Training Log Archive: Harps

Event: Salomon Dontgetlost.ca Snowshoe Raid
 

Blasting winds and whiteout conditions made the drive up almost double normal but eventually made it to the Snowshoe Raid at Horseshoe where my ever-diligent teammate Phatty was already prepped. With pins and string on the map we did some careful analysis of potential routes. We weighed the pros and cons of all but in the end we decided to take a risky south initiated counter clockwise route which would likely have us clearing the course but would be very tight on time.

Race start on and we went south into the sat photo area accompanied by many other teams, including Logie/Hansel and Rydlo/Tarno. Once clearing the southern portion we headed east to 4th line where we took off our snowshoes and carried them on the 3K run to the matrix. This proved to be a good strategy as eventually we passed the fleet footed Phat'n'Dirty team of Logie/Hansel. Once at the matrix however, they re-passed us while we tied back up our snowshoes and split up. I had 68 and 69 while Phatty took the other 3. It wasn't a clean run by any stretch but eventually met back up with Phats near CP72 and we pressed on, again about 10m behind PnD.

It was a battle of epic proportions for the next 3 CP's where we fought tooth and nail with our rivals. Eventually we thought we'd given them the slip from 75->76 where we caught the faint sign of our intended E/W trail. Figuring they were slogging it out xc over the snopack we made good time here and onto 76. Leaving 76 was another matter and we made the mistake of trying to go off trail, which cost us a few precious minutes. Once back on the hardpack we made short work of the northern section of the map and started heading south back to the finish. We kept knocking off CP's, even though time was dwindling and after CP80 we decided to take off our snowshoes to make running easier/faster. I think it was a good call as our paced increased slightly and we made haste towards the last few CP's.

Around CP82 I thought I caught a glimpse, could it be? NO! It was Phat'n'Dirty. Damn. Although by now the real enemy was the clock and all teams were just trying to minimize damage or possibly even crack the sub 3-hr limit. We busted ass but eventually fell victim to the time as we knew now we'd be getting penalized. Slowly up the last hill and onto the roads. 6:10 over so a 70 point penalty rewarded by just being edged off the podium by PnD who had 1 less CP but less time penalty. Congrats to the Foreigner who took it, clearing the course only going 1 second over and Bender/BWells another course clearer with a slight time penalty who took second place.

Great race as always by getawaystix. Pleasure racing with the Phats who kept us on track for the race. Great to see everyone!

Easy ride down to Killbride over to Carlisle and back up. A bit windy but I'll take it.

Couldn't focus on the breathing; all I could think of was the big race Sat.

Down to Brittania, across to Appleby, up Rattlesnake past Kelso to Limestone and back. Beauty day.

Usual road loop. Kept it easy so phatty won't have to tow me too much this weekend.

C • ...and here I thought my co... 1

With the dogs in Halton Complex. Trails are super hard packed right now, might have to dust off the bike again soon. Right achilles and ankle bothering me but seemed to feel better as the run went on.

C • NEWSFLASH - The Harps is ai... 2

Short and easy cruise around Hilton Falls.

8 x 50m fr warm-up
5 x 100m w 30s rest, target 1:40
4 x 100m w 20s rest, target 1:40
3 x 100m w 15s rest, target 1:40
2 x 100m w 10s rest, target 1:40
1 x 100m w 5s rest, target 1:40
50m br + 100m fr cool-down

While watching the conclusion of ARWC2001 in Switzerland. Looked very cold and miserable.

C • I'd love to borrow that one... 5