Notes from Dan the Trail Guy #42.5

This is without a doubt the time of the year for running the trails. Fresh cool air, amazing smells, lots of colour, soft damp (mud & water) trails and no wasps or hornets. Come out and enjoy, but please remember a couple of basic rules when you are running the trails this fall and winter:

1. Roots and rocks will be very slippery at this time of the year, so don’t step on them if you can avoid it.
2. Boardwalks will be really slippery!
3. Remember that the leaves hide a lot of obstacles, so be careful
4. Remember to leave lots of room between you and the runner in front of you. If you want to pass, call it out “passing on your left” and make your pass. But only do it when it is safe and do it after giving notice.
5. Remember that when running a steeper downhill section you need to keep your weight centered over your feet. Try and lean a little bit forward. Let your core muscles (abs) help you with the work. Don’t give into the temptation to lean back on your heels when going down hill. Your feet will kick out forward and you will end up on your butt!
6. AND Please remember to back check before expelling your nose….yuk!

Lastly, I have had some of you email me that you are coming to Hornby and a bunch of you have verbally told me you are coming to Hornby. I need email re-confirmation from all of you please that you are coming. I have included a couple of photos from the run in March as a teaser. Here’s the deal. The run is a combination of trail running, a little bit of beach running on hard packed sand, some running along the bluffs and finally a little bit of road running. If I remember correctly we were running for about 70 minutes last year. So, check your schedules right now, check with your better half and email me back.

October 22, Leave Chapters at 6:15am
Catch Denman Island Ferry at 7:00 am
Catch Hornby Island Ferry at 7:40
Hit the trails by 8:30am
Breakfast at Jan’s on Hornby – 10:00ish
Catch either 11:00 am or 12:10pm ferry off of Hornby
Return Chapters by either 12:45 or 1:45 depending on which ferry we catch