Trail Bits 2006 #10

ROC Trail Bits # 10

Long email today, sorry!
It sounds like the snow shoeing was “Fantastic” as one person put it? Glad to know that a number of you (23) were able to get out and enjoy something a little different on a Saturday morning. The guide managed to find a few hills along the way, so you were able to get a bit of a work out in as well. I have pasted in at the very bottom of this email four photos of the snowshoeing. I understand that there are a number of other photos that were taken, but I have not had them sent to me as of the time that I am emailing this to you. Hugh Proctor has a pair of Gaiters in his car left over from the weekend. He will bring them to the run this weekend.

Speaking of this weekends run; this coming weekend we are heading up to Dumont for our group run. Norm & Stefan will be hosting all of us back for coffee & baked items back at Frontrunners after run. If you are trail running or road running plan on dropping by the store after 9:00am.

In regards to the trail running I had a high volume of replies concerning last weeks email. The one point that everyone seems to agree on is that the runs need to remain social.

I am happy to report that the walk/hike/run group will finally be starting this coming Saturday. The first three weekends will concentrate on just getting some mileage in, getting the heart rate up and getting in some good cardio work in. We will start some running on April 1st if all goes according to plan. This Saturday we will hike into Ammonite Falls. Remember, I am not a babysitting service for out of town guests, old family members or kids.

This weeks Bits

• Sponsorship – If you or the company that you operate or work for would like to become involved as a sponsor of this years Half Marathon please drop me an email and I will discuss the options available. I can tailor a sponsorship plan to fit what ever budget you may have in mind…thank you!
  
• GutBuster # 1- the first race of the GutBuster Trail Racing Series is fast approaching. The March 25th race takes place 10:00 am at Royal Roads University just outside Victoria. The inaugural GutBuster at Royal Roads University last year was nothing but a success. The weather was perfect for racing which made for a nice and fast course. The short course was a demanding 6km and the long course was 11.7km. Both routes featured a cool run up the stairs in front of the historic Hatley Castle, but only the long course racers were fortunate enough to experience the love of the Gravel Pit. Put a team of 4 together and race in the team competition on the long course. Great Prizes. http://www.gutbustertrailrun.com/home.html
• Island Relay – is fast approaching – May 21st. The one day relay starts in Courtenay and follows the spectacular scenic highway through the picturesque Vancouver Island communities to Nanaimo. Only eight runners required per team for eight stages or Ultra distances of 50 km or 100 km. This year the race ends in north Nanaimo. For more details go to http://www.vancouverislandrelay.com We should try and get a couple of ROC teams together for the relay.
  
• An Evening of Adventure Racing - Mind Over Mountain Adventure Racing – Frontrunners and Ocean River Sports is proud to present "An Evening of Adventure Racing" featuring a inspiring slide show from eight time MOMAR champ Dave Norona. From the jungles of Borneo, to the ice fields of Alaska, to mountain tops of New Zealand, join Dave on this multimedia adventure as he takes you on an inspiring and exciting journey from his years of international adventure racing. We will also be presenting a seminar on everything you need to know to do your first MOMAR. In this informative seminar, we will provide an overview of everything you'll need to know to get you to the start line of the MOMAR. We'll cover gear requirements, training tips, what to eat and drink during your race, and navigation. We'll even have sample maps from past MOMARs to show you what you can expect. Click here for more info.
• MOMAR Training Clinics Schedule - is now available. They are offering clinics in Vancouver, Victoria, Courtenay, Duncan, Nanaimo, and Squamish before every MOMAR. They have specific clinics to teach you how paddle faster as well as an intro to mountain biking. And the ever popular MOMAR 101 clinic is back. This is the one that will give you the knowledge and confidence to get to the start line of the MOMAR and navigate your way to success! Clinics start in April. Click here for more info.
  
• Gear for Sale – If you are in the market for some high end gear at some really good prices check out the attached list of cool used stuff. Mountain bikes, MTB Shoes, Peddles, Parts, Saddle bags, Sun Glasses, Wet Suits, Surf Ski,. If you are interested in any of the items, drop me a note and I will give you the contact information.
  
• This weeks run – a return to the Dumont Trails – 7:30 am – If you need directions on how to get to Dumont Rd, please drop me an email. The run groups will be out for the usual hour and twenty minutes as will the hiking group. If you are hiking with me, please dress accordingly. If you are comfortably dressed when you get out of your vehicle you will be too warm once we start hiking.
• EVERYONE BACK TO FRONTRUNNERS AFTERWARDS FOR COFFEE & TREATS.
  

• Upcoming Stuff – check out the new additions on list
  * indicates trail race
  · Bazan Bay 8km – March 12th
  · Comox Half Marathon – March 19th
  · GutBuster # 1 Royal Roads - March 25th
  · Sooke River 10km – April 2nd
  · Whidbey Island Marathon – April 2nd
  · Merville 15km – April 9th
  · GutBuster # 2Mt. Tzouhalem – April 15th
  · Boston Marathon – April 17th
  · Sooke Spring Triathlon – April 23rd
  · Vancouver Sun Run – April 23rd
  · Times Colonist 10K – April 30th
  · Vancouver Marathon – May 7th
  · Oceanside 10k – May 7th
  · Knee Knacker 25km Trail Race, North Vancouver – May 28th
  · Oak Bay Half Marathon – May 28th
  · GutBuster # 3 Mt. Douglas, Victoria – June 3rd
  · Panoramic Classic Triathlon, Saanich – June 4th
  · Edge to Edge Half & Full Marathon, Tofino – June 11th
  · New Balance Half Iron, Victoria – June 18th
  · Kusim Klimb, Sayward – June 17th
  · Scotia Bank Half Marathon, Vancouver – June 25th
  · Comfortably Numb 25km Trail Race – June 25th
  · GutBuster # 4 – Westwood Lake Half Marathon & 8km – July 16th
  · Full (50Km) & Half (25km) Monty Trail Races, Victoria – August 19th
  · Log Train Trail Half & Full Marathons, Port Alberni – August 20th