: Fall/Winter 2012

How’s the adjustment been (are you going to lose your altitude advantage)?

EG: I may lose the altitude advantage for sure but in return I get pretty much snow free trails year round. Banff has spectacular running terrain but access for much of the year is limited due to snow. In North Van there are still great technical and non-

towards a few key races and look at those course profiles, terrain etc and train as specifically as you can. Be prepared to make ‘sacrifices’ if you truly want to step it up to the next level. Enjoy your running and training and if not, analyze why you aren’t and change something. Build up mileage gradually to avoid injury as extended training without injury is key. Keep

do you balance a day job and 100+ mile weeks?

EG: It is not something I am considering right now. It is something that sounds cool on the surface, but I don’t necessarily think it’s all it’s cracked up to be. Right now I am prepared to eat, sleep, run and work and put other things to the side as I often don’t have enough hours

I did not expect to break it by the margin I did but the weather helped (cool) and I had a perfect day in all other respects both physically and mentally.

technical trails, good access to elevation year round and enough snow to make it fun but not limit running 12 months of the year!

TRC: Can you sum up the feeling of your WS100 victory in 5 words or less?

EG: Surprise.

Achievement.

Friends.

Honour.

Happiness.

TRC: Any inspiring comments/thoughts for those runners trying to follow in your footsteps?

EG: Choose race goals and don’t over race. Train

perspective – yes work hard, but ultimately this is for fun!

TRC: What’s your next race?

EG: Squamish 50 miler in BC in mid August

in the day. I use my time effectively and get a routine and stick to it. Ask any of my friends – if they want to see me, it usually means going for a run! /\/

TRC: Adam Campbell and a few others have recently announced they are going full time into ultra running.

Have you considered this?

Is there enough support for that to happen for you? How

Ellie’s blog can be found at: elliegreenwood.blogspot.ca. Ellie is supported by Montrail / Mountain Hardwear, Clif bar and Sundog Eyewear.

TRAIL STORIES

Off the Tourist Path : Epic Rockies Running in British Columbia

by Sean “Run Bum” Blanton, member of the La Sportiva Mountain Running Team

www.trailrunner.ca | 15

The word “vacation” means different things to different people. Usually it involves relaxation and a chance to get away from the daily grind. Well, when you’re someone like me, it means adventure. I rest when I am at home in my bed.

Recently I have come to define my life in 3 simple words: “DO EPIC STUFF”. I set out each day to climb my own Mt. Everest. When I plan a trip, I go as far off the tourist path as I can and I do what makes me happy. What makes me the happiest is running new trails and exploring the mountains.

Over the past four years, Vancouver has become like a second home for me. I ran my first ultra marathon ever there, the Diez Vista 50k. I have since returned to run lots of trails and make many friends. To me Vancouver is the culmination of everything I love. Mountains, ocean, city and sushi. I live in Atlanta so I have none of those things at my grasp.

I planned my most recent trip to Vancouver a little bit differently. I wanted to do some races, explore more of BC and really push my limits.

A good friend of mine, Jeremy Clegg, told me about this crazy mountain race called the Kusam Klimb. He sent me the link and said I should come up for it. I checked it out for a brief second when something caught my eye: 5,000 ft of elevation gain in the first 5 miles. Wowsers! I knew I had to do it. I love mountain climbs. The race was basically up in the middle of nowhere.

I recruited a fellow crazy trail runner to do the race with me, my buddy Graham Perkins from North Vancouver.

This was one race and on a Saturday. This meant I could hopefully find a race for Sunday to make the trip worth my while. Sure enough, there was a 25km trail race at

16 | Issue 3: Fall/Winter 2012

Whistler on Sunday called 5 Peaks Comfortably Numb. I signed up for both races and booked my ticket. I was more than excited.

I arrived in Vancouver exhausted. Graham picked me up Thursday morning and we hopped on the ferry to Victoria. Only one problem - I was getting strep throat. All I could do was rest. The epic stuff would have to wait.

On Friday Graham and I drove up to Sayward, a small town at the north end of Vancouver Island, where it was rainy and cold. We grabbed our bibs from the registration and prepared for imminent doom.

We drove down to the ocean to get a look at the mountain.

Jutting straight out of the depths of the ocean, the mountain loomed above us.

Kusam disappeared into the clouds above. How tall it was you really couldn’t tell.

I could hear the siren song inviting me to come closer.

With Kusam waiting eagerly for us I didn’t sleep very well.

I was sick on top of that. My goal had been to race it and try to win. Unfortunately, because I felt so bad, there was to be no racing for me.

We got to the start to see another 150 to 200 people buzzing about. It was an

awesome site. People from all over came to run this race. I was the lone American in this gun fight. As the race counted down I yelled out my patented “Whooooohaaaa!”

Everyone stared at me and then the gun went off.

There was 2 km on the road before the start of the trail head, which signalled the start of the Klimb. I was top 10 to start with. As soon as I hit the climb my heart rate spiked and I couldn’t breathe very well; strep throat and swollen tonsils aren’t very much fun to run with. I was also as hot as heck. It was freezing outside for me but I still began to sweat.

I was now forced to hike everything. We passed a waterfall and some nice view points. It was a shame that it was rainy and foggy because the views were half the reason I came. I struggled to keep my heart rate down. I was running without a bottle, so I shoved my face in the rushing streams for water.

I wanted the true man vs mountain experience.

The Klimb never let up.

Steep, cushioned old growth trail lead to even steeper trail. The air was mountain fresh. The forest around us was a fortress of towering lumber, moss and small

shrubbery. It was beautiful.

There were no real breaks on the Klimb, it just oscillated between “very steep” and “extremely steep”. The few metres of flat or downhill were the only runnable parts.

After about 45 minutes or so there were ropes to help you climb up rock faces. It was an adventure of epic proportions. I was smiling at this point. I was tired, but climbing up this stuff made me feel like a kid again.

Finally I encountered a gust of cold air. We were now in the clouds. Not too long after we began to hit patches of snow.

They were sporadic until it was all snow on the top. I tried to hold back realizing that I had no idea when I would hit the summit. Then, finally, the first down hill. It was a 400m long snow covered straight drop of the side of the mountain. I tried to run down but it was too steep. I slipped and landed on my butt and slid down the rest of the way.

I flew down, spinning around like a car on ice.

I remembered that we would hit a lake, go around it and go back up to the top of another peak. I looked for flagging in the fog and snow. I could not find any. I called out to anyone around me. There was no one.

Parker Ridge, Alberta Photo: Sean Blanton

Where was I? I kept going forward and started about 2 minutes up a near vertical embankment of snow on the other side of the frozen lake. I had been wandering around for five minutes now trying to find my way. I finally saw another guy, lost as well. We both searched for foot prints but found none. A couple moments later, four others arrived from the other way around the lake. I was relieved. Six idiots were better than one idiot. I reached down to grab some Clif Shot Bloks from my pocket. I felt around and there were not there. I had started the race with them so where were they? I figured they had gotten knocked out of my pocket on the crazy slide down the snow. I was getting hungry too. No water, no fuel - this was not the race to go commando on.

