Training Log Archive: Bash

'Bent and I did a quick Poison Ivy Avoidance MTB Tour in Palgrave East before the humidex shot up to 39C. The trails are are in great shape, albeit a little dusty. There is a lush crop of poison ivy along some of the trails we skipped. On the way home, 'Bent decided we should try a little uphill stretch on an overgrown ski trail. I think he needs to do another adventure race soon. [Bike computer distance]

SUP paddle at the C3 quarry on a hot, breezy evening. It was a good workout going upwind.

SUP yoga class with Caron. I tried my first headstand of the year. Not bad but it could use more practice.

Tonight was the C3 midsummer beach party so the quarry stayed open from 5-10 p.m. instead of 5-7 p.m. This attracted some swimmers planning Lake Ontario crossings since there aren't many opportunities to practise swimming in open water at night in a relatively safe environment. They put lights on the buoys to help guide the swimmers.

I brought our surfski and went out for a quiet paddle after yoga class, dodging a few swimmers here and there. I forgot my gloves so I kept it short (and still got a blister). It was a hot, steamy evening with a mackerel sky so it's no surprise that thunderstorms are rolling through now.

Never leave your dog in a car in summer - and never leave a bear in your Subaru. (Seriously, how could this happen?)
http://www.adn.com/alaska-news/2016/07/12/watch-be...

Fa caldo!

Short run around Palgrave West. After the Dolomites, I'm feeling strong on our local trails. I'm surprised by how much I feel like getting back to my regular training routine.

Inspired by Myka's comment last night, I cooled down by taking BazingaDog for a hike in the forest. I had to use the two-handed waterski technique at times, which is why I don't do it very often v.s. just chasing him around our big fenced yard. I'm afraid of losing him in the conservation area and getting hauled onto my face. But he seemed to understand that I was making an effort so he didn't pull too hard most of the time. He jumped right into the new kiddie pool when we got back.

Then I had some liquid gold as a recovery drink.***


***I noticed a charge for $15.29 on last week's grocery bill. The item was "JUJU ORG TRT CHR". It took me a few minutes to figure out it was a bottle of organic tart cherry juice that I'd innocently tossed into the cart. Wow. I plan to really enjoy it, as we will not be buying any more.

For years, I've been curious about Belwood Lake Conservation Area. The lake is 12 km long so if the motorboats aren't too horrible, it could be an awesome place to paddle only 40 minutes away.

The motorboats are too horrible. There are lots of large sailboats and annoying jet skis too. We took a few big waves over the bow while crossing boat wakes and there were some scary moments when it wasn't clear whether other boats were going to turn away from us in time, even though we stuck near the shore. The lake is nice, surrounded by cottages. It would probably be more pleasant for canoeists on a rainy Wednesday morning in October than a hot Sunday afternoon in July.

We took AdventureDog for his first canoe ride. Belwood is not the best place to experiment with a dog in a tippy boat but A-Dog did us proud. He sat in front of me in the bow where he couldn't capsize us. He was nervous at first but was happy to lie down and curl up against my legs. Later on, I encouraged him to sit up and watch (and sniff) the scenery. We stopped for a dog swimming and stick fetching break, then tried to get him to sit in the middle of the boat since he seemed ready to graduate to the next level. Not a chance. The bow is safe; he doesn't trust the rest of the boat. Regardless, he has officially earned his canoeing licence and is ready to go on an overnight trip.

It's been two weeks since Lavaredo and it's either time to get running again and keep my fitness, or take a longer break and try to become a better paddler, guitar player or cake baker. Funderstorm provided a nudge toward the running option by suggesting that we head out on the trails of Hockley Provincial Park.

It was terrific weather after the heat warnings of the past few days - partly cloudy and a little cooler with some welcome drops of rain. We did the side trails first, then ran back on the main Bruce Trail before heading to the Black Birch for a yummy lunch. I'd wondered if this route would be too ambitious but my legs felt good. Great to catch up with Funderstorm. Thanks for getting me out there. :)

Tour de Pierre, Day 6, Part 2

After wrapping up a long work contract, Veinbuster has taken on a new challenge for July. Each day he will ride the winner's time (not distance) in the Tour de France. Today I joined him for his afternoon session. He parked in Tottenham and rode the Caledon Trailway west. I started on our single track at home and rode east after I hit the Trailway.

After we met, we rode to Caledon East where I convinced VB (rather easily) to take a break off the clock so I could enjoy an iced mocha latte and he could have a chilled San Pellegrino. It was HOT, especially in the early part of our ride when there was virtually no shade on the rail trail. There is something strangely unsatisfying about inhaling steamy hot air. Still, it was nice to catch up with VB and test my legs. I've felt surprisingly good post-Lavaredo but I sure wouldn't be ready for an 8-hr ride yet, especially in the heat.