The Timberline trail run, that I actually didn't run.

I just spent Christmas week with my sisters in Victoria. I dragged them around for some of my workouts-tee hee. Ran around Thetis lake with Dawn, did two laps around Elk lake, while Ashley power walked the loop once. Dawn and Ashley took me to their local fancy pants gym. TVs! Working equipment! Cleanliness! People! Wow what a difference compared to my small town, old-school gym, where I seem to be the only member.I did a long 3ish hour run on my own(couldn't convince either sister to come near that one!) I went to Mt. Work, I think, to run the Timberline trail. Got lost twice just driving there. As I started my run I realized I wasn't at the intended trail head, and luckily a district staff member was in the forest(releasing a very angry raccoon into the wild) and he re-directed me. Then I start off on what I thought was Timberline trail. Of course trails fork all over the place with absolutely no signage. Whatever, all I know is I saw heaps of mountain bike trails meandering everywhere up a forested mountain. Perfect! I just ran, and ran with no clue, but hey I had all day. Met an 60+ man biking up there-he was rocking it. Covered in mud, all decked out, and hopping over everything! He said" I never see runners up this high. You go girl!" LOL.

Then I met up with two men, who I continued to meet all over, for the next 3 hours. They kept wishing me luck, and told me once I hit the power lines-head home. Of course I had no idea where I was once at power lines, but navigated my way back towards wherever I came from. Ha! I always luck out I do! Still not sure if I was on Mt. Work, or Gowlland Tod Provincial park. As I drove out of the parking lot, I look to my left. Oh hey-there's a big ass sign saying "Timerline Trail". Frig! Next time...I guess!

Brrrrr....

Nothing much to report, except that I bought my tickets!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I leave on Jan 28th, and return on the 13th of February early early. Hopefully I beat all the Olympic fuss. Running back into the 2-3hr range. Trails are perfectly frozen. Not dusty, not muddy-just perfect and beautiful. I stopped on a footbridge today, as it was snowing, just to enjoy the peace of being in the forest all by myself. Pretty cold though and I feel a bit like a blimp all bundled up and running. Good thing I can't wimp out and walk because its too cold! Then my hydration packs water hose/mouth piece froze and I couldn't get any water. So thirsty. I'm sure there is an anti -freezing technique I just don't know about yet. So the next 3-4 weeks are going to be insane with training, as the countdown is near. Not long now! Yippee!