tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557877201461633422024-03-28T20:29:16.478-07:00Ellie Greenwood, Trail Running TalesUltrarunner & Online Ultrarunning CoachEllie Greenwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053246362407725539noreply@blogger.comBlogger171125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255787720146163342.post-49539197138458630292020-12-22T09:34:00.002-08:002020-12-22T09:42:11.302-08:002020 - A Year in Review<p> Ooof, what a year it has been! I mean let's be honest it's probably about 1% of you reading this (the brainy scientists) would have had any idea that 2020 would pan out anything like it did. I remember one coaching client early in the year mentioning how he thought things would unfold (this was before March) and I honestly thought he was being rather alarmist and over cautious - apparently not! Another coaching client (one of those brainy scientists, Dr O) decided not to race a local half marathon in February due to the virus, and I've told her since that if it was anyone else I would have thought they were over reacting. Yah, how wrong I was.</p><p>My birthday rolled around on March 14th just in time for the start of restrictions and 'lock down'. I recall that I went for a walk with a friend (we decided that a restaurant lunch was too risky) and the week before I didn't hug my friend Jeanelle as already that was frowned upon. On March 15th I had to go to work aka lead my marathon clinic (we still thought they'd be running BMO Vancouver marathon in May - oh my, those innocent times) and I was already standing apart from folks and whilst we went for post run coffee I stood at a bar table as I didn't want to touch any surfaces. And well, that's really been the state of affairs ever since. Odd, weird, unprecedented (in modern times) and impacting every form of our day to day lives. To say that it's been a year like no other would not be an exaggeration.</p><p>Early on I was fearful that I would lose coaching clients due to race after race after race getting cancelled. It's been my busiest year yet. Apparently running is the one thing we can still do and it's been so heartening that the vast majority of folks that I coach have truly found that they love running simply for the sake of running - sure, some have understandably struggled more with the lack of fun races (having a big goal, traveling, meeting run friends etc) but for the majority I have seen a bigger commitment to their running and a love for having a training plan to stick to when the rest of the world is chaotic and unpredictable. And wow, we've got creative and it's been super rewarding as a coach to see so many folks ending their year with big achievements. Just a few examples below:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Dani in New York had probably only ever run for 3 consecutive days before March. She's now on day 262 of a run streak (running a minimum of 1 mile every single day) <br /></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Oneal and Tom - the returnee runners who started coaching and getting back into running and fitness after a significant break. It's so fun to see them record training PR after PR - biggest run weeks ever, faster run times each week, longest training runs etc etc. Committing to that process is not easy but they are reaping the rewards. <br /></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Mya and Cam running 100 mile virtual races (I hope I haven't missed anyone who did!) - this is not something I would encourage for everyone (heck, there is no way I would do it myself) but some folks I know are determined enough to succeed at this and to me running 100 miles without aid stations and the formality of a race setting is hard. Very hard. <br /></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Vert challenges - we've had a few of these including Hideo who signed up for the virtual Hardrock race. Hideo lives in the Surrey hills of the UK - not the San Juans of CO. But it's amazing how folks find that if they really need to (and want to) they can go up and down some very small hills time and time over to get vert. <br /></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Pam hitting an impressive streak of consistency in her training. Sure, this might not seem fancy or noteworthy, but we all struggle with consistency from time to time so simply hitting a real groove and sticking with it should be celebrated. <br /></li></ul><p>Of course there have been lots more achievements (I usually coach about 40 folks at any one time) and to be honest for many people the simple act of maintaining a run routine when working from home and looking after kids is an achievement enough.</p><p>For myself, it's been a low mileage year. The ongoing, undiagnosed gimpy leg continues to hamper my running despite the best efforts of Dr Bovard. That said, I've clawed my way back from a failed run/ walk program in March (I stopped at 9 x 1 min run, 1 min walk as it was not going well) and completed some 20k runs this year and currently can run 8kms or so numerous times per week. A few achievements/ highlights of the year:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Peak bagging in the summer with Bill and the rest of the JSR crew. Long days, the best of people, stunning views, tough and rough terrain. <br /></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Making it to the top of West Lion (thanks Bill!) and Black Tusk (thanks Kerry!) - technical scrambles and stellar views. <br /></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Completing the double GVRAT (see an earlier blog post). That was my running peak of the year in terms of kms and also so much darn walking. I found out that you can get very fit if you walk a lot ... and that walking takes much longer than running. <br /></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Comrades Virtual 10k with AM and Dave pacing. It was either 42 or 43 mins (I think it was 43) which is slower than I used to race the last 10k of Comrades (89k), but it as fun to push hard and be part of the Nedbank team. <br /></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Consistent strength work when gyms were open. <a href="http://www.mvmtacademy.com/">MVMT Academy</a> crew are the best. Sure, I'm still terrible at pushups and can't do a single pull up - but I've showed up twice a week when I can and try my best. </li></ul><p>And whilst the world is not going back to normal once January rolls around, every day we keep on moving forward is another day closer to more normal living. So long as it is safe to do so, I'm super excited to volunteer at some races in 2021 and maybe jog a few myself (<a href="https://www.runcomfynumb.com/">Comfortably Numb</a> and <a href="http://www.lgrr.com/gshaw/">Gunner Shaw</a> would be nice).</p><p>Merry Christmas (or Merry whatever your holiday of choice is). Keep running, keep hiking, keep lifting, and just keep showing up and giving every day your best.</p><p><br /></p><p>x Ellie</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUEBYLOP7OrPc7QNwXwhSgV9ldr46e20ECxXVS5APse9p8f76Y-OYcVOM94J-RPs8Al8GqQ_9RHsKM78KD4Iz0vNljBcm8K7uw8TaHOaK4Z7Le7eaFAid6XTUhOFhi0vxTNWBZKGHLeMp/s2048/IMG_20200815_132221-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUEBYLOP7OrPc7QNwXwhSgV9ldr46e20ECxXVS5APse9p8f76Y-OYcVOM94J-RPs8Al8GqQ_9RHsKM78KD4Iz0vNljBcm8K7uw8TaHOaK4Z7Le7eaFAid6XTUhOFhi0vxTNWBZKGHLeMp/w320-h240/IMG_20200815_132221-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1mWBfrCHgwl222PofGr_0QD45c96_xZxcYacn9fhcSGE2nsUPm0VzSmm8Dr0aKM15jsyxL3YAy2DYaY9WTQfAwn_41jNwow8MgX5MoR-v-uqPFUTDDHc4sEYhGZj7AvQ6SGe3_Hq01uZS/s960/Mt+Seymour.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1mWBfrCHgwl222PofGr_0QD45c96_xZxcYacn9fhcSGE2nsUPm0VzSmm8Dr0aKM15jsyxL3YAy2DYaY9WTQfAwn_41jNwow8MgX5MoR-v-uqPFUTDDHc4sEYhGZj7AvQ6SGe3_Hq01uZS/s320/Mt+Seymour.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZavCLCMmgfKAccCqynrv3OsAUfdtP-HeSp5qOWaAosQS0mo3nXKcDicebZnBDn3zOufrl6-owePEv5TiONWQPvINLLIdD49azCV0hycnRYERc2l6sfrUDj7pvYOZIKe1Nh9ZDovN68la/s960/118402786_10164014895270384_4898739957172683241_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZavCLCMmgfKAccCqynrv3OsAUfdtP-HeSp5qOWaAosQS0mo3nXKcDicebZnBDn3zOufrl6-owePEv5TiONWQPvINLLIdD49azCV0hycnRYERc2l6sfrUDj7pvYOZIKe1Nh9ZDovN68la/s320/118402786_10164014895270384_4898739957172683241_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8oznX7smQqhXwP47aMASDIt8RP9wjvpySKtYH3WNrfwUL_KvOjwIpGxEZPwkXpCq0vPKH_fmznusvu5aQ2StSsqsR4rahN6vzIOUQkCOERJBeeHAlFqDBH41YS5ISq7GKaeJjOxGWpo4/s960/Mt+Strachan+walking.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8oznX7smQqhXwP47aMASDIt8RP9wjvpySKtYH3WNrfwUL_KvOjwIpGxEZPwkXpCq0vPKH_fmznusvu5aQ2StSsqsR4rahN6vzIOUQkCOERJBeeHAlFqDBH41YS5ISq7GKaeJjOxGWpo4/s320/Mt+Strachan+walking.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>And if you really want the stats:</p><p> Running/ hiking: 2800kms</p><p>Vert: 99 300m</p><p>Walking: maybe about 1000 kms of purposeful urban walks.</p><p>Gym sessions: no idea - 2 x week when gyms were open.</p><p>Biking: hardly any, there's not been many places to commute to since we're all staying home.<br /></p><p>Swimming: Awesome from January to mid March (5 x week or so), none since.</p><p>Stretching: Let's not comment on that.<br /></p><p> </p>Ellie Greenwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053246362407725539noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255787720146163342.post-29756901941143159672020-09-11T15:26:00.002-07:002020-09-11T15:26:39.138-07:00iHikeSlowly<p> Last Sunday I went out on an outdoor jaunt with two friends, Bill and Pat. It was a grand day in the mountains - getting up above cloud inversions, surveying from afar the peaks of Squamish and those much more distant, sampling numerous blueberries and huckleberries, chatting up a storm on topics ranging from religion to ultra running to politics to the merits of Sour Patch Kids (I am a recent convert). We spent some 13h45 on the trails and mountains and covered some 26kms/ 16 miles. I can already see some of your brows furrowing and you shifting uncomfortably in your seats. 'Just how did they go THAT slowly?" And that is me being on the optimistic side - Bills watch said 26k, mine said a mere 22k - which would mean that we pretty much moved at a pace of one little lonely mile per hour.</p><p>Sure, we bumped into Eileen and her friend Shawn so spent a good 15 minutes chatting and taking group photos for one another, and yes - on one peak we spent maybe 10 minutes looking for the whisky cache (more to come later - it's a North Shore thing), and on another peak we took a few minutes ensuring that we were on the actual peak (which is not as odd as it sounds) but other than that - no long picnic lunches, no lengthy swims in mountains tarns, no mountain meadow siestas in the sun, just plodding along steadily and with purpose - and that got us at a pace of a hair over one mile/ hour. Welcome to North Shore peak bagging!</p><p>In recent years, 'peak bagging' has become more and more popular locally - in a similar vein to Colorado's 14ers (peaks that are 14, 000ft or more) some locals have come up with a list of some 84 or so distinct peaks on Vancouver's North Shore. The concept I guess was mostly the brain child of David Crerar and others and with the publication of their book (<a href="https://rmbooks.com/book/the-glorious-mountains-of-vancouvers-north-shore/" target="_blank">The Glorious Mountains of Vancouver's North Shore</a>) and the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/baggerchallenge" target="_blank"> Bagger Challenge Facebook</a> page more and more have followed in their footsteps. The ambitious and foolhardy (or those who don't work 9 to 5) may attempt to summit all 84 or so peaks in one summer season, for others it's a lifetime project. I guess I fall somewhere in between - and in fact I am not even registering the peaks I have attained on the official register - instead I am smugly summiting peaks without a care for outside recognition from my peers ... tho looking back I did do three <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elliejgreenwood/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> posts based on last Sundays outing alone, so I guess I am indeed in search of a little back patting and kudos from the online world. Heck, why not - 13h45 on the trail - and it was an 12k cycle each way on a non-motor road to get to the trail! Even in mid summer this would be a headlamp outing. <br /></p><p>The reason that peak bagging tends to be a relatively miserable pace per hour affair mostly comes down to the word 'peak' - significant vert usually makes up for the piddly mileage total. For example in last weeks 26ish km adventure Bills and my watches agreed on vert - it was something north of 3000m. Not bad. I think these stats are now making it abundantly obvious that this is NOT trail running - at times it is trail hiking but routinely it is blueberry bushwhacking and heather slope scrambling - no established trails, some rough goat tracks (though sadly I have yet to see a mountain goat on these adventures), and an occasional fixed rope pull up some rocks (for which I am always very grateful to those who have installed the ropes). It's rough, it's steep, it's technical, it's a lot of fun. And somewhere along the line someone decided to make this a lot more fun by starting the tradition of whisky caches, so it's not unusual that as we huff and puff out way up the final metres of a summit we ask one another, 'Does this one have any single malt?' and then the group spreads out, turning over rocks and cairn piles often to be rewarded with some Macallans or similar. (Side note - it's COVID times so hygiene is a must, bring your own mug, safety first!)</p><p>And whilst peak bagging is becoming all the rage here in our local mountains it's worth remembering that we are far from the pioneers in this task. I couldn't but help think that I was treading in the footsteps of some of the women who were part of the group to first ascend Mount Dickens in 1908. And one can only assume that First Nations folks explored these mountain summits long before the Europeans came. I slightly over dressed last week in 3/4 tights and my HOKAs got damp in the mud from recent dew, but I was sure as anything impressed by Elizabeth Creech, Mary Fowler, Miss Wickwire and the men of the first ascent - long skirts, wool pants and leather boots were no doubt their attire of some 112 years ago as they made it to the heady 1300m summit. I doubt they had CLIF drink or Sour Patch Kids to fuel them either.</p><p>So instead of following the ethos of my favourite website <a href="https://www.irunfar.com/" target="_blank">iRunFar</a>, I have found that iHikeSlowly can be a lot of fun too.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxNtUO5Dm1hCWWgh4LI1N_oF3WlJ_FdZmFXrlm9DWcgIRItSm7-pjyWZKLk2MPJAC-_WrAbBb-c-VsYI2MxQJ3ioanUksGRllTqBeaL4VTEob_Uc_ALAM_fZt4DcTNTWEOg8Xf6AMXpjdJ/s960/118287071_10163982828250384_8306309126814216450_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxNtUO5Dm1hCWWgh4LI1N_oF3WlJ_FdZmFXrlm9DWcgIRItSm7-pjyWZKLk2MPJAC-_WrAbBb-c-VsYI2MxQJ3ioanUksGRllTqBeaL4VTEob_Uc_ALAM_fZt4DcTNTWEOg8Xf6AMXpjdJ/s320/118287071_10163982828250384_8306309126814216450_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87FDiqQsW7s-cY6ed0wW9bfnbmtnyUc5KLY91cTaLrt8aWfkosqKIdm-Gyv5QV1Nw1-Vv3_41uDyDaQfRZd6ymATQoisQpMV_mz1FDEjROEigOw00V47TgUxeHSQRG_GFVbsoTiBTsw1L/s320/119020623_10164045302475384_4664220686354091217_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioz9DT2mobbGCKI5RUxz6D21TBAfNfItR_sMa934oRq4swAyqkdzrRsedWsaOeSRY51jew_yQAqu8JU9C9o7CUDHXBixvBrnr4M8iVoLWt575Rw621iYNvsPa_tiaFBfYwDxNytTgJ9sWd/s960/119041451_10164045298460384_4590117494376254560_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioz9DT2mobbGCKI5RUxz6D21TBAfNfItR_sMa934oRq4swAyqkdzrRsedWsaOeSRY51jew_yQAqu8JU9C9o7CUDHXBixvBrnr4M8iVoLWt575Rw621iYNvsPa_tiaFBfYwDxNytTgJ9sWd/s320/119041451_10164045298460384_4590117494376254560_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Ellie Greenwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053246362407725539noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255787720146163342.post-69729966981866261382020-08-26T15:02:00.004-07:002020-08-26T15:02:39.120-07:00The Power of 'I'll try'<p>Whilst sharing a stage last year with the famed <a href="http://www.dylanbowman.com/">Dylan Bowman</a>, Dylan referred to myself and <a href="http://garyrobbinsrun.com/">Gary Robbins</a> as 'the blogger generation' and whilst I have rather fallen into a lapse (an understatement if ever there was one) on blogging and moved more over in trying to keep up with the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elliejgreenwood/">Instagram generation</a>, maybe one or two of you are still listening out there.</p><p>In April of this year a coaching client of mine (Adam Benkers of <a href="https://www.tenjunkmiles.com/">Ten Junk Miles</a>) asked what I thought about him doing the <a href="https://runsignup.com/Race/Events/TN/Memphis/TheGreatVirtualRaceAcrossTennessee1000K#event-400254">Great Virtual Race Across Tennessee</a>. I hummed and hawed, said I'd seen something about it on social media but not looked at it much. After a quick bit of googling we agreed that the 8.3 kms daily average required to complete this challenge, the brainchild of Gary Cantrell (aka Lazarus Lake), seemed doable and so I have him Coaches authorization to sign up. I hung up on the Skype call (Zoom had yet to become the rage), sent out details of the virtual race (that soon became commonly known across the globe as GVRAT) to a few other clients who I thought might need some inspiration in COVID times and then began to think about it for myself ... </p><p>It has been many years since I have trained for a race, sure from time to time I've toed a line when the perma aches and pains have been at bay, but I've not truly dedicated myself to training for something since sometime in 2018. This was probably a smart move given I gave up on speed work in January of this year due to a bad hamstring and in mid March abandoned my run/ walk program once I got to 9 x (1 min run, 1 min walk) and generally felt like a bag of rattling old bones. But then COVID hit and by end of March our gyms and swimming pools started to close - I entitled my final swim workout (aka trying not to drown) on Strava as 'I'm screwed'. No gym, no pool, too many aches and pains to run. Don't even suggest ocean swimming in March in the Pacific North West. But I'm not one to give up lightly so in April I acquired some basic weights (thanks Bev and Deb), I tackled some stair reps (whilst scowling at anyone who did not keep a 2 metre social distance) and started walking. Walking felt pretty awful to start but as the old legs got moving they loosened up ... and I got back to run/ walk on the local track (3 x 1 min run/ 1 min walk). So naturally by end of April it was tempting to sign up for a virtual race across a state that I have never been to that required me to cover just over 8k (5ish miles for the Americans and Brits). It made zero logical sense but then probably most concepts that Laz comes up with don't make a lot of sense and that's why they appeal.</p><p>So on May 1st I was registered with the attitude of 'I'll try'. My top goal - bail if I started to get more injured. My 2nd goal - bail if I started to get more injured. My final goal - bail if I started to get more injured. By nature I like to finish what I start but this was a case of actually being smart for once and trying something that my head might be ready for but my legs might not. I has 123 days (the four months of May, June, July and August) to just keep moving. I figured I probably wouldn't have time to walk all of my miles but I also calculated that I could not run too many - that seemed far too ambitious (recall the failed 9 mins of running in mid March). In addition to the online race tracking I drew up my own spreadsheet and I started walking and jogging and logging my miles. I am generally not a fan of the word 'jogging' but I am a fan of glorious, aimless junk miles (please note - this is not what I advocate as a <a href="https://www.sharmanultra.com/">Coach</a>, but it's the way my brain is badly wired) and this is probably one of the reasons that GVRAT appealed to me - it's not fundamentally about speed, but it's about plugging away day after day after day after day ... for 123 days (or less).</p><p>... And by the closing days of June I realised I was on track for a double GVRAT! Ok, not quite - I was a little behind but somehow I had logged far more than my required 8.3km average per day, and was closer to 16 kms/10 miles days. Go figure, you might think I used to be an ultra runner or something. So of course the double appealed and I knew I had to start playing catch up, so late June was a bit of a push and probably my main error of the project - I tried to play catch up too soon and whilst I completed a single GVRAT in less than two months, a few too many old aches and pains were appearing. Boo. Nice try Ellie, and I abandoned the thought of a double crossing (1200 or so miles) and instead settled on a mere 1000 mile/ 4 month goal. As an added bonus, Laz rewarded 1000 mile finishers with a cool pin - which seemed far more of an incentive than the map of Tennessee for double GVRAT finishers. Sure, I have two silver Western States belt buckles but some small pin that is probably mass produced in China seemed quite the draw. Ultra runners truly are not very smart.</p><p>To reach my 1000 mile goal I figured I needed a little extra motivation - another two months of dedicated training seemed a little daunting (the online tracker had overnight gone from saying that I was 100% complete for GVRAT to saying I was 50% for the double - ooof, way to downgrade a runner/ walker!) So at this stage I started to try raise funds for a cause close to my heart - Band of Runners which aims to bring veterans into the community of trail running. Please do check out<a href="https://bandofrunners.org/"> their website here</a> for info and a super eight minute video shot at their annual camp in 2019. No quitting now - numerous folks made kind donations so I just had to keep walking and jogging, but it did feel like added pressure to have other folks know what I was doing and now the risk of failure now seemed higher. And then another funny thing happened - about 10 days into July on my 1000 mile quest I found that I was bizarrely still ahead of the double GVRAT goal ... and my aches and pains had subsided. Like I said, I do enjoy glorious junk miles and somehow by taking the pressure off and deciding not to do the double I was still on track. Ok, back on the 1200 mile/ 10 mile a day goal!</p><p>I can honestly say it was no small feat for me to complete this task last Sunday. In 115 days I had propelled myself forward on my own two little (well, size 9.5) feet for 2043k or 17.8kms per day (11.04 miles). A little over half my miles were running, I hiked up mountains, I bushwhacked up gullies, I walked for 30 mins at the end of runs when I was too tired to run any more, and I went for 3hr urban walks to chomp away at the miles. It was hard, it was time consuming, it was fun, it was rewarding, and it was double the distance I set out to accomplish on 1st May. </p><p> </p><p>So the next time you're not sure you can do something, how about saying 'I'll try'?</p><p><br /></p><p>Happy trails to you all, stay healthy, stay safe and stay happy. And if you have read this far (thank you!) and are so inclined - please do consider a small donation to a very worthy cause, Band of Runners (<a href="https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/ellies-trek-back-across-tennessee-for-band-of-runners">click here)</a>. It would mean to world to me and my tired legs (I'm taking an easy week right now).<br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwfRhtIhYSRWWioTjtFUUJ8JDXNB-ywX3FW9KNzz1Z6zuxvhFEc10u5ADqtJCshYYzFGgfK2l6G54MYA1DL0g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Ellie Greenwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053246362407725539noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255787720146163342.post-82390415040634120152018-12-13T11:51:00.003-08:002018-12-13T11:51:37.324-08:002018 - A Running Year in ReviewTo make progress and reach your goals and ambitions in running, it's