We finally found the way to the top of the mountain, though it was the long and

hard way. Think straight up a slippery snowy slope vs a gradual incline. There were two volunteers waiting for us there to radio our number back to base. They pointed us straight down the other side. Another snow slide of a good time. The six of us took off like banshees down the mountain. You would slide for 30 seconds and then it would flatten out enough to stand upright and bomb down in the snow. It was a blast. It was all about who was willing to go faster on the down. Who was willing to gamble more. There were post holes, sticks, and trees.

It was like skiing in the backcountry. Hands down the most fun a trail runner can have. Three of us pulled away from the others.

I followed the two guys in front of me. I had my head down, focusing on my footing, when boom! I was on the ground and in pain.

The guy in front of me had

grabbed a very large branch and pulled it forward to get it out of his way. He had not followed the trail etiquette of yelling out “branch!” or “watch out!” before he let go.

It drilled me in the face and took me out. It was so large and hit me so hard it clothes lined me. I popped back up with a tad bit of blood on my face. Stunned but now focused. The guy apologized as I passed him. I wanted to leave him in the dust to ensure that incident wouldn’t happen again.

Just then we hit another check point and crossed over

a log bridge. It was out of the snow and onto the trail. We hit our first stream crossing in a while. It was a raging river, knee deep. I shoved my head into the stream, and choking on the water I got a couple of gulps. It tasted like heaven - water doesn’t get any fresher than that. At this point thirst was not my problem, it was hunger. I was a good 2 hours into the run and I had not had anything to eat. On the down hill I bombed past everyone I had run with. I hit the first real aid station. I chugged Gatorade like it was my job. I blasted down this gravel road for the next 4 km or so. I hit the next aid station and chugged more Gatorade. My energy was gone and my stomach was empty. It would take 30 minutes at least for the Gatorade to have any effect on my tired muscles. We were back on some perfect single track. It was flat with a gradual decline. This was the most runnable part and I felt so bad I had to walk.

I hit the final check point with 2 km to go. I was relieved. It was out of the trail and onto the pavement. I hit the final 800m on the road and neared the finish. People applauded as I finished in 3hrs 2 mins 3 seconds, but I was less than happy. I was smiling because I had a blast, but I felt awful because I bonked. I know that if I hadn’t gotten lost or dropped my food I would have been 10-15 minutes faster. Regardless, it was a heck of a fun race, especially for a guy who sees snow once a year. /\/

Editor’s note – Sean had 2 more days of “epic stuff” in BC. To read more about Sean’s adventures, please go to www.RunBum.com

www.trailrunner.ca | 17

FALL SHOE REVIEW

MINIMAL Vivobarefoot Neo Trail | by: Jonathan Schmidt

Merrell Mix Master Aeroblock | by: Jonathan Schmidt

It appears that the minimalist footwear craze, spurred on by the book Born to Run is here to stay. The Vivobarefoot company has been around since 2003 and learned a thing or two about barefoot/minimalist running before most of us even knew what it was.

In the trail running community Merrell has been known to produce top-notch niche footwear, such as the popular minimalist Merrell trail glove. Merrell is less known for the production of high-mileage footwear that could serve a runner through a 25k, 50k or 100k. Merrell appears to be trying to change all that with the Mix Master, a solid lower profile (4mm drop) shoe intended to serve you well on both the trail and the road.

I put the Neo Trail through a couple of rigorous trail workouts and I must say I was impressed. The first thing I noticed about this shoe was the incredible traction on rough and loose terrain. The sole of the shoe is made of a tough flexible (recycled) rubber, complete with an intricate series of lugs providing the runner with unbridled traction, especially for a minimalist shoe. The second thing I noticed was how incredibly light this shoe is designed. The shoe also contains a toe guard preventing any unnecessary blackened or bruised toes. In addition, the manufacturers have somehow made this shoe feel like the most comfortable thing you ever have or will put on your feet. I’ve worn a lot of different shoes, but was surprised at the slipper-like feel of this shoe immediately.

The Neo Trail upper is a light breathable fabric that works well with the standard lacing system. The lacing system may be my only partial complaint. There was way too much shoe lace for shoe. Nevertheless, the Neo Trail is everything a runner would want in a minimalist barefoot trail shoe – super lightweight, breathable, comfortable and with plenty of traction for all types of trails.

The Mix Master provides the basic elements of a traditional shoe, but without the added cushioning (and weight), which still allows a more mid and forefoot strike. For those runners wanting to transition to more of a midfoot strike this is a great lightweight shoe to start the progression.

In testing this shoe performed quite well. The upper is extremely comfortable and was worn with and without socks with equal performance. The toe box is roomy with plenty of kick protection from rocks and other debris. The 3.5mm rounded lugs on the sole are sufficient for most occasions, but they didn’t perform as well as more agressive lugs typically present on trail shoes. I know the purpose of this shoe is to mix it up between the road and trail, but throw on some even more aggressive lugs and I’m sure road runners wouldn’t even notice.

If you are not familiar with barefoot or minimalist shoes you should work into these shoes (or similar shoes) over a few weeks or months.

If design and style matters then Merrell has a winner here. The upper is crisscrossed with reflective designs, which provides a classy while still subtle design element suitable on and off the trail.

MSRP: $115. Supplied by In-Sport Fashions

MRSP $140 with Aeroblock, MRSP $130 without Aeroblock

18 | Issue 3: Fall/Winter 2012

CUSHIONING The North Face Single Track II | by: Joanne Schmidt

Columbia Peakfreak | by: Chad Sawatzky

When I received the Single Track II’s my first reaction was, “Wow these are pretty”. Now after almost 500 miles of running on a variety of trail from coulees to rocky single track to mud, I can say these shoes are ideal for all types of trail running.

Inspired by the 3 Sisters Marathon in Oregon, Columbia created the Peakfreak Low Outdry as a hybrid running-hiking shoe with additional support for larger runners and hikers.

These shoes offer an excellent first impression; great styling and rugged good looks.

These shoes felt great right out of the box—they were never stiff and there was no breaking them in. Weighing in at 9.6 oz (270 g), they felt light and soft. As promised, I felt they allowed me to hit a natural stride and feel the ground more than in my previous trail shoes. With the 20 mm forefoot, and 10 mm heel, I felt more in tune with the trail and was able to better read the terrain.

My first test for these shoes was to give them a taste of Saskatchewan hills out at Blackstrap Provincial Park. I headed out early in the day and the long grass was still covered in dew. Columbia’s Outdry system kept my feet dry even when the outside of the shoe was visibly wet. These shoes provided good grip and stability going up and down hills during testing.

The strength of these shoes is on the climbs, even up in mountain terrain the outsole grabs wet grass, roots, rocks and mud and keeps you moving upward. The grip’s performance is also impressive on downhills with no slipping and sliding.

I also enjoyed the fact that later that day I joined some friends at a local pub and received numerous compliments on the shoes. Partnered with a pair of jeans, these shoes effortlessly made the transition from on the trail to out on the town. I used these shoes a few more times while going on nature walks with my older children on the trails by the Saskatchewan River. The shoes remained comfortable and performed well on the single-track. The sole is thick enough that you do not feel the rocks or roots underfoot and the toe cap provides good protection against unseen tree roots.

What I found exceptional about these shoes was the grip. Due to the Tenacious Grip™ rubber outsole, I had no fear of wiping out and let myself fly down slippery descents. Another selling point was the tongue scree collar. As someone who really dislikes wearing gaiters, I welcomed this extra feature which did indeed keep most grit out of my shoes.

