A while back I registered (on a whim) for my first ever trail run. I have never run on any trail other than Toronto’s well-kept trail routes, so I truly didn’t know what to expect. This past week I received an email from the race director describing the trail route I would be running this weekend. Here’s an excerpt:

In the second km you will enter the forest. This km is a hilly, rooty, Godforsaken little patch of nature… you’re going to love it. If you take it too aggressively or lose your focus, you WILL go to the ground. Tripping hazards everywhere. Brush up on your four letters words. You may need them.

Gulp. What had I gotten myself into?

So, not knowing what to expect I turned up. Road running shoes and all. Perhaps I should have gotten myself a pair of these?

The trail race I was participating in was the 5.8 km Sport course. There was another option called the Enduro which was 11.6 km. Since it was my first race and all I decided to take it easy and go for the shorter option

The race itself was tricky for me especially the 2nd km and I stupidly twisted my ankle on a tree root. After taking a moment’s pause I carried on running which may not have been the best decision for my ankle, but I really wanted to finish.

What I liked the most about the race was a few things:

• Compared to road races this race was really relaxed – there didn’t seem to be that air of competition which I normally feel at races
• Running in real trails is kind of a freeing experience – you almost feel like you did when you were running as a kid
• The family atmosphere – the race seemed to be a family event and it was nice seeing everyone out whether they were running or not

So, despite the twisted (and what I suspect is now a minor sprain!) ankle I am glad I got out of my usual running routine to try something new!

Only complaint – the lack of washroom facilities. The line-up for the porta-potties before the race was incredibly long.

Note: This blog post is best served with a nice chilled glass of ‘mindless lemonade’ (a.k.a. The Organized Crime Winery’s Pinot Gris)

This weekend has been all about wine, running and friends. Earlier this year I decided to register for the 2nd annual Twenty Valley Niagara Wine Country half marathon. I love running and I love wine, so pretty much a win-win situation for me. The best part of this race is that you get to sample local wines while running. This was also going to be a bit of a girls weekend (7 of my female friends were registered as well!) as we were staying overnight after the race.

The best thing about this race (other than the wine) was the fact that it was small and in a place I have never spent time in before. There was so much ‘eye candy’ along the way and I know that I can’t wait to get back to this region for another weekend getaway (hint B).

The worst part of the race?

THE HILLS.

The hills on this half marathon course were numerous and pretty intense. In a way I think it was good that I did not really look at the route beforehand. I really had no idea what to expect. Within the first km I had a pretty good idea that we were going to be seeing a lot of hills. Thankfully I knew going into this race that I was not focused on time, but rather having a ‘good time’.

As for the wines I sampled them all (apart from the last station – I guess we were too slow so they packed up already!). Some I liked more than others, but my favourite I tasted had to be Fielding Estates 2008 Riesling (Lot No. 17). Definitely worth the 10 minute break we took to sample!

Staying in Jordan overnight was also fantastic fun – if you are ever in town head to the Jordan House Pub where you may get to hear the Johnny Cash Tribute Band.

Today we had the chance to visit a few of the wineries we sampled to make some purchases. Fielding was definitely on the list as well as one that my colleague recommended, The Organized Crime Winery. This place was so unique and the female owner is a character! The wine is tasty too!

Hope you have all had lovely weekends as well!

Could the real Santa be running with me?

Today was a day of firsts.

 My first race where I ran in costume.

The first time I have ever dressed up as Santa.

My first time running the entire way with friends (normally there is a natural split at some point during a race).

But today was different and it was kind of fun.

The Santa 5km Jingle race was a fun way to get into the spirit of the holidays.

Free stuff!

Today was my lucky today as I received a special care package from Nike (I’m coaching a 10 km running clinic and its goal race is the 2009 Nike Human Race) . Got some lunar glides, a Sportsband and an outfit. Looking forward to trying out the Nike Sportsband on upcoming runs. Will keep you posted with how it keeps track of my runs. 

Thank you Nike!

Flickr: striatic

Take advantage of the last of the summer weather with a leisurely bike ride on Toronto Island. All you need to do is hop on the finally operating ferry to Centre Island and walk to the bicycle rental shop. There is only one rental place on the island and they are definitely not of the best quality, but they do they trick. You can also bring your own bike to the island. I actually do this bike ride at least once a summer and am always fascinated with the community that lives there and how you can buy a house on the island. Finish the day off with a late lunch at the Rectory café.

Start the weekend off right with a trip to Toronto’s Nike lounge. On a Saturday morning they have an 8:30 a.m. open run and at 10 a.m. they have something called Escape Running which is helping a group train for the Men’s Health Urbanathlon in October. They incorporate a variety of different exercises into their running like plyometrics, hill training and strength. According to Facebook they are open to anyone joining and will leave no one behind!

Looking to mix a bit of exercise with some of Toronto’s culture then the Royal Ontario Museum’s walking tour of Mount Pleasant cemetery is for you. Taking place on August 9^th at 2 p.m. the free 2 hour walk will take you through different parts of the cemetery.

Future workout?

my friend runshorts just blogged about Canada’s first ever stiletto race that will take place on September 11. Check out the blog for details and make sure to register soon as this event is bound to be hot!