good to look back and assess come years end. My 2018 review in 12
photos. What have you achieved this year and how will those experiences
carry you into and shape your 2019?<br />
<br />
Thank you as always to my loyal and valued sponsors, who have been beside me on the trails and road, from mountain tops to valley lows. <a href="https://ca.hokaoneone.com/">Hoka One One</a>, <a href="http://www.drymaxsports.com/">Drymax Socks</a>, <a href="http://www.clifbar.ca/">CLIF bar</a>, <a href="https://sundogeyewear.com/">Sundog Eyewear</a>, <a href="https://www.florahealth.com/ca-en/">Flora Health</a>, <a href="https://www.stokedoats.com/">Stoked Oats</a> and <a href="https://www.suunto.com/en-ca/">Suunto </a>(Canada).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-U1S5NfpBLgmc1WJ9wm6qJqT_Olf0dY8dsFveMwMaxwyMYCbvkwrh1E2DAoJfOijV6wl0s8KZmvz33ofOrSqk-6MBm0rQWNVG8KHEvC1tqU5M62Orhy1PobCJVD4_YVlFFQ0qEuZC7xWm/s1600/47687633_2248816055131310_162216173126025216_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-U1S5NfpBLgmc1WJ9wm6qJqT_Olf0dY8dsFveMwMaxwyMYCbvkwrh1E2DAoJfOijV6wl0s8KZmvz33ofOrSqk-6MBm0rQWNVG8KHEvC1tqU5M62Orhy1PobCJVD4_YVlFFQ0qEuZC7xWm/s320/47687633_2248816055131310_162216173126025216_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">January with <a data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/group.php?id=154929744565442&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3Anull%2C%22groups_location%22%3Anull%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/VFAC.Run/">Vancouver Falcons Athletics Club</a> coach John. Post trail intervals, reviewing the numbers.</span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><br /> </span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><br /> </span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><br /> </span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><br /> </span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><br /> </span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><br /> </span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><br /> </span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> Photo: AMM<br /> </span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyb9nZbdw_uq_t1N3Azb3P9V0aO3Q6MByUGBtxc516sx_ELDZEAtkIWQC8sxPbgz5pr1bHfAoeT-tLzLNWYIkwtOmVN6sk6GKeBHl6ki8qSaVX8x_3XxT-Vxa1UItYDprCf8OxKGegFXdw/s1600/48053265_2248816111797971_4241560593149984768_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyb9nZbdw_uq_t1N3Azb3P9V0aO3Q6MByUGBtxc516sx_ELDZEAtkIWQC8sxPbgz5pr1bHfAoeT-tLzLNWYIkwtOmVN6sk6GKeBHl6ki8qSaVX8x_3XxT-Vxa1UItYDprCf8OxKGegFXdw/s320/48053265_2248816111797971_4241560593149984768_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">My 7th <a data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=610203622495259&extragetparams=%7B%22__tn__%22%3A%22%2CdK%2AF-R%22%2C%22eid%22%3A%22ARAsB94021WchEkXmQlPWo9iDt2lZ7flCSO03L9Q-r4lRrPRG9upbny3C3Bc0CF_jPZGxqFdRagg9TZB%22%2C%22directed_target_id%22%3Anull%2C%22groups_location%22%3Anull%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/Chuckanut50k/?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARDll0K7VXAzDgt5_glpQcomMYZQih5AQVk13eLAn0ueSK4K8-MlGXS_yROUtTXA10tTRs4PeKvMIyYlXgJ0pIhoIkqbEhzs5aPRWYr834X7AKfSlHP9PdpfWfleZODTOpxFIwfsGnvPKj_8S1gLdPugFGCZY4kbfcaUtxdAxqwOTybkclk6ZmFZUqnr4O-JcCHbmrS7N40WWwNkL88KulVk-vgAWUoWN0MricBuU78D_hDUhyxtziPlatko7xkH1zgsipUAuZwzm1IaLAiBaxis-2LHcV2_rUqV3nvuX_Tn3fpdy58wrecFk6E_F2aAzRDh4TUmdpfGIp2yTtP6FWVv7g&__tn__=%2CdK%2AF-R&eid=ARAsB94021WchEkXmQlPWo9iDt2lZ7flCSO03L9Q-r4lRrPRG9upbny3C3Bc0CF_jPZGxqFdRagg9TZB">Chuckanut 50k</a>
finish. This race is an excellent test of training in March - you need
to be proficient on technical terrain and hills, yet speed in the legs
is invaluable too. 4th F.<br /> <br /> Photo: Michelle Ford.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4AWdv6X9ZjcgyvRn78V5nzMP52vDfMk38lSU4TVBgWbp-kZmnzmCQe90pm5sgFDbOIyOBVjtO7CbhJMFAjC_j4UIbEpGgddE-Kza3mMJR-KjxsT21uQiuqQKprsj6uL9gsdFp0NxKYMdY/s1600/47686477_2248815975131318_1214869531609006080_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4AWdv6X9ZjcgyvRn78V5nzMP52vDfMk38lSU4TVBgWbp-kZmnzmCQe90pm5sgFDbOIyOBVjtO7CbhJMFAjC_j4UIbEpGgddE-Kza3mMJR-KjxsT21uQiuqQKprsj6uL9gsdFp0NxKYMdY/s320/47686477_2248815975131318_1214869531609006080_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Run
Ridge Run 20k or so in the snow, was more about staying upright than
race times, but happy with a 2nd place finish and a solid effort on the
trails.<br /> <br /> Photo: Coast Mountain Trail Series.</span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> </span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> </span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> </span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> </span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> </span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> </span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> </span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> </span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> </span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> </span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> </span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> </span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> </span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> </span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> </span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> </span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> </span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> </span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGp5k6Eiypy2UxPJVA6QNtZq8w9mKZMFSG5l8goKCM3Rjmlus7Sl-odBT1pV56HNLn2k6cyk_DljrtH0diFkLeIbijkngjKLWtqOYcKdwq9rxvSELfh1a7VpL7GXAl-oN2sJtW40AsfUTy/s1600/48221839_2248816145131301_8875057198535802880_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="672" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGp5k6Eiypy2UxPJVA6QNtZq8w9mKZMFSG5l8goKCM3Rjmlus7Sl-odBT1pV56HNLn2k6cyk_DljrtH0diFkLeIbijkngjKLWtqOYcKdwq9rxvSELfh1a7VpL7GXAl-oN2sJtW40AsfUTy/s320/48221839_2248816145131301_8875057198535802880_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Come
April it was time to start Wednesday night training running with the
Kneeknacker crew. Although I have not run the race for years, Wednesday
nights are a great chance for a group run on some of North Vans finest
and technical trails.<br /> <br /> Photo: Salvador Miranda.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><a data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=158083924232021&extragetparams=%7B%22__tn__%22%3A%22%2CdK%2AF-R%22%2C%22eid%22%3A%22ARAPA3Wzd7efU2hde64Jpliz_SG6uoVaqnbOrqjBZR4mHPdL8wf4kx_kIDm6h71yh5_H3cY29teWSsgQ%22%2C%22directed_target_id%22%3Anull%2C%22groups_location%22%3Anull%7D&av=411257828887151&eav=AfYNPoDWyj_gENrg_K0n9A3rCyzVrkJb_grDl8jZYeQynMxhWAGqQ3BM54zTv08GDB4" href="https://www.facebook.com/BMOVanMarathon/?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARC733XBGY3_uiqoJ9rbqlrKLliIj6unEVQRygWB5tWqG2E3eMcPp-paWNplSVv_OUWLrQZ2ppN76xpYVu1hJV65ttrqa-lHAV9ANRo2le4xf-ecPGwL4ThVQ3l2RrsN-0EKY9gGz0o90SsVgRcNaopl8LToh9DKyIssToLBcpg2ETgiPFTv6cACQxNyl23ggKXFcabrUGKeooI3AXEJ2BVVU7YzG01Ic6CvLj40jUgWHfUPUHWUfGD3zyPGnJC9o1nPHeY08XXZEKo1ci5nOBqJIBCypsOrPGXogM8Usf9qZuAjehkIDE27lPo40pvaavUvHjzhOyjOEm3I091dvM2hSw&__tn__=%2CdK%2AF-R&eid=ARAPA3Wzd7efU2hde64Jpliz_SG6uoVaqnbOrqjBZR4mHPdL8wf4kx_kIDm6h71yh5_H3cY29teWSsgQ">BMO Vancouver Marathon</a>
half marathon in 1:19:21 in early May. Stoked to get sub 1:20 - pushed
hard on my level of fitness, a long way from a PB but a great race and
training stimulus.<br /> <br /> Photo: Catherine Wei.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><a data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=557164810996106&extragetparams=%7B%22__tn__%22%3A%22%2CdK%2AF-R%22%2C%22eid%22%3A%22ARDTqF4ZLjwVoC6GLdC8WBa7Zk0VoAEaV4PXoRQbb0y2WvBUaqRWAE4iknDzaSR1axS8i51_sBcKfZ1V%22%2C%22directed_target_id%22%3Anull%2C%22groups_location%22%3Anull%7D&av=411257828887151&eav=AfYXu8CxjeByqozNtgnxV4OEDbauLkTCrCaxAWW40e0vS7c9NMKV9kqjCAT68J0CP9E" href="https://www.facebook.com/PACE-Trail-Race-Series-557164810996106/?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARC733XBGY3_uiqoJ9rbqlrKLliIj6unEVQRygWB5tWqG2E3eMcPp-paWNplSVv_OUWLrQZ2ppN76xpYVu1hJV65ttrqa-lHAV9ANRo2le4xf-ecPGwL4ThVQ3l2RrsN-0EKY9gGz0o90SsVgRcNaopl8LToh9DKyIssToLBcpg2ETgiPFTv6cACQxNyl23ggKXFcabrUGKeooI3AXEJ2BVVU7YzG01Ic6CvLj40jUgWHfUPUHWUfGD3zyPGnJC9o1nPHeY08XXZEKo1ci5nOBqJIBCypsOrPGXogM8Usf9qZuAjehkIDE27lPo40pvaavUvHjzhOyjOEm3I091dvM2hSw&__tn__=%2CdK%2AF-R&eid=ARDTqF4ZLjwVoC6GLdC8WBa7Zk0VoAEaV4PXoRQbb0y2WvBUaqRWAE4iknDzaSR1axS8i51_sBcKfZ1V">PACE Trail Race Series</a> Wild Horse Traverse 50k in Kelowna in June. Loved these trails, loved the event, stoked for the win.<br /> <br /> Photo: Folk & Wild.</span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> </span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> </span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoContext" id="fbPhotoSnowliftContext"></span><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">July in the Wasatch mountains of Utah - not a bad spot to volunteer at Speedgoat 50k and get some great hiking in.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Volunteering on home turf at Bucking Hell 50k. A busy day at the station as runners negotiated a tough course in hot weather.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Hiking in Cape Wrath, Scotland in August. Exploring on two feet is always fun - whatever the pace and weather.</span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> </span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> </span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFpJwKXrDZqds6Q9kyLVQNMV2XtQWoyL-HHdJVzdkLUloX7XhkTUTkVjhK1-gL4D8WJaKS73g5-A2Ehn7i8O0gD7KbvsYVB7lUP0j4pFrbSebVv8eXIX3LOg7zsfs-5VPs7A7t6tf5UQH/s1600/47681757_2248816448464604_2578757325829439488_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFpJwKXrDZqds6Q9kyLVQNMV2XtQWoyL-HHdJVzdkLUloX7XhkTUTkVjhK1-gL4D8WJaKS73g5-A2Ehn7i8O0gD7KbvsYVB7lUP0j4pFrbSebVv8eXIX3LOg7zsfs-5VPs7A7t6tf5UQH/s320/47681757_2248816448464604_2578757325829439488_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">October
road trip to the Canadian Rockies. The weather was mild and the late
fall colours perfect for this long run/ hike in Lake Louise, Alberta.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBz52AWk3j7UMgWPWjaynfqWimG4gJqQ4aS00AhpSQJcTL08VEsYBC765yKzuLxI5fwk88nFhZ1Q-QLuOBspaGsL6LbwVX-jyld4CikYl96usKNkP7fAcvTl89ypetRMqEuhbkMxInWUX/s1600/48373260_2248816358464613_2304013615138603008_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="639" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBz52AWk3j7UMgWPWjaynfqWimG4gJqQ4aS00AhpSQJcTL08VEsYBC765yKzuLxI5fwk88nFhZ1Q-QLuOBspaGsL6LbwVX-jyld4CikYl96usKNkP7fAcvTl89ypetRMqEuhbkMxInWUX/s320/48373260_2248816358464613_2304013615138603008_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><a aria-describedby="u_5zh_1" aria-owns="js_fi6" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/group.php?id=405011159861033&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3Anull%2C%22groups_location%22%3Anull%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/405011159861033/" id="js_fi7">Band of Runners</a>
camp outside of LA in November was a highlight of my year. As a mentor
it was wonderful to meet and guide some wonderful veterans on this
trail camp weekend. I also completed a 2-day NOLS Wilderness First Aid
course and learned a lot to stay safe on the trails.<br /> <br /> Photo: Lisa Krantz.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgh1y2uf0vMxy3wY0V23iz0i6pvKw0ShyphenhyphenKSgflVUPzi4KxTqkDRw79ZXode74mGYUBs-5v8-AUreIzY9v5-QQW-cYaRLeonpdqlRUOOUIANJ83VL9msYBH969N1rQ1Talq-Y-7yEWNLf9/s1600/48231501_2248816485131267_941022047448858624_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgh1y2uf0vMxy3wY0V23iz0i6pvKw0ShyphenhyphenKSgflVUPzi4KxTqkDRw79ZXode74mGYUBs-5v8-AUreIzY9v5-QQW-cYaRLeonpdqlRUOOUIANJ83VL9msYBH969N1rQ1Talq-Y-7yEWNLf9/s320/48231501_2248816485131267_941022047448858624_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">December
in Vancouver means rain which means a perfect time to tackle a XC race
at Gunner Shaw 10k. A 25 second improvement on last year, and a masters
female win. If you want to learn how to race, race XC.<br /> <br /> Photo: Jan Heuninck.</span></span></td></tr>
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Ellie Greenwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053246362407725539noreply@blogger.com216tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255787720146163342.post-83770454633909493842017-08-31T15:46:00.000-07:002017-08-31T15:46:00.747-07:00A good old fashioned foot raceA couple of weekends ago I toed the line at another race for a bit of fun and in an attempt to try work my way back to fitness. I had never raced<a href="http://squamish50.com/"> Squamish 23k </a>before, although in past years I had raced the 50k and 50 mile distance, but both of those are beyond my capability levels right now and so instead it was time to attempt to run fast and yet what is also a long distance for me currently. It was a weird mixture of having to remind myself to work harder and push a higher intensity on trails that I am used to exerting an ultra effort on, and yet I also knew that I am not really fit enough right now to really push hard for 20+ kms.<br />
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The gun went off and so did the front of the field, I had placed myself a little bit back as I didn't want to get in the way of the handful of speedsters who I knew would be considerably faster than me. Not surprisingly my super fit and speedy buddy <a href="https://www.instagram.com/am.madden/">Anne-Marie</a> pulled ahead right away but I was a little disheartened to see my other buddy, <a href="http://northshoresportsmedicine.com/Poster_Ramsey_Ezzat%20REVISED.pdf">Ramsey Ezzat</a>, running stride for stride with AM up the initial climb. My last experience of racing with AM & Ramsey was at my last ultra, Chuckanut 50k in 2016, and during that race we had spent a bunch of time together as a happy little trio trudging up Cleator Road together and yet now it was clear that (a) I was much slower on uphills than them and (b) this was a sub-ultra race and I didn't have the speedy wheels that they did. Hey ho, a reminder to focus on running my own race. I had only had a couple of loose goals heading into the race - position was not one of them as I had no idea of the other ladies racing and nor did I have a time target as I had never run the race before. So instead my goals were to run as hard as I could and to aim to be just under ten minutes behind AM at the finish, a sensible target given we had raced together two weeks previously so I had a gauge on our relative speeds, it wasn't that I was racing AM but I just wanted to use her as a good motivator to work hard.<br />
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The nice thing about Squamish 23k compared to the two other races I have done so far (Buckin' Hell 15k and Green Race 25k) is that Squamish was a bit of a bigger race and so I had fellow racers in sight for 99% of the race. This made it easier to work harder, to strategise and to stay focused on pushing a good effort. In the early kms of the race I zig-zagged back and forth with a good little group of men and women and this was great to keep the energy levels up. Compared to Green Race where the long 12.5k uphill didn't really play to my strengths, the Squamish course weaves up and down, back and forth - it's fun, it's dynamic and it keeps you constantly changing gears. It reminded me how much I had missed running on these trails and whilst I typically lost contact with the runners ahead of me on each small uphill, I was still pleased with my ability to rally and run more uphills than I hoped.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeEhuO-DTUe7hDcU6mxCtSZH_lIN1J5g4dA2cEBG_LEqhhGI8r9KxrGmFOwLIvnFRSjNBrSgOnSJC2eDglX7tz-tAmGQddFNYtTD2Asa_drtIFpBL51AnMY5irafPerMjGZkdFPN_BhfRf/s1600/20935040_1663412330338355_3430384460600741481_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeEhuO-DTUe7hDcU6mxCtSZH_lIN1J5g4dA2cEBG_LEqhhGI8r9KxrGmFOwLIvnFRSjNBrSgOnSJC2eDglX7tz-tAmGQddFNYtTD2Asa_drtIFpBL51AnMY5irafPerMjGZkdFPN_BhfRf/s320/20935040_1663412330338355_3430384460600741481_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AM has won SQ23k every darn 6 years the event has been held. Amazing. Photo: SQ23.</td></tr>
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However I soon got a little confused along the race course - each twist and turn would bring back memories of having raced the 50k and 50 miler here, and yet it didn't make sense - these landmarks were really close to the finish and yet I had only just started racing. Something just didn't add up. It was then that the reality hit, yah - 23kms used to be the finishing push in a race for me, and now it was my entire race course. Ok, ok - best to not just think about that, afterall I had more things to be concerned about - like the fact that I was 11kms in and could I really carry on at this effort for another while 12kms? I really wasn't sure. Having done no tempos runs at yet, running this distance at a higher intensity was well out of my comfort zone and so I was grateful that at this point I started to catch Ramsey and have some company to distract from my fears.<br />
<br />
From there on til the finish, Ramsey and I would shift back and forth - he'd pull ahead on an uphill, I would rally and often catch him on a downhill. Whilst my cardio fitness and leg strength for uphills are currently lacking, it was fun to be able to weave through the roots and rocks somewhat proficiently on the downhills. The final 2kms or so of the race course end on some very flat tarmac and gravel trail. As I headed onto this long drawn out straight away I saw Ramsey's bright blue shirt ahead of me - ok, time to put the hammer down for a head to head. I can honestly say that that was one of the highlights of my race - my lungs were burning, my arms were pumping and my legs felt like they would not hold on for very much longer at all, and yet I caught Ramsey, we both passed another runner, and then Ramsey re-caught me before we both stumbled, pretty worked, over the finish line. As Ramsey so perfectly put in a text message to me later, 'Thanks for the good old fashioned foot race today. Good to be able to see you able to push that hard too'. There is nothing more fun than a head to head with a friend and there is no better way to really work on your fitness than chasing right to the line.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPad5Bk64qYCKuvhEnD3p5tUvgUiBoLwYPogaHIrJ6JBgMLrEm8GKuVVN92ixYw0leYMddtRA2Ow9JQLJQfP23q0oHsxyotgR9PJvbF8RMNd7FzPCZW2K-1SDcb1DJvETzpCJMSVR1dzlj/s1600/21167216_1664378330291624_2787024772816094724_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPad5Bk64qYCKuvhEnD3p5tUvgUiBoLwYPogaHIrJ6JBgMLrEm8GKuVVN92ixYw0leYMddtRA2Ow9JQLJQfP23q0oHsxyotgR9PJvbF8RMNd7FzPCZW2K-1SDcb1DJvETzpCJMSVR1dzlj/s320/21167216_1664378330291624_2787024772816094724_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Womens podium: AM, me, Vivian (despite a little detour!). Photo: SQ23.</td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
<br />Ellie Greenwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053246362407725539noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255787720146163342.post-79336637404259772312017-08-08T12:18:00.002-07:002017-08-08T12:21:38.349-07:00Baby races<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3CCbQEcSj6rRhHk2fqvCsPq6OLkXJgs5jiVMEAVjqai8BNOmNm_2TOp_ycr89t45-4UA2UsxMzNQgUTkLzWVKAtq1DB9uY4sX9mNIGlWjsOs6g-z_AlzIMgbSPy82A3q2dxN9v3ema2u/s1600/20638781_10155341997560973_7140520022703010955_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3CCbQEcSj6rRhHk2fqvCsPq6OLkXJgs5jiVMEAVjqai8BNOmNm_2TOp_ycr89t45-4UA2UsxMzNQgUTkLzWVKAtq1DB9uY4sX9mNIGlWjsOs6g-z_AlzIMgbSPy82A3q2dxN9v3ema2u/s320/20638781_10155341997560973_7140520022703010955_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running in Castlegar ahead of The Green Race 25k. Photo: Martin Cai.</td></tr>
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<br />
