ISSUE 13 Alissa St. Laurent
Hiro
Boreal Trail
Faroes
Meals
Training
Reviews
COVER: Amy Thompson at Chester Lake; November, 2015.
What’s
INSIDE
Photo credit: Lindsay Neufeld
A RUN IN THE WOODS by Russell Hodgins
11
ALISSA ST. LAURENT by Elaine Fung
FAROES
by Sasha Brown
4
14
HIRO
by Devin Featherstone
TRAIL DOG
8 EDITORIAL TRAINING PRE-RACE MEALS
by Antoine Jolicoeur Desroches
GET ON YOUR BIKE & RIDE! by Andrew Titus
WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN by Mallory Richard
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3 24 26 28
WINSTON KOROL by Nat Korol
TRAIL STORIES
10
WHO RUNS THE TRAILS, ANYWAY?
24
REVIEWS
29
by Sharon McNulty
by Kelly Anne Wald
BUFF CANADA
PETZL
FARM TO FEET
WESTCOMB
HYDRAPAK
EDITORIAL
EDITORS Linda Barton-Robbins DESIGN & LAYOUT Alex Whyte ADVERTISING & MARKETING Josh Barringer Jonathan Schmidt CONTRIBUTORS Linda Barton-Robbins Sasha Brown Antoine Jolicoeur Desroches Devin Featherstone Elaine Fung Russell Hodgins Nat Korol Sharon McNulty Mallory Richard Andrew Titus Kelly Anne Wald
Have a comment or story? Write or email us to: Trail Running Canada 244 Woodhaven Drive Okotoks, AB T1S 1S8 run@trailrunner.ca TrailRunningCanada.ca Copyright 2016 Trail Running Canada
It’s a new year and with it comes a new approach to Trail Running Canada. We have prided ourselves in providing the Canadian trail running community with a resource they can trust. We have evolved and expanded our focus and tried to provide content that is both entertaining and informative. Our look has changed and the quality of articles and photography has continually improved. It’s important to us that our readers come away from each issue with a little more knowledge and inspiration than they had before opening up our pages. It’s time for us to evolve again and focus even further on the community. Historically, Trail Running Canada has relied on an ambassador program to provide us with writers who create content. Through this program, we’ve discovered many writers and photographers who wish to remain involved in the magazine well beyond their contract year. Additionally, we receive requests from people within the community who wish to contribute. We have decided to discontinue to the ambassador program and
rely solely on our community to help us create content that is relevant and interesting. Many don’t realize that we don’t have a functional budget. It has indeed been contributions from volunteers and trail running community members that have made this magazine possible at all. I cannot thank everyone enough for making this happen. Besides the ambassadors, Trail Running Canada has been backed by a group of volunteers. Our editors, designer, writers and photographers all put in hours of time to bring the readers this free publication without pay. It’s not easy to juggle personal lives, family, regular jobs, training schedules and bringing out regular issues of a magazine. With that in mind, our issues will now be semi-regular with flexible publishing dates. We need to respect the schedules and lives of our regular contributors when it comes to completing each issue. This is a fun project for all of us involved and we want it to remain that way. And so, my fellow trail runners, I thank you for
everything you do for us and I ask that you continue to contribute your stories and share your adventures with us. If you have any story ideas or topics you would like to write about and share with your community, please let us know. We will still generally shy away from most typical race reports, but we will look for unique adventure stories and discussions on topical issues within trail running. Our focus will remain Canadian, but we would like to explore the world with you as well. We are also looking for features on trails that you love within the area you live. If there is a gem you love to run, chances are others would love to know about it. We can also never have enough photos. Who doesn’t love to look at the incredible scenery our country has to offer? Let’s work together and continue to bring Trail Running Canada to our community. /\/ Linda Barton-Robbins is based out of North Vancouver, BC. She is the Chief Editor of Trail Running Canada. Photo credit: PG. 3 Colin Aldous
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TRAIL INTERVIEWS
AN INTRODUCTION TO...
ALISSA ST. LAURENT by Elaine Fung
To look at Alissa St. Laurent’s results, you would not think that she is wrapping up only her third year of competing at the ultra distance. A quick glance at her Ultrasignup page shows an athlete who has been performing at a high level from the start. She has placed top female in the majority of her races while consistently finishing in the top five overall. 2015 has proven to be no different beginning with a good showing at the Gorge Waterfalls 100k and followed by wins at the Canadian Death Race (CDR), Cascade Crest 100, and most recently, Run For the Toad. Out of all her impressive victories, it is her overall win at the CDR that stands out. But given her history of top finishes in the overall field, you could argue that it was merely a matter of time before St. Laurent fought her way to win any race outright. At this year’s CDR, she found herself in that exact position as she took first overall.
I definitely have a competitive side, which still surprises me sometimes. And I don’t shy away from it, but really my focus is on myself. That’s the only person that I can control out there. But if other people can push me and help bring out the best in myself I’ll embrace that.
Trail Running Canada (TRC): There was a pretty big buzz with your overall win at the Canadian Death Race this year. Going into the race, did you think it was possible?
ASL: I hadn’t planned on running The Canadian Death Race until 3 or 4 weeks before actually. My goal race was Sinister 7 100 miler which I ran 3 weeks before. I won and set a new course record, so I took that experience with me and did what I could to recover in between and also just keep in touch with the joy of trail running. I had run CDR in 2013 so I knew the course well; I knew where I’d be able to push a little more and improve. Previous to Sinister 7 I really focused
Alissa St. Laurent (ASL): That’s exactly what I thought actually. It’s possible. I’ve had a lot of self doubt but every time I’d feel like that I’d repeat those words. It became sort of a mantra for me, it was simple and I couldn’t subconsciously argue with it.
TRC: What specific training did you do for it?
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top of Hamel I’d made that long climb faster than I had planned and gained back the time I thought I’d lost. I felt like myself again; happy, but determined. I still had almost 50km to go, but I knew that I’d be able to finish strong. TRC: When you’re having a good day/race, what goes through your mind? ASL: It can be surprisingly quiet up there actually. I fall into this place of focus; the time passes quickly. The trail, my surroundings, I just soak up being out there. Out of anywhere in the world I feel most comfortable on the trails so it comes pretty natural for me. I am keeping track of time and pace but not the finish line, I limit my thoughts to just the section that I’m currently in. TRC: You’re fairly new to the ultra scene. Do you think that has played a role in your success thus far?