The only drawback I saw in these shoes was that I didn’t feel they were stiff enough to protect my feet on real technical rocky terrain that I faced on my most recent run in Montana, where at times I felt rocks through the shoes. That said this is the only race I have had this season where I experienced this. For the most part I feel the shoes have protected my feet with what North Face calls “Snake Plate technology”, which according to their website, “reduces stone bruising while retaining the shoes’ flexibility”. I think it speaks volumes that I went out and bought a second pair. I highly recommend these shoes and it also doesn’t hurt that they are also quite pretty!

MRSP: $110.00

Columbia states that these shoes are a hybrid shoe that combines running shoe swiftness with the technical performance of a hiker. I agree that they are a great hybrid, but in my opinion they remain more of an approach or short distance shoe than a true trail runner. However, I am pleased with the looks and the versatility of these shoes.

MRSP: $145.00 www.trailrunner.ca | 19

12 7 6

MY st Sinister

by Joanne Schmidt

345

20 | Issue 3: Fall/Winter 2012

Joanne Schmidt comes through a transition point during Sinister 7. Photo Credit: Lourdes Gutierrez-Kellam

www.trailrunner.ca | 21

I sat down in the shade of the inflatable finish line, caked in mud, salt, blood, tights ripped in several places and I felt the tears welling up in my eyes. I caught my breath and tried to contain them. This was the most cathartic thing I had ever done in my life. 24 hours 31 minutes and 53 seconds before this moment I had left the town of Blairmore in a pack of runners completely unaware of what was before me. I couldn’t possibly have comprehended what was to come. To be honest the tale comes back to me in images and snapshots of moments when I left the seclusion of my head and tried to fully grasp the experience. It often felt like I was hovering, just outside my body only to suddenly occupy it once again.

Rather than experiencing the race in stages, I experienced it as a series of realizations.

I can barely recall which leg was which, who was where, when I stopped seeing people who had been fixtures throughout the race, but had suddenly vanished, where I hurt and where I felt joy. With a 30 % finish rate, there was constant flux around me.

One minute someone was there, and then they were not. I was so focused on just going forward that I often missed their exit.

This was only the second race in my entire life of 100 km or more, with the previous one being only a few weeks before. The goal was to finish intact and with the temperatures hovering near 27 C, I knew hydration and running with restraint would be essential to survive the day.

The Sinister 7 race in the municipality of Crowsnest Pass, Alberta

22 | Issue 3: Fall/Winter 2012

covers approximately 148 kilometres. Yes, it’s a long way to be sure, but for some reason (ignorance perhaps) I never had any doubts about the distance. My biggest fears were getting lost (I made my obligatory wrong turn in Leg 2 I think, adding 10 minutes of fun to the race), and running in the dark.

The thought of doing this unnerved me, but running in the dark ended up being the thing that revitalized me.

I found calm and tranquility in the light of the most yellow moon I can ever recall; joy seeing those green glowsticks; and so much fun running with my two pals Cheryl and Lourdes throughout the night. The climbs seemed less steep and the miles shorter in the halo cast by my headlamp and the sounds of chatter just ahead of me. The only points in the race that actually made me doubt surviving were the icy cold streams of Leg 5.

In spots the entire trail was submerged for metres and the frigidity took my breath away and sent shooting pain through my feet. I lost all feeling, only to regain it

in time to run through some more. It was torturous. Then relay runners would glide past me on fresh legs and shout out encouragement, but I just could not move that fast anymore, especially on aching feet. Perhaps worse were the sudden pits of mud that sprang up from the dark and sucked me in, at times up to my knees. Then to extract myself and try to ignore the heaviness that encapsulated my shoes became a test.

Alas, I never felt defeated— not by the heat, the distance, the climbs, or the exposed and rugged roads.

But that was hours into the race. Let me start from the beginning, and I’ll try not to draw it out as long as the race actually was.

Leg One actually escapes me. I ran with my friend Margaret for some time as we ran beside the Frank Slide and then up a long gravel road before hitting some trails where I drifted deep within my head. This leg didn’t really register at all. I know I ran into a fallen tree as runners were packed tightly across the

Joanne’s battle scars from her first attempt at Sinister.

Photo Credit: Lourdes GutierrezKellam

www.trailrunner.ca | 23

pathway and were often being squeezed. I remember the familiar burn, but looked down and dismissed the scrape with a glance.

Leg two was fascinating and surreal. The sky was a most brilliant blue and we ran through a burn scar for what seemed like ages. The ashen colours of the trees and the rocks scattered across the paths made me feel like I was running on the moon. This leg involved a lot of climbing over deadfall and I did see one runner casualty, which made my stomach drop.

But they leapt up unscathed, and we carried on.

I tried to inhale my surroundings. I would say aloud to anyone around me—“Wow, the flowers are gorgeous” just to ensure that I myself actually acknowledged them. I saw mountains in the distance, but was too naïve to realize that’s where I was headed.

24 | Issue 3: Fall/Winter 2012

I just ran and kept running without ever allowing myself to think of what was left to be done. Eventually we descended down some muddy overgrown single track and I found myself a little frustrated at being slowed by a long line of runners ahead, but reminded myself of the hours of running yet to be done. I listened to them chatting, and contributed the odd comment, but mostly concentrated on not falling. I made a wrong turn on this leg, and lost about 10 minutes, and when I found the right way, I was aghast at the huge red arrow I had missed directing the way to T2.

T2 was overwhelming. My husband led me out of the chaos to our spot under the shade of some kind crew’s RV. I tried not to linger long but due to my disorganization spent a lot of time looking for things I had stashed in various bins and bags. Off on Leg 3 and to what many

consider the toughest part of the race. It was hot, and it went relentlessly up and down and up and down and all I could think about for the entire scorching leg was cold coke and popsicles.

Towards the end I became completely confused as we were climbing back up descents we had already run down, but I had almost no recollection of them. I can’t remember finishing this leg, but I do remember that my loving crew, my husband Daren, had a slurpee waiting for me at T3.

As far as Leg 4 goes, well I was tired, but the heat was waning and although it was dull, I found some renewed energy running in the ditch along the highway towards the end of the leg. It had started on this massive “ski hill” that made me reconsider my own sanity then followed endless miles of ATV road before winding downhill to the highway. There a truck

Surviving Sinister is all about the support from friends and family. Photo Credit: Lourdes Gutierrez-Kellam

waited with someone to show us the way. In the back of the truck I heard a familiar voice and was surprised to see Wayne (Gaudet, featured in Issue 2 of TRC), an accomplished runner who declared that he was pulling out. Knowing he had never DNF’ed I appreciated the gravity of his situation and was glad he made that decision. He gave me a hug and some encouragement and then oddly I was directed to run across the highway but to “Watch for vehicles!”

This struck me as funny as I couldn’t outsprint a scooter.

But I finally got there and saw Daren, Wayne, Jen (who had also pulled out), Lourdes and Cheryl, who cheered me in. I chugged back some veggie chicken soup, and changed my shirt. Daren and my unofficial crew looked after

me as I was a bit stunned… ”Here’s your bear spray”(“Do I really need it?”—“Yes, take your headlamp”); “Don’t forget your poles”; “Wait you forgot your hydration pack…”

And I was off.