So after very, very, very little racing in 2016 I launched off my 2017 race season with a local 15k trail race ... in July. Sometimes I find it's better that I don't over analyse that sentence as it's just not exactly encouraging. Sure, I have since followed that 15k race up with a 25k race just two weeks later - but that still amounts to just 40 kilometres with a race bib on ... when I used to consider a 42.2k race as a mere training event. In 2012 I raced a total of 950kms ... in 2017 I have so far raced 910kms less and I can't see that I will be making a huge dent into that 'deficit' in the remaining three months of the year. I guess that's ok.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixi5E76Uq7MzTUNDbS2Z8bVviZ98YjLaqGB7FqmabbnfSagXHrQkDWQYjjeOGgS38PRdeTu1KgfDbaa0wEffaV8FbP2v37qVpDanhESexi3sTpFdAVJLaM_to4C0-oPj0MiED9LkUd5Al/s1600/20280497_1636972026315719_3340343271004943967_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1279" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixi5E76Uq7MzTUNDbS2Z8bVviZ98YjLaqGB7FqmabbnfSagXHrQkDWQYjjeOGgS38PRdeTu1KgfDbaa0wEffaV8FbP2v37qVpDanhESexi3sTpFdAVJLaM_to4C0-oPj0MiED9LkUd5Al/s320/20280497_1636972026315719_3340343271004943967_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buckin' Hell 15k finish line with a couple of local running friends. Photo: Scott Robarts.</td></tr>
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<br />
I guess I should be a little optimistic - I mean, I have managed to string together some weeks of running that made me think I could race 25kms and not suffer too many injury setbacks afterwards. I say not too many as I am far from running without any aches and pains. Sure, I know many of you reading this will say 'well, I always have aches and pains, get on with it' and that has certainly been the reasonable feedback many folks give me - but I just don't know how much discomfort in the form of possible injuries I'm prepared to run and race through. Time will tell. For now I am still a very long way from creating anything that resembles a training plan or a race schedule, and I am still very unsure if I will be able to reach the minimum distance (50k) that is required to be able to call myself an ultra runner again. But most weeks I am trying to add a couple of kms to my long run and I will see if I can build on that week on week. I have made it up to a long run of 33kms so far - I almost died but didn't - so that's a positive! I have also been making it back to my <a href="http://vfac.ca/">run club</a> weekly trail intervals which was a huge goal of mine as I love those workouts and those are definitely what is needed to try get me back in any sort of shape again. You may think that getting back into running shape is easy but I assure you, it's not. To put things in perspective - I ran 25kms on July 1st of this year and that was my longest run in 14 months (since BMO Vancouver Marathon in May 2016) - yah, my endurance is shot, my legs are not strong and you can now see why I am unsure if I can build to ultra distances quite yet! But I'll keep plugging away and see where the coming months and years take me. Weekly strength work with my trainer (<a href="http://www.peakpowerathletics.com/">Michelle</a>) is a big part of that too.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3kfCWbAzNlbAMrQ7jwEmYbOcIH0E3GnwvBMzzJ0jUTCXU3xS4vuVvQ-IhmHnxoker57n124Q_x8rwgo9RwYtb4S-yG2kD6NeOe1y32olxxOmfXu00Opqx2dHWOAwAlbmiPvmSW2a4WON/s1600/20374534_1639706106042311_3078411629222449356_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="685" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3kfCWbAzNlbAMrQ7jwEmYbOcIH0E3GnwvBMzzJ0jUTCXU3xS4vuVvQ-IhmHnxoker57n124Q_x8rwgo9RwYtb4S-yG2kD6NeOe1y32olxxOmfXu00Opqx2dHWOAwAlbmiPvmSW2a4WON/s320/20374534_1639706106042311_3078411629222449356_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hill repeats with VFAC. Photo: Nic Browne.</td></tr>
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<br />
I certainly have made enough progress that I only see my physio every two to three weeks now (yay time and money savings!) and I am hoping to start working back with my running coach as I feel I have a somewhat shaky but still workable base that we can springboard from to get me back running a little faster and maybe even further. In the two races I have run so far I had no goals other than making it to the finish line as fast as my current fitness would allow and not getting injured. If I came dead last - fine, so long as I was exhausted and no more injured at the finish than I was at the start. I successfully achieved these goals at both <a href="http://www.trailseries.ca/">Buckin' Hell 15k</a> and <a href="https://thegreenrace.ca/">The Green Race 25k</a>, and came 2nd in both (against some great runners)!<br />
<br />
As many runners might be starting to wind down their race season, I'm hoping I can soon get out of the starting blocks without too many false starts. But that's ok, because running has no seasons - it's a lifestyle and one super lifestyle that I hope I can lead again, ideally in the not too distant future.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnd2-0wuEWl48H9SLnPxuPFBiczJANPEC18oMg0aWODshAL6YQaLns1HE-6EeHyZQCwV1VaXEjdHjOUwZsLekV5U-w8kAc-CIH2WeE_cCr__k-Dwfe2swibvI2fqdDbnIOLIWm7CDDH51u/s1600/20616829_1713896811973597_5324170096223335012_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1098" data-original-width="1600" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnd2-0wuEWl48H9SLnPxuPFBiczJANPEC18oMg0aWODshAL6YQaLns1HE-6EeHyZQCwV1VaXEjdHjOUwZsLekV5U-w8kAc-CIH2WeE_cCr__k-Dwfe2swibvI2fqdDbnIOLIWm7CDDH51u/s320/20616829_1713896811973597_5324170096223335012_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making my way up the 1200m climb of Mt Sentinel in The Green Race 25k. Photo: The Green Race.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQGYpG1-a5jO9QZKJCRneA9SN0knhRoWfQfDOjCSbi1b9HLQDOJfFaezgJhSL9WViLpYeegtv7pQRls9BgBsntpzsXea6Hj_rhbYYXoEcv2jBneT9oT6woiVk5E397oRKZiAvyA_A6O1K/s1600/20526024_1646414595371462_5561752837685031665_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="803" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQGYpG1-a5jO9QZKJCRneA9SN0knhRoWfQfDOjCSbi1b9HLQDOJfFaezgJhSL9WViLpYeegtv7pQRls9BgBsntpzsXea6Hj_rhbYYXoEcv2jBneT9oT6woiVk5E397oRKZiAvyA_A6O1K/s320/20526024_1646414595371462_5561752837685031665_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr, race winner, Salomon teammie, friend. With AM in the smoky Kootenays.</td></tr>
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<br />Ellie Greenwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053246362407725539noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255787720146163342.post-41369975185726325102017-04-14T16:40:00.000-07:002017-04-14T20:10:49.308-07:00One massive, complex & confusing jigsaw puzzleFirstly, please ignore if you are looking for a post with scenic trail pics or race reports. I appreciate the injury updates can be pretty boring stuff for most folks out there but it's a month since my last update so I figured it was time to update again on my progress ... or lack thereof ...<br />
<br />
When I last updated I was in the middle of a series of prolotherapy injections to try stabilise my lax sacroiliac (SI joint). This involved a weekly visit to the doctor for six consecutive weeks to have 60 injections at a time into my SI and lower back area. Luckily I got local anaesthetic injections each time too so it felt like not much more than an intense session of IMS, and Dr. Gillies - an older British woman - regaled me with stories of cycling in Thailand to distract me. Many folks react quite strongly to the injections and have limited mobility for a few days, but I found I didn't react too badly and was fairly mobile after each session - but that doesn't indicate that the injections (which are dextrose and tighten ligaments) aren't working and in fact they did. After six weeks Dr. Gillies was very pleased that my SI was much more stable, though I will be going back for a booster session in a few weeks time to increase chances that it stays that way.<br />
<br />
Throughout the course of prolotherapy I was not allowed to do anything that might make the SI shift so that basically meant to activity - no running, no gym work, no hiking, no biking, no swimming. I knew I was getting desperate when I asked if I was allowed to do yoga or not - I'm not sure if I was relieved or not when I was told that that was not allowed either. I was allowed to walk for 2 x 15 minutes day, oh well - at least I could go grocery shopping then! After six weeks of zero activity and much over eating and youtube video watching (I don't have a TV) I was allowed to try a 30 min jog. Man oh man, I can't tell you how terrible that felt. I'm super out of shape right now (but that's the least of my concerns) but everything just hurt - I was tight, tense and my legs were sore to touch. I knew that a lot of this was because I was simply deconditioned to running (or really any movement) and even after a few days of 30 minute shuffles I began to feel a little more human again - my shoulders and back had loosened up and with thanks to the foam roller my legs were beginning to feel a little less like concrete blocks. I wouldn't exactly call it progress but I was getting back to not feeling much worse than before the prolotherapy so that was a positive.<br />
<br />
My doctor has been checking my SI most weeks since the completion of the six weeks of prolotherapy and so far it is (almost) as good as it was right after prolotherapy, despite a slight increase in activity. So far I have been allowed to try some easy hiking, easy cycling and easy runs, all wearing an SI belt as an insurance policy to hold the SI in place. There's nothing better than wearing a tight band around your hips when you already feel pretty chunky ;) But the basic problem remains that my left leg just doesn't work like my right leg does. This is pretty darn frustrating as I was hoping either the prolo or the six weeks of total rest would really help (and I wasn't too fussy which would help, so long as one did). Don't get me wrong, having a stable SI is pretty much essential for an ultra runner, but getting that tightened up has not really resolved the underlying issues of my original injury at all. The original pain in my groin of a year ago is not there (for now) but my adductor is constantly overworked, my left glute refuses to do any work and since around Christmas time my hamstrings have been shouting and so far have not piped down much. Of course with being injured for this long it becomes pretty obvious that it's unlikely fixing one thing will solve the puzzle or that the puzzle will be solved overnight - there are many components at play and it's trying to get them all lined up at the same time that is proving the tricky part.<br />
<br />
For now I am running a small amount every other day. I really have to emphasize that it is a little - so far 8km/ 5 miles is a long run for me and I don't plan going over that sort of distance any time soon. It's not pain free but it's tolerable and it's keeping me sane - some folks might under estimate that but if a short jog is only slightly uncomfy but keeps my overall body feeling ok and gives me 30 minutes of enjoyment then I feel that is important. For now, SI stability permitting, I'm easing in some other activities to try just maintain my minimal fitness and to get outside, these privileges will be revoked by my doctor at anytime she feels my SI is getting worse. I've been a little scared off strength work for now (a gym incident in January truly showed that my body was fragile) but I'd like to get back at that when I can as I know I have lost pretty much any strength I had, but that's what six weeks of lying on the sofa on the back of 10 months of curtailed activity does to you.<br />
<br />
I'll be seeing, yet another, physio next week to check out a new angle and I'm waiting to get an MRI (which could be a few months) just to double check the hip area again (I had one back in July but worth re-checking and this should be a contrast MRI which can show more detail). I made two goals at the start of the year - 1, that by December I hope to have run a 10k race (I don't care how slow but at a proper race effort) and 2, that by December I would also run a local trail route that's about 15kms (Headwaters to Norvan Falls for any locals reading). Now we're in mid-April I'm not sure if these are realstic goals but there's still a few months to start making progress.<br />
<br />
At this stage I am truly grateful for both my sponsors and the medical folks who have helped me along the way. I am also super proud and grateful to my coaching clients - I currently have about 35 clients all over the world training for anything from a half marathon to a 200 mile race, I absolutely love my <a href="http://www.sharmanultra.com/about-us">coaching work</a> and it's always a pleasure to help guide folks to achieve their dreams and personal goals. Whilst my own personal running goals might be on hold for now, I'll never tire of talking about running and helping others to weave their running ambitions around family commitments, busy jobs and sometimes far from ideal training grounds.<br />
<br />
Special thanks go to:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/">Salomon Running</a><br />
<a href="http://CLIF bar">CLIF bar</a><br />
<a href="http://www.drymaxsports.com/">Drymax Socks</a><br />
<a href="https://sundogeyewear.com/">Sundog Eyewear</a><br />
<a href="http://www.florahealth.com/home_ca.cfm">Flora Health</a><br />
<a href="http://suunto.com/">Suunto</a><br />
<br />
and<br />
<br />
Dr. Jim Bovard (he says he's getting stubborn, I'm glad because I sometimes feel like giving up).<br />
Dr. Jean Gillies (prolo treatment)<br />
Bobby Crudo RMT (especially for saving me at 4pm on a Friday when my SI gave out in the gym that morning).<br />
Chris Napier, Marylou Lamy, Carolyn Bliss (physios)<br />
<a href="http://uhanperformance.com/">Joe Uhan (physio and gait analysis)</a><br />
<br />
Happy trails,<br />
Ellie<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbP0gddMR7Q9FnHTJAsf2VhYPJ0ADZet9hP18vTbhilIznUaR1H4keEFq93ju4yB4hcVLj0h7nSrPkXYZHktJNsqkw5tBR4ImzQlvpHAQKfjDt6cdAIWK1SpklTVCWLDg1npsYPUPtCLc/s1600/17352349_1493305924015664_3918253500588262483_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbP0gddMR7Q9FnHTJAsf2VhYPJ0ADZet9hP18vTbhilIznUaR1H4keEFq93ju4yB4hcVLj0h7nSrPkXYZHktJNsqkw5tBR4ImzQlvpHAQKfjDt6cdAIWK1SpklTVCWLDg1npsYPUPtCLc/s320/17352349_1493305924015664_3918253500588262483_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I helped iRunFar with race coverage at Chuckanut 50k. It was a fast and furious race to watch!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPJmPU-SDOB80Kv8NM91nNEE55YmagCg1gW2VbG4tCoqX3kRWufoVgv1ReFgav1chwzFfvZ46rbY3nbJlVL9sjiWciRCJ5Vao3cYuQHj9wz8tcHmevHn6aMxVoSWy_foP2puhNSu5nSaM/s1600/17523470_1520397481306508_9071647168807418246_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPJmPU-SDOB80Kv8NM91nNEE55YmagCg1gW2VbG4tCoqX3kRWufoVgv1ReFgav1chwzFfvZ46rbY3nbJlVL9sjiWciRCJ5Vao3cYuQHj9wz8tcHmevHn6aMxVoSWy_foP2puhNSu5nSaM/s320/17523470_1520397481306508_9071647168807418246_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking in the rain.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLAzB6ftIifbLH9Zi47XBdqqiPuYtsTTaJkt5ZwYWj-QKlB1zyNRB2PFFFEb0AlqxtToTYWd9RyqlbI2JqGGY5H7BjRpd3E0ivDYH7-KrygGMChsIaKQvHuCGRkUe4ZK0Nb8IfVxrQRGii/s1600/17626536_1504018982944358_5628090520099362853_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLAzB6ftIifbLH9Zi47XBdqqiPuYtsTTaJkt5ZwYWj-QKlB1zyNRB2PFFFEb0AlqxtToTYWd9RyqlbI2JqGGY5H7BjRpd3E0ivDYH7-KrygGMChsIaKQvHuCGRkUe4ZK0Nb8IfVxrQRGii/s320/17626536_1504018982944358_5628090520099362853_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">25% off sunnies til end of April!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-SUMTo2sBkONTPKw42dOhPqZWj5uizeuOyGYeYbLoDuxqRqvLXutp7IyXpAo3St7jz6aUUKFmEzkG9byMmfG_qJegdTRqS_M0s_MPaPyXCvWKw024MBeW8p2HRq2b7pkNs86Gr_Z02NU/s1600/17795746_1513796008633322_2691259517330403091_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-SUMTo2sBkONTPKw42dOhPqZWj5uizeuOyGYeYbLoDuxqRqvLXutp7IyXpAo3St7jz6aUUKFmEzkG9byMmfG_qJegdTRqS_M0s_MPaPyXCvWKw024MBeW8p2HRq2b7pkNs86Gr_Z02NU/s320/17795746_1513796008633322_2691259517330403091_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's not really been great cycling weather but hoping for more sun for more skinny tyre miles.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqvBneuSGiIp4mIDKFG9Ro3cD_DBfNJUaJ9-cq7Tm1_s2BlbAZeIVArsjdVsEfHRt0AloyE2Ic063iZtb6EG6BF-RprhMpkZApim_Z29HOn5ZY6N6Vtd888UZAFlebiOq-ir9HN_9KZP5/s1600/17800492_1516062961739960_1358327118886195399_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqvBneuSGiIp4mIDKFG9Ro3cD_DBfNJUaJ9-cq7Tm1_s2BlbAZeIVArsjdVsEfHRt0AloyE2Ic063iZtb6EG6BF-RprhMpkZApim_Z29HOn5ZY6N6Vtd888UZAFlebiOq-ir9HN_9KZP5/s320/17800492_1516062961739960_1358327118886195399_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun times hanging out with CLIF bar in Whistler.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62ts1TIak9njjjB5MPS0LQCpSdVD9MyzL8NwTMmkkeytn3Ehm9_fENAiusmz9cG4xRB1BglGHk9bwS9vCCPtxAQ1GzHNdWHiuHMN2WM-rnjqlwV3urduScI_Q0xoEM5k9YxyH6ZQ4APEM/s1600/17903554_1517090508303872_7211411407303031425_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62ts1TIak9njjjB5MPS0LQCpSdVD9MyzL8NwTMmkkeytn3Ehm9_fENAiusmz9cG4xRB1BglGHk9bwS9vCCPtxAQ1GzHNdWHiuHMN2WM-rnjqlwV3urduScI_Q0xoEM5k9YxyH6ZQ4APEM/s320/17903554_1517090508303872_7211411407303031425_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail conditions in North Van, April 10th.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Ellie Greenwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053246362407725539noreply@blogger.com52tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255787720146163342.post-3377740008523645832017-03-13T14:10:00.000-07:002017-03-14T08:43:41.293-07:00And the slow train rolls on ...<style>
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<b>Month One.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>OMG I
cannot do my favorite race that I have trained for months for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>OMG I am in such great fitness and this is
the worst thing ever that I’ve got injured a month before my key race of the
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, so sad.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Month Two.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ok, this
injury is really dragging on longer than I’d like, ack – it’s worse than I’d
previously thought but ok, I’ll be back running 100% in a few weeks time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No problem.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking in North Van.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Month Three.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hmm,
this next race is looking questionable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I mean maybe still doable, I’ve been cross training a lot and I’m making
some progress so maybe I can do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Think positive, think positive!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Month Four.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>This is
gosh darn ridiculous!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean I’m an
ultrarunner and I’ve just had to pull out of a 23km race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since when can I not run for two hours
without getting injured?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ok, ok, more
cross training it is.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slow miles, sore ass.</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Month Five.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
making some progress, I mean maybe just a little but surely I’m getting
there!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s race a 10k road race, let’s
ignore the fact that I’m a trail ultra runner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ack, that 10k race did my leg no good at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fine, let’s scratch next months ultra that a
really wanted to race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Boo hoo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Silly running.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Month Six.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Winter is
so less conducive to cross training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Cycling in the dark and rain in pointless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I so don’t want to go pool running. Fitness
is pointless, I can’t run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fine, fine –
I’ll carry on with more expensive physio, it’s got to help at some point, no?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Month Seven.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ok,
final dream race of the year well and truly scratched.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I give up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>100%, I’m done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How long can you
do without running properly and still call yourself a runner?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘Cause I sure as anything don’t feel like one
now.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Low impact gym time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Month Eight.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b> </span>No
pressure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The race year is done, the
boat has left the harbor and I well and truly missed the sailing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s ok, everything will turn around in the
New Year next month, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>New Year, no injuries, new races to aim for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will do this!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Month Nine.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How come
it’s January and I’m still injured.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Has
anyone every told you how unmotivating physio exercises are after nine full
months?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure, different physios,
