Going Long (again) in 2024

Even paced 8:48 run. 

So, I'm leaning towards Ultras for next year.  Spent some time on the weekend looking at possibilities.  I think the 50 mile Sulphur Springs in May and the 100 mile Haliburton in September will be the big ones.  Still debating, but for sure leaning that way.

Easy run; 8:52 even pace.

Due to work issues, I had to run earlier than normal today, so it was very dark and I wore a headlamp.  It was a bit foggy, so that just added another dimension to the run.  The headlamp, of course, makes all the signs shine and reflective markers glow.  What I didn't expect around mile 1 was three sets of eyes looking at me. 

Actually, I didn't clue into the fact they were eyes for a second or two - I was wondering why there were reflective markers in that spot.  As soon as my brain registered they were eyes, I also clued into the fact that 3 black bears (a momma and her 2 cubs) were right beside me on the road.  It was too late to turn back, so I kept on going.  They didn't follow.  Mom's eyes looked angry.  Maybe that was just me reading into it.

Anyway, 8:46 pace.

Oh, I booked off three weekends next year to run Ultras.  And I registered for my first one:  Sulphur Springs 50 mile Trail Race May 24th.  I'm also going to run the Haliburton 100 Trail Race in September, and a 56km trail race in July.  I've made my decision.  Now to see if my body will hold up.

FIVE black bears today.  Four cubs and a mother.  Roughly the same spot as yesterday.  The difference is I went a bit later, and so had light to see them clearly.  I've never seen four cups with a mother before.  They can't all be hers.  I'm thinking she adopted two when the other mother was killed.

Just an easy shake out run; 9:12 pace.  I'll be driving to Bracebridge this afternoon for the Muskoka Half Marathon tomorrow morning.  About three hours from here.  I'm thinking of going relatively easy on the run - maybe aim for something in the 1:40 range.  

Perfect day for running:  8C/47F, no wind, no clouds.  This race just began in 2020 (Covid season!), and has grown every year.  It begins and ends at Santa's Village in Bracebridge, Ontario.  It follows the Muskoka River over a winding and hilly road, to a bridge which crosses the Muskoka River at about mile 3, and then follows the opposite shore of the river to the turnaround.  

I really didn't know how fast to run this, so I just went out on feel, thinking I would come in below 1:40.  I ran the first mile in 7:10, which I felt was too fast (it would have been), and so relaxed into a pace around 7:18, give or take.  

There were two guys from a local running club I ended up following, as they were bang on that pace.  They were very even.  Up the hills, I fell back.  Down the hills, I caught them again.  I ended up passing them at around mile 10 - they came in a little less than a minute behind me.

I averaged a 7:18 split at the turnaround, and a 7:20 split for the second half, giving me an average pace of 7:19 - basically even.  I never really struggled, but I did push the last few miles.  Overall, I'm happy with the effort.  My left foot has some issues that I will follow up with my foot doctor as soon as I can see him.  My next race is a Half Marathon trail event here in Sudbury.  Driving for 3 hours right after a Half sucks, but I had to get back in time for Mass at 4:30.

I was 32nd out of 527 runners;  26th male and 6th in my age division (50-59).  I would have been 5th, but dude #5 sprinted past me right at the end.  I could have gone faster, but I really wasn't feeling overly competitive today. 

Some unique Muskoka Marathon touches:  a can of beer from the local Muskoka brewery at sign in, and another one at the finish line.  Same with custom made Muskoka socks - one pair at sign in, and another at the finish line, along with a finisher's t-shirt.  And the medal is wood, carved in the shape of a Muskoka chair.  All cool.