Leg 5 was long and steep and dark and wet. Lourdes and Cheryl who were running Legs 5, 6, and 7 together eventually caught me and I ran with or just behind them for the last 49 kms. It was nice. I seldom run with anyone. I listened to their stories, had some laughs and fed off their energy.

Their bobbing headlamps up ahead made me feel secure.

Occasionally I would see their headlamps redirect towards me, as if making sure I was still there. I liked this leg in a masochistic way.

Arriving at T5 felt like arriving at a beach party and all that

was missing was the sand.

The way was lit with bright lights and strings of green glowsticks, people were camped out in lawn chairs and there was food and tents everywhere. “This is nice!” I said to my poor worried, sleep deprived husband. I didn’t linger, despite the festive mood. I knew at T4 that I would finish and at this point, with two shorter legs to go, the cool crisp night air and my pals running just ahead of me it became a certainty.

I do not remember anything about Leg 6 except mountain silhouettes, the stars, the setting moon, the rising sun and some magic tortellini given to me by Lourdes.

And then the last leg. It began with a steep climb and a rising sun that cast a brilliant pink shadow against the backlit mountains, then wound up and down some

rocky trails towards home.

I couldn’t run downhill anymore—every muscle hurt.

When we got to the road I could see the sportsplex and my salvation, but we were cruelly taken behind on a winding road for a couple more kilometers—up (!), and then around a bend, up a small trail and down to the finish. This made me mad.

I was ready to be done, so I shocked myself and started running and ran the whole way in to the finish!

And so, on my chair, bottle of wine in my hand, a “sinner”, friends and husband congratulating me, I tried not

Runners tackle some of the many obstacles at Sinister 7 Photo Credit: Joanna Ford

to sob. Just hours before I had declared I would never do this again. There was no need after all. I had proven that I could do it in some of the worst conditions imaginable and in a field where just 30% finished. But as I sat there my resolve began to falter and my mind change. I could do this again, maybe I will, but first I am so doing a hundred miler. /\/

Joanne Schmidt is The North Face Canadian Trail Ambassador for Alberta.

www.trailrunner.ca | 25

wisdom from Knee knacker

by Sasha Brown

I vividly remember the day I found myself, by pure chance, in North Vancouver’s Deep Cove when a little race called the Knee Knacker was finishing. As the runners crossed the line, they look filthy and exhausted yet elated. I asked some spectators about it, and they were quick to tell me that this event took racers from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver, across the 50 kilometre Baden Powell trail to Deep Cove in North Vancouver. That was 1998, I was a road-runner, and thought to myself: Who in their right mind would ever force their mind and body to endure such torture? I remember adamantly saying aloud that, though I did enjoy running, I would never do something like that.

Coming into Cleveland Dam. Photo Credit: Brady Fleguel

26 | Issue 3: Fall/Winter 2012

I thought about that day and that proclamation recently, as I laced up my shiny new royal blue North Face Hayasas, and had a sleepdeprived Brian drive me and a friend from Calgary to the start line of the 24th annual Knee Knacker Trail Run (www.kneeknacker.com).

For the fourth time in the past seven years, I pinned on my race number, lined up at the porta potties, chatted with other local trail runners, and made my way to the

6 am starting line. There were many familiar faces, friends with whom I train, those I simply see in the trails or at races, and those I knew by reputation. There was a palpable pre-race buzz of excitement and nervousness... with everyone aware of what lay ahead.

I always find that when I attempt to explain this race, I am at a loss... I usually start with “it’s not the distance, it’s only eight kms more than a marathon – it’s the terrain.”

Well, a few days before this year’s race, another participant (thank you, David Parker) posted an elevation profile. He has confirmed that the scales are the same, and that nothing has been enhanced. It should provide some perspective about what makes this trail race among the more gruelling, despite its relatively short distance (in the admittedly-skewed world of trail running). The elevation profile is, without a doubt, impressive... now imagine this with gnarly roots, boulder fields, snow, crazy off camber descents, and just about everything else a mountainous trail race can throw at you.

Before I talk about the day itself, I want to underscore just how amazing this event

is. First, though the Knee Knacker is wildly popular, nobody is getting rich off the proceeds, which are instead donated to charitable causes.

This year’s worthy recipients were North Shore Search and Rescue, and I personally could not think of a more deserving and fitting organization.

No race could function without volunteers, but there is something special about the hundreds who give up their time for the Knee Knacker. The volunteer to runner ratio is more than one to one; think about that - there are more vollies than racers! I have always found that each and every one seems genuinely happy to be helping, and is invested in each participant’s experience. The spectators are no different. I have not participated in any other trail

race with a comparable level of community involvement and support.

After we gathered at the start line and were on our way, the first few minutes of adrenalin and jockeying for position soon died down, and runners fell into comfortable paces before reaching the calf-achingly cruel ascent up Black Mountain. My race plan is always pretty simple, and is the same no matter the distance. I want to go as hard as I can while still enjoying the event and not hurting too much. If I feel really good, I go a bit harder; if I feel terrible, I slow down.

The climb up Black Mountain was, as it always is, steep and hard, but that day it was also unusually hot and humid even at that early hour. I don’t imagine there are many running races that climb so

steeply and steadily from the start, but cresting the summit of Eagle Bluffs with its stunning views is always invigorating and helps make the effort worth it.

After Black Mountain’s summit, the descent is mixed, and includes a quadpounding crushed gravel path that parallels Cypress’ ski hill. I love running downhill and can usually attack this section, but that day, I experienced some odd visual sensations. I wondered if I was having a visual migraine, or heat exhaustion. It was as though the aliens from the movie predator were dancing around in my periphery. It became increasingly difficult to focus on the ground in front of me. I made it to the first checkpoint and could barely focus, but grabbed some gels and carried on.

I knew that if the symptoms did not fade, I would choose to drop out. I have never DNF’d, but I’ve come to recognize that there is a time and place for making that decision.

I was just recovering from an untimely cold, and also had recent cardiology appointments on my mind. I had to be semiaware of my heart and any other possible symptoms (this is a story for another day). I wanted to be smart, and I wanted to be true to my “enjoy the race” philosophy, but of course, I didn’t really want to DNF. Luckily this symptom subsided as I made my way to Hollyburn area of Cypress and then into one of my favourite sections, the Brother’s Creek area. During this section one of my hands suddenly went very numb, which scared me, and

www.trailrunner.ca | 27

Runners cresting one of the many hills on the Knee Knacker course.

again I made the resolution that if it continued, I would drop out at the half way point. By the time I pulled in to Cleveland Dam, however, I was feeling good, but had decided to ease off a bit. As I was hugged and cheered by friends, I told Brian that I was planning to chill for the remainder of the race. I didn’t ask how many women were ahead of me; I didn’t care. I knew I’d finish, and I knew that I’d enjoy it.

After Cleveland Dam, there is a punishing climb up Nancy Greene Road followed by arguably one of the most difficult sections of the Baden Powell - the trail is steep and demanding, runners are exhausted yet know there is still a long way to go. After

28 | Issue 3: Fall/Winter 2012

grunting through this lengthy technical section, the trail dips into the Lynn Valley, with a lovely gradual descent down Varley trail, followed by double track up to the Seymour Demonstration Forest. This is the threequarter point and I was tired, but still feeling good. I think Brian told me I was in 6th, and I could immediately do a roll-call and figure out who was ahead. I had nothing to be ashamed of; the first 5 girls are forces.

Next is a descent in to the canyon, and a steep climb out... with only one more climb to go. I run these trails often, and felt comfortable and at home here. I had looked at my watch and knew that this was not going

to be a PR day, but my time was solid. There was only one more hill, the infamous Seymour Grind, ahead of me.

Though I’d essentially been running alone since the top of Black Mountain, I was lucky enough to have company up part of that last climb of the day as Ellie Greenwood and her running partner had pre-run the course and were now hiking/walking it and graciously cheering on racers. The top of the Seymour Grind is a special place psychologically. Deep Cove is a net down from that point, and it feels close. A debilitating side stitch made it difficult to fully give into gravity, but I managed to keep moving... past Seymour Parkway, Indian River Road, Quarry Rock, up the terribly

excruciating climbs that give this section a reputation as having “the most uphill in a downhill section”, a stumble and a bloody knee, out into the sunlight, and into brilliant Deep Cove. Six and a half hours after starting, my race was done. I was filthy and exhausted yet elated.

Six and a half hours of solitude... of thinking, of being hyper-aware of all physical sensations, of making my peace with a DNF, of trying to balance effort and comfort. There were highs and lows... as there always is. It wouldn’t be a race without them. I love the places my brain takes me as I run in races. It is a different place than during training or fun-runs. This

Crossing the finish line with a big smile.

time, I pondered what it is that drives us as runners and as racers. What causes us to sign up for races, to actually show up at start lines, and then to push ourselves to the finish? I’ve chosen not to sign up for races, I’ve signed up for races and then decided not to do them, and now I’ve considered DNFing.

I have however learned to “never say never”, though in truth, my current motto is: “I will never do a 100 miler”. /\/

Sasha Brown is The North Face Canadian Trail Ambassador for British Columbia.

www.trailrunner.ca | 29

Photos from the inaugural Arc’teryx Squamish 50 miler.

Jason Loutitt leads out the pack. Photo Credit: Arc’teryx

30 | Issue 3: Fall/Winter 2012

Ellie Greenwood wins the women’s event at the Arc’teryx Squamish 50 miler. Photo Credit: Arc’teryx

Arc’teryx Squamish 50 miler leaders Jason Schlarb (left) and Jason Loutitt (right) part way through. Photo Credit: Arc’teryx

www.trailrunner.ca | 31

(above) Arc’teryx Squamish 50 miler winner Jason Loutitt heads for the finish. (bottom) Aaron Heidt cruises through the beautiful course.

Photo Credit: Arc’teryx

32 | Issue 3: Fall/Winter 2012

exploring the Pemi Loop

by Michael Caron translated by Heather Davis The New-Hampshire White Mountains are my favourite playground. Climbing beyond the trees and enjoying the beautiful vistas are one of my motivations. Going as fast as I can in this environment is a passion. Hers is the story of my last run on Pemi Loop, a long hiking trail usually done over many days…

As the trailhead is a 2-hour drive from my home, I left Friday to be at my best early Saturday morning. After a good night’s sleep in my car, I started at 8am sharp. In the past I completed this loop in 14 hours and my goal this time was to be under 10 hours if everything went as planned.

Traveling counter clockwise, the first 8 km are run on an

old railroad. The rails have been removed and this flat ground makes for a perfect warm-up before climbing.

The climb to the first summit, Bondcliff, is long but not too steep. I ran many sections and when it was too steep, power walking brought me up. Power walking is really efficient. You just have to make energetic small steps and push on walking poles or, like me, on my thighs.

From Bondcliff summit, the view is amazing in all directions. I could view all the summits that I would traverse that day. It’s always difficult to imagine that later in the day I will be on the ridge that forms this faraway horizon…

I linked many summits without too much fatigue.

I must have been in better shape than I was thinking and I had this loop in mind for so long…

I didn’t stay long at the hut, just time to refill my 2 liter hydration pack. Stopping for a little talk with the hikers was attractive! But I was in a time trial that I had dreamed about for so long so I told myself, “Hurry up.”

Just stopping there and removing my little pack gave me a sense of relaxing time.

Nevertheless no more than 5 minutes had passed while I was at the hut.

From Southtwin, I made a safe descent. This trail was really steep and made of uneven big rocks. I began to realize my state of fatigue…

And I immediately thought about something else. I thought about the Galehead hut situated at the base of the slope.

Now I was heading to the hardest part of the whole loop. Mount Garfield is isolated between two low altitude parts of the trail made up of a few abrupt drops, which are often slippery from streaming water. I passed 3 people who asked me where they

It was just windy enough to stay cool and my body reacted well to the task. It’s always like that…In the beginning it’s all good! But in such long projects, just the beginning is a matter of hours!

On Bondcliff with view of a ridge that is part of the Pemi-loop.

Photo Credit: Michel Caron

www.trailrunner.ca | 33

were! They were uncertain if they had passed the trail they were supposed to take. We looked at my map and I told them where we were…Bad news for them, they had walked 1.5km in the wrong direction. As they were part of a larger group, the other hikers tried to catch up with them in front but they were in back! I started running again telling them that I would inform the others if I met them. I never saw them…

This time my passage in what I call “Devil’s House” was run fast. It’s so low beside Garfield that it seems to be under sea level!

On Garfield looking at the Franconia ridge. The last summit of the day is Flume, visible on the extreme left of the picture.

Photo Credit: Michel Caron

34 | Issue 3: Fall/Winter 2012

The next summit was Mount Lafayette and the Franconia Ridge that I know well and that I enjoy so much for running. Going up to Lafayette, I passed by many false summits. Even if I knew about these false summits, it was still demoralizing! Again

On Mount Lincoln, part of the Franconia ridge and the Appalachian trail. Photo Credit: Michel Caron

I had to chase away these negative thoughts to not go in this direction in my head.

After more than half way and again higher than the trees, I enjoyed the cooling wind in my back. I begin to realize that at the rhythm that I run now, it was possible that I would finish the loop in under 9 hours. I counted and recounted as 9 hours seemed impossible (for me because I know the record is 6h30…). I ended up thinking that my mental arithmetic was OK as I stood on top of Mount Lafayette, that big and beautiful pyramid of rocks.

Lafayette was my highpoint of the day and I tried to convince myself that it was all downhill from there but the reality was that 4 summits were still between me and the

trailhead at Lincoln Woods.

As I resumed running, I saw 3 friends from Sherbrooke. A little chat and I started again, loaded from this energy.

I probably started too fast and I could feel the pain of cramps in both my legs. Since about two hours I had been close to cramping. I took a Gastrolite, my second of the day. It was too late and I couldn’t go forward anymore. I stopped and stretched my thighs and calves. I was unable to sit because the moment there was no weight on my legs, the cramps doubled in intensity.

Five minutes of stretching and I was able to walk and gradually resume running.

From this moment I could only run in small regular steps. A long jump and the cramps would be instantly back with uncontrollable spasms.

I was still on the beautiful ridge and close to cramping when I drank my remaining water. I knew that it was part of the game with such a limited water supply but I had hoped to finish the ridge before being dry. I decided to take a third Gastrolite and sucked the bottom of my bag to help ingest this powder.

One more time I gradually ran.

The cramps were there but manageable. It would be like that until the end of the run…

I was really surprised and happy to see the numbers on my watch; I was going to finish in under 8h30!

I ran fast. It had been one hour since I had eaten my reserve of energy without hydration. All this combined with a sustained effort for many hours, I knew that the recuperation process would be long…

I did my best to run the last part of the trail, the flat trail on the old railroad. I was really surprised and happy to see the numbers on my watch; I was going to finish in under 8h30! Nothing existed except the trail and me.

After traversing the suspension bridge, I stopped my chrono which said exactly 8 hours 25 minutes. As I stopped, I was as euphoric as I was cramped! My legs had given everything they had and my head had asked for more and more…

/\/

The descent to Lincoln Woods trail seemed neverending despite the fact that

Pemi-loop in numbers: 51km Elevation gain 2800m Pass by 10 summits

Michel Caron is The North Face Canadian Trail Ambassador for Quebec & East

Pass by two huts In 2005, Backpacker magazine listed the Pemi Loop in the #2 spot among “America’s Hardest Dayhikes.”

www.trailrunner.ca | 35

DIRTY FEET & SUN PEAKS

by Sasha Brown

I had never been to Sun Peaks Resort just outside of Kamloops in BC’s interior, and felt lucky to be involved in Dirty Feet – Trail Races’ 16k mountain run which was held there the weekend of September 8th. I was pleasantly surprised by this alpine village; the expression “hidden gem” is overused, but it applies perfectly to the summer version of this resort. Though a mere 45 minute drive away, it is consistently much cooler than Kamloops, and the air is a crisp mountain air. The drive itself is stunning as the road passes through rolling farmland en route to the resort (it was in fact, so beautiful, we decided to repeat the experience by road bike on our last day).

36 | Issue 3: Fall/Winter 2012

Sun Peaks has been increasingly attracting summer visitors with their many activities and events, including the Dirty Feet Mountain Run. Dirty Feet was created by Grace and Phil Hiom almost 3 years ago with the goal of increasing fitness and introducing people to trail running by creating a running community and events with a variety of distances to challenge and support even those new to the trails. Three years later, their vision has been fully realized with an assortment of heartwarming success stories of participants’ progress over the years and a race calendar that includes six popular trail running events, xc mountain biking and snowshoe races.

This year’s Sun Peak’s event started with a 5 km loop through the nordic ski trails and village (which was also the course for the 5 km race) before sending us steeply up bike-park trails. After about 6 km of climbing up Mt. Tod, runners were greeted by the season’s remaining wildflowers, incredible views and festive music urging everyone to carry on to the mid-mountain station 600 metres above the village.

Racers then had gravity on their side, plummeting down fun, technical, quad-busting single track trails for the remaining 4 km to the finish.

The course highlighted the variety of trails available, was incredibly well organized and flagged, and challenged

all runners regardless of their strengths.

Recognizing the incredible array of trails as well as the convenience and comfort provided by the resort’s accommodations and amenities, Dirty Feet, with Sun Peaks’ enthusiastic support, has recently announced that next year’s event will include a 50k ultra/ relay event, as well as the 5/16 km mountain run. The idea is to host a running weekend in which racers can participate in a leg of the relay (lift-assisted as necessary), or complete the 50k as a solo on one day, and run the following day in either the 5 or 16 km event. Runners can also participate in only one day of activity if they prefer.

The beauty of the plan is that in the evenings, runners can relax at a spa, enjoy delicious food at a restaurant or pub, or simply kick back in their hotel rooms to recover. When not cheering, family and friends can stop at one of the numerous cafes, explore the shops, or visit the Farmers’ Market that occupies the village every Sunday.

The Dirty Feet events should not be missed, but Sun Peaks is also a worthy destination for trail runners throughout the sun-filled summer months. The nordic ski (mostly double-track) trails provide opportunities for those looking to run in the refreshing mountain air, and the lift-accessed hiking trails and new xc mountain bike trails (which can also be accessed via access roads), offer some of the earliest alpine running trails in BC. It would be easy to amuse oneself, or seriously train, for days in the multitude of trails. I have run in many places, on many trails, and I look forward to returning to Sun Peaks Resort to further explore, especially as they have plans to expand their network of single-track. Next summer, I’ll aim for a visit in spectacular wildflower season as well as for Dirty Feet’s 50k weekend. /\/ Be sure to check out Dirty Feet at www.dirtyfeet.ca and Sun Peaks Resort at www.sunpeaksresort.com Sasha Brown is The North Face Canadian Trail Ambassador for British Columbia Photo credits: Dirty Feet Race Series & Sun Peaks Resort

www.trailrunner.ca | 37

Cranberry Flats

Local Trails

Saskatoon Road Runner’s Trail Race #2

by Chad Sawatzky For the 2012 summer racing season, the Saskatoon Road Runners Association (SRRA) organized a series of three trail races for Saskatoon and area. The second of these races was held Saturday July 21st at Cranberry Flats.

This venue is a popular beach and off leash dog park south of Saskatoon, situated along the banks of the South Saskatchewan River.

Peter Goode and Lynn Cushway were the lead organizers for this race (Lynn’s mother even made the delicious finish line biscuits!). When I had previously spoken with Peter, he commented that he was hoping that the trail races would entice new runners to the sport. He wanted to offer a new challenge to veteran

38 | Issue 3: Fall/Winter 2012

runners, but one of his main goals was to attract new participants. From what I could tell, many of the faces in the group of roughly 60 participants were veteran runners (who have some experience trail running); but there were fresh faced rookies in the crowd too (my cousin and my mother being two of these rookies).

Judging by the smiles and conversation after the race, most participants, veteran and rookie alike, are looking forward to competing in the third race in the series taking place in September.

Peter and Lynn plotted a challenging 2.5km course loop. The loop offered single track, a couple hills, one long uphill, lots of sand and plenty of sun. As with most trail

races I have run, the scenery was breathtaking. I even overheard a few competitors commenting that they did not realize this little gem of a natural park existed mere minutes from the city.

Participants had the choice of doing 2 laps of the loop to complete the 5km race or running 4 laps to complete the 10km course.

The faster runners finished the 5km course in just over 25 minutes and the more

fleet of foot completed the 10km course in just over 40 minutes.

As for this SK Clydesdale trail runner, I remained consistent in my time for the 10k distance. For some reason I just cannot break the 60 minute barrier. Oh well, I still have September’s trail race to push for that elusive time! /\/

What is the future of trail running in Canada?

by Keith Iskiw The Canadian trail running landscape has been changing over the last few years. As growth in the sport continues, more and more I look to the stories, mythology and icons of European trail and mountain racing and wonder who is documenting our Canadian history and mythology? Who are our running icons, not unlike our stars of hockey or football, that will inspire us to head out into the wild places of our vast country? What does the future hold for our sport?

Phil Villeneuve, nordic and trail running specialist for Salomon in Canada, made an excellent point that for our community to grow, we need to get away from the idea that we need to trail run for “fitness.” In Europe, trail and mountain running is often paramount to religion and is seen more as a social activity, more so than a means of cross-training.

I think about the popularity of Spartan races and the like (obstacle races of varying distances and difficulty), and although I am loath to say it, they may be on to something.

These races are as much about the event itself then the actual race. Having large scale trail running events with depth at an elite level would not only provide athletes opportunities to race with the elite runners

of the sport (which as a side note, is the unique aspect of our sport that makes racing so inviting) it is also a way of celebrating our sport and our achievement regardless of outcome. iRunFar.com in recent years has become the touchstone for what can be done with social media for our sport.

I really took notice with the build up for the Zegama Sky Marathon that took place in the spring. Bryon Powell and his team provided indepth reports on the elite runners, as well as “live coverage” that gave fans of the sport an outlet to discuss and interpret the actions occurring miles away. This leads me to believe that in a country as vast as ours, events that have depth in participation at the elite and recreational level can not only bring in media attention from local media outlets, but also from social media sources such as Twitter and Facebook.

The Canadian Death Race in Alberta, Ultimate XC in Quebec and the newly minted Meet Your Maker in British Columbia are all prime examples of events that bring in large, quality fields that have the necessary combination of factors to bring such attention to our sport. With the help of the race directors and a mainly

Canadian running media service (like trailrunner.ca) we can duplicate what others are doing in order to shrink our country and bring these and other events like it to focus. It would give fans inside views into races, creating the very mythology we lack. Sharing extraordinary events together

is what will galvanize us as a community.

Some may want to deter a move towards this style of event.

Arc’teryx/Salomon athlete Adam Campbell sees it as a possible divide between races that want to remain grassroots and those that want to become an

www.trailrunner.ca | 39

“event/celebration” of the sport. Whether or not this is happening is hard to tell, but it is my experience that the community is ready to experience, as Adam puts it, “big time races with inspiring courses,” even if only indirectly.

the end will be the force for change. The running community in Canada has passion in spades so I feel confident that trail running in Canada has an exciting future ahead. /\/

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” I think Gandhi said it. Passion in

Keith Iskiw is The North Face trail ambassador for Ontario.

He trains in Kingston, Ontario and recently won the Haliburton 50 mile race for a second straight year.

Photo credits: Michel Caron

40 | Issue 3: Fall/Winter 2012

Ultra Trail Running News From Canada Scott Garrett 12 buckles in 12 months? (pictured above)

To celebrate his 50th birthday, Scott Garrett from Barrie, Ontario began 2012 with the goal of finishing twelve 100 mile races in 12 months. At the time of publication he had finished nine of the twelve, including a PR at NJ Ultra Series in a time of 21:08.

When asked about the toughest parts of the goal, Garrett said the Mohican Trail 100 was the hardest due to extreme heat while Burning River was the most scenic. Scott vowed to stop at the 50 mile mark during the Mohican Trail 100, but thankfully his pacers, coming all the way from Toronto to Ohio, arrived just in time to meet him at the halfway mark and push him to a well deserved finish. You can follow Scott’s progress at: www.12in12.ca.

Cody Gillis attempts Bruce Trail speed record for charity Ontario runner Cody Gillis is attempting to break the fastest known time to complete the 885km Bruce Trail, which runs through southern Ontario. The current record is approximately 13 days 10 hours and 51 minutes held by Charlotte Vasarhelyi.

Cody intends to begin his trek on September 25 and average approximately 80 kilometres per day through this very technical trail. His projected finishing date is October 5. Cody is raising money for the pediatrics unit of Headwaters Health Care Centre. You can follow his attempt and donate online at www.endtoendchallenge.com.

Gary Robbins is back in race form at UTMB while Ellie Greenwood continues to amaze After a long, injury-prone delay, elite ultra runner Gary Robbins (Montrail) from British Columbia is finally back racing. He finished an extremely tough, weather-shortened UTMB course in France placing 53rd place among a field of the world’s best ultra trail runners. Robbins is perhaps best known for his 6th place finish at Western States 2010 or his Hawaii Hurt victory that same year.

Ellie Greenwood who is now also training in the lower mainland of British Columbia continues to storm the international ultra scene. Earlier this year she blasted the women’s Western States record by 50 minutes, came second at Comrades in South Africa and then went over to France and won the 100km UTMB-CCC, proving it doesn’t matter what continent she races on, she can still win.

Wayne gaudet beats his own 24-hr record At the world 24 hour championships in Katowice, Poland in early September Wayne Gaudet (see Issue 2) surpassed his own M55 record of 206.230km in 2011 with a run of 218.528km! In a world class field including Mike Morton (who just beat Scott Jurek’s USA record) and Yiannis Kouros, Wayne was 47th male.

www.trailrunner.ca | 41

The North Face Single Track II

by Joanne Schmidt

REVIEWS

The North Face GTD Capri Tights These capri tights are the perfect thing to wear for a cool spring day or a nice fall run. I found they were snug without being too tight and felt almost like a second skin—nice and light and well-ventilated. I also found them very supportive due to the compression fit, while still retaining a great deal of flexibility which I appreciated as some compression wear can feel restrictive. I found running in them I barely noticed I had anything on!

I did find that they kept me cool and dried quickly. I liked the pocket as well—a nice size for a couple gels and some salt tablets. I like that it has a zipper as I have a hard time getting things in and out of the pockets that simply secure items by using an overlapping fabric design (actually one of my pet peeves). Other nice features of these tights were the reflective piping and mesh panels which actually did make a big difference as I never felt sweaty despite putting in a hard effort.

The North Face Women’s GTD Short-Sleeve This running shirt is extremely lightweight and comfortable. It moves easily, and I liked the sleeves which are short but not restrictive as I have found some of the other “women’s cap sleeves”. I felt that the shirt did indeed dry quickly and didn’t hold onto moisture, due to Vaporwick technology. I ran 10 km on a very warm morning and still found it felt like I had just put it on. It also has a high degree of breathability, something which has seemed to reduce odour just as The North Face claims. I think this top would be perfect to run in from spring to mid-fall and I highly recommend adding it to your racing arsenal.

It comes in a variety of colours although my favorite is the one I have—a two-toned blue, with reflective highlights.

UV protection is always an added bonus, particularly when running great distances where one is unable to reapply sunscreen on sweaty skin.

42 | Issue 3: Fall/Winter 2012

win

$500

TO SPEND ON

trail running

GEAR

Enter at liveoutthere.com/win-500

Enter to win $500 to spend on trail running gear, apparel, and footwear at Live Out There.com, Canada’s Outdoor Source.

Just visit liveoutthere.com/win-500 to enter! Don’t dawdle, contest closes October 31, 2012. www.trailrunner.ca | 43

Wear What Adam Wears: Arc’teryx Reviews

by Jonathan Schmidt

REVIEWS

bounce items around like a full rear pocket.

Visio FL Jacket Gore active shell jacket (pictured above & left) As a relatively young company in the world of trail running clothing Arc’teryx has made quite an impression. In 1996 this Vancouver area company partnered with W.L. Gore & Associates to begin offering technical apparel with Gore-tex technology.

Since then the company has become known for its superior quality and stylish designs. Being based out of the Vancouver area probably helped them seize the opportunity to partner with local ultra running phenom Adam Campbell and expand their market.

The Visio FL - Gore active shell jacket is a super lightweight (205 g) spring or fall shell jacket designed to keep you dry and warm during cooler running conditions. The design is slick and stylish while still practical. For instance, the back is slightly lower than the front (called a “drop back hem”)

44 | Issue 3: Fall/Winter 2012

providing for extra rear coverage from water or mud kicking up, but it isn’t so drastic as to make the jacket look cumbersome.

In contrast, I have seen some popular running shell jackets that have such a severe drop back hem that style is out the window and there’s little chance you would want to wear the jacket while not running or cycling.

The Velcro cuffs on the sleeves are a nice added feature for extremely rainy weather as well as for those of us with shorter arms who want to use our hands every so often. I was surprised not to see any ventilation zippers on this shell jacket, but the jacket is designed with the latest 3-layer Gore-tex technology, including increased breathability, which essentially reduces the need for extra ventilation. The jacket includes one small zipper pocket just off the front side, which is a practical location for a small pocket, as it is away from the front, but also does not

As mentioned earlier, one of the major benefits of this jacket is the weight (or lack of) as it weighs around 200 grams. You can barely feel it while running and it packs up nicely into even some of the smaller packs, such as my Nathan.

My only complaint would be the lack of a hood.

Since this jacket is built for you to run through a downpour it’s just a wonder why a hood might not be included. Nonetheless, the lack of a hood does add to the sleek design and the Visio FL Gore shell jacket does provide extensive protection from the elements in all weather situations. If the hood is a sticking point for you there are plenty of other Arc’teryx shell jackets with one.

Overall, the Arc’teryx Visio FL is an extremely well-designed high-quality shell jacket with adept style and practicality for all running conditions.

MRSP: $300 CAD http://www.arcteryx.com/Product. aspx?EN/Mens/Visio-FL-Jacket

OMNI-HEAT BASELAYER. SHOCKINGLY WARM. AMAZINGLY BREATHABLE. INCREDIBLY PHOTOGENIC. ®

© 2012 Columbia Sportswear Company. All rights reserved.

BREATHABLE FABRIC WITH LITTLE SILVER DOTS THAT REFLECT BODY HEAT. KEEP YOUR WARMTH, NOT YOUR SWEAT • COLUMBIA.COM www.trailrunner.ca | 45

Incendo tight – men’s running tight (pictured above & left)

Motus crew LS – long sleeve tech tee (pictured above & left)

I find it sad to admit that the summer is gone and I’ll be breaking out the tights once again to brave the cooler fall and winter conditions. That said, it’s nice to have cold weather clothing that suits your needs as a runner. The Arc’teryx Incendo tight is a cold weather tight that is built to last and survive tough winter conditions. Whether you’re falling in a snowbank or scraping through some bushes the Incendo tight is built from a tougher than ordinary fabric, yet lightweight enough to not make them feel bulky or restrict movement. There are added supportive mesh panels covering the calf and back of leg, thereby providing the benefits of compression and improved breathability.

With our relatively warm fall it was difficult to test these in true winter conditions, but my sense is that they would be sufficient down to at least -12 to -15 degrees Celsius. They are not a fully insulated tight, but then again I hate running in mine, so who’s to blame Arc’teryx for making the Incendo tight, which is comfortable, lightweight, quick-drying and as stylish as you’ll get for black tights.

I’m a bit of a cynic when it comes to all of the new and improved technology surrounding running shirts. Surely it cannot be that much better than all the tech tees I have in my closet. Well, Arc’teryx certainly surprised me with the Motus Crew LS. Similar to their other clothing, it’s super lightweight and quick drying at only 121 grams. You could probably cram it into the gel pocket of your handheld bottle if you had the patience. Yet despite its light weight, the Motus Crew LS is sufficient for cooler days around 0 degrees or as a baselayer under a shell jacket in below freezing conditions. On the other hand, if you accidently overdressed for the conditions, the Motus Crew LS wicks extremely well, keeping you feeling cooler even into moderate summer conditions. The green and black pinstripe design that was reviewed is an impressively bold style for on or off the trail.

MRSP: $80 CAD | http://www.arcteryx.

com/Product.aspx?EN/Mens/Incendo-Tight-

46 | Issue 3: Fall/Winter 2012

MRSP: $80 CAD

http://www.arcteryx.com/Product.aspx?EN/ Mens/Motus-Crew-LS

CompresSport Calf Sleeves

by Jonathan Schmidt

REVIEWS

Compression technology is a balance between too much and too little. Err on the side of too much and you restrict circulation and limit performance benefits. On the other side of things, if there’s too little compression the effect is minimal and you’re really just wearing an expensive fashion accessory. The other balancing act is that between compression and breathability. Since most races are in the summer months, restricting the breathability of the body with more clothing will, in my opinion, simply create more sweat, raise the body temperature and limit any potential benefits from the technology. It all has to work just right to provide the necessary performance benefit.

In my opinion the Compressport sleeves have been designed to balance all of these competing issues. In hot summer conditions they seem to breathe well and provide adequate wicking while still providing strong compression. The compression is the greatest of any of the compression socks or sleeves I’ve used (Zensah, Salomon). At first I felt it might be too much compression for races and better for recovery so I contacted the

company about this. The company representative stated that greater compression is necessary during performance while less compression is better for recovery. More specifically, the Compressport are designed with “optimal compression for race and active recovery use” according to the company rep.

So I continued to pound away at my training and race schedule with the use of these sleeves. I used them during my 50k Lost Soul Ultra this September and I felt the strong compression provided fresh legs for an extended period of time and helped me achieve a 25 minute personal best.

The sleeves come in four different sizes based on maximum calf size and height. The sleeves provided for testing fit quite well despite only four size categories. They come in six unique colour designs, including a custom Canadian edition. After testing these sleeves extensively, Compressport appears to have achieved a thoughtful balance in all aspects of compression technology for trail runners.

MSRP: $55.00 http://www.compressport.ca/estore/compressport-calf/10-compressport-r2-racerecovery.html

It may seem trivial to some, but one of the real positives of these sleeves is their ability to avoid grabbing burrs or thistles.

My Zensah socks, which use a different fabric, usually end a run with a collection of the local grasses, thistles and other plant life attached. Getting these out in the wash are even tougher. The Compressport sleeves catch very few grasses and thistles due to the smoother fabric, thereby allowing for easier cleaning and quicker reuse.

www.trailrunner.ca | 47

Columbia Shirt Review

by Jonathan Schmidt

REVIEWS

Gear Review: Columbia Men’s Solar PolarTM Short Sleeve Crew Right away the most noticeable element of this Columbia short sleeve is its style. The compass blue design, which I reviewed, integrates a nicely designed front with an even more stylish back. The two-tone blue with reflective and laser cut detail works well if you’re with your running buddies or hanging out in a less casual atmosphere.

Functionally, this shirt outperforms just about anything else I’ve worn running. I put it through numerous extremely hot runs, where I was dripping with sweat and it kept me as cool as possible in 30+ Celsius conditions.

Columbia calls this Omni-Freeze ICE advance cooling technology that cools you down the more you sweat.

Honestly, I’m usually not one for lofty manufacturer claims, but I can honestly say this shirt is noticeably cooler than many other technical shirts.

48 | Issue 3: Fall/Winter 2012

Another practical aspect of this shirt is its ability to stay relatively free from odours due to the added antimicrobial features, which is an important criteria if you want to get some non-running use out of this stylish apparel. If you’re looking for a stylish short sleeve for hitting the trail or just lounging around the Columbia Solar Polar Short Sleeve Crew will keep you cool on hot running days while showing your flair for style off the trail.

MSRP: $64.99

www.trailrunner.ca | 49