different exercises, same result.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2016 was my worst year of running by far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An injury struck at the worst time, right
before a key race, a race I love with a passion and that I had trained so hard
for, and yet it was taken away from me just moments before the start line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last now ten months, and counting, have been
about constantly adjusting goals to the tides of my injury. It goes without
saying that when you’re used to running 100 miles a week then a pretty big void
is left when your body only seems to want to run for a tiny fraction of the
distance it once did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t get me wrong
– no broken leg, no deathly disease, it ‘just’ seems to be an overuse injury
that steadfastly refuses to go away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
have been many a time where I say, ‘fine, I give up, I’m done’ but then I get
out for a short run and I love the crunch of gravel under my feet, the fresh
air on my cheeks, the sounds of nothing but the rustling trees and my breath,
and I daydream of races of past and I want to be back there and know I can’t
give up the hope of getting there just yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s not just the races I miss (which of course I do), I miss the
structure that daily training brings, I miss chasing my friends at club
workouts and I miss those familiar trails and those mountain views that, for
now, seem like a distant memory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right
now I don’t class myself as a runner and whilst the memories of past running
often seem more like a dream, I want to chase that dream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hate the physio exercises and the mind
numbing cross training but you know what?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I didn’t win Western States and Comrades by giving up, and I’m not
giving up on this nightmarish injury ultra just yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why? Because I want to be that 70 year old lady
that still runs around the neighborhood and shows up at local races.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure, a few more competitive ultras before
then would be nice too, but for now – I just want to run.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3aX9WMiwRP0l31EbnSED_gwOt4PWL5VlTu8mMvUHToLaOu6XSsTQNXuReSvpSneBiKkOXoYSSMc4tvShDJICBqejjw0vjNKkkZu6-OKLzT0cJRK8KSm6MzOKBCP6LmZkQS4OGLBHb9upC/s1600/IMG_5729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3aX9WMiwRP0l31EbnSED_gwOt4PWL5VlTu8mMvUHToLaOu6XSsTQNXuReSvpSneBiKkOXoYSSMc4tvShDJICBqejjw0vjNKkkZu6-OKLzT0cJRK8KSm6MzOKBCP6LmZkQS4OGLBHb9upC/s320/IMG_5729.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One step forward, and hopefully not two steps back.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Ellie Greenwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053246362407725539noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255787720146163342.post-84490536784898845382016-12-05T12:47:00.001-08:002016-12-05T12:47:22.054-08:007 months and countingGood lord, I could have almost produced another human life in the amount of time that I have been injured! Seven months and counting since that fateful day where I went for a totally normal run and thought, 'hmm, that's an odd pain in my groin'. There has been a serious lack of blog posts since then as by and large I reserve my blog posts for race summaries and recaps and other than one 10k race and a 3km/ 800m hill climb (both in September, both for fun) there has been no racing in recent months. But I guess I am due to post an update.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYY_ZYXyaASokkLc2RotEQ548igqxgZwWnxlHaYUNGSKArOczaogLPMVZIf3D2ghismZTWNme2fug_GCCjsSw4zc0IfdGa996g_pVR6irszr8GOABGykvv9SH6RS5aAPickAQlHqL4nCEY/s1600/14310450_1302248783121380_6217858760666911255_o-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYY_ZYXyaASokkLc2RotEQ548igqxgZwWnxlHaYUNGSKArOczaogLPMVZIf3D2ghismZTWNme2fug_GCCjsSw4zc0IfdGa996g_pVR6irszr8GOABGykvv9SH6RS5aAPickAQlHqL4nCEY/s320/14310450_1302248783121380_6217858760666911255_o-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10k race in September with taped leg that didn't feel great afterwards.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So what's the injury? Ah ha! The million dollar question! I don't know. Yes, that's right - after seven months of weekly Dr and physio visits there is still no real definite answer to this. At various times, sometimes simultaneously and sometimes in seemingly random rotation, I've had groin pain, adductor pain, inner quad pain and knee pain. Am I incapacitated and in agony? No. Can I run without discomfort and normal volume? No. My longest run since BMO Vancouver marathon in May is about 22km. I used to run more than that day in day out. Maybe that's the problem, maybe I've just run out of miles in my legs? I don't know and I kind of doubt it, but many days I believe that. I've had some 80 - 100km weeks with only annoying discomfort but I've never had a stretch of pain free running and certainly never got anywhere close to my previous usual of 160kms or so per week. It's like my body has just decided to quit running. I've recently taken a week off and then tried 3 x 30 to 40 min jogs over the space of 5 days, I've still got niggling pains.<br />
<br />
I don't want to make this a pity party and nor do I want to use Dave Mackey as a benchmark for everything, but let's just say - I've not had to have a leg amputated. Yes, Dave has and if you don't know him and need some perspective on life, then <a href="http://running.competitor.com/2016/10/news/trail-runner-dave-mackey-decides-to-amputate-injured-left-leg_157809">read this</a>. We're cheering for you all the way Mr. Mackey! He's just going about life being himself but he doesn't need to do anything else to be hugely inspiring - both in past years and now.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZh0DMeD3muvofPmcLvgDbxHxBLxnEWZ3GqqIw0PgZFRaX4snCpbefACX9Zr2K0mDzENDZuWXXdV7i1ls0doxlBhJy70TdNJVKh8zZXP-u9D1ugb9bshoUSAjz_mGqvZxpUnmo_JXk9k3N/s1600/with+dave+mackey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZh0DMeD3muvofPmcLvgDbxHxBLxnEWZ3GqqIw0PgZFRaX4snCpbefACX9Zr2K0mDzENDZuWXXdV7i1ls0doxlBhJy70TdNJVKh8zZXP-u9D1ugb9bshoUSAjz_mGqvZxpUnmo_JXk9k3N/s320/with+dave+mackey.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave and I, American River 50, 2011?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Needless to say I have zero race plans for 2017. I cannot plan when I cannot go for regular runs pain free. If I can get to moderate volume and pain free I'll toe a line and happily run mid pack, but I'm not there yet. Besides, ultra race plans can become tricky when you have zero qualifiers for an awful lot of races. I've got an invite for a half marathon in February, I would like to run that but realise that it likely won't happen. My oh my, and to think I used to run ultras.<br />
<br />
Most of all this is a post to update but also give out some thank yous and hugs. I have seen many medical professionals who have gone above and beyond to try fix me. <a href="https://sportmedbc.com/clinic/dr-jim-bovard">Dr. Jim Bovard</a> does not give up and that is a very valuable quality in a sport medicine Dr because there are times that the athlete wants to give up. He hasn't let me. I've seen three highly qualified physios - <a href="http://restorephysiotherapy.ca/">Chris Napier</a>, <a href="http://bcphysio.org/marilou-lamy">Marilou Lamy</a> and <a href="http://www.trimetricsphysio.com/about/our-people/carolyn-bliss/">Carolyn Bliss</a>. The sort of physios who see you in their own home on their day off or lend you their own personal core shorts to see if they can help. More recently I have also seen <a href="http://medicine.med.ubc.ca/profiles/jean-h-gillies/">Dr. Jean Gillies</a> who examined me from head to foot and had to show me how to get out of her building when it was all locked up as the appointment had gone way beyond clinic hours. It's back to more physio tomorrow to look at a slightly new angle.<br />
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More thank yous should go to my sponsors: <a href="http://salomon.com/">Salomon</a>, <a href="http://salomon.com/">Clif Bar</a>, <a href="http://drymaxsports.com/">Drymax Socks</a>, <a href="http://drymaxsports.com/">Flora Health</a> and <a href="https://sundogeyewear.com/">Sundog Eyewear.</a> I would understand if any one of them dropped me as ultimately I was signed to represent them through running and racing, something I'm not doing an awful lot of right now, but they are still here with me and I truly appreciate that.<br />
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A huge thank you should also go to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/peakpowerathleteics/">Michelle Ford</a>. Michelle is a friend and personal trainer who I have worked with since the start of this year (pre-injury). She's challenged me with tough but fun workouts and modified things when needed to work around the various aches and pains. I might not be running fit right now but I am decently strong thanks to Michelle.<br />
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The hugs should go to Abby Zoomer and Anne-Marie Madden. AZ tolerated a very slow cyclist over the summer months and now the snow has started to fall, we've had some fun snowshoe hiking adventures at a less than brisk pace. Dr. AMM is not only a very smart Doc but most importantly she is a very good friend who is there for advice, hiking and runs when I feel able to try that, despite having a very busy schedule of her own. Thank you you two for being awesome!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxsgB11tIr5N4iE6w-AhdVBV2SzYgxr0IgqZ0EG6UBJveKmD9owU14cyYmjTqnjnrj03XWm6XBz040Y0ZY-XpcGIsuTLEoQmZqi08IbJxk8LTjQR6P5DLaALXsRyFfec2BTI3xWAZiAtu/s1600/15056252_1355510481128543_3253164212713187178_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxsgB11tIr5N4iE6w-AhdVBV2SzYgxr0IgqZ0EG6UBJveKmD9owU14cyYmjTqnjnrj03XWm6XBz040Y0ZY-XpcGIsuTLEoQmZqi08IbJxk8LTjQR6P5DLaALXsRyFfec2BTI3xWAZiAtu/s320/15056252_1355510481128543_3253164212713187178_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My longest and most fun run since May with two superstars :)</td></tr>
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I would say roll on 2017 but who knows what 2017 will bring. But I will wish you all a super time over the holiday season and good luck in your races for next year (especially to my super Sharman Ultra Coaching clients who have made me very proud with some excellent results this year!).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-nktZmA-6FNpucybPNfEKmkn5qZ3vgFGcsT1mMD5Cg0XX-AkhSstJDQ-kBZrujGIRwidbQ65La-nHsmYo6EWvfn4rljPJf7uWJmNGMNarLeeviFbeLZWXRDv8xZFWBYvd3xlXd-jKxW8v/s1600/12938355_1187553531257573_8855834863981993002_n-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-nktZmA-6FNpucybPNfEKmkn5qZ3vgFGcsT1mMD5Cg0XX-AkhSstJDQ-kBZrujGIRwidbQ65La-nHsmYo6EWvfn4rljPJf7uWJmNGMNarLeeviFbeLZWXRDv8xZFWBYvd3xlXd-jKxW8v/s320/12938355_1187553531257573_8855834863981993002_n-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As I coach online it's always fun to meet clients in person rather than on Skype. With Steve in The Lakes, April 2016.</td></tr>
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<br />Ellie Greenwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053246362407725539noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255787720146163342.post-28921860704275446252016-10-14T11:24:00.001-07:002016-10-14T11:24:43.807-07:00Team Red White & Blue Trail Running Camp<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFd-cF6KvzSNBofvIJaCnsW9zrHo5-4sGqZ3PM6ledynrylrmlQssQJHgoD24_2coNFbYB3-l-UDKrft0_HNQkV_i3iF6xFxDGdIz54tWipkFs6SgqhJP8Wq19tJeE7sDSHhZuWCnKR5C/s1600/2016-10-08+10.24.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFd-cF6KvzSNBofvIJaCnsW9zrHo5-4sGqZ3PM6ledynrylrmlQssQJHgoD24_2coNFbYB3-l-UDKrft0_HNQkV_i3iF6xFxDGdIz54tWipkFs6SgqhJP8Wq19tJeE7sDSHhZuWCnKR5C/s320/2016-10-08+10.24.48.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liza demonstrating how to deal with problems on the trail ... problems are always more manageable when wearing an octopus hat:)</td></tr>
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This past weekend I had the honour in attending the Team Red White & Blue trail running camp in Rocksprings, Texas. I was lucky enough to be asked to take part by fellow <a href="http://www.sharmanultra.com/">Sharman Ultra</a> coach, <a href="http://www.lizahoward.com/">Liza Howard</a> who is one of the main organsiers behind this annual camp - she assured me that I didn't need to do much other than show up, be enthusiastic and chat trail running - well, I think I could manage that!<br />
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As explained on their<a href="http://trailrunningcamp.org/"> website</a> the Team RWB trail running camp is 'a camp of learning about the sport of trail running and the joys of the
active life. A camp to help veterans reintegrate and reconnect with the
civilian life. A camp to showcase community, compassion, and the
connectivity of all of us'. As someone who is neither American nor at all involved with the military it was a little step into the unknown for me, but as soon as we arrived at Camp Eagle (some two hours drive outside of San Antonio, TX) I knew it would be a super weekend. The camp was pretty much in the middle of nowhere and yet we had all that we needed - comfortable bunk cabins, great food and plenty of trails to explore, and a somewhat unreliable wifi connection to ensure we could stay connected with the outside world when needs be, but on a very minimal basis. Perfect.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW4bjRdlUE6qdggTEdTxanj8Lh6PmyFj1Aa80mCa5Y4R58AyBfe7vybCMp7MzbNJ9HJI9ZlPp0m2np6gK5KqqcL-4QVM4HS6QW3TT7W9bHrKOKP4VsC4fpo90PV636eUOK1dTncWR5w7Ez/s1600/2016-10-09+10.28.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW4bjRdlUE6qdggTEdTxanj8Lh6PmyFj1Aa80mCa5Y4R58AyBfe7vybCMp7MzbNJ9HJI9ZlPp0m2np6gK5KqqcL-4QVM4HS6QW3TT7W9bHrKOKP4VsC4fpo90PV636eUOK1dTncWR5w7Ez/s320/2016-10-09+10.28.56.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris - friendly giant and group B leader - educating our pack mid trail.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2bav67PQccKVWamn0E_pkvrFUz_74JI6QW_zGCQ6n9_MG4CdutSr9rqex6LGI5ouxs7fsKV48zgT-eTM17Cf2H5zAisR0ujM06mJfUIvoDUGzWvMyVid0dmaz8hMZJFV23cJotF41OzeB/s1600/2016-10-09+07.42.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2bav67PQccKVWamn0E_pkvrFUz_74JI6QW_zGCQ6n9_MG4CdutSr9rqex6LGI5ouxs7fsKV48zgT-eTM17Cf2H5zAisR0ujM06mJfUIvoDUGzWvMyVid0dmaz8hMZJFV23cJotF41OzeB/s320/2016-10-09+07.42.47.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Discussing trail techniques on the run.</td></tr>
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The campers and mentors were split into 4 groups based in running ability, but there were plenty of times throughout the weekend that the groups mixed so it never felt that we were divided based on how fast or how 'good' a runner you were. I was with group B (purple power!) - runners who had some running and likely trail experience but certainly not folks who were big time ultra runners. Sure some had run a few 50ks or so, but had maybe then taken a break, or some had never put their running shoes on a trail but were quite experienced road runners. It was such a delight to see folks learn about technical trail running skills, tentatively jog down a rocky trail and then most of all see their smiles at the end of each day as they slowly learned more and more and gained confidence with what they could do. But just as much time was spent in workshops as on the trail - how to run downhill, how to run uphill, nutrition for running, strength training, and so the list goes on. More often than not I felt like I was the one learning too, through great discussions and presentations with experts like Liza Howard, Alison & Jason Bryant, Meredith Terranova, Joe Uhan and others. Of course, it is never possible to cover everything over the space of three days but certainly the camp equipped participants with the basic knowledge and tools to take back to their own regional chapters of Team RWB.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWH3QW_ul7hm44W6Yk81BiTo_FUjJwLkIOclpBEGHBymi3FH5XrhfN5bZRtUCOuDCr2C2oxAC9F5NzOAWbYnZOUMlDzm8rfRKOp1CvlsQ8cbf5ig5eUqpbu5L-fghm36BZj9pWu_T-T_8t/s1600/2016-10-09+07.54.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWH3QW_ul7hm44W6Yk81BiTo_FUjJwLkIOclpBEGHBymi3FH5XrhfN5bZRtUCOuDCr2C2oxAC9F5NzOAWbYnZOUMlDzm8rfRKOp1CvlsQ8cbf5ig5eUqpbu5L-fghm36BZj9pWu_T-T_8t/s320/2016-10-09+07.54.09.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt Hart and Mike Ehredt, camp mentors, leading the pack.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2DbfgTaQ2gzgBI0a2DqCKkbTPt_MSMOQKeIUoGUCYYWES0G6bxQq8AntuJIIHbNULTBzh2uofpO6vliltM4N8Au8DVve-Btq7kL7XK5GbuUOZrsCjCiAL65d4JDCauE4WVqU6KTgbjVhV/s1600/2016-10-09+10.56.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2DbfgTaQ2gzgBI0a2DqCKkbTPt_MSMOQKeIUoGUCYYWES0G6bxQq8AntuJIIHbNULTBzh2uofpO6vliltM4N8Au8DVve-Btq7kL7XK5GbuUOZrsCjCiAL65d4JDCauE4WVqU6KTgbjVhV/s320/2016-10-09+10.56.19.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Google this man. Mike Ehredt. He's run the length and breadth of the USA ... and planted a flag every mile to commemorate those lost in Iraq and Afghanistan. He's a super person too.</td></tr>
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The whole experience has certainly 'sold' me on the Team RWB concept - such a great community! It also showed me the value of trail running camps in general. Whilst there are numerous books out there, websites to read and races to run, nothing can quite replace that hands on experience of just hanging out with a bunch of runners all weekend. In North Vancouver, where I live, I think that runners can often be spoiled with the access to training groups, trail running clinics etc but many folks live in parts of the country where there is not such a strong and established trail running community, and for runners like those especially a camp like Team RWB trail running camp is invaluable to aquire skills, make connections and inspire each other to reach for bigger goals<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWkj4rtmfSHMAsSkBKdx27KrJ8WyBQAemiRnh4QOJoxOfP4Fn8oEzptrd-K9knoP5IkFMuAPMrvKSNOFJSNFclG7Dibp944rchyTu-wuu6YTHB2OPygbLUA52ZByPs5kVUFglDzyAGQZC/s1600/2016-10-09+11.00.33-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWkj4rtmfSHMAsSkBKdx27KrJ8WyBQAemiRnh4QOJoxOfP4Fn8oEzptrd-K9knoP5IkFMuAPMrvKSNOFJSNFclG7Dibp944rchyTu-wuu6YTHB2OPygbLUA52ZByPs5kVUFglDzyAGQZC/s320/2016-10-09+11.00.33-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We all made it down that trail ... with no spills!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_HI7s3Uvd2zWonmRMuYZKhC2QJ3lcywDELiEk4N2UQWjdjDJOACL_QNs4Z4Rj8h81-85Hjp4xnYS4MsHcMursFzLegsG0RnHP6cYIULbBW7g7vf99w6aks-4cFDheTRhFE3-YAsYhGj0/s1600/2016-10-10+10.33.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_HI7s3Uvd2zWonmRMuYZKhC2QJ3lcywDELiEk4N2UQWjdjDJOACL_QNs4Z4Rj8h81-85Hjp4xnYS4MsHcMursFzLegsG0RnHP6cYIULbBW7g7vf99w6aks-4cFDheTRhFE3-YAsYhGj0/s320/2016-10-10+10.33.02.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final morning run, a chance to say goodbye to some super trails and some super people.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebWG09i5HiW7JLwiBlxqcYuSI4xgfcdNzHzCJP-R9Uhe08qsTceRuHYAZlgbVYIxzjyz_r2vwc8uizEknR98UGOrwFVAq80KDvmMmkVvFbebm_eK1Li6dku9BfXl_Bn2I5xH9t7YNEcj_/s1600/2016-10-10+10.33.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebWG09i5HiW7JLwiBlxqcYuSI4xgfcdNzHzCJP-R9Uhe08qsTceRuHYAZlgbVYIxzjyz_r2vwc8uizEknR98UGOrwFVAq80KDvmMmkVvFbebm_eK1Li6dku9BfXl_Bn2I5xH9t7YNEcj_/s320/2016-10-10+10.33.41.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Camp Eagle in Texas Hill Country</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNxzZ1zQIRrOblH4Qd2yv0S-Oh7th522suRXwPHPrM0AimesS2TARGGOv5jd0ybfWw5D5Dkj75msnti9hqB-p78qdqQNhPcIeleowBnPD1eBKY21po4yDsoMMLWjcRXdf3v-VBTWw89uk/s1600/2016-10-11+00.16.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNxzZ1zQIRrOblH4Qd2yv0S-Oh7th522suRXwPHPrM0AimesS2TARGGOv5jd0ybfWw5D5Dkj75msnti9hqB-p78qdqQNhPcIeleowBnPD1eBKY21po4yDsoMMLWjcRXdf3v-VBTWw89uk/s320/2016-10-11+00.16.46.jpg" width="189" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is BAD running form ... drop those shoulders, Ellie! But the trail was a treat.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmwIRXd4nmpy8qiQyX4RPLzi3cUouZcWD_jBbRtxLO6GsfUaLvKfUUgm4IkjS_aCn4G37BRH3z73MtBX9_lScktJsKErcVnJv1DcSE8aU-5nxnU9GiJn-XOlxFj2tHvT6HrvA_vZudPRN/s1600/2016-10-10+10.29.20-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmwIRXd4nmpy8qiQyX4RPLzi3cUouZcWD_jBbRtxLO6GsfUaLvKfUUgm4IkjS_aCn4G37BRH3z73MtBX9_lScktJsKErcVnJv1DcSE8aU-5nxnU9GiJn-XOlxFj2tHvT6HrvA_vZudPRN/s320/2016-10-10+10.29.20-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With fellow Sharman Ultra coaches and camp mentors, Sean Meissner and Liza Howard.</td></tr>
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<br />Ellie Greenwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053246362407725539noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255787720146163342.post-75213320885707652512016-06-02T20:04:00.001-07:002016-06-02T20:10:07.266-07:00Dreams are made to be broken.I remember the night of the workout. It was my usual weekly <a href="http://www.vfac.ca/">VFAC </a>trail interval session on a Thursday evening in Stanley Park. It was late April and so the light was lasting a little longer and the weather was getting a little more enjoyable, and certainly far better than the winter months where we hammer our way through fast interval sets in the pitch black and all too often pouring rain. I'd started to have a few decent workouts and that week I just rocked up as normal, put my head down and tried to hang onto the t-shirt tails of my club mates as we stormed our way through the undulating ups and downs of the repeats. It's the highlight of my week. The first repeat was fast, the second was really fast, the third ... well I slowed a little but wow, I felt strong, I felt fit and I could tell by whom I was keeping up to that I was fast. Later than evening I was tucked up in bed with tea and Coach John texted, 'that was by FAR your best workout ever'. I've been a member of VFAC for eight years. I wasn't excited that this was 5 1/2 weeks pre-Comrades, I was just excited about that workout. Man, it was fun.<br />
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Ten days later I ran <a href="http://www.bmovanmarathon.ca/">BMO Vancouver Marathon</a> is 2:45 something. I fielded messages of congrats from friends in person and online - 'wow, so fast!', 'top Canadian!', '3rd woman!'. I'd politely say 'thank you' but honesty I was disappointed with my race. Maybe I'd though I was fitter than I was? Maybe I'd set my targets too high? Even although BMO was not a goal race in itself and just meant to be a hard long run fours weeks before <a href="http://www.comrades.com/">Comrades </a>I was convinced that with the shape I was in that a 2:45 marathon should have felt far easier than that did. It was honestly one of my roughest marathons ever, but I chalked it down to lack of proper taper, took a day off and then started to ease back into running ... except I didn't. With each passing day I ran less, I hobbled more and the pain would move variously from SI to hip to quad to adductor to knee. At least it kept my physio, Chris Napier, busy and so he would work away and squeeze me in for one extra visit after another. In between I hit the bike hard and the BCMC (an 800m hike over 2.5k with gondola ride down) like it was my second home. I kept on top of yoga and strength work (which I had diligently done two times a week each since early January, you know ... to help avoid injury) and the day I was due to fly out to Africa I saw Chris, I was pain free so he suggested a 20 minute confidence boosting run. It shattered my dreams - I got on the plane limping that evening because I'd run for 20 mins at a 5 min/ km.<br />
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And so that is a brief story of what led me not to be at the start line of my most favourite race in the World. I continued with thorough physio and short run/ hobbles when in South Africa but when the Nedbank manager, Nick Bester, phoned me 6 days before the race I heard the words come out of my mouth 'I definiltey can't race on Sunday'. I felt uneasy with those words as by then I was walking pain free, so to be sure I ran 3 loops of the perimeter of the safari camp we were staying at at 5am the next day - well, no - I once again hobbled the 4k that made up those 3 loops with odd looks from German tourists and finally gave up hope.<br />
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As of now I still have no idea what really the issue is. I will be seeing my sports medicine doctor tomorrow and physio Chris again on Monday to really try delve deep into what is going on. I have not run in 8 days and will try a short jog tomorrow before going to see the doctor to be sure the pain is still there - I know it will be, I mean I stepped sideways to avoid someone opening a door into my face the other day and even that wrenched the hip flexor. Don't get me wrong, it's not agonising pain but it's enough to make me run with even worse form than I normally do and to want to turn up my music to try distract me from the discomfort.<br />
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Anyone who knows me knows The Comrades means the world to me. Last year, after the bike accident and interrupted training, I placed a disappointing 6th. I was under no illusions that I would win again this year - sure, I would do my darn hardest to try - but more than anything I just wanted to improve on that 6th place. Who knew that looking back now I'd have been gosh delighted with 6th this year, heck - if I'd had just made it to the finish line that would have been better than not starting at all.<br />
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Who knows when I'll get back on track, I hope it's sooner rather than later as fundamentally I don't think this is a serious issue - it just needs the right treatment and adjustments and rehab work. There are of course more races I'd had on my calendar for this year so hopefully I can be ready for those.<br />
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With huge thanks to:<br />
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- Chris Napier of <a href="http://restorephysiotherapy.ca/">Restore Physiotherapy</a><br />
- Nick Bester of <a href="http://www.nedbankrunningclub.co.za/">Nedbank Running Club</a> (for making me useful over the Comrades weekend).<br />
- Gillian James - Sports Scientist in White River, South Africa.<br />
- My sponsors - <a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/">Salomon</a>, <a href="https://sundogeyewear.com/">Sundog</a>, <a href="http://www.clifbar.com/">Clif Bar</a>, <a href="http://www.drymaxsports.com/">Drymax</a>, <a href="http://www.florahealth.com/home_ca.cfm">Flora</a> - I hope I can be back toeing the line for you all soon.<br />
- <a href="https://www.facebook.com/max.king.9828/?fref=ts">Max King</a> - my sounding board who so very tried to keep me on track with my training. <br />
- My friends and family.<br />
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Happy trails<br />
x Ellie<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6fNXwqyTbHkDWUAwdl8HqertXKoOIa14fcUf-QTOxXmT6-rv92IfSGRqT9RBJzzKU4wYpD_L1V5WpTfNaSJoTMtSZPx5LV6LrNB-Bxj9xTtP_lI_oNfp0nf4RI45ABFYiJnO1c9X7_kX/s1600/13308575_10156953559795384_5416339633694529496_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6fNXwqyTbHkDWUAwdl8HqertXKoOIa14fcUf-QTOxXmT6-rv92IfSGRqT9RBJzzKU4wYpD_L1V5WpTfNaSJoTMtSZPx5LV6LrNB-Bxj9xTtP_lI_oNfp0nf4RI45ABFYiJnO1c9X7_kX/s320/13308575_10156953559795384_5416339633694529496_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kruger National Park, South Africa.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGuMkuvD2SH6kbq_4e6-BunE1y5kvVcgEd1UNpBC4F5EGM7dFve_AVWuCmlg24fJc31-vpL71cV6T64-NtBuPGGImu0eTS1v07VtSbuDWN3IPldv4-JmR_U2-55X7_u9jnWOa4IMmt_zKZ/s1600/13317069_10154265855471834_5864337391993708197_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGuMkuvD2SH6kbq_4e6-BunE1y5kvVcgEd1UNpBC4F5EGM7dFve_AVWuCmlg24fJc31-vpL71cV6T64-NtBuPGGImu0eTS1v07VtSbuDWN3IPldv4-JmR_U2-55X7_u9jnWOa4IMmt_zKZ/s320/13317069_10154265855471834_5864337391993708197_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the North American Nedbank runners. Cassie, Sarah, Traci, Max & Zach.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh yeah - I helped with the SABC live TV commentary on race day. That was fun! The pros Helen, Bruce and Arnaud at work.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBJciDjWDDnR61sg5JsKjN6uoRcAdPdRrtfbxxIBQF9aJNdGc1nLYnMINMgZnU_Qtu8J5FClVH20_mpB37MxLmkSuOuKoMZ-PbTFHm6WIj56XXsyqfQyUkdoUtyCSSFi_NlB7BAvfiBcv/s1600/13319800_10156953560030384_7835903470018390013_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBJciDjWDDnR61sg5JsKjN6uoRcAdPdRrtfbxxIBQF9aJNdGc1nLYnMINMgZnU_Qtu8J5FClVH20_mpB37MxLmkSuOuKoMZ-PbTFHm6WIj56XXsyqfQyUkdoUtyCSSFi_NlB7BAvfiBcv/s320/13319800_10156953560030384_7835903470018390013_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aha! Maybe it was getting trampled by a rhino that is causing me leg pain!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hippo watching post breakfast with Ma & Pa.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHWApxJxkZ5IUGTYhMSOo4zVugqRpiDe3TnMyBHnZohw7lC62xPDKsKpXjSJgbcb93xoTPiSOQ8KO6Tq-2Fe_rpSHSXeogu4iUeoKP8Y13Kl1FTs_nTC-q0VH3_ZUuOhepuI9Nr-wRhtB/s1600/13332811_10156953572470384_6980809339093341471_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHWApxJxkZ5IUGTYhMSOo4zVugqRpiDe3TnMyBHnZohw7lC62xPDKsKpXjSJgbcb93xoTPiSOQ8KO6Tq-2Fe_rpSHSXeogu4iUeoKP8Y13Kl1FTs_nTC-q0VH3_ZUuOhepuI9Nr-wRhtB/s320/13332811_10156953572470384_6980809339093341471_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the wonderful France, 1992 Comrades winner.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIgJ-mIzM0a5TmPsmEBygiyBLTklEXf3Lg5XWJwQiIWeuaOUFyzr9gnddZs7QHdf80WgOaiC19_oXSTsVb6FjG5LYwiDInneUIjVrNjBijaddq0OHHqeiRys7khjHdTMBxHe6TqwHy1of/s1600/13346992_10156953559705384_7321010731829471355_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIgJ-mIzM0a5TmPsmEBygiyBLTklEXf3Lg5XWJwQiIWeuaOUFyzr9gnddZs7QHdf80WgOaiC19_oXSTsVb6FjG5LYwiDInneUIjVrNjBijaddq0OHHqeiRys7khjHdTMBxHe6TqwHy1of/s320/13346992_10156953559705384_7321010731829471355_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When you are injured it seems everyone around you is running ... even elephants!</td></tr>
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<br />Ellie Greenwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053246362407725539noreply@blogger.com318tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255787720146163342.post-7094347924395024632016-04-14T13:41:00.002-07:002016-04-14T13:43:14.318-07:00Salomon Advanced Week<br />
For quite a few years Salomon has been holding an 'Advanced Week' every April where they get a group of us runners together to spend time with the shoe and apparel designers from Salomon HQ in Annecy, France to talk shop. Well, ok - it's not all talk, it's a good amount of running too - trying out prototype shoes, testing new hydration packs and all in all working together to come up with the best products imaginable for the running market in years to come.<br />
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Last week I was invited to attend Advance Week in sunny Mallorca, Spain, a trip I ultimately didn't make due to a last minute appointment for hard surgery so I did have to laugh when I got the email that this years Advance Week was to be held in the notoriously rainy Lake District, UK. Well, at least it being scheduled in a not so tropical environment would guarantee no bike accidents or injuries this year!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGvxVq5ebXBMwUZtOwMjKzHvvKI894NEckobI00O_MPI19PCZLIKINM3SRAilcBtBr-Ct50gwB6-adS1m5TYop3TQW5DPvnC8Po3jFuux-QxVIDdLtLGM4YHHgfMUJRlw8yQtOzdfhgFV/s1600/IMG_4993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGvxVq5ebXBMwUZtOwMjKzHvvKI894NEckobI00O_MPI19PCZLIKINM3SRAilcBtBr-Ct50gwB6-adS1m5TYop3TQW5DPvnC8Po3jFuux-QxVIDdLtLGM4YHHgfMUJRlw8yQtOzdfhgFV/s320/IMG_4993.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overlooking Keswick.</td></tr>
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Despite originally being from the UK I had spent very little time in the Lake District in the past so it was a real treat to get to stay in Keswick for 6 nights and explore the surrounding fells wearing our trusty Salomons. We had a great community event on the Thursday where folks came out to watch various Salomon Running TV films, listen to Kilian Jornet and Seb Montaz banter about their worldwide mountain adventures together, and then go for a group run where we had about 200 local (and not so local) runners show up on a beautiful sunny spring evening.<br />
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But for me the highlight of the week was taking part in my first <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fell_running">fell race</a> ever. As someone who is a little more acquainted with non-technical ultra running I checked first with one of the local Salomon guys that he didn't think I'd be dead last on the 13k course with 975m of gain that is the Coledale Horseshoe. Matt assured me that I would not be last, which was comforting given the course was unmarked so I was going to need to follow the locals in front! Having spent the week doing more vertical running that I am used to (as well as some sneaky road sessions to keep the regular training up) needless to say the legs were not very fresh for the race on our last day in the area but that didn't matter as the Salomon runners were all there simply to have fun and take part. It was also great to chat with locals, including Phil and Mark who had spent much of their time in the previous few days showing us around their fells (thanks guys) and just be part of a low key, fun community race. I certainly hope it won't be my last fell race and would sign up for another in an instant - if only in Canada they didn't make us stick to marked trails :)<br />
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Overall, I've come away from Advanced Week with sky high motivation and with a clear understanding of why Salomon are in many ways the leaders in the trail running market. Everyone involved with Salomon is passionate and 110% dedicated to what they do. 'Making do' is not an attitude they comprehend, 'making better' is a philosophy they live every day.<br />
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I hope you enjoy some of the photos below which go someway towards showing how spectacular the Lake District is and how fun our week was.<br />
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Happy training.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPgDZfTo-SdEWDSvHY4DyfBgn_LlsGJbKO3bHCuz2uJOvKnRyWCURB6RounHbDboeUhyQ3-vK2WLmoVfPu0ctVe3NuRzQC1pnuQGnnoARMn7Hz7BcupW8FCEDlTd4fCFkq-MtUTszFzBxI/s1600/IMG_4995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPgDZfTo-SdEWDSvHY4DyfBgn_LlsGJbKO3bHCuz2uJOvKnRyWCURB6RounHbDboeUhyQ3-vK2WLmoVfPu0ctVe3NuRzQC1pnuQGnnoARMn7Hz7BcupW8FCEDlTd4fCFkq-MtUTszFzBxI/s320/IMG_4995.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Subtle fell colours on a grey, rainy, hail storm of a day.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC5CQNansfhBQmbunwmgbdLtAhuVR3ixN161pDMExD3WubLOWOei6i5Hu4L4bCPyGD6r-zJC8UL5KXwFGv2Dbv8I28tX-dAf5w4ODa9yFiXJbizgOVBmso0jbWGp3_na5whxaCyH10sQj9/s1600/12938355_1187553531257573_8855834863981993002_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC5CQNansfhBQmbunwmgbdLtAhuVR3ixN161pDMExD3WubLOWOei6i5Hu4L4bCPyGD6r-zJC8UL5KXwFGv2Dbv8I28tX-dAf5w4ODa9yFiXJbizgOVBmso0jbWGp3_na5whxaCyH10sQj9/s320/12938355_1187553531257573_8855834863981993002_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keswick community run with my Sharman Ultra coaching client, Steve.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSWUgxOKQHxGrrnWUk-CLmLbJQljLFS2zhgj9TdJEvbmkj6WwTXrA-uUNyb36dVR-Gw6VZ5bnepG63OlO5MNVUSSw1IGyK7REsO-0muEkn4J6J4tSzotKnm9H-uIy81Gd5kh4yhJfTv9M/s1600/12963773_1187553521257574_4009308000854559920_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSWUgxOKQHxGrrnWUk-CLmLbJQljLFS2zhgj9TdJEvbmkj6WwTXrA-uUNyb36dVR-Gw6VZ5bnepG63OlO5MNVUSSw1IGyK7REsO-0muEkn4J6J4tSzotKnm9H-uIy81Gd5kh4yhJfTv9M/s320/12963773_1187553521257574_4009308000854559920_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even road running is pretty in the Lake District</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgedyZCDY4s1iTQ4Ow1s5fwgCVeDjuPWXVqZiQbowtSR68qJ4pDNJJI5D76gPE7KnIT4mevcwChKnlhPA7LGKhCN_MX6rut_DJhsPQJbL-8d3UsImehu83uHK50cnUwGZYDLdy0zXyAIiJ_/s1600/12974388_1187553474590912_7922346137213626544_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgedyZCDY4s1iTQ4Ow1s5fwgCVeDjuPWXVqZiQbowtSR68qJ4pDNJJI5D76gPE7KnIT4mevcwChKnlhPA7LGKhCN_MX6rut_DJhsPQJbL-8d3UsImehu83uHK50cnUwGZYDLdy0zXyAIiJ_/s320/12974388_1187553474590912_7922346137213626544_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On a closed road these wooly locals were my only road running companions.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5IzzLgWD6kVh7ReAl74QlmtrdDSY17lzNzhxYFsHRSoVgnt7dDYYoF3KjQ505JJVv-JHSF7jshMegQEICDk0lzOHwYVFXxl9beHjSJOI2gaN997P3M5KP_MVqym33Dz_egTAv0TSFlDi/s1600/12986995_1188424674503792_4851266575322902890_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5IzzLgWD6kVh7ReAl74QlmtrdDSY17lzNzhxYFsHRSoVgnt7dDYYoF3KjQ505JJVv-JHSF7jshMegQEICDk0lzOHwYVFXxl9beHjSJOI2gaN997P3M5KP_MVqym33Dz_egTAv0TSFlDi/s320/12986995_1188424674503792_4851266575322902890_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coledale Horseshoe. That was fun! Photo: Philipp Reiter.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUzytdtnKH3i83V38pFfCeMkqWgN6Liilz18jVyhuquv9TuAJkDyqvXJngawu7R-Ol0EY5xkkZizxNS8_9dsg0x0uD7xKGIuxl-6rB0lVgRlx100ozytvvL4taMv-j_dAeQDtHZfb1RSxi/s1600/IMG_5076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUzytdtnKH3i83V38pFfCeMkqWgN6Liilz18jVyhuquv9TuAJkDyqvXJngawu7R-Ol0EY5xkkZizxNS8_9dsg0x0uD7xKGIuxl-6rB0lVgRlx100ozytvvL4taMv-j_dAeQDtHZfb1RSxi/s320/IMG_5076.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mira, Yngvild, myself, Anna and Martina: Team Salomon! Photo: Philipp Reiter</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxE7Aeql1ZTrjgHCAJffMnpydfICmEg649kfVO8pY6BMdjuaiY-vQb2cmItSe-hFoHDRkw7W6fiVcvtLmjQ65AbObChMbWmhPcWy46dG-Bon2r2E7xsenvmtzZpcR_-pJQyzBbVEiDpWAL/s1600/IMG_5080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxE7Aeql1ZTrjgHCAJffMnpydfICmEg649kfVO8pY6BMdjuaiY-vQb2cmItSe-hFoHDRkw7W6fiVcvtLmjQ65AbObChMbWmhPcWy46dG-Bon2r2E7xsenvmtzZpcR_-pJQyzBbVEiDpWAL/s320/IMG_5080.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warming up with Anna. Photo: Philipp Reiter.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbiiIbWC0JXDpDgb-e5vvLL4Vak-YWdq7nsP5zMwKKQV9uqw0h8UbohZ2_glt3q3cZR9oIq5kUCCuQBKUKJTneP9z5CaWpHEJ08B4tFxBwBuHPjp8PMcgmiSaS2ZYMlEFmvuBOikkzsTB/s1600/IMG_5082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbiiIbWC0JXDpDgb-e5vvLL4Vak-YWdq7nsP5zMwKKQV9uqw0h8UbohZ2_glt3q3cZR9oIq5kUCCuQBKUKJTneP9z5CaWpHEJ08B4tFxBwBuHPjp8PMcgmiSaS2ZYMlEFmvuBOikkzsTB/s320/IMG_5082.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Flora team mates, Anna and Max. Photo: Rickey Gates.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTv_JH96bkLQSB4JNbv53WJtOLXUcryPvE2Cg7ikoXsxNS1wyaNdCQSFJCyPG-GK4RE7K0G5EgFdZx4Kwfm6WqwlQR-Y3bH1cd3HLq-IgiR1l6h9dycRMqaJHD5LelMQ0wDfUM5mmLDC3P/s1600/IMG_5086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTv_JH96bkLQSB4JNbv53WJtOLXUcryPvE2Cg7ikoXsxNS1wyaNdCQSFJCyPG-GK4RE7K0G5EgFdZx4Kwfm6WqwlQR-Y3bH1cd3HLq-IgiR1l6h9dycRMqaJHD5LelMQ0wDfUM5mmLDC3P/s320/IMG_5086.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's lot of work to do to improve my fell running skills ;) Photo: Tristan Reid.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_HAW-krat9mIWpbnvXpNrNHQYYdLSMZv2-YZnZq1w6O_NF8Fid6B6GCuuV0Ti4ECbI_wQ8iOUwS-zqPXbdDYtJijGJFyg220VLDhSgC7J7yRwDblTCQopcpOSnTtGcKTXMH_ykuYkGy_/s1600/IMG_5010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_HAW-krat9mIWpbnvXpNrNHQYYdLSMZv2-YZnZq1w6O_NF8Fid6B6GCuuV0Ti4ECbI_wQ8iOUwS-zqPXbdDYtJijGJFyg220VLDhSgC7J7yRwDblTCQopcpOSnTtGcKTXMH_ykuYkGy_/s320/IMG_5010.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks for guiding us around Phil & Mark! With Felix, Greg, Max, Francois and Ryan.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrO1XPhT46fxJz4BhrG0eQlowQB5qs6MnoS_JUs5ZD_3EXj9SySYLAPm1Otks4EtXYqxp4Gd2y5IF1bz1XE1vl8qEts2vq19tQ8TI4Nnm9V_vfu_wWuEaNCE2wdiObvdQY-dqE_NFFKYty/s1600/IMG_5015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrO1XPhT46fxJz4BhrG0eQlowQB5qs6MnoS_JUs5ZD_3EXj9SySYLAPm1Otks4EtXYqxp4Gd2y5IF1bz1XE1vl8qEts2vq19tQ8TI4Nnm9V_vfu_wWuEaNCE2wdiObvdQY-dqE_NFFKYty/s320/IMG_5015.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salomon Keswick community run</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuf59xegiAgtVV7qekCPzYjbOQKhhmXbDsLtiypkY8Unyal7ifljIf7JaDzxZgcYZynvIQn5qcray5mIxTYVv5zITHqceeL2VcPG083caHxC09PxpOJ9o4bqzjv0Rjh77O7jDgOAlXoCLH/s1600/IMG_5016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuf59xegiAgtVV7qekCPzYjbOQKhhmXbDsLtiypkY8Unyal7ifljIf7JaDzxZgcYZynvIQn5qcray5mIxTYVv5zITHqceeL2VcPG083caHxC09PxpOJ9o4bqzjv0Rjh77O7jDgOAlXoCLH/s320/IMG_5016.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Mira Rai, Salomon team mate from Nepal. Check out her new film at www.miraraifilm.com</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRfaIzM36DmWry91nMX5qWf3OO5yQ-yGT84j-RphxaUMNqaI3tXe-Etjy0IhcosEwsVF09VvVFTqfIo0M72Rpha46081aMYawXZLwLuI1dcCWC-XVOy_5jYnOzE9JzIIW3EIqQn2ETong/s1600/IMG_5069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRfaIzM36DmWry91nMX5qWf3OO5yQ-yGT84j-RphxaUMNqaI3tXe-Etjy0IhcosEwsVF09VvVFTqfIo0M72Rpha46081aMYawXZLwLuI1dcCWC-XVOy_5jYnOzE9JzIIW3EIqQn2ETong/s320/IMG_5069.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How's that for a race finish line? Coledale Horseshoe.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDnUO48A7jnxNaFEu8BHCMiXB11B3DYqhq33s3ogPy9BL9_l7RcqfmyE6aAhhQKn7WLk_MK9d7vuju3BzSHvhrmKo5IkYoscaQCgBBUT1lnzDn551NiqUt2Uqd3qILiqiM8J6_2JjZkux/s1600/CfQsmkuWsAQ_oYq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDnUO48A7jnxNaFEu8BHCMiXB11B3DYqhq33s3ogPy9BL9_l7RcqfmyE6aAhhQKn7WLk_MK9d7vuju3BzSHvhrmKo5IkYoscaQCgBBUT1lnzDn551NiqUt2Uqd3qILiqiM8J6_2JjZkux/s320/CfQsmkuWsAQ_oYq.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Max & Micha tagged the fell and then came back down to find this slack asser still working her way up ;)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />Ellie Greenwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053246362407725539noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255787720146163342.post-11562690937775621142016-03-21T11:34:00.000-07:002016-03-21T11:37:44.445-07:00The Chuckanut TraditionThis past weekend I raced <a href="http://chuckanut50krace.com/">Chuckanut 50k</a> in Bellingham, Washington for the 6th time. I am sure this is by far the most times that I have run any one race but it's not without reason. Chuckanut is a short drive over the US border from Vancouver, it's at a great time of year to check in exactly where my fitness is at, there are always so many friends racing and cheering, plus I just love the course.<br />
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The course is reasonably non-technical (well in my opinion) but it mixes in a little bit of everything - you better have brought your road wheels if you want to blast the first and final 10k which are fast and furious miles (or should be) but don't forget your climbing legs for the switchbacks up Fragrance Lake trails and for the seemingly never ending Cleator Road, and then there is the fabulous fun of the Ridge Trail where you negotiate rocks and roots whilst admiring the views of Mt Baker and Chuckanut bay. I love it.<br />
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As I blasted through the aid station before the climb up Cleator Road (in 2nd place) I just about heard RD Krissy (Moehl) say, 'You know how to run this race Ellie', and well - yes, after now 5 wins I can play the strategy pretty well. I had expected Cleator Road to be a slog - it wasn't. Sure I ran and then I power hiked and then I ran again but I was happy to keep up with friends Anne Marie and Ramsey and the others who were forming our fun and friendly little pack. I expected Chinscraper to seem long and tough, and once again I did hike sections but I felt strong and in control and was having fun (and now in the lead).<br />
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And well, once we got to the final 14km or so which is all downhill or flat, I started hauling - a 3:33/km down Cleator Road, hurtling round the corners of the switchbacks of Fragrance Lake trail with joyful abandon, and then 10kms of hunting down the final stretch of the Interurban trail. I pride myself on knowing how to 'close' on the Chuckanut course and I think I passed 5 men on that final 10k, putting me 12th overall and 1st female by the time I hugged Krissy at the finish line.<br />
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My time of 4:11:58 is within seconds of my 2012 finishing time but the most important thing is that I felt strong. All day I was just solid - in a great head space, having fun and chatting, running hard but in control, and even down that final 10k if I'd had to chase another woman I know I could have gone just a notch harder (and yes, I did do a few shoulder checks just to be sure!) <br />
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I've switched things up a little in 2016 so far - the mileage has been good but not crazy, but I've gone to yoga stretching two times every darn week since start of January. I have seen a trainer at the gym (<a href="http://www.peakpowerathletics.com/">Michelle Ford/ Peak Power</a> - good luck at Zion 100 miler in 3 weeks!) most weeks since January, and even this stubborn runner has listened to her coach ... well, about 95% of the time ;) Whilst all this has not resulted in a faster Chuckanut time, it has resulted in an injury free and consistent training year so far, and feeling much stronger and less beat up post race than I have in the past. I feel very happy with where I am at right now.<br />
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A huge thank you as always to RD Krissy and her team of amazing volunteers for putting on such an excellent event, thank you too to Abby Zoomer - trusty crew and friend for looking after weekend logistics and just being super company, and thank you to my sponsors for their ongoing support: <a href="http://www.salomon.com/uk/">Salomon</a> (I wore the S-Lab X-Series as the trails were dry), <a href="http://www.ultramarathonrunningstore.com/Drymax-SPEEDGOAT-Lite-Trail-Running-Socks-p/dryltrsmc.htm">Drymax Socks</a> (I wore the ELLIE sock of course!), <a href="http://www.clifbar.com/">Clif Bar </a>(8 gels on course), <a href="https://sundogeyewear.com/collections/running">Sundog Eyewear</a> (I wore the Switch model - see photo for discount code on your purchases!), <a href="https://sundogeyewear.com/collections/running">Flora Health</a> (make sure you visit their booth which is always at the the race finish).<br />
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If you really are a data geek, then here are my stats on <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/522563139">Strava</a>.<br />
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Onwards and upwards to the next race!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, this is a genuine sunglasses offer - no spam ;)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSODG6V-uzF5t9u4nV3A9wyRi6JWA6MT_LmA2FiMex1Rp3lBcEjqX-tpa6rKi0JtFXukw5EfgU30DcoCp3CYeVD1HIfrBBImqxYtQMboHXaOZHEFBdYu2EvgFiE1AWfxJYH62DWbeUD42/s1600/934159_1170967429582850_8777901566827493977_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSODG6V-uzF5t9u4nV3A9wyRi6JWA6MT_LmA2FiMex1Rp3lBcEjqX-tpa6rKi0JtFXukw5EfgU30DcoCp3CYeVD1HIfrBBImqxYtQMboHXaOZHEFBdYu2EvgFiE1AWfxJYH62DWbeUD42/s320/934159_1170967429582850_8777901566827493977_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With RD and ultrarunner extraordinaire, Krissy Moehl. Photo: Abby Zoomer.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6ms5cgmhUAuy1BSSzlFlTexOgYUt3cRC2WvD2I1Gc3FIzSh5T_9gQj2XeBA7djosfrfvyG227OICm92J7zxBV4ZTcvS9sopk8o2H37bWSUzT-xq-chcnCmSGjMxqQV7_k2ww1bdZz7qQ/s1600/Cd81_VpWwAAMPoH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6ms5cgmhUAuy1BSSzlFlTexOgYUt3cRC2WvD2I1Gc3FIzSh5T_9gQj2XeBA7djosfrfvyG227OICm92J7zxBV4ZTcvS9sopk8o2H37bWSUzT-xq-chcnCmSGjMxqQV7_k2ww1bdZz7qQ/s320/Cd81_VpWwAAMPoH.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the descents. Photo: Candice Ridyard.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canadian Chicks - 2nd, 6th, 1st, and Abby Zoomer who coordinated the girls weekend ;)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZjCPyYQKUIuGgr-UcQbm49cg69oQq0KY0FlgIzkhPTD0PeoOAi48_nJp35-4AijtvNtgd0nDXJuy5yyIT6-YiNBNFJpjPdpIMfXAT-gJISobQWwbH2x2Abl8c5nL_mGLqbZ6Sx6tTlB0/s1600/IMG_4891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZjCPyYQKUIuGgr-UcQbm49cg69oQq0KY0FlgIzkhPTD0PeoOAi48_nJp35-4AijtvNtgd0nDXJuy5yyIT6-YiNBNFJpjPdpIMfXAT-gJISobQWwbH2x2Abl8c5nL_mGLqbZ6Sx6tTlB0/s320/IMG_4891.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying some Flora tea in my winning mug post race. Photo: Catrin Jones.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUskd6W192e2SYVvLasTKyTWh8eXBDW1M85epA2hCLIw7KHHlWNCDLZ2AY0fG2l9wE3chTxfyPrZMErelKQO9renBtunfpCMeSGcv01EGOWV2L_RnfU80Qhs9rKbSba0Lh5jPTLILLgc18/s1600/IMG_4892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUskd6W192e2SYVvLasTKyTWh8eXBDW1M85epA2hCLIw7KHHlWNCDLZ2AY0fG2l9wE3chTxfyPrZMErelKQO9renBtunfpCMeSGcv01EGOWV2L_RnfU80Qhs9rKbSba0Lh5jPTLILLgc18/s1600/IMG_4892.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With my ever enthusiastic Sharman Ultra coaching client, Miruna at the finish. Photo: Relu Harau.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtiOomgt-udDJqBrkeV59nMus-6BRGjMyeMr_G8zEUQ6Qjf3-ILyQiZHWtJUFG8BltHG6s7i5JzQpovwsLRd-zcaxuJBVXGGyUZ6BUvZX49Y9ULg8olsd8La2aZRCzbcvwYr9r3GNAv8yI/s1600/IMG_4894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtiOomgt-udDJqBrkeV59nMus-6BRGjMyeMr_G8zEUQ6Qjf3-ILyQiZHWtJUFG8BltHG6s7i5JzQpovwsLRd-zcaxuJBVXGGyUZ6BUvZX49Y9ULg8olsd8La2aZRCzbcvwYr9r3GNAv8yI/s1600/IMG_4894.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start line seriousness. Photo: Relu Harau.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tranquil Lake Samish. Photo: self.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlc0_XURyZzDljTrTkQUsbDU_OE8wv67zjsI3kPxTb-N1LfjS9mylvQEJId20veohCBpSLDTzIl1UuI7Sr1L5pxCLE4FFdh9H_bPMJ4vREGFysAS7qbynQML8CY9fTtGBiTmZwUepf0aXv/s1600/IMG_4884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlc0_XURyZzDljTrTkQUsbDU_OE8wv67zjsI3kPxTb-N1LfjS9mylvQEJId20veohCBpSLDTzIl1UuI7Sr1L5pxCLE4FFdh9H_bPMJ4vREGFysAS7qbynQML8CY9fTtGBiTmZwUepf0aXv/s320/IMG_4884.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunday recovery run at a blistering pace with AM, Catrin and Mike. Photo: Abby Zoomer.</td></tr>
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Ellie Greenwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053246362407725539noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255787720146163342.post-29385724485696998492015-12-08T18:59:00.000-08:002015-12-08T22:30:13.079-08:00The end of year ultra trail partyIt was four years since I had last raced The North Face Endurance Challenge San Francisco 50 miler (let's call it TNF50 in order to save some ink). A lot seems to have changed in the sport of ultra running and in my own running career since then. I mean, when I raced TNF50 in 2011 I met a new local runner called Jorge Maravilla at the start line, later that day I would pass him in the race despite the fact that he had a great run. Yes, well lets just say Jorge would have to have a downright appalling day for me to beat him in a race now :) As a runner, I have gained a huge amount of experience in the last four years, it was not that in 2011 that I was without experience, afterall I had already won one Western States by then, but certainly I had far fewer achievements under my belt and far fewer miles of my legs. For the most part I feel that the miles on my legs in the intervening years were beneficial this past weekend rather than a detriment. Sure, some of those miles have caused injury and aches and pains, but they have also allowed me to become a more experienced, more confident and more aggressive racer. I am sure that I was far less nervous standing at the start line in Marin Headlands this past Saturday than I was four years ago despite this years race being chock full of talent on both the mens and the womens sides.<br />
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It is 'interesting' that whilst my position (2nd) was exactly the same as four years ago my finishing time was a full 16 minutes slower this year than in 2011. I am pretty sure that the course was identical so I could dwell on thinking that therefore I am not as fast as I was four years ago or that I did not have such a good race, but I'm not going to dwell on that because I feel that there are a few reasons why I ran slower this time around, and well - I just had a lot of fun on Saturday which is surely what it is all about :) I will pick my race apart in due time to learn from my mistakes, but now is a time to just enjoy the memories of the day.<br />
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This year I had a rough start to the year but gained speed in the fall and six weeks ago ran a killer race (even if I do say so myself!) at Les Templiers 75km in France. I won that race but had to fight hard to the line and when I got to the line I was smiling but wrecked. I was also extremely motivated, after having not had a good race all year I was jumping up and down with excitement to have won a competitive ultra and so I did what I advise all my coaching clients NOT to do and I launched right back into training after Les Templiers. I can honestly say that in the six weeks between Les Templiers and TNF50 I did not have one good run. Speed workouts were slow but hard, long runs weren't as long as I had hoped for, and the thought of tempos went out the window when my Suunto seemed to malfunction and not go below a four minute kilometre ;)<br />
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Am I giving excuses? No not really, just reasons. I don't honestly know if I had trained smarter (not harder) between my two end of year races if I could have made up the significant 10 minutes between myself and race winner, Megan Kimmel. Somehow I doubt it, and either way - I am very happy with my 2nd place finish and have enormous respect for the talent that Megan has. I honestly just feel grateful to have found the ability to run on mashed up legs for much of the day and I am so thankful for having been able to share good chunks of the race day with wonderful ladies such as Anne-Marie Madden and Jo Meek. I am also super motivated after seeing so many familiar faces out on the sidelines of the race course - Devon Yanko, Jo Zakrzewski, Hillary Allen, Meghan and Bryon, Topher, Stephanie ... the list goes on.<br />
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Just like after Les Templiers I have traveled home after the race feeling excited and pumped about ultra racing ... but this time around I'll make sure I sit on the couch and drink a beer or two, rather than hit a speed workout this Thursday.<br />
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Some photos below hopefully share a little more of the fun experience I had down in California this past weekend.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMKg-10C4bFudnu5sneMP4CHEPH_AHYHQI9ICdTcjcWfX00TXhyphenhyphen-AeTyssyuXP-HgK_yKpAqLp4_WDTD70xr16jleggDoF1ZEXOZKaOBUsVhqVbTgAJQLPyKyVOAz1qMLSapd4Hz1hSuM/s1600/10974699_10156311637130346_6990459933970918209_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMKg-10C4bFudnu5sneMP4CHEPH_AHYHQI9ICdTcjcWfX00TXhyphenhyphen-AeTyssyuXP-HgK_yKpAqLp4_WDTD70xr16jleggDoF1ZEXOZKaOBUsVhqVbTgAJQLPyKyVOAz1qMLSapd4Hz1hSuM/s320/10974699_10156311637130346_6990459933970918209_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking out the course with my Salomon teammies pre-race. Photo: Rickey Gates</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tourists snapping pics. Myself, Anne Marie and Anna Mae. Photo: Rickey Gates</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking out the course with my Salomon teammies pre-race. Photo: Rickey Gates</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgB3Dd3l39rBj8zBsK7iRRCEGbJG-5gMhXIFXbgbDkbMEtGVY1-M0u_QLdB0qcDyDu0dgv-wwXFwZCH1TYjkPHTH80UllY5GaekvAqgUvzWeq_wCOOk8F_tseYRsUNUEum-LTPAwOAYAYS/s1600/12311187_10156319766625346_8571938552842211685_n-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgB3Dd3l39rBj8zBsK7iRRCEGbJG-5gMhXIFXbgbDkbMEtGVY1-M0u_QLdB0qcDyDu0dgv-wwXFwZCH1TYjkPHTH80UllY5GaekvAqgUvzWeq_wCOOk8F_tseYRsUNUEum-LTPAwOAYAYS/s320/12311187_10156319766625346_8571938552842211685_n-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading out to McKinnon Gulch. Photo: Rickey Gates</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Failing to apply the brakes at the finish line. Photo: Israel Archuletta</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finish line seat. Photo: Israel Archuletta</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team Invitational winners? Salomon ladies! Photo: Israel Archuletta</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Because it's really all about the after party at the 2am club! Photo: Lindsay Hamoudi</td></tr>
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Ellie Greenwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053246362407725539noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255787720146163342.post-42919462675496889872015-10-29T06:40:00.004-07:002015-10-29T06:40:44.781-07:00Les TempliersI knew that I had not had a great year of running so far, that was pretty darn obvious and I couldn't ignore the fact but it was not until I read the iRunFar race preview that the stark reality set in - I had not even toed the start line of a trail ultra in over a year. Wow.<br />
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Needless to say I am overjoyed to have won Les Templiers 75k (well, it was 77k really but let's not get picky) in the Grands Causses region of France this past weekend. Not only was the win fantastic but the race course was one of the most beautiful I have had to privilege to run on, and the organisation by Odile, Gilles and their team was second to none. Merci a tous! I spent a wonderful few days with new and old friends from all over the world - it was nothing short of amazing.<br />
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Thanks to iRunFar not only live tweeting race coverage on the day, but for also publishing my race report. <a href="http://www.irunfar.com/2015/10/rediscovering-my-spirit-and-strength-ellie-greenwoods-2015-les-templiers-report.html">It can be found here</a>.<br />
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Below are some photos to try share some of the amazing atmosphere of the event. In my opinion, yes Chamonix and and the French Alps are stunning, but as a foreigner you are missing out big time if you think that that is all that France has to offer the trail running world.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Medieval villages nestled in the gorges are typical of this area. Credit: self.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBg9qQkHbpoSru6Cp9dk-O2_LHhxEZrA1ySUesvsQMnaaDJGAObETs-XIXOYoxsmtInK8sqctiG8CKwzsxS0dM7N0KDhiyDUHpnw8h8_1GprTG22F5BrAqN3iPI8__hPLVpOO6CnkjfEB/s1600/12065921_10156152517395384_7972020986841716143_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBg9qQkHbpoSru6Cp9dk-O2_LHhxEZrA1ySUesvsQMnaaDJGAObETs-XIXOYoxsmtInK8sqctiG8CKwzsxS0dM7N0KDhiyDUHpnw8h8_1GprTG22F5BrAqN3iPI8__hPLVpOO6CnkjfEB/s320/12065921_10156152517395384_7972020986841716143_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheese, cheese and more cheese! At the race expo. Credit: self.<br />
</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxErGl7N25hfyVCT_6dYtLes-WZ4qPAOvNotfU5fajHUpifkp2er3mLyHfy-Iro518RclBOqTlOr-xv3Q2494zPaEM9LORSIaKMAA0YskVqZO0QNd4_Am6H1YHFCmoIhLKPyvQh7zjHfY/s1600/12187804_10156152517865384_8823832815682928616_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxErGl7N25hfyVCT_6dYtLes-WZ4qPAOvNotfU5fajHUpifkp2er3mLyHfy-Iro518RclBOqTlOr-xv3Q2494zPaEM9LORSIaKMAA0YskVqZO0QNd4_Am6H1YHFCmoIhLKPyvQh7zjHfY/s320/12187804_10156152517865384_8823832815682928616_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Race start/ finish area and our accommodations at St Esteve. Credit: self.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinusLMevG7I9nMJSScbI7EI_3c9Pa75f8t4_OPEyPKQE7YoRVaCoojq8eWHoSlNXsShvL7h8L972-2gy2s0V75KMc64BVgul1QFshx3EB1mO69H1H3fBlHM28L8wzNkLE1jR4dY9_oY8Qm/s1600/12189170_1088329707857985_3009581804598597843_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinusLMevG7I9nMJSScbI7EI_3c9Pa75f8t4_OPEyPKQE7YoRVaCoojq8eWHoSlNXsShvL7h8L972-2gy2s0V75KMc64BVgul1QFshx3EB1mO69H1H3fBlHM28L8wzNkLE1jR4dY9_oY8Qm/s320/12189170_1088329707857985_3009581804598597843_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sightseeing with my Saffa buddies. Credit: Jock Green (as he has long arms ;))<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRNDJy02GuQwWZN6tVaQr2CcN24MqpZyZZgKX2qA_uigwObao3VFKFtjsfLIOJ68lJiDFcduIa4YRIP94DxFBQkL6vGbrGIzWD92RD8hPh08_XS0jBHcGyOx7OiFBRnY2txnrkYZFzoPY/s1600/12189964_10156152517030384_2500358702694334931_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRNDJy02GuQwWZN6tVaQr2CcN24MqpZyZZgKX2qA_uigwObao3VFKFtjsfLIOJ68lJiDFcduIa4YRIP94DxFBQkL6vGbrGIzWD92RD8hPh08_XS0jBHcGyOx7OiFBRnY2txnrkYZFzoPY/s320/12189964_10156152517030384_2500358702694334931_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sightseeing with the Saffas. Credit: self.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESf7EzgMe-8Z0Ks-AsvIO5I35_-pNk8D2Mf4Tug80Xe8NYIwDQ-VZUGTZYpAC3TGeklX5PN2jVrX6eI-lvAXT7sElAS4qj3AS7WXpSCYT29gYayY_4BlRLtbYzDXwGUfpfrzbj-WEUvuQ/s1600/12183926_1090288070990408_3694285003653924389_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESf7EzgMe-8Z0Ks-AsvIO5I35_-pNk8D2Mf4Tug80Xe8NYIwDQ-VZUGTZYpAC3TGeklX5PN2jVrX6eI-lvAXT7sElAS4qj3AS7WXpSCYT29gYayY_4BlRLtbYzDXwGUfpfrzbj-WEUvuQ/s320/12183926_1090288070990408_3694285003653924389_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team competitions were part of the fun. On the ladies side myself, Jasmine and Malika took the European win. Credit: Jasmine Nunige.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-aljCe1P0mQdVd5qOc84WFNgDfi0e8MALHEEd0BYsstqNKnFjSQNUMafXQDjatm4Czie-_dQY7lbglKeE0jIh4_QCFBgjhkL212-dfYtk2xUVVKGLiPbtjd2CZHWEO0Lj7Z_5S-KCe1-/s1600/12182692_10156199550430346_2535278758865674005_o-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-aljCe1P0mQdVd5qOc84WFNgDfi0e8MALHEEd0BYsstqNKnFjSQNUMafXQDjatm4Czie-_dQY7lbglKeE0jIh4_QCFBgjhkL212-dfYtk2xUVVKGLiPbtjd2CZHWEO0Lj7Z_5S-KCe1-/s320/12182692_10156199550430346_2535278758865674005_o-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start line focus. Credit: DROZ Photo.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7PKEYEdQbznYZTPvgrQUxBwKePfX2CkteXNvHZLZG6j5yAwhqGblNpFTZsPm2IIKZ4gpj9hFPaHBNz33kYEBNbC6L-tpQZRuMXOBKYog-XhyjPxUfdohWiqaS0HNmnFhISOCvD7cZXH87/s1600/12190025_10156152517895384_5308129471664394689_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7PKEYEdQbznYZTPvgrQUxBwKePfX2CkteXNvHZLZG6j5yAwhqGblNpFTZsPm2IIKZ4gpj9hFPaHBNz33kYEBNbC6L-tpQZRuMXOBKYog-XhyjPxUfdohWiqaS0HNmnFhISOCvD7cZXH87/s320/12190025_10156152517895384_5308129471664394689_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Les Americains! Credit: self.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNlgk4h1occ7iRs6E09llf34aDfIkT7qcZwBDmIa8Q1REFsSVr1kC0nkKP_4VRQs7MHtyADpXs0csQK293vDthWRiwkSme8lHEnEt_YuQWYZnymNv1VYvys_KcguTXGTsFFl0eWUVjwLFk/s1600/10390490_10156152516935384_8998592195621494156_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNlgk4h1occ7iRs6E09llf34aDfIkT7qcZwBDmIa8Q1REFsSVr1kC0nkKP_4VRQs7MHtyADpXs0csQK293vDthWRiwkSme8lHEnEt_YuQWYZnymNv1VYvys_KcguTXGTsFFl0eWUVjwLFk/s320/10390490_10156152516935384_8998592195621494156_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Village of Couvertoirade, typical of the Aveyron area. Credit: self.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjARV1llzag431WS-18OLr3j8CsGKX20jJkFG75fKd-h85lMDTr3Lm9GgvQVXuBGHbg3N0rXH_qIVwSGqm9Oo3NOfX5_vGrRUTYr4hCV7AuVpoW4Y3GIZGEzHWKYaCgcHgcZWmpNAukoW1T/s1600/11011295_10156152517925384_1492194196821636030_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjARV1llzag431WS-18OLr3j8CsGKX20jJkFG75fKd-h85lMDTr3Lm9GgvQVXuBGHbg3N0rXH_qIVwSGqm9Oo3NOfX5_vGrRUTYr4hCV7AuVpoW4Y3GIZGEzHWKYaCgcHgcZWmpNAukoW1T/s320/11011295_10156152517925384_1492194196821636030_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comrades reunion! With Nick Bester (Nedbank manager and former Comrades winner) and Jonas Buud (2nd place and multiple gold medalist).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFr2QzJzI1nPiLGweC50LsgseR2evUl_2Uw4u2txAJjJXNIkwE1K2AHwQ8q45jub_7Xcyufm6nIhrKeGlpUv_DInmYGskS937RuHIaa07lwsNYbQWxC4HTFwW41net4pbX_Lm3HrLmzgyi/s1600/11140285_10156152518410384_8011550548241523794_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFr2QzJzI1nPiLGweC50LsgseR2evUl_2Uw4u2txAJjJXNIkwE1K2AHwQ8q45jub_7Xcyufm6nIhrKeGlpUv_DInmYGskS937RuHIaa07lwsNYbQWxC4HTFwW41net4pbX_Lm3HrLmzgyi/s320/11140285_10156152518410384_8011550548241523794_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cruising section of the race. Credit: Ski & Run.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLed6LTpGmzbq471CFf0QQ5QuC2q68DivAU177AhJ2K_K8BVOmFyKhSZP1J-A-TNcraNRJa47SlqSS78ugsiyaVFets1FcEA_gNddBIPIf0LaQ7s1kmKWPSGqQXz7soP8F3WB1nJQDXyF/s1600/11148594_10156152518295384_8638434011901015270_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLed6LTpGmzbq471CFf0QQ5QuC2q68DivAU177AhJ2K_K8BVOmFyKhSZP1J-A-TNcraNRJa47SlqSS78ugsiyaVFets1FcEA_gNddBIPIf0LaQ7s1kmKWPSGqQXz7soP8F3WB1nJQDXyF/s320/11148594_10156152518295384_8638434011901015270_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joyful trails. Credit: Bruno Poirier.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0CptWh6jFf9Je-h5WesrBNKSmHtCSBCyJ0BiqIoI7y76JScE1iPJrnqfyxZfBGotf8ro3xuK1Xw2roQyVYK8uq_K5IQR3rxNKfwdMiCsjHGJwk5ljuJWP72tfGiivAsU23u6ynwJ610z/s1600/12046828_10156152518400384_8090677956959497529_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0CptWh6jFf9Je-h5WesrBNKSmHtCSBCyJ0BiqIoI7y76JScE1iPJrnqfyxZfBGotf8ro3xuK1Xw2roQyVYK8uq_K5IQR3rxNKfwdMiCsjHGJwk5ljuJWP72tfGiivAsU23u6ynwJ610z/s320/12046828_10156152518400384_8090677956959497529_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passing through a village water station mid race. Credit: Ski & Run.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7s7jQ9csDHwwWKVzB7sxuHFOQtfTRpMFhyphenhyphenhKQHQJgfkm1op-iArcT5oBq7fMlRKivbNwj5Aj87qnoIHvOPUfx5WClZ8w7sGZLDEbMmw0bH3ak3H7EClZG64ZK78RbL31YWuAFeXF81Eea/s1600/12141504_10156152518210384_9155734969383258043_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7s7jQ9csDHwwWKVzB7sxuHFOQtfTRpMFhyphenhyphenhKQHQJgfkm1op-iArcT5oBq7fMlRKivbNwj5Aj87qnoIHvOPUfx5WClZ8w7sGZLDEbMmw0bH3ak3H7EClZG64ZK78RbL31YWuAFeXF81Eea/s320/12141504_10156152518210384_9155734969383258043_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finish line crowds at one of the other race distances over the 3 day run Festival of Les Templiers. Credit: self.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAvh3-0zskwH5RpXSv3uqkLkmjN5mBR6NLF-5cCBb_smcWnteL281Eq4ZqcPItZAIzZM986WWnR7q61ETUL10SgKAvkcw6EidSW7mEG2Gib9ZZTAG7O_iea6ygbCbjcTrOR0IgcqYeZwm/s1600/12190842_10156152518430384_3336044038831412878_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAvh3-0zskwH5RpXSv3uqkLkmjN5mBR6NLF-5cCBb_smcWnteL281Eq4ZqcPItZAIzZM986WWnR7q61ETUL10SgKAvkcw6EidSW7mEG2Gib9ZZTAG7O_iea6ygbCbjcTrOR0IgcqYeZwm/s320/12190842_10156152518430384_3336044038831412878_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grinding the uphills. Credit: Ski & Run.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvVYOZK3sLInZv3mVTblrDhXmTplFjmrCx4ZC2iYG6mVlWQM6bpH4F9Med327Vt4zx1UAitRN_wVgV1LUzeoxwuc_qUC8hz8fLLDKDUJmDDyG-VIhJvCd31RsB2Acqa3TvGA3_xnWvlL6/s1600/887456_10156199550570346_1847022723266151288_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvVYOZK3sLInZv3mVTblrDhXmTplFjmrCx4ZC2iYG6mVlWQM6bpH4F9Med327Vt4zx1UAitRN_wVgV1LUzeoxwuc_qUC8hz8fLLDKDUJmDDyG-VIhJvCd31RsB2Acqa3TvGA3_xnWvlL6/s320/887456_10156199550570346_1847022723266151288_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The views weren't bad. Credit: DROZ Photo.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyxne6w7m22cUvTg8NQC71QEIisNYNvTD8dog0-iL-YTvK1o9dsPEtAi2FLNQPasAwyZ_ATDi5NDLZmMaC5nORSTbZOZI4ueWfLJU1uCbXqtgxFXekXQGrx1t7HaGCdZ_gGTgQIrcQgjs/s1600/12065897_10156152518585384_5640265920688680376_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyxne6w7m22cUvTg8NQC71QEIisNYNvTD8dog0-iL-YTvK1o9dsPEtAi2FLNQPasAwyZ_ATDi5NDLZmMaC5nORSTbZOZI4ueWfLJU1uCbXqtgxFXekXQGrx1t7HaGCdZ_gGTgQIrcQgjs/s320/12065897_10156152518585384_5640265920688680376_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the wonderful Cassie Scallon, strong 4th place finish for my Salomon teammie. Credit: Greg Salvesen. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8lizZbg4yLz_g2zQzy4gNUVuwa4qBm24K1TPNlgDeuWEeM5fKlluYHEbtJs3bMjLXS3eMVb2kQBbDissabf0dqDD2eJQ-QEZyH0Z-Y4j5j4gdhckg9A8N90KQzTi0Y5cwZOR842X4DgX/s1600/12185325_10153646306017114_29406400686092410_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8lizZbg4yLz_g2zQzy4gNUVuwa4qBm24K1TPNlgDeuWEeM5fKlluYHEbtJs3bMjLXS3eMVb2kQBbDissabf0dqDD2eJQ-QEZyH0Z-Y4j5j4gdhckg9A8N90KQzTi0Y5cwZOR842X4DgX/s320/12185325_10153646306017114_29406400686092410_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finish line thumbs up for the best trail journalist around :) Credit: Bryon Powell/ iRunFar.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Coming out of the darkness and into the first aid station. Credit: DROZ Photo.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having taken the lead, coming into 2nd aid at 48k. Credit: Bryon Powell/ iRunFar.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jasmin Nunige (Switzerland) pushed me all day. A pleasure to race with her. Credit: Bryon Powell/ iRunFar.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top 4 women. Cassie Scallon (4), Jasmin Nunige (2), self (1), Anne Lise Rousset (3). Credit: Bryon Powell/ iRunFar.</td></tr>
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Ellie Greenwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053246362407725539noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255787720146163342.post-37135335305979106532015-09-20T19:51:00.000-07:002015-09-20T21:31:55.528-07:00Grinding Glaciers in RevelstokeHaving slowly been working my way back from niggling injuries (which are still far from 100% gone) I decided less than two weeks ago to race <a href="http://www.glaciergrind.com/">Glacier Grind</a> 44k in Revelstoke this past weekend (a <a href="http://www.5peaks.com/">5 Peaks</a> race). It was the perfect balance of being close enough to home that I could commit to the race not too far in advance, and yet it was far enough away from home that I'd get to experience the fun of racing on new-to-me trails. The 44k distance and amount of climbing (around 2400m, and same of descent) was great too as it made it a good challenge yet not anything too extreme.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Speaking at the race briefing the evening before the race, with Adam Campbell. Photo: Amy Golumbia</td></tr>
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The race profile was relatively straight forward - complete an undulating loop of a few kms to warm up before hauling yourself up some huge mountain ascent that seemed to grind on for a very long time, play around in the alpine and some rocky sections for a while whilst admiring some pretty lakes swirling in the mist, before bombing back down the mountain on one crazy fun long descent to the finish line.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alpine lake along the course. Photo: Amy Golumbia</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A runner in the swirling mist. Photo: Steve Shannon Photography</td></tr>
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As usual I showed my weakness is long uphills climbs and I hiked a huge portion of that, but I was relatively good at just putting my head down and getting to work. Well, I didn't put my head down entirely as we'd been warned at the pre-race briefing that there were both black and grizzly bears active in the area so my eyes and ears were open, but the most I saw was some fresh berry-filled poop on the trail and some footprints in the mud. But the bears were definitely around with one racer I talked to having been (un)lucky enough to see 3 separate bears during the race.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Runners grinding their way up to Eva Pass. Photo: Steve Shannon Photography</td></tr>
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The biggest kudos has to go out to the volunteers at this race and the <a href="http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/bc/revelstoke/index.aspx">Revelstoke National Park</a> staff - whether they were runners from further afield or Revy locals, many folks stood out in the cold and drizzly rain for many hours to ensure that we stayed on track, didn't get eaten by bears, but did get to eat the usual aid station food. It was a grey fall day and although it was warm at the lower elevations, by the time we were up at the high point of Eva Pass, I was definitely pulling out my jacket to stay warm on the descent over rocky slabs and through lush moss and fungi filled forests.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Volunteer ensuring we all arrived safely atop Eva Pass. Photo: Steve Shannon Photography</td></tr>
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My friend Liza from Canmore led the female charge on the uphill and it honestly didn't surprise me - Liza is a strong and competitive adventure racer, mountain biker and runner - and well, she's just more of a mountain lady than I am. But Liza and our fellow friend Fitzy were within sight on the final portion of the climb up to Eva Pass so I was hopeful that I could catch them both on the descent. Unfortunately before I caught Liza I also caught my toe in some mud and before I knew it I'd splatted down onto a rock and bruised my knee. To be honest I was more annoyed that my gloves were now super muddy and wet rather than bothered by my knee, but with a bit of on-the-run thinking I took off my wet gloves and instead used my arm sleeves to keep my hands warm.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical Fitzy ... and volunteer unicorn. Photo: Steve Shannon Photography</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surface scrapes from getting a little too familiar with the trail.</td></tr>
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The final descent through what can only be described as an enchanted forest was far too much fun - a nice grade to pick up the pace and yet enough technicality to slow you down. All the better was that on the final few kms of descent I caught a total of three men to secure an overall 4th place finish and 1st female. Liza was not far behind over the line as 2nd woman.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enchanted forest. Photo: Stephanie O'Brien</td></tr>
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All in all a great course, amazing volunteers, awesome to catch up with so many Banff/ Canmore buddies, and lots of fun to be back racing again - albeit at a low key event and still with much progress to make in terms of working through aches and pains, and working back to full fitness.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top 3 ladies. Photo: Jan Herman</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainy Revy recovery run the day after the race.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valley running in Revy. Photo: self.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty ceramic medal :)</td></tr>
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Ellie Greenwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053246362407725539noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255787720146163342.post-9222941004967235982015-09-07T11:30:00.002-07:002015-09-07T17:11:30.647-07:00It's been an uphill battleFair to say that 2015 has been a bit of a disaster in terms of my running so far. I keep saying that there is still time to turn the year around but now sitting in early September I realise that the pages of the calendar are flicking over fast. However, ever the optimist I'm determined to keep plugging away. This year I've had niggling aches and pains and various little injuries here and there for what seems like most of the year and so I've struggled to attain the consistent training required to be in good running shape and racing fitness. After Mont Blanc marathon in late June I came home to Canada hobbling with a messed up tibilais anterior and was ultimately forced to take a few weeks totally off running, not exactly what I'd had planned for the middle of summer when beautiful mountain trails were calling. But instead I hit the tarmac of my road bike and like every injured runner in Vancouver - I climbed Grouse Mountain like a demon. Grouse Mountain has various trails of about 3km in length which climb around 850m, and then there is the delightful gondola which whizzes you back to the bottom - allowing for a tough but very minimal impact workout. It's a huge old powerhike and I'm not sure I've actually got any better at my poor climbing skills but it was certainly fun just to be on the trails, especially on the Grouse Quadruple Quad Crusher day with my buddy Jer (that's my made up event for completing the Grind, BCMC, Skyline and Flint & Feather trails all in one outing, about 12.5k with about 3200m of ascent).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks to the orange helmet man for going on some very slow bike rides with me :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Langley Medio Fondo. 88k ride in 3h00, it'll do for a rookie :)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jer and I on our 4th climb up Grouse, the coffee after the 2nd climb was a life saver :)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A leisurely day above Elfin lakes with some of the most super people ever :)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barcelona for some Salomon filming. A manic trip but such fun and squeezed in a few ok runs like this.</td></tr>
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But of course I was excited to get off the bike and speed the hiking up to running as soon as I could, and have been slowly building up in the last month or so. I've put no focus on running pace other than my weekly trail intervals with my running club, because in all honesty I'm in such a running state right now that even just building steady, easy running will get me in better shape. A friend at our running club the other night asked me what pace I'm running tempos at, erm .... I don't run tempos (well I do, but definitely not right now). <br />
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Then a few weeks ago I heard about the inaugural Salomon Valley to Peak race being held in Vancouver - 20k with 1600m of advertised climb (it ended up being more like 1800m) and very little descent. It seemed like a great fun event and a good race to test my legs on (non-ultra, little downhill pounding) so on Saturday my super buddy Anne Marie picked me up bright and early (thank you for helping me maintain my car free life!) and we drove the spectacular Sea to Sky highway to Whistler. In all honesty I went into the race with no focus (I'd done 2 hikes up Grouse the afternoon before) but just keen to have a fun day and get my competitive mind set back. Well, it was fun - once I got to the finish line! No, I shouldn't say that - it was an amazing event but bear in my that my fortes lie in ultra distance running on flats or downhills - so for me this was pretty much a 2h40 suffer fest to drag myself up a mountain and focus that every km counted as there were only 20 of them in the race! I think in part I need to learn that powerhiking is ok (and also get better at uphill running) as I just get despondent when I hike SO much. The bulk of the climbing was done by the 10k mark so then spurred on my a flying glimpse of local trail runner Gemma cheering at an aid station, I then buckled down and blasted any short downhills and tried to push the flats. It was all going great til the course markings got a little minimal and I took a few very brief wrong turns which knocked my mindset once again. Adam Campbell (who had already finished the race and come back down the course to cheer) was met with a rather grumpy Ellie some 1km from the finish. But by then the course was steep and rocky and he told me to 'get my hike on' - well, if Adam is telling me hiking is ok, I'll go with it :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't recall this snow on race day - maybe that means I was actually focusing on running hard. Photo: David McColm.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whistler alpine is stunning. Photo: David McColm</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying a small amount of downhill :) Photo: David McColm.</td></tr>
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Finishing at over 2100m at the peak of Whistler with a bluebird sky day and a dusting of recent snow on the ground it was definitely one of the most spectacular finish lines I've been at, and even worth all that hiking to get there! I came over the line 3rd place woman, which is really neither here nor there since my aim was simply to toe the start line of a race in a beautiful setting.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Eric (2nd male), Will, Anne Marie (1st female) and Tom at the finish.</td></tr>
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I hardly dare say it but for now the rehab seems to be going well and running progressing slowly but steadily. As such I'm hoping to keep training sensibly but consistently with the aim of toeing a few more race start lines before years end.<br />
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After my finish at BMO Vancouver Marathon back in May (just 3 days after losing a hand cast post hand surgery) my running club coach described me as 'perseverance in motion', so I'm keeping that in mind and will hike and bike as much as needed to maintain the motion whilst I get back to running, but I'm not giving up on this running thing quite yet!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing around in the alpine with Tom & AM post race. Photo: Anne Marie Madden.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post race cool down. Photo: David McColm.</td></tr>
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Ellie Greenwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053246362407725539noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255787720146163342.post-27501542160487391462015-07-24T14:34:00.001-07:002015-07-24T14:34:11.510-07:00The Great Climate Race!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Most of my blog posts tend to be about races I've run or training updates, but this post is an all out promo of a new 10k (and 2k fun run!) that will be held in Vancouver, BC this coming November. There are two main reasons that this is a race I'm super happy to support and try encourage you, the reader, to run! Firstly <a href="http://www.greatclimaterace.org/">The Great Climate Race</a> is being organised by my friend Ben West. Ben was a participant of the Kintec/ NSA marathon training group that I helped lead this past winter. The first evening the group met on a dark and cold December evening there was a mass of excited runners. But as is typical with these groups, each Sunday and Tuesday there seemed to be a few less folks, or folks who would only show up once in a while. But each and every week (or actually two times a week) Ben would be there come rain or shine; despite this being his first marathon Ben had already fully grasped the fundamentals of training and a successful race day - consistency! It was super to see him succeed after much hard work when he completed the BMO Vancouver marathon in early May. So Ben is a runner and friend which is good enough reason to promo 'his' race but the even better reason is that The Great Climate Race is not just any old 10k race on the Vancouver seawall, but it is one with an environmental awareness and fund raising goal, specifically around solar power.<br />
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The Great Climate Race (10k and 2k) will be held on Sunday 8th November, starting at Second Beach in Vancouver's beautiful Stanley Park. Full details of the event, and how to sign up, <a href="http://www.greatclimaterace.org/">are here</a>. And to keep up to date with race happening and news, follow their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GreatClimateRace?fref=ts">facebook page here</a>.<br />
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The event intends to
increase public awareness of climate change while raising funds for
local solar energy projects. A
portion of all registration fees go to one specific project (this year
its for the Stanley Park Ecology Society) and all participants also have
the opportunity to raise funds for additional projects through our peer
to peer fundraising platform on our website.<br />
There is more information as to why The Great Climate Race is focusing on <a href="http://www.greatclimaterace.org/why-solar">solar power here</a><a href="http://www.greatclimaterace.org/why-solar" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">.</a><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1437769099018_19222">
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In Ben's words, "We
want our event to give everyone an opportunity to do something
meaningful at the local level and give folks a sense of connection to
viable climate solutions. We are hoping this event will help expand
climate awareness and action beyond the "usual suspects" who take part
in rallies and protests".</div>
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If you'd like to learn more there is a great article about November's Great Climate Race<a href="http://www.straight.com/news/457376/ben-west-why-i-am-organizing-great-climate-race"> here</a>.</div>
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Hope some of you can join The Great Climate Race on November 8th for a fun and fast (if you want it to be!) event with a great cause at its heart!</div>
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Ellie Greenwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053246362407725539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255787720146163342.post-5179120663134717062015-07-07T16:02:00.003-07:002015-07-07T16:02:33.539-07:00Stumbling from one race to the next. Now let's regroup :)About 10 days ago I ran the Mont Blanc 42.2k. Wow, it was a stunner of a course! Bluebird skies, warm temperatures, glistening glaciers and flower filled alpine meadows. It really could not have been more beautiful, but man oh man was my 4th place finish, in just over 5hrs, ugly. Mont Blanc was just four weeks after Comrades so I knew it was unlikely to be a great day but I had hit as much trail time as I could to build some climbing and descending legs, and I think this helped ... but not enough. It's a course that I think I could do well on (runnable sections and then some great powerhiking and semi-technical descents) but I'd need more focused training and fresher legs. Wanting to fall asleep just 4k into a race never bodes well for a good day, but it's been a busy spring with travel, coaching work and ongoing hand rehab (from my bike accident back in March) and I did what I could. I was so grateful to share some miles with Albert of Salomon Spain who motivated me along and I was very grateful for the crewing of my Salomon folks - Arnaud and Philipp especially. And I must admit, misery loves company so when I saw that Blake (Salomon Australia) had dropped part way it made me feel better that I was not the only one having a bad day - sorry Blake, get better soon! Mind you, Max King rocked the course for 3rd and he'd run Comrades too - so I don't really have any excuses.<br />
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The day after Mont Blanc a bunch of us Salomon folks headed to Font Romeu in the French Pyrenees for the week to prep for Kilians Classik 25k and 45k the following weekend, and generally spend sunny days talking shoes and gear, hanging out at 1800m and having fun as a team. It was a super week despite the fact that is soon became evident that my niggling tibialis anterior was really not at all happy. I spent more time with physio Arnaud than I did running, but I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to do that and I still got to see some great places and spend time with super people. A huge thanks to Greg Vollet, our Salomon manager, for a super week and for supporting me when I was not able to run much. Kilians Classik itself is a great celebration of trail running, and I at least managed the 10k fun run and the kids race on the Sunday (though I will admit I was happy to sweep the kids race rather than try stay ahead of some very fast kids!)<br />
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After a whirlwind 12 days in France I am now back home in North Van and have had to concede that I won't be racing Leadville 100 miler in late August. This year so far has been very bumpy in terms of training due to general niggling pains and the bike accident. Now I have to accept that Leadville is less than seven weeks away and I am semi-injured and not especially fit - not a great combo to head into a tough 100 miler at altitude. Leadville will be there another year and it is still very much on my bucket list but for now I need to not think about races and trying to squeeze in training, but instead think about rehab and fitness. Hopefully I can have a better second half of the year. In the meantime, here are some nice pictures of fun time in France.<br />
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A bientot<br />
Ellie x<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mont Blanc finish - no way I was going to walk over a finish line even if it was uphill! Credit: Drew Pattison.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strong Salomon ladies atop a Pyreneen peak.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10k easy run - just happy to run. Credit: Jordi Saragossa.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silly celebrations with Martina Valmassoi. Credit: Jordi Saragossa.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mont Blanc: Misery in beautiful surroundings. Credit: Jordi Saragossa.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My buddy Jan. Great fun times, just don't mention that I'm old enough to be his mother (Salomon is taking good care of the future of trail running!). Credit: self.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, that is Mo Farah. Yes, I was like a giddy school kid. Credit: Jordi Saragossa.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not bad for a race finish line after about 2700m of climbing and 1600m of descent. Mont Blanc marathon, Chamonix. Credit: self.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remi, Blake, Martina and Jan cheering in Kilians Classik 45k runners. Credit: self.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, I went down this at slug pace on a dodgy leg, no - it was probably not a good idea :) Credit: self.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Font Romeu wild trails. Credit: self</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kristina, one of my coaching clients, rocked the 80k for 6th at Mont Blanc and then cheered me to the finish of the 42k the next day :) Credit: Drew Pattison.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hxMP6FniP66mm17R0L7p-EiTTmlUB1_Ih06r7SrPRLy_spPagl7r93Ods6kI-WGNrT4qLOfXo0zsdkSOcPr2dlLNfz13eTqg78RL0UZTnL4WP4gGDBREb7aVkwNoJmhUwFmHMUnDOlX2/s1600/11705261_10155761144285384_6210551511982756423_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hxMP6FniP66mm17R0L7p-EiTTmlUB1_Ih06r7SrPRLy_spPagl7r93Ods6kI-WGNrT4qLOfXo0zsdkSOcPr2dlLNfz13eTqg78RL0UZTnL4WP4gGDBREb7aVkwNoJmhUwFmHMUnDOlX2/s320/11705261_10155761144285384_6210551511982756423_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French food - mmmmm :) Credit: self.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJGg2mZQcAOo7wzeBRjr8BLOKjW2rcdXYrtvn0l_kId1x3wxRbqGlhy5iHfm3p2wKs5OJPd8DwlinRaPwhsgndGfOQb0dQYDd-f6JNRZbRp3L3snAvbl1dddnEgti3SdNtaGiAO5CRyZn9/s1600/11705788_10155807546705346_5964487190743611913_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJGg2mZQcAOo7wzeBRjr8BLOKjW2rcdXYrtvn0l_kId1x3wxRbqGlhy5iHfm3p2wKs5OJPd8DwlinRaPwhsgndGfOQb0dQYDd-f6JNRZbRp3L3snAvbl1dddnEgti3SdNtaGiAO5CRyZn9/s320/11705788_10155807546705346_5964487190743611913_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leading out the kids race at Kilians Classik. Credit: Jordi Saragossa.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3FPProVLKXsHb8OngcaufhXr0ZFQLfyGHyUgSkNWN6TbJCNmcRXGUaITXBcceNP0WL2yHcUOOe9MnLkCwHVodBLGX5pSYhl9P_hWOFaXvDloBw316C3apkgyA5sNrY1NIPild3NSH2OC/s1600/11709221_10155761128505384_8280416347906015933_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3FPProVLKXsHb8OngcaufhXr0ZFQLfyGHyUgSkNWN6TbJCNmcRXGUaITXBcceNP0WL2yHcUOOe9MnLkCwHVodBLGX5pSYhl9P_hWOFaXvDloBw316C3apkgyA5sNrY1NIPild3NSH2OC/s320/11709221_10155761128505384_8280416347906015933_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chamonix: stunning. Credit: self.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOTJn9ERmb46NEj7GIP9QPhgd2X2qs3Xcvr-kbP3BVy0ooM5z-d3jn4RVW9XY0_ryMQCjEl04wjlI2SuK-BYRm_YojBW8q6Y64HzlJrzcWyfMYeZzyIEZfMzOFy4vrVWu2mvU9Glhw0Hfx/s1600/11722422_10155799953470346_2860071566989798348_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOTJn9ERmb46NEj7GIP9QPhgd2X2qs3Xcvr-kbP3BVy0ooM5z-d3jn4RVW9XY0_ryMQCjEl04wjlI2SuK-BYRm_YojBW8q6Y64HzlJrzcWyfMYeZzyIEZfMzOFy4vrVWu2mvU9Glhw0Hfx/s320/11722422_10155799953470346_2860071566989798348_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiptoeing on a short walk on dodgy leg :) Credit: Jordi Saragossa.</td></tr>
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<br />Ellie Greenwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053246362407725539noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255787720146163342.post-70104598655623387422015-06-07T03:47:00.002-07:002015-06-07T03:49:15.505-07:00Comrades, Oh ComradesComrades, oh Comrades. It's pretty hard to have a bad Comrades day because it is such an amazing event. Did I run fast? No, not really. Did I place well? No, not really. Am I glad that I raced? Yes, absolutely.<br />
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For how my race went down, head over to the wonderful website that is iRunFar.com <a href="http://www.irunfar.com/2015/06/not-a-good-race-but-always-a-great-race-ellie-greenwoods-2015-comrades-marathon-report.html">by clicking here:</a><br />
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Otherwise, here are some photo memories of another great trip to South Africa. Big thanks the my main sponsor Salomon, their X-Series road shoe was ideal for a race like Comrades, and big thanks to my South African run club, Nedbank, for their super hospitality, support and friendship as always. Needless to say, a fair few Clif gels were consumed in the 88km between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, and my stomach stayed happy all day. Huge thanks to Sundog Eyewear for their supper sunnies and financial support in getting me the rehab I needed after my broken hand in March. And thanks as always to Flora Health, to keep me healthy and recovering well, and to Petzl, who always light the way :) I couldn't do all this racing and traveling without the support of my sponsors, so please excuse the commercial plug! Now back to those photos ...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAciVy1DbmMRJQB7IDWZZHfLLGQWql9UmGaRiAUXfMGoiI-VNjQbhxGaiGjS1JwZEx3b_hAKvnljnTZRmDzVmHs4PpNFd5Cz_C5EpXIpCbx4dji0lgwc0KW_3uE4_m9UiuJIkDlcbnnKt2/s1600/11052485_10155639940200346_2236923697871160143_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAciVy1DbmMRJQB7IDWZZHfLLGQWql9UmGaRiAUXfMGoiI-VNjQbhxGaiGjS1JwZEx3b_hAKvnljnTZRmDzVmHs4PpNFd5Cz_C5EpXIpCbx4dji0lgwc0KW_3uE4_m9UiuJIkDlcbnnKt2/s320/11052485_10155639940200346_2236923697871160143_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salomon X-series loving the South African hills :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYnIc6r-t2Od3NBbsPdjY4pYB2ZmF2T_e24a_Go9tysOppWdaAHVO05mqnhxrEwaT5Bjyatr5ZJrRDeXGZZbXdmU5a0v-f3yCMtwwn6H_mJvMqB83O9BtgxaJz7H9-R7ACWxqEcACZelu/s1600/IMG_1632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYnIc6r-t2Od3NBbsPdjY4pYB2ZmF2T_e24a_Go9tysOppWdaAHVO05mqnhxrEwaT5Bjyatr5ZJrRDeXGZZbXdmU5a0v-f3yCMtwwn6H_mJvMqB83O9BtgxaJz7H9-R7ACWxqEcACZelu/s320/IMG_1632.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just some of the Nedbank elite men</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobrI2vj4tYDHys_MdXtz-VK-VsYPTOE7-XkxJRYRvqWBFm1x_8NP_o3EX9kh501G_IhQVPh_Q50IhgPsMX3rhDX1eQ_ccbAFo5AOvpZR4Q2NBmiQ8U15164mibJVe0uWri3HL0RUsS6G5/s1600/IMG_1657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobrI2vj4tYDHys_MdXtz-VK-VsYPTOE7-XkxJRYRvqWBFm1x_8NP_o3EX9kh501G_IhQVPh_Q50IhgPsMX3rhDX1eQ_ccbAFo5AOvpZR4Q2NBmiQ8U15164mibJVe0uWri3HL0RUsS6G5/s320/IMG_1657.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset over the Durban soccer stadium</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFfKHF-OFxXV-TceJrMw4Vbw2zHyIeXgdV4T35NTq6FBmGSBocRczgcWllplKqkPu_a0Z6OprFeflSGIgsbYosQMeX0KynRlaqHdVZArNmVaNOn_mafl54ULxsB1LOoJh-R2yostObv4w/s1600/IMG_1658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFfKHF-OFxXV-TceJrMw4Vbw2zHyIeXgdV4T35NTq6FBmGSBocRczgcWllplKqkPu_a0Z6OprFeflSGIgsbYosQMeX0KynRlaqHdVZArNmVaNOn_mafl54ULxsB1LOoJh-R2yostObv4w/s320/IMG_1658.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the Nedbank elite</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlTzZMLrVC_COJ67WawRuiP21i3pD3Diy-N1vX_i3wHa81BsBiFCtwL7x_MnGwVB2qRLpZbOwyir6cmcNaKrOqvnGgVje0X5jyYlgV4FRiF_6gimxTz099CbmYiH79JVKM9tn8gucTtiY/s1600/IMG_1676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlTzZMLrVC_COJ67WawRuiP21i3pD3Diy-N1vX_i3wHa81BsBiFCtwL7x_MnGwVB2qRLpZbOwyir6cmcNaKrOqvnGgVje0X5jyYlgV4FRiF_6gimxTz099CbmYiH79JVKM9tn8gucTtiY/s320/IMG_1676.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Live TV interview with SABC pre-race</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-XrNmxO8MYWewPxQgsQzvzc5kYXu9SvNib2R6rGwNwmFhZybTJIlXs0yqCI-YQzi-NefomdG-Xns8NKQjMMjNWJvTWKqMBRtpkk2e1be_7QQywZTCRs_8DDqEyK3TbHXtmBLg6uRNuFb/s1600/IMG_1687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-XrNmxO8MYWewPxQgsQzvzc5kYXu9SvNib2R6rGwNwmFhZybTJIlXs0yqCI-YQzi-NefomdG-Xns8NKQjMMjNWJvTWKqMBRtpkk2e1be_7QQywZTCRs_8DDqEyK3TbHXtmBLg6uRNuFb/s320/IMG_1687.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team Scotland! With Joasia Zakrzewski</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyJEGxRWuswZ-zZV7F-M6ShMwq_gOLxyP9M3_gG4QYaLQIUwsP_FB3-Kz9uUmRDL_51L0BEWEQzclC-VSSktoKn31SlgWxsVQZmsc9Ldt8MLIJ2Zu8VoJ88GgG5uciC95JXtI-vhrAWYe/s1600/IMG_1699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyJEGxRWuswZ-zZV7F-M6ShMwq_gOLxyP9M3_gG4QYaLQIUwsP_FB3-Kz9uUmRDL_51L0BEWEQzclC-VSSktoKn31SlgWxsVQZmsc9Ldt8MLIJ2Zu8VoJ88GgG5uciC95JXtI-vhrAWYe/s320/IMG_1699.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharing early miles with team mate Charne Bosman, Charne went on to finish strong in 2nd</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjaYTAFNFRe3HCv315eDEEKAirx3XXdmNoTmyhoyMR6hJTmRyz9jAEOTJlxwxCxRqvOn38cwzygh7hk6FpOwHLRG7kJvS-8pUNqe_Nu_rA5eCDhjrnSb_sRznn1iOrp0vZ6WzCfBZPM4N/s1600/IMG_1709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjaYTAFNFRe3HCv315eDEEKAirx3XXdmNoTmyhoyMR6hJTmRyz9jAEOTJlxwxCxRqvOn38cwzygh7hk6FpOwHLRG7kJvS-8pUNqe_Nu_rA5eCDhjrnSb_sRznn1iOrp0vZ6WzCfBZPM4N/s320/IMG_1709.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Durban sunrise over the Indian Ocean</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEETSERhy69dEVNK6g1bS3EMGLmrKmdkKRr172jGqLbikc4rGiDxohP-KTRG0s9sUPkfHvTUX5oluxbxx5zuQMtDRRwuVZAf1UWt-sP4xnRYaH52Su-1MyayOOVrM8EFHd7OrB9-s4HL7e/s1600/IMG_1718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEETSERhy69dEVNK6g1bS3EMGLmrKmdkKRr172jGqLbikc4rGiDxohP-KTRG0s9sUPkfHvTUX5oluxbxx5zuQMtDRRwuVZAf1UWt-sP4xnRYaH52Su-1MyayOOVrM8EFHd7OrB9-s4HL7e/s320/IMG_1718.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Max & I hobbled along for a fun Salomon photo shoot the day after the race :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6vtvzM6gWnJfUPhPvBAnfbpSi3Qw4o6E9cgezk23Papi32OQgfeJn0yW2C6Y0Ya8G48Ww-sjy0Goz5rC7IdEyf514w4Xdv4xXUvILrTvSYffeitbLhRrfAf-kC4VaWhLmQVro5G4TD-N/s1600/IMG_1730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6vtvzM6gWnJfUPhPvBAnfbpSi3Qw4o6E9cgezk23Papi32OQgfeJn0yW2C6Y0Ya8G48Ww-sjy0Goz5rC7IdEyf514w4Xdv4xXUvILrTvSYffeitbLhRrfAf-kC4VaWhLmQVro5G4TD-N/s320/IMG_1730.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smiling sunrise</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQRttdLgTgA7snhgFUCgZOtbOZfkdcnDMwLvMzNCRk6f1mCdvA9vr7EbDSt0cjdnvdOp4Gd5dR8_IJqI2BoVPvMjTQa8SDjBdCPQpcZS2-NyNyWQ43b76JW_DSmNgAc_9MVQh5PHlgXUq/s1600/10003600_10155639940225346_4101203505206728747_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQRttdLgTgA7snhgFUCgZOtbOZfkdcnDMwLvMzNCRk6f1mCdvA9vr7EbDSt0cjdnvdOp4Gd5dR8_IJqI2BoVPvMjTQa8SDjBdCPQpcZS2-NyNyWQ43b76JW_DSmNgAc_9MVQh5PHlgXUq/s320/10003600_10155639940225346_4101203505206728747_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early miles in the dark. Photo: Kelvin Trautman/ Salomon Running</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0oIbooeoKJEGwJLRjTLA-fA8mwE5ggeVIj-OJC7jYjTecjWUfqiFC1j7htJ-jmmxWZwzplMRfIuleH731x-sNg4Qg9KAyqRxBwKjRwCKCRafPeu5eqwfzL1gXsqI-u0kt51SEoVvjqX2/s1600/10469670_10155632820525346_1662596788366230133_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0oIbooeoKJEGwJLRjTLA-fA8mwE5ggeVIj-OJC7jYjTecjWUfqiFC1j7htJ-jmmxWZwzplMRfIuleH731x-sNg4Qg9KAyqRxBwKjRwCKCRafPeu5eqwfzL1gXsqI-u0kt51SEoVvjqX2/s320/10469670_10155632820525346_1662596788366230133_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun times at the Salomon store in Umhlanga/ Durban pre-race. Photo: Kelvin Trautman/ Salomon Running</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-j-8ULBLD02D51BIBBBKHmoeqm1ut3ApxRZY9JTPcEgKFIaz6ROhJVAlcB29Zt6fCPbueH7D-Mt2ZFmjIMaEwxFbrMO6jzT1IAHsHq3RNGr5vPB3ajJRkcOaVhTxPzYxDN-PLaqo2vnBO/s1600/10658759_10155639940180346_5336839789459228754_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-j-8ULBLD02D51BIBBBKHmoeqm1ut3ApxRZY9JTPcEgKFIaz6ROhJVAlcB29Zt6fCPbueH7D-Mt2ZFmjIMaEwxFbrMO6jzT1IAHsHq3RNGr5vPB3ajJRkcOaVhTxPzYxDN-PLaqo2vnBO/s320/10658759_10155639940180346_5336839789459228754_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salomon team mates! With Max King. Photo: Kelvin Trautman/ Salomon Runnning</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BCatcP5w7Zuc9zYoEl74GjTBh0T0uVN_nERY4pUhYFLtT7P2ZsXORsLkIiLYJCjZuEvXjg1q6JVxLzWEvRRBDrOyKacAf88CqIYPIEK8-uN3jntNxoEWyI1SkPlntgbQwzo9wC3vSxjo/s1600/11116405_10155636016265346_7122523633718700061_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BCatcP5w7Zuc9zYoEl74GjTBh0T0uVN_nERY4pUhYFLtT7P2ZsXORsLkIiLYJCjZuEvXjg1q6JVxLzWEvRRBDrOyKacAf88CqIYPIEK8-uN3jntNxoEWyI1SkPlntgbQwzo9wC3vSxjo/s320/11116405_10155636016265346_7122523633718700061_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh so relaxed the afternoon pre-race :) Photo: Kelvin Trautman/ Salomon Runnning</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10Z1-jD0tRDD7ivTh49osSzKDtKOC2MMZc1vuBmeQ79T6Qv1pnIzjFgM20i8v2JeADhZQaqPEERGT3xUqBxBB32z78ZPCTGrPDE3R1pS-Zk6BkJUz8rDWvcVVuX1RvozjMwziOsXdPdOo/s1600/CGKgSlFWQAAcFaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10Z1-jD0tRDD7ivTh49osSzKDtKOC2MMZc1vuBmeQ79T6Qv1pnIzjFgM20i8v2JeADhZQaqPEERGT3xUqBxBB32z78ZPCTGrPDE3R1pS-Zk6BkJUz8rDWvcVVuX1RvozjMwziOsXdPdOo/s320/CGKgSlFWQAAcFaa.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-race radio interview at the race expo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5QnY77axPb_pYg3mZSYjQ7Na2AC51fkthvrMoufh7zLrSXvE4EBYYk6Fow19YLOSyZ0MNc_Dg4fIMbuECT0CXb15snQbyZGiQ56tut8WMAcJ6yha-bW6hH2AG8lP5VH93cZqsYTiPZ40/s1600/CGU7SF6UAAE0wIR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5QnY77axPb_pYg3mZSYjQ7Na2AC51fkthvrMoufh7zLrSXvE4EBYYk6Fow19YLOSyZ0MNc_Dg4fIMbuECT0CXb15snQbyZGiQ56tut8WMAcJ6yha-bW6hH2AG8lP5VH93cZqsYTiPZ40/s320/CGU7SF6UAAE0wIR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TV finish, yes - the whole 12 hours of Comrades is broadcast live on national South African TV!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidX474GVDtm07wxlq4fEsfyo_aDjE5WSFJchzugI6EKo9tT57TB_eLokIDCSHE5JyiDZMYTpibTFOlEEUK2ZymoCukHEptd9p1YYY1_AjdamXb5h9RZvvpCWddulycOQMgbsLLKqw4LV7K/s1600/CGHo6NYWQAAq0BH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidX474GVDtm07wxlq4fEsfyo_aDjE5WSFJchzugI6EKo9tT57TB_eLokIDCSHE5JyiDZMYTpibTFOlEEUK2ZymoCukHEptd9p1YYY1_AjdamXb5h9RZvvpCWddulycOQMgbsLLKqw4LV7K/s320/CGHo6NYWQAAq0BH.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Jackie of Salomon Running, thanks for being such a great host!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9z9h2fQO8k5POj-dwzFzE_p9vexoqFBgH4WNbZFsN_g1xG8z3o_L6Q5CAfOwDM83ghSkxWFqxWKjpcaRJ15skNR7AmF3LuuXyBht2-DgCLEpRwcNQLn8o_O3fCff8YOGRRN7tv1bY_g5S/s1600/CGeg2FqW0AAEBQY-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9z9h2fQO8k5POj-dwzFzE_p9vexoqFBgH4WNbZFsN_g1xG8z3o_L6Q5CAfOwDM83ghSkxWFqxWKjpcaRJ15skNR7AmF3LuuXyBht2-DgCLEpRwcNQLn8o_O3fCff8YOGRRN7tv1bY_g5S/s320/CGeg2FqW0AAEBQY-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Motoring through the (55) miles</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9Gyb3DlI4y8d2GRBXN7xJuTbHxwklGpPdbDkRua-m1lJcgvmVkyJb40nwYdmVfvB4k7hdrEdBE7Ny0W-w1gZ0vX1eApSeJskZkUvIwXoZFXXEqdwCbeLl1xSI-O75Vv34ByyWl51056q/s1600/CGZ--3NWsAA-AnV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9Gyb3DlI4y8d2GRBXN7xJuTbHxwklGpPdbDkRua-m1lJcgvmVkyJb40nwYdmVfvB4k7hdrEdBE7Ny0W-w1gZ0vX1eApSeJskZkUvIwXoZFXXEqdwCbeLl1xSI-O75Vv34ByyWl51056q/s320/CGZ--3NWsAA-AnV.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick & his Nedbank ladies. We took 7 out of the top 10 positions :)</td></tr>
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<br />Ellie Greenwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053246362407725539noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255787720146163342.post-16538822616622690682015-05-04T16:58:00.002-07:002015-05-04T16:58:34.531-07:00Testing timesHaving got the green light from my surgeon a few weeks ago I asked myself the question, 'Can I train for Comrades 87k in seven weeks?' Well, and lets' be honest there those seven weeks included any sort of taper so in realty, I had far less than seven weeks to put in a solid bunch of hard, but sensible, graft. It was time to start ramping up the miles, but also time to be mindful that if I leapt back into too much too soon then I might end up injured or just plain over worked.<br />
<br />
First focus - just go out and run. A few days after getting the 'ok' to run I did a 33k road run, usually this would be nothing to write home about but man oh man, I ended that run feeling beat like after my first marathon some 13 years ago. Hmm, this was no boding well. But it seemed that with each and every run my body very quickly remembered the usual paces that I put it through and I soon was ramping up the miles, adding quality and recovering much quicker. Muscle memory and rested legs are two very wonderful things!<br />
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I was also very keen to race BMO Vancouver Marathon, which was this past weekend, afterall it was four weeks pre-Comrades so why on earth would I go for a long solo training run when I could join in race fun with many friends, all of which knew I had been injured and thus possibly not in the best shape of my life? Everyone said I would be fine, but I went into 'race' day with 110kms in my legs from the 5 days prior - not exactly the usual taper. Those 110kms included my first attempt at a tempo and a speed workout, so they weren't all easy miles. But I had to remember that BMO was a stepping stone and not a goal race in itself, there wasn't the luxury of time to taper for this, and afterall - it was destined to be a hard training effort, not a race.<br />
<br />
All in all BMO Vancouver Marathon yesterday was a huge success on many fronts:<br />
<br />
- I had talked myself into the belief that a 3:00:00 finish might be realistic. But I have the benefit of more than 50 marathons/ ultras so when I opened in a 3:55/km rather than the planned 4:15/km I ran on feel, and ended up with a 3:56/km average - pretty good pacing.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5YwCvXW-tExqxpvtWq8QmGx99TkkfzT8xGxr3pViKujktIWG0CVARNhM8abxpPO3dwkfs4DxLAmFH789pvT9SPxmP_EhoEyKgvGemW19mjYGd_1Eyq9vhbQAmtcgc2aUCaXTDbzUHj-Cj/s1600/11141242_10206338882408234_5103496030876804000_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5YwCvXW-tExqxpvtWq8QmGx99TkkfzT8xGxr3pViKujktIWG0CVARNhM8abxpPO3dwkfs4DxLAmFH789pvT9SPxmP_EhoEyKgvGemW19mjYGd_1Eyq9vhbQAmtcgc2aUCaXTDbzUHj-Cj/s320/11141242_10206338882408234_5103496030876804000_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Helen, Anne-Marie and Kristin, just some of my super VFAC team mates. Photo: Guy Smith</td></tr>
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<br />
- 2:47:23 finishing time, with a negative split to boot (I passed half way in 1:24 something - still not sure of the official split).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgklgqGEZw635yNduZAwCJnVQXvxBbp8WXQmCLA_ws5KBozOggunbpBBkZY4fBJ3XgUtW518TujK_dAriXiV3QxV2RG-z9ClOU1oVsZPaM6uk3vpQ_j6n9p9F2DNFiBoPoXM4xTgKxKmjeW/s1600/11167786_10155520628705621_8763521034686418560_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgklgqGEZw635yNduZAwCJnVQXvxBbp8WXQmCLA_ws5KBozOggunbpBBkZY4fBJ3XgUtW518TujK_dAriXiV3QxV2RG-z9ClOU1oVsZPaM6uk3vpQ_j6n9p9F2DNFiBoPoXM4xTgKxKmjeW/s320/11167786_10155520628705621_8763521034686418560_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cruising at the half way mark. Photo: Dave Burroughs</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />
- Whilst I not surprisingly lacked that extra gear (no taper, heavy legs) I didn't slow at the end - yes, there was no sprint finish but in my final 5kms I maintained my steady pace, good enough.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRupzBxgwWRcyjGHafqRlvckECdqkViAGPXDnpY5LO6zk8VYeBFtGrOPgs2LD5wUtBGMSsb04hHfeYv2mrjnERBgYiAgKHtFciOLdoFILD0FbGkXcBv8jfxEttGisAjCTJiDCDCJYCdcs8/s1600/10668813_10153300541934111_83757430067015927_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRupzBxgwWRcyjGHafqRