Training Log Archive: GlenT

Three loops around the backyard on snowshoes. Winter eased up some today, with the temperature up to the low 20's, a nominal breeze and only light snow falling. There is lots of snow out there and the first loop involved breaking trail - no problem keeping the heart rate up. I was probably sinking in about a foot or so and things were still pretty soft on the second and third loops. Good to be outside.

And then a loop around on skis, mostly to test the repair of one of my boots (apparently successful). Pretty worn out from the snowshoe outing so stopped after one loop. Skied mostly in the snowshoe track.

Assorted walks around Myakka River SP looking at birds and alligators.

At Oscar Scherer SP near Osprey, FL. Gord Hunter gave us some maps of this area with courses drawn on them, so some practice orienteering was in order (there were no flags). Interesting area of Florida terrain and vegetation. Gord has developed map symbols to indicate passable and not-so-passable palmetto so cutting across between trails was doable. There is a fairly heavy trail network, so trails and vegetation are the primary navigation features. There was some standing water in the southern section of the course (wet feet). It was raining lightly most of the time but temperature was in the mid-60's so it was comfortable running in short sleeves.

Stayed to predominantly trail routes early but then started trying more direct routes about halfway through (especially when I got to a "Trail closed for restoration" sign). Off trail was generally passable but a little scratchy in the vertical green areas. Spent some time off the map after passing through an area of recent controlled burn and missing a trail I expected to cross (I was a little vague on exactly where I was when I entered the burned area which didn't help things). Probably lost 10 minutes or so. Heard a distant rumble of thunder a few minutes after I finished, so my timing was perfect.

Run to start triangle.