Notes from Dan the Trail Guy #11

Trail Bits and News Bits

As per usual we had another great run up in the Lantzville Foothills. 32people showed up for a run that had a bit of everything; beautifulsingle track, water crossings, snow (crisp and untouched), a little bushwhacking, some open logging road running and some great scenery. This route is becoming one of the crowd favorites. Contrary to rumors you might hear, we did not get lost, we simply missed a turn. Once the mistake was noticed we doubled back, made the correct course change and continued on our way...that was not being lost, trust me.

A BIG THANKSto those of you that took turns sweeping at the back of the pack, it was appreciated by Owen and me and thanks to all of you for being so gracious when it came to regrouping. People really appreciate your waiting for them.

Great pictures and article about Outrigger canoeing in The Daily News onMonday. Karen, Nancy, Carrie, Terry and Darla were the cover girl modelsfor the story.

1. Core Strength Training Clinic The cost is only $15.00 for the 6weeks. The clinic is limited to 20 people. Please contact Sean Lunny fordetails and to confirm your spot. seanlunny@shaw.ca ps...there areonly a couple of spots left, so don't delay.

2. Your Annual Runners of Compassion Membership Fees Are Now Due For most members, your annual Runners of Compassion membership fee is now due. The cost again is $10 for an individual or $25 for a family membership. There are two preferred methods of payment. First, you canmail a cheque payable to Runners of Compassion to PO Box 456, LantzvilleBC V0R 2H0. Alternatively, if you are a Saturday morning trail runner you can bring a cheque (preferably) or cash and either Dan Brady or Owen Carr will collect it in an envelope each week. We will have a supply of registration forms for new members or existing members with new addresses, email addresses, telephone numbers etc. We look forward togetting the renewal process done as quickly as possible, and thank you for your cooperation.

3. The Victoria Chapter of Runners of Compassion is holding a photo contest in order to select photos for the 2006 Runners of CompassionCalendar that they will be producing. If you open up the attachment you can get all the details of the contest.

4. First GutBuster of 2005 is coming up soon, only 4 moreSaturdays. The Stewart Mountain 15k & 8k is Saturday, March 12th 10:00am. The race starts and finishes in Thetis Lake Park outside ofVictoria. A fun 15km or 8 km course with gravel, puddles, branches,rocks and streams - but most of the course is very runnable wilderness trail. Not as much elevation gain as the other GutBusters but don't let that fool you. If you are interested in coming down with us, let me know and I will keep you informed in regards to car pooling and a couple of longer training runs that we are planning.

5. Hornby Island I am tentatively scheduling to go Saturday March5th. Confirmed details will come out next week. Come along if you want.

6. This weeks Run will be a run of the Humility Abyss trails. Wewill meet at 7:30 am on the side of Harewood Mines Rd under the powerlines. If the weather stays nice it will be the first time we have run it with out rain or snow, keep your fingers crossed.
Here are the directions to get there assuming you are coming off theParkway.
* Take 5th Street Exit off of Parkway - Malaspina College andhead down the hill
* Turn Right on to Wakesiah
* Turn Right on to Nanaimo Lakes Road - Travel for 4 -5 minutes
* Turn Sharp Left on to Harewood Mines Road drive past animalshelter
* Travel for very short distance. Park under the Hydro Lines

That's all folks, See ya Saturday.