on the specifics for the terrain and worked on finding that balance between speed, strength, and endurance. There were a lot of big mileage weeks and hours in the gym. I spent as much time in the mountains as possible. I really do love the training process so much. TRC: Did you have any low moments? How did you manage them? ASL: I think I did a bit, yes. After the first two stages of
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the race I was already ahead of all of the soloists, but was just clinging to the times my crew and I had worked out for pacing. I felt like I was working too hard to be able to maintain it, not even halfway through the race. So I started to get afraid that I’d overestimated my abilities and I would fail. The next 20km or so I just tried to stay calm. I eased up a little and made sure to keep my calorie intake up. But by the time I had reached the
ASL: I really do think so, yes. I’m very open to ideas and have learned a lot that way. I don’t limit myself to just what I feel that I’m good at because I don’t really know what that is yet. Everyone I come across seems to teach me something new, I learn something about myself every time that I race. But gaining experience is giving me the confidence to challenge my limits, so I look forward to that progression.
my health closely. I work with a local Edmonton sports clinic, River Valley Health. I rely on their expertise and familiarity with me personally am consistently working with them on performance training, acupuncture and chiropractic treatments, and nutrition counselling. I do take recovery seriously and will be taking several weeks off from running this winter, focusing on other activities like rock climbing and skiing and yoga. I received a little bit of criticism about racing too much after such a big summer. It did cause me to question some of my decisions at times, but I really don’t have any regrets about any of it. I had so much fun. It is tough mentally and physically to perform at a high level, so I do try and check in with myself to make sure that the joy this sport brings me is still intact. TRC: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? ASL: Well, I hope to still be running at whatever level suits me best. I don’t see myself slowing down by then and hope that I continue to improve, develop, and achieve bigger goals. I know that I’ll still be spending time in the mountains and on the trails as much as possible. That’s always been a huge part of who I am since I was little.
TRC: You’ve had a very big year with Gorge Waterfalls 100k, Sinister 7, the Canadian Death Race, Cascade Crest 100 and Run for the Toad. What are you doing to ensure longevity in the sport?
I love change, I love to learn and I thrive on new experiences and new opportunities, so I know that part of my personality will take me some interesting places that I just can’t predict.
ASL: Being proactive. I listen to my body, I’m monitoring
I hope to find my own small way of giving back and
developing the sport of trail running. Most likely with youth, I really love their energy and enthusiasm. TRC: Bucket Routes?
list
races?
ASL: So many. All of them… is that too vague? I really do want to go back to Western States, I love that race and I’ve maybe learned a thing or two since my first 100 miler there. I want to race and run in Europe again. I’ve never been to Colorado and I feel a definite draw, I’d love to go there and explore. Closer to home, I really think I need to get out to BC and race!
TRC: What’s next up for you? ASL: Skyrunning! I’m heading to Africa in November to participate in the Lesotho Ultra Trail 50 km in the mountains at altitudes reaching 3100m. I don’t have experience racing at altitude, so I’m a little nervous about it but I’m beyond excited to experience this new to me style of racing and am so fortunate for the chance to travel to such a unique and amazing area. [update: Alissa dropped down to the 38 km race at Lesotho and was second female.] TRC: Do you have running heroes?
any
ASL: I think this has to be people that I know mostly; there are too many to name separately. I see these people in my running community that train around their busy lives with kids and shiftwork and through cancer treatments and injuries and in the dead of winter and I am so inspired by them. Some of them are way back of the pack runners and some of them are faster than I’ll ever be. I have a great support network and a reliable group to train with and talk to and people that I’ve seen get through rough spots after hours in miserable weather or set big goals and achieve them.Yeah, I know a lot of heroes.
TRC: What was your favourite moment from the CDR? ASL: At the end, not the finish line specifically, but when I turned into town and was running that last stretch a few young girls ran in beside me and there were people that were cheering me on by name and I just felt this overwhelming support. It was awesome. /\/
Elaine Fung is a trail runner from British Columbia. Photo credits: PG. 4-5, 7 Majo Srnik PG. 6 Steve Baker
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HIR by Devin Featherstone
Hiroshige “Hiro” Watanabe is a recognizable name in the ultra running community. Although Hiro may not place in the top five for finishing times, his finishing times are very consistent, which is an even more impressive accomplishment when you realize he has completed 77 ultra marathons with distances varying between 50 to 100 miles. What he’s best known for is his positive attitude, regardless of the distance he is running. When Hiro gets to an aid station he
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always greets the volunteers with a big smile and a warm hello. If you fall, Hiro is the person who will help pick you up. Hiro was born in Sakura City in Chiba prefecture in Japan. He moved to Canada on April 18, 1999. Hiro began running when he was about six years old; however, he’s only been competing in ultra marathons for the past 13 years. His notoriety doesn’t only come from the 77 races he’s completed; he also holds the record for the most completions at the Canadian
Death Race in Grande Cash, Alberta. Hiro has attempted to run the gruelling 125km terrain twelve times with ten finishes. Although Hiro says that he feels a sense of accomplishment for the number of times he’s run the Death Race, it doesn’t come from that record alone. “Each time I race, I face many challenges and conquer them one by one and the journey continues,” said Hiro.
Although originally from Japan, Hiro has only had an opportunity to run one ultra marathon in his home country: the Ultra Trail Mount Fuji in 2013 where his parents and girlfriend could greet him at the finish line. He would like to expand his running horizons and compete across the globe. Still, Hiro has an enjoyment for running Alberta races. In one season, he generally will tackle around seven ultras, finishing with the Grizzly Ultra in Canmore, Alberta.
One of the most difficult races Hiro has faced is the Sinister 7 where he’s struggled more mentally than he has in any other race. His goal in the upcoming months is to solve this mental block. Hiro is also known for his choice of fuel during races. Often you can catch him enjoying some sushi, a rice ball or salted egg at the aid station his girlfriend will bring him. He doesn’t mind filling up on the goodies that are provided either. Hiro’s recommendations to people interested in running an ultra marathon is to “just enjoy running, walking and the views accompanying these races. You have to start your first race before you can reach number seventy-seven. Make a
training plan, and set a goal and just follow them!” So next time you’re at a race, either running, crewing or just watching make sure you say hello to the guy who’s got a big smile on his face. He’s probably set more records then you know! /\/
Devin Featherstone is an ultra runner from Alberta.
TRAIL DOG Winston Korol
by Nat Korol
PARENT: Natalie Korol BORN: May 24, 2010 on a farm NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A magazine feature is one, no? I’m now a trail dog model! FAVOURITE PLACES TO RUN: Everywhere I’m let off the leash, like on the trails and in the parks. My nose takes me places you wouldn’t believe, up super steep hills when I’m chasing squirrels and in circles when I’m chasing bunnies. I’ve been on many trails all around Ontario and haven’t met a forest I didn’t like! If I had to choose, I love my home trails in Toronto along the Don River. FAVOURITE THINGS IN THE WORLD: FOOD! I even steal it sometimes (don’t tell anyone), but I’ve been trained not to take food off of the ground. I also love to jump over tall things and into people’s laps…it’s quite funny because I’m not a small dog. During the summer time swimming is the best!
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LEAST FAVOURITE THINGS: I’m super afraid of one bridge that crosses over the Don River in Sunnybrook park where I run with the Salomon Toronto crew. The metal bridge grating hurts my paws and it’s high up, so to cross Nat has to pick me up and carry me over. Everyone in the group laughs at me, but they wear trail shoes, I don’t. I also dislike baths after I get dirty! I’m a dog, not a flower. Can someone tell this to the humans? SCHEDULE: Schedule? I don’t know what that is! I sleep, eat and run a lot, in no particular order, mostly when Nat lets me./\/
TRAIL DESTINATIONS
A RUN IN THE WOODS: by Russell Hodgins
THE BOREAL TRAIL
The 130 kilometer Boreal Trail is the longest hiking trail in Saskatchewan, travelling across the length of Meadow Lake Provincial Park. It officially opened in June of 2011 and every year, the park staff continues to make improvements. As I love exploring new trails, but am also too lazy to carry a heavy pack that far, I hatched the idea of running the entire trail over two days. TrailRunningCanada.ca | 11
The easy part was deciding where to stay. The park has 12 campgrounds ranging from “rustic” (no services) to full serviced. There is also the Water’s Edge Eco Lodge on Greig Lake. This past August, with the family along for support, we camped in the Murray Doell Campground. It is conveniently located, so my wife Pam could drop me off at an end of the trail each morning and I would run back to our camper. Of note, the Boreal Trail has seven backcountry campsites for those more inclined to carry their home with them, extending the good times out in the bush. Day one started shortly after sunrise with cool temperatures at the east end of the trail. This section was part of an old road system running parallel to the main road, enroute to the first major campground and cottage subdivision at Kimbal Lake. There were a few wet parts along the way and any attempts to keep my feet dry came to an abrupt end when a misstep over a oversized puddle deposited
me in the bog up to me arse! The sun was up over the trees and the day starting to heat up by the time I arrived at Kimball Lake. Once past that point, a well-used single track lead to the Tall Timber Riding Stables where we had dropped some extra grub and water on the morning drive out. The next stage of the run was 33 km with no road access so I refilled my pack and carried two water bottles from this point. One of the bonuses of the Boreal Trail is the number of points in which it can be accessed by vehicle, making resupplying easy on both days. Past Tall Timbers, I was once again on an old road and enjoying the shade of the forest and soon arrived at the Waterhen River and the Chalet which is used in the winter by snowmobilers. The trail followed the river through a forest alternating between open jack pine and poplar where I saw several whitetailed deer and a small flock of sandhill cranes. My run took me to a part of the park where cattle grazing is allowed. I was inside the
fence running with the extra challenge of dodging cow pies, but had to detour back to the other side of the wire to avoid a backcountry version of running with the bulls after I had run into a young bull. A gate took me away from the pasture (if you open it, please close it) to a bank of a muskeg where I encountered my first navigational challenge of the day. I could see the trail sign on the far side, but the algae covered water didn’t appear all that inviting. Being the handy work of Canada’s feature rodent, I assumed there would be a dam in the vicinity and a short walk over beaver-felled trees rewarded me with dry passage. The next resupply point was at the next road access was near the park entry gate. Pam surprised me and made the bike ride from the campground to see how I was doing before I set off on the last 18 km stretch through the bush to Murray Doell Campground with the next challenge provided by itchy bears. Turns out they find trail marker posts to be a handy place for a scratch,
knocking them over in the process. Careful searching found the fallen markers. I also ran into the only bear I would see, but he didn’t like the looks (or smell) of me and bolted for distance parts of the forest. A long day ended on single track that took me to the campground’s interpretive trail and then to the beach at Murray Doell. My son Kellen was there to meet me and dashed back to our site, bringing me a cold bottle of water for which I will always love him. A slow walk to the campsite, a long hot shower followed by a hot meal and then early to bed after an estimated 80 km day. Day two started with a 6 am wake up and legs that were surprisingly fresh, to which I credit to the magic of compression socks rather than exhaustive training and preparation. Pam dropped me off at the west end near the Cold River and the next 16 km to the Sandy Beach subdivision remains the highlight of the run. It was beautiful running through open jack pine, aspen and birch forest. The trail runs parallel to the river for much of it and at one point, I found myself on a ridge with the river on my left and small lake to my right. The only hiccup was a marsh just before the Sandy Beach boat launch where the beavers had dropped numerous trees, hiding the main trail. A bit of a search and I ran out to the shore of Pierce Lake to follow the beach to the launch. The next part of the Boreal Trail has a nice single track called the Humphry Lake Trail. It leads to a lookout tower and rewards you with
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a generous downhill after the climb up, onto an old road through forest that was partially cleared years ago. The temperature had risen to 28 degrees by the time I was back out on the main road, on the bridge crossing the channel between Pierce and Lepine Lakes. The trail runs parallel to the north shore of Lepine, travelling through an old burn site. With the heat of the day, I was happy to reach the end of the burn and once again be in the cooling shade of the forest canopy. There are two creek crossings past the burn and I proudly crossed the first with dry feet, thanks again to a well-placed beaver dam. Creek number two proved more challenging with no obvious route across. After some searching, I saw a few old logs in the grass that took me over a short, deep channel and onto a very old and overgrown beaver dam leading to a homemade log bridge. As I made the step
down through the waist high grass onto the logs, my feet encountered only fresh air, the resulting sudden drop leaving me straddling the logs. Before I could congratulate myself on the one point landing, the logs beneath came alive with yellow jackets. My tired legs rapidly found the motivation to sprint across the logs and through the calf deep water to the mainland with only one sting, a small victory. Back in the forest, the run continued and I was thrilled when Pam, Kellen and Lauren surprised me by riding their bikes out on the main road, joining me with about 10 km to go. Lauren took pity on her fatigued father, walking beside me while pushing her bike until I found the energy to run once again while she joined Pam and Kellen on the ride back by road to the campground and my finishing point. With less than 2 km of running left to get back to
Murray Doell Campground and as tired as I was, I was in no hurry for the run to be over. With a relatively normal life comprised of work and family obligations, time to slow down tends to be a rare commodity so I took a few moments to sit on a log in the shade of the spruce, looking out at the view of the lake, enjoying the bush for a few quiet moments before the final run in. I was met with one more creek crossing which I happily splashed through and then I was running down the last bit of trail to the campground where my family was waiting. The Boreal Trail delivered both incredible challenge and adventure for which I am truly thankful to my family who gave me the chance to experience it firsthand. I’m happy to report that as a work in progress, the park staff were busy for the rest of the summer, updating the signage, at least one bridge was installed and the trail just keeps getting
better. With its many points of road access, the Boreal Trail can be modified to suit a wide variety of hikes or runs, depending on your time constraints and ambition. It also has an amazing potential for an organized ultra run and if that ever happens, sign me up! /\/ For more information, contact Meadow Lake Provincial Park at: 1 (306) 236-7680 or email glake1@ gov.sk.ca
Russell Hodgins lives in the country with his wife, two beautiful children, a dog, three cats, a donkey and a few horses. When not hunting, fishing or paddling a canoe in northern Saskatchewan, he can be found fixing fence and other chores at home. Financial obligations require that he be gainfully employed but given the choice, he would be out running trails. Photo credit: PG. 11-13 Russell Hodgins
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FAROES by Sasha Brown
After dodging clumsy puffins, I stopped, looked around and giggled a bit. My reaction was in part because puffins are undeniably cute and comical, and in part because the surrounding natural beauty was overwhelming, and I truly didn’t know how else to react. Perhaps a gasp would have been more appropriate?
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We were on Mykines, one of the eighteen islands that make up the Faroe Islands, running along the welldefined trail to an iconic lighthouse on the western most point of the archipelago. As I tried to take it all in, I felt so incredibly fortunate to be running in that place at that moment; in this remote and rugged country in the North Atlantic. Raise your hand if you’d heard of the Faroe Islands before seeing the title of this article. Put it down if you are a personal friend and learned
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of the Faroes because Brian and I were planning our trip there. Does anyone still have a hand in the air? Anyone? Before you start to feel shame that your high school geography lessons have been forgotten, I will admit that we also had not heard of the Faroe Islands before a couple years ago. This is despite the fact that National Geographic Traveler awarded the Faroe Islands the most “authentic, unspoiled, and likely to remain so” of 111 islands in 2007, as well as the
“Readers’ Choice favourite travel destination” for 2015. The list of public accolades continues, yet the Faroes seem to remain completely off the radar. At least they did among all but one of the people I very unscientifically polled prior to our exploration of this archipelago. (As an aside, the one person is Scottish, so doesn’t count; not because he’s Scottish per se, but because Scotland is the closest landmass to the Faroe Islands, so Scottish people truly ought to be aware of this country.)
So, how did we end up in such a remote location - where sheep outnumber people with our trail runners, hydrapacks, and Brian’s 15kgs of camera gear, with a vague yet exciting promise of trails to explore? In the summer of 2013, Brian and I travelled to Iceland to explore the trails and trailrunning scene and while there, we eloped. Needless to say, Iceland will always hold a special place in our hearts; it is truly a magical and surreal place. As we planned our 2015 vacation,
MAKE RESERVATIONS at restaurants, particularly in Torshavn. We were surprised and disappointed on several occasions as all restaurants were full. THE TRAILS ARE NOT LONG, so ultra-runners will want to link several together by zigging and zagging between villages on an island. The Slaettanesgøtan trail is a good example. BRING WARM CLOTHES, and prepare for rain. BE CAREFUL IN POOR VISIBILITY; the cliffs are exposed and steep, and you can come upon them suddenly. BOOK A HELICOPTER RIDE! The helicopter service is operated by Atlantic Airways (www.atlantic.fo), and is subsidized by the government. This is your opportunity to fly in a helicopter for only a few dollars (truly), but it must be booked in advance. It is also important to look at ferry schedules, or plan for overnight stays, as the helicopter cannot be booked for a return trip on the same day. TAKE A BOAT to see the Vestmanna bird cliffs. The commentary alone is worth it. We were especially delighted to hear the stories of how sheep are individually placed on steep cliffs, often by local men using climbing ropes and gear. Thule Trails will be partnering with Faroese locals and offering trail running tours in the Faroe Islands. If booked early, Atlantic Airline flights are about $150 CAD to the Faroes from anywhere the airline flies.
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Iceland again beckoned, but we were hesitant to repeat a location so rapidly. An Icelandic friend mentioned the Faroes, and a quick internet search revealed images of dramatic and lush green fjords, as well as the accolades from numerous respected travel magazines. A search combining “trail running” and “Faroe Islands”, however, came up empty. Though there seemed to be numerous trails for walking , and tours catering to those inclined to hike, we couldn’t find any established trail “running” community (on English websites at least) or even a mention of trail running. In other words, it seemed to be THE perfect place to explore. As a trail runner, the idea of exploring a stunningly beautiful area
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while charting new territory
the flight went by in a blink of
quickens the heart and puts
the eye, and we were quickly
a spring in the step. Within
delighted by our first glimpse
days, we’d booked flights,
of the islands. Shockingly
purchased a travel guide to
steep, jagged and brilliantly
the Faroe Islands and started
green cliffs rose up from the
planning our trip in earnest.
ocean. It was hard not to
The Faroes have more running options than most places, as there are no trees, and the land is almost entirely uninhabited. After spending a week in our beloved Iceland, we hopped on the Faroe Island’s airline, Atlantic Air in Reykjavik, and settled in for the best hourish flight we’ve ever had, complete with food and an open bar. Needless to say,
gasp at a scene that soon became familiar. By the time we landed in Vagar and drove to Torshavn, the surprisingly metropolitan capital city, I had already filled our guide book with sticky notes and scribbles
in the margins in an attempt to prioritize the hiking trails we planned to run. We had only planned four days in the Faroes, and I’d selected about 15 trails. Clearly, we had our work cut out for us. Many trails travel over a rugged peak to link together the two sides of an island. In fact, most of the trails were, or are, the only means of landtravel between isolated or abandoned villages. A particularly well-known trail on the island of Vagar, for example, is referred to as “the Postman’s route”, as until 2003, it was the only way mail could reach Gásadalur. A tunnel through the mountain has since been built, but until that time, this trail was traveled
daily by a very fit letter carrier. Despite the fact that it was built for functional purposes, this trail offers stunning vantage points, and quickly became one of our favourites. Like most of the trails we encountered, it travels up and over a peak with precarious cliffs to the ocean below. The views of Gasholmur and Tindholmur islands stand out as some of the most magnificent views I’ve seen. The latter island looks like a dragon’s back, as though the dragon is lurking in the ocean and ready to pounce. This trail can be completed as a there-and-back from Bour, but like many of the trails, there are options to carry on. In this case one can continue from Gásadalur along the Slaettanesgøtan trail to Slaettanes, and then back for a longer option.
The Faroes have more running options than most places, as there are no trees, and the land is almost entirely uninhabited. Only mountains, cliffs or fog stand in the way. It allows for a crosscountry experience that is not possible in areas hindered by trees and undergrowth. In many instances paths are suggestions rather than actual trails and cairns became our friends. Every trail we explored delighted us with something unique. We experienced views of sea-stacks said to be giants frozen into rock from a trail in Eidi, as well as ruins from WWII British outposts on the same trail. Trails on Mykines and Kalsoy lead to imposing lighthouses perched on cliff edges. Quaint turf-roofed fishing villages were abundant as were medieval churches. Ragged sheep accompanied us on many runs, with some
lambs showing incredible curiosity. Mykines introduced us to thousands of crashlanding puffins, elegant and impressive giant Gannets, and dive-bombing Skuas (note: be careful running through their breeding grounds. Consider yourself warned). We saw only a handful of hikers, and no runners. Before we visited the Faroes, based upon my internet searches, I imagined these islands as a smaller version of Iceland’s stunning Westfjords and I’d even suggested that they were the love-child of Iceland and Scotland. It soon became evident that the Faroes are not the child, but the imposing parent: the cliffs
are steeper, the greens are deeper, and the puffins are more abundant than in the fjords of Iceland. While Iceland is home to elves and trolls, the Faroes delight with extremes, and are home to both whimsical fairies and imposing giants. In both cases, the locals believe in their myths, and it is easy to see why. My advice would be: if you plan a trip to Iceland, Denmark, Norway, or any place that Atlantic Airways flies, add a side-trip to the Faroes. You will be amazed. /\/
Sasha Brown is a trail and ultra runner in North Vancouver, BC. Photo credits: PG. 14–21 Brian McCurdy
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TRAIL STORIES
WHO RUNS THE TRAILS, ANYWAY? by Sharon McNulty I’ve always enjoyed being a runner; it gives me a sense of freedom from the stresses and pressures of everyday life. I’ve also always enjoyed nature and being outdoors. Put me in a gym and I hardly last ten minutes on the treadmill, but put me on a trail and I can be happy for hours. Since coming to Canada from the UK, I have enjoyed running the trails, but never really ventured into the trail races. I always assumed that it would be hardcore trail runners and a housewife like me in her early 50s would be totally out of place. So I trained a lot on the trails, but did mostly road races up to marathon distance. Last year I finally decided to try trail races. I’d run cross -country in the UK and some of what we call “fell” races, so I just decided to bite the bullet and go for it. A friend told me about the Coast Mountain Trail Series, so I decided to see what events they put on. I entered one of their races, the Run Ridge Run. The added advantage was the race was run on trails in my local area that I run regularly. I discovered that there was a very broad range of people who entered trail races. I was very impressed at the sense of camaraderie, fun and the wide diversity of people who entered the race. I really enjoyed the event despite running it recovering from the flu. My next venture was to enter and train for the Diez Vistas 50k trail race, which I completed within the cut
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off. I felt such a sense of accomplishment being able to say that I’d completed the event. One day in June when trying to decide my next venture I went back to the Coast Mountain Trail Series site to see what races they might have locally that I could enter. I saw that they had a race called the Buckin Hell 50k and that there was a competition to run this with Ryan Sandes as your relay running partner. I didn’t think for one minute that they would consider me as a potential candidate but thought I’d give it a go. It was relatively straightforward 100 words on why they should pick you. I can’t remember all of the details of my entry, but I thought that I would focus on the how as a team we would represent the diversity in people who run the trails, a top class athlete with someone like me, who just likes running the trails. I thought nothing more of it until I got a message from someone I know congratulating me on winning. I then got home to discover an email from Gary Robbins, Race Director congratulating me and stating that they’d chosen my entry was the winning one. My first reaction was “oh my, what have I gone and done?” I’d heard of Ryan Sandes and knew he was a top South African trail runner, so decided to Google him and see his achievements. If that was supposed to make me feel better, it didn’t. I
discovered that he was the only person ever to have won all four Desert Trail Races and had been described by the CEO of Racing the Planet as clearly being one of the greatest endurance athletes in the world, and he was going to run with me?
I have to say that I really did enjoy myself. I loved the race and the event. Ryan appeared at the top of Mount Seymour, right at the front, smiling and looking like he wasn’t really trying that hard and handed over to me to complete my leg.
I have to confess that at this point I seriously began to panic and sent a quick email to Gary saying something along the lines of I hoped that Ryan wasn’t expecting great things and that I was an average runner who just enjoyed running the trails. I felt better when he responded to say I should just come, enjoy the race and have fun.
This was the second Coast Mountain Trail Series event I have done and I was struck again by how well organized they are and the diversity of people doing the race. Everyone was super friendly; the volunteers were brilliant and good fun. Ed Kumar took a picture of me on route with my battered race number and he and his family really spurred me on; their encouragement was infectious. There were many really talented runners and there were people like me who love the trails and getting out there just to run.
The race was on July 25th starting at Deep Cove in North Vancouver and basically was run up Mount Seymour and back down again. I was doing the second leg and Ryan was doing the first leg or 27 kilometers (although he actually decided to run the entire race just to enjoy the trails). I met him before the race and have to say he was totally chilled, I felt obliged to ensure he was well informed about my limited capabilities and that my entry was selected because of my writing style as opposed to my running ability, to which he responded to that he had heard I was selected on my racing CV. I almost collapsed, until I realized he had the broadest smile. He simply said to me: “Enjoy yourself!” What a nice guy.
I would say to anyone that has been thinking about doing trail running to get out there and try it. For me there really is no comparison between the trail and the road races. I will definitely be back. /\/ 52 year old Sharon McNulty has worked in nursing for over 30 years. Originally from the UK, she was born in Northern Ireland and lived in Leicester for many years before emigrating to Canada with her husband and 2 boys nine years ago. A runner for many years, she loves British Columbia where the outdoors lifestyle is so easy to access, and the positive effects of hitting the trails bring her health and happiness.
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TRAINING
PRE-RACE MEALS One of the questions parents get asked the most is: What’s for supper? Well, one of the questions elite athletes get asked the most is: What do you eat the day before your race? I asked some of the best trail runners what they eat the day before a race. SAGE CANADAY follows a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet, which means that he doesn’t eat meat, but he eats dairy and egg products. He eats a plate of pasta the day before
the race. Pasta is a good source of carbohydrates and it is easy to digest if the sauce is not too rich and creamy and if there’s not too much cheese on the pasta. JOSH ARTHUR, who also follows a vegetarian diet most of the time, but sometimes eats fish when training a lot, also enjoys a plate of pasta with a vegetarian sauce. EMELIE FORSBERG, member of the Salomon international team, likes to eat a breakfast meal for supper the day
by Antoine Jolicoeur Desroches
before the race. Her favourite breakfast is muesli, which is a mix of raw rolled oats, dried or fresh fruits and nuts mixed with either milk or yogurt. The day before a race can be really stressful and you may not feel like eating a big meal at the restaurant. Therefore, eating a breakfast for supper at home or in a hotel room is relaxing and comforting. Furthermore, a bowl of muesli contains a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins and fat. JOE GRANT, Anton Krupicka’s
best training partner, is pretty flexible when it comes to his pre-race meal. Even though it’s good to have a routine, being flexible is also really important because you don’t feel like you absolutely need to eat a specific meal the day before the race. Therefore, if you can’t eat exactly what you wanted to eat, you are not worried or stressed. However, most of the time, Joe eats a meal of rice, chicken and vegetables. IAN MACNAIRN, is also flexible, but because he follows a gluten-free diet since he was diagnosed with Celiac disease, he either prepares a gluten-free meal or tries to find gluten-free options in a restaurant. Ian likes to eat something that “sits fairly light in my stomach that evening and the following (race) day.” Rice, baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, and gluten-free pastas (made with rice, quinoa, or beans) are good gluten-free sources of carbohydrates. ZACH MARION, like Joe Grant and Ian MacNairn, doesn’t follow a specific routine when it comes to his pre-race supper. However, he’ll “never turn down some sushi and a nice salad.” Sushi is a great source of carbohydrates and protein and it doesn’t contain a lot of fat. Red Bull and Salomon sponsored athlete RYAN SANDES, eats a hamburger the day prior to his race. That may seem like a not so ideal pre-race meal, but if he chooses a good quality
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beef, a good whole wheat bread and trades the fries for a baked potato, this meal contains everything he needs to run fast the following day. However, it is important to avoid eating fatty foods like fries before a race because it is hard to digest and does not contain nutritional benefits. Two-time Olympian MICHAEL AISH, likes hot and spicy food. It is therefore not surprising that this 13:22 5 km runner eats a Mexican meal the day before his race. However, I would suggest avoiding eating Mexican food unless you are really used to eat Mexican food. Indeed, most Mexican meals contain lots of beans, cheese and spices, which may be difficult to digest and create GI issues the day of your race. Nike trail runner TIM TOLLEFSON, eats a steak, a salad, some hearty bread as well fresh baked cookies prior to his races. Four time national champion MICHELE YATES eats a plate of margarita chicken pasta, which consists of a plate of pasta, chicken and beans with a Mexican seasoning and an lime and orange juice dressing. Hoka One One sponsored athlete, SCOTT HAWKER, enjoys a plate of quinoa with basil pesto and spinach. Quinoa is a really good source of carbohydrates as well as protein. Indeed, 100 grams of uncooked quinoa provides 368 calories and contains 64 g of carbohydrates, 14 g of protein and only 6 g of fat. Therefore, because quinoa is a good source of protein, it is not necessary to eat it with meat or beans.
DAMIAN STOY is also a big fan of quinoa the day prior to the race. Damian, who has been vegan for over six years and vegetarian for the last ten years, enjoys a meal of quinoa, sweet potato and veggies. Sweet potato is a good source of carbohydrates, vitamin A and potassium. When you sweat, you lose sodium as well as potassium, so eating a salted sweet potato is great before a long race.
With so many healthy options out there, it can be hard to find your perfect pre-race meal. Until you find the right meal for you, you can tried out these meals and determine if one is best for you. Remember that you want to consume a meal containing a lot of carbohydrates, some protein and a little bit of fat that you can easily digest. But most importantly eat something you like! /\/
Antoine Jolicoeur Desroches is a student in food science and nutrition science at McGill University. He is also a professional triathlete and he enjoys running on trails. Learn more about Antoine’s nutritional research, advice and recipes at nutritionforperformance.com and follow his athletic exploits on his blog: leblogdutriathlete.com
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RID &
GET ON YOUR BIKE by Andrew Titus
Where I live, the snow really comes down. The snow really comes down and then the wind comes up and then we all stay in. Back to the dreadmill or the track, convinced that we can pass the winter in 400’s, doing speedwork, staring at the wall or, worse, Netflix. Or, for those of us with enough Shackleton in our blood, we snap on the snowboarding goggles, layer up and head out anyway, into whatever is waiting out there, trudging through hours of 8 minute kilometres and repeatedly telling ourselves
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that it’s all strength training, that it’s all good. And while all of this is true -all of this and the goodness of skiing and snowshoeing, back country trekking and skating -- I have yet to find anything as satisfying, challenging, or engaging as cycling all winter. For the sake of some street cred, let me first say that I live in Fredericton, New Brunswick where last winter we got 409cm of snow between November and March and where the average temperature in January and
February hovers around -10 before the wind chill. So yeah, winter. After commuting year round for the past four years and recently taking up trail riding in the winter, here are my lessons learned for those looking to really rock the season.
(And, for what it’s worth, I ran outside as well, opting for the track only once -- it sucked -- and won my first race in the spring after almost exclusively basing my training for the five months leading up to it on nordic
style skiing and through the snow!)
cycling
TYPE OF BIKE
-- commuting: Given the severity of our winters, the amount that roads get salted and sanded, the variety of conditions that you’ll ride through, and the likelihood that you’ll have to get a ‘new’ bike every 3 - 4 years, I suggest that you buy a used, heavy, steel framed beater with gears. The kind of bike is really inconsequential, though I do recommend getting a second hand higher end bike going for $300 -
DE! $500 instead of a department store special. The steel frame will help you crush it through snow and slush and wind, and the original, better quality components won’t let you down when you need them most! -- trail: FATBIKE! As a friend of mine once said, mountain bikes are cool because they got us into the woods, but fatbikes are GREAT because they made it FUN! As opposed to the commuter, this is where it’s worth it to spend the money. That being said, if your primary interest is in winter trail riding/ cross training and not bikepacking, I recommend avoiding bikes (and the added cost) that come equipped with all of the bells and whistles to hook up a dozen saddlebags, and instead go with a hard tail with a 1 X 10 set up -seriously, for floating over the snow, powering the hills and getting super strong while staying lean and having fun all winter (common wisdom has it that winter fatbiking burns 1500 calories per hour!), the less moving parts the better!
BIKE ACCESSORIES -- commuting: To commute with ease, I have found that studded tires and solid fenders are absolute necessities and worth every cent to buy the very best (which still isn’t going to even
be a fraction of what your car’s winter tires are going to take you for). Seriously, everything gets better when your bike is sporting both. Not so necessary are things like saddlebags and back racks -- when your sliding on ice, reducing unevenly distributed weight is a godsend (see “Clothing Accessories” below for the alternative). All told, and much unlike cars which need things like block heaters, bum warmers, antifreeze, antilock breaks, windshield fluid, etc. etc. etc., your commuter bike just needs something to keep it stable, two fenders to protect you front and aft, and for you to have a healthy breakfast. Warmth on a bike comes from the INside. -- trail: Unless you want a light to ride in the dark, there are no necessary accessories! Your FATBIKE -- basic, stripped down, with low psi in the tires, cleaned and well-lubed -- is all you need. The rest is all for show and, really, isn’t biking through the woods in the snow all the badass any of us can handle anyway? (Buy a light...)
CLOTHING ACCESSORIES -- commuting: Now it comes to the rub, right? How can I get to work or school without sweating to death, without
freezing my body parts off, dry and (imagine!) satisfied that I can keep doing it? In his book ‘Frostbike’, Tom Babin comes to the conclusion that the primary factor in winter cycling isn’t the bike or the weather, but whether or not it’s easy; as such, clothes are a real concern -- especially if you do not have access to a shower. That being said, here are a few of the things that have made my commute 100% possible and enjoyable. A. carry on -- a big, well-fitted backpack with weather proof cover, the former of which can cost as much as you like, but the latter should only take you for about $50 and is worth its weight in gold as it will protect the contents from above AND below. B. over layer -- splash pants, snow mobile mitts, weather proof shell, buff, hat, goggles, boots and gaters. All depending on the severity of the weather, these items can be added and subtracted (and even replaced by the things you wear during the spring or fall), but each are meant to keep you DRY and not necessarily warm! C. under layers -- your full body base layer (made of a sweat wicking material like 100% Merino wool) might very well be the most expensive item you purchase for winter cycling; therefore, I suggest that you do your research and put it on every Christmas list you’re asked for -- why not? Mom will buy you undies for sure! And not just undies, you’ll want Santa to get you a pair of socks, long underwear, T-shirt, long sleeve and sweater. These light, wool items keep you super warm and dry easily (and without stench) when
hung in your office. They also make it so all you need is a towel in the bag (and some deoderant) to let you go to work. Trust me, I’m a teacher, this works. -- trail: unlike commuting, riding FATBIKE on trail is warm business, so with the exception of a pair of boots and mittens, you can usually get away with your base layer, some thermal tights and a warm upper with a wind breaking jacket. In other words -- put on your running clothes. Seriously, 1500 calories per hour -- what do you expect? To my mind, there’s nothing mysterious or insane about riding your bike all winter -- like running, it’s way more about the clothes and the attitude than it is about the weather. The benefits -- in addition to the Vitamin D to fight against SADD and the antidote to cabin fever -are numerous and include giving you a new, solid challenge, staying strong and lean over winter, and giving you some serious street cred. And after all, doesn’t all that really sum it up? /\/
Andrew Titus is a trail runner from New Brunswick.
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WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN: Tips for Running at Night by Mallory Richard
Imagine running for hours and hours. You’re already tired. And then the sun sets. It gets cold, dark, and a little creepy and your body’s cues tell you it’s time to go to bed. At its simplest, running is all about putting one foot in front of the other, but night running is more complex. You have to put one foot in front of the other and be able to see where that foot is going too. A little preparation can turn a daunting run in the night into an anticipated adventure.
TEMPERATURE Things tend to cool off when the sun goes down. Don’t let those temperature shifts still catch you off guard. Coldness is even more of an issue during long races, when fatigue leaves you especially vulnerable and your clothing is wet from hours of sweating. To keep hypothermia or discomfort from derailing your race or training run, plan ahead and make sure you have warm and dry clothes.
SAFETY Of course, safety is an important consideration on any run. But technical trails are trickier to navigate when it’s dark. Having at least one good light is essential for seeing the trail. Headlamps and flashlights are common solutions. Barb Sousa, an ultrarunner from Winnipeg, uses both at the same time to improve depth perception. “It helps a lot,” she says. The more lumens the better. Try out different combinations to
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find what works for you and always carry extra batteries and a smaller back-up light. If your trail crosses any roads, being visible to oncoming traffic is important, too. Carrying a light and wearing reflective clothing increase the likelihood you’ll be seen by motorists. In Manitoba, most vehicle collisions involving pedestrians occur at times when it’s dark out. Finally, making some noise as you run alerts wildlife to your presence so you don’t take any potentially dangerous creatures by surprise. Your bright lights will help beat the creepy factor as well.
FATIGUE AND FRUSTRATION Most runners find it mentally more challenging to run at night. The scenery of the trail no longer offers any distraction. Fatigue and darkness can make it more difficult to jump over rocks and roots. In long ultras that start in the morning, the field has spread out as runners move at different speeds and so the trails can become a
little lonelier. Concentration and motivation can wane.
the run much more than you would ever have thought.”
How do you deal with these challenges? Again, wearing a headlamp or carrying a flashlight can help. As it gets darker, your mind and body want to shut down. A bright light will help trick you awake. Change your batteries when your lights start to fade to keep yourself from fading with it.
Other runners take advantage of the cooler nighttime temperatures after running through the heat of the day, or tap into their competitive streaks by trying to pass runners who are getting tired and slowing down.
Rhéal Poirier, a trail runner and adventure racer from Winnipeg says, “I beat fatigue by making sure I drink and eat enough and by giving myself smaller goals to try to achieve.” A smaller goal might be to focus on running to the next aid station, or until sunrise. Running with company helps, too. Gregory McNeill credits the company of fellow runners with helping him finish his first ultra and his first 100-mile race. As McNeill explains, “You can join in with a partner during the race (which I have multiple times), find out about that person, and enjoy
PRACTICE Like any skill, practice makes perfect. Or at least it makes it easier. If possible, don’t do your first night run in the middle of a race. It can be as simple as heading out after work or in the early morning before the sun comes up. Even better, plan a late night adventure with friends. If done right, your run can end at your favourite breakfast spot right as it opens. /\/ Mallory Richard is a trail runner from Manitoba.
The Buff, a breathable stretchy seamless goodie. Made with Coolmax Extreme Fabric and Polygiene treatment. The material has 95% UV protection and prevents bacteria growth.
For winter running, this Buff is one of my favourites for this very reason. I find I use it for every run. Between the bright snow and sharp cold winds I want my face covered. It’s an essential in my winter running gear. Available in fun patters and colours to choose from. Features: 10/10 Comfort: 10/10 Durability: 10/10 Cost: 10/10 Appearance: 10/10
HEADBAND TECH BUFF New to the BUFF collection for 2015 is a single layer headband with temperature control fabric technology called OUTLAST designed by NASA. Bonding technology creates extra-flat seams to reduce friction. It’s sweat wicking with reflective markings of the BUFF logo and a stripe on the back. This is a great fitting headband, it seems you either have a head that fits a headband or you have a head that they tend to always slide off of. I have a head that they seem to always slide off of. However this was not the case with the Tech Buff. Because of the width and elastic stretch on the edges I find this headband stays put securely. On the run you won’t remember it’s there, being breathable, ultra lightweight and with flat seams it’s a great functional piece of gear for wicking sweat. The headbands come in solid black or in one print in pink, orange or black. Absolutely love this new addition to the BUFF collection. Features: 10/10 Comfort: 10/10 Durability: 10/10 Cost: 10/10 Appearance: 7/10
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by Kelly Anne Wald
We all know how handy a buff is for running and can be useful all year around. The original buff can be used so many ways, from a beanie hat to headband, to scarf to balaclava. The High UV BUFF is great for summer and even better for winter. UV reflection from snow is a big one to be aware of. Fresh snow is a good UV reflector and can double a person’s exposure. As well, combined with high altitude where the atmosphere is thinner, UV can be stronger.
REVIEWS
HIGH UV BUFF
FARM TO FEET GREENSBORO A merino wool multisport sock that is available in six colours to choose from in the low cut and ¼ crew and three colours in the ¾ crew. With low profile cushioning that absorbs impact without affecting shoe volume. Precise fit for performance designed for running and biking. Features seamless toe closure, compression and antibacterial. 61% Merino Wool, 37% Nylon and 2% Spandex. Great running sock for most conditions all season, minus those exceptionally humid hot summer days. For the long run I found them warm and not as quick to dry. Farm to Feet makes a specific running sock in their Blue Ridge series that works well for these kind of days. Farm to Feet offers a guarantee for life. If you’re not happy with the durability or performance you can return them for a refund or replacement. While I haven’t seen these available in stores yet, they can be purchased on-line. FarmtoFeet.com Features: 10/10 Comfort: 9/10 Durability: 10/10 Cost: 9/10 Appearance: 10/10
FARM TO FEET ROANOKE From the new Blue Ridge Series running collection, with frictionfree technology, abrasion control and heat management technology. A merino wool ultra light low cut running specific sock. Features a flat-knitted frictionless bottom, compression with airflow channels over the instep and venting panels on the sides and rear. Available in low cut and ¼ crew and is guaranteed for life, replacement or refund. Performs well in all conditions, keeps feet cool and dry on the long run and in wet muddy trails. No hot spots or blisters with these. Available on-line. FarmtoFeet.com Features: 10/10 Comfort: 10/10 Durability: 10/10 Cost: 9/10 Appearance: 8/10
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WESTCOMB ESCAPE HOODY Designed, made and tested in Vancouver Canada, a breathable wind and water resistant Jacket. Features an adjustable hood, waist and cuff tabs, articulated elbows, two hand pockets and an internal media pocket. With the cooler weather here, the Escape Hoody is a great piece of gear for pre and post run days in the trail, or for those long cold rainy November runs and chilly rainy moments through the night in an ultra. It’s one of those multi use jackets that’s perfect to keep stored in your run bag this time of year. westcomb.com Features: 10/10 Comfort: 10/10 Durability: 10/10 Cost: 10/10 Appearance: 10/10
WESTCOMB LIBERTY TIGHT Designed, made and tested in Vancouver Canada. A technical performance tight for high-output activities, with durable next2 skin comfort these stretchy breathable tights are great for fall and cool weather running. They feature a wide waistband, flocklock seam construction and a zippered cargo packet. Generous sizing, a sign of well made gear. At 5’8, I find I struggle with length in tights and in the torso and arms in tops. Often I have to size up to get the length I need and have to forfeit the option to have performance gear be fitted to my body. It was nice to see that with these tights I didn’t need to do that. I ordered a medium to ensure they would be long enough, but discovered I could of easily done with a small. They’re a comfortable fit with the wide waistband, but I did however miss the typical small zippered pocket you find in the back of the waistband on most running tights. Which brings me to the cargo pocket, a zippered pocket on the side of the quad, probably nice if you’re hiking and not for too long. For running this pocket is not well placed, especially for an ultra. The pocket with the zipper and being wrapped around the quad is a recipe for chaffing. Even on the short runs, I could feel it, and I wouldn’t dare put a gel in there to weight it down or cause more friction on the quad. Other than the cargo pocket the tights performed well, they were breathable on the run and durable to the abrasion of the trails. They’re an appealing looking tight and it would be nice to see them available in more colours. westcomb.com Features: 9/10 Comfort: 9/10 Durability: 10/10 Cost: 10/10 Appearance: 10/10
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HYDRAPAK SOFTFLASKS Constructed from durable and flexible TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) these handhelds are collapsible water bottles built for hydration on the run. Designed with a soft finger loop at the neck for secure drop-fee handling and a bite valve with a twist-lock mechanism. They’re available in several sizes ranging from 150ml to 750ml. These SoftFlasks are addictive for the shorter training runs. Once empty they can be easily stashed in a jacket pocket. A feature I noticed right away with these is the slightly added structure in the bottom compared to the collapsible body. This creates less movement while running as you drink down the contents. Also cleaning the flasks is easier. With the added structure benefits combined with the ability to maintain being collapsible, you get the best of both worlds. Not all the flasks have this added structure. It is only in the 350ml to 750ml. More great features about these flasks are the soft finger loop and twist-lock mechanism. The finger loop makes them a true handheld and because the loop is soft fabric, you can still stuff them in the front pockets of a hydration pack. The twist-lock mechanism is a bonus for when you’re storing in a drop bag. Features: 10/10 Comfort: 10/10 Durability: 8/10 Cost: 8/10 Appearance: 10/10
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PETZL TIKKA RXP A compact, USB rechargeable, multi-beam headlamp with Reactive Lighting technology. 215 lumens, with a rechargeable 1800mAh lithium-lon battery and washable headband. Weights 115g, recharges in 4 - 5 hours and is water-resistant. Reactive Lighting technology is featured in a few of the Petzl headlamps and is one of my favourite features. I find I like to use this feature pretty much all the time in most conditions. The only time I found this feature to not work well, is when you’re running in the trails in a close group on single track. It can pick up the light from the runner in front of you and dim down just enough to mask those small trip ups in the trail. The easy solution is to use the constant lighting option on these runs. OS by Petzl is software for customizing the lighting for performance of your headlamp. Between the OS and Reactive Lighting you can get the best burn time you need specifically for your race or training runs. You can setup several profiles in the OS to upload to your headlamp. I have different weekday profiles for summer and winter running, with it getter darker earlier and colder temperatures known for draining devices of battery time. Also I have profiles for specific ultra’s, depending on the course and my pace I know how long to stretch the battery life for that specific event. The software is a free download and super easy to use. Depending on the chosen burn times of 3 hours to12 hours, the brightness self regulates in three modes. Max Power, Standard and Autonomy. There are two beam patterns (wide and focused) good for trail, back roads, fast or slower paces. The lock function avoids accidently turning it on during transit or storage in drop bags. Red LED light mode and strobe mode preserves night vision. Battery performs well at low temperatures and the rechargeable lithium battery can be replaced with standard battery pack (not included). Features: 10/10 Comfort: 9/10 Durability: 10/10 Cost: 10/10 Appearance: 10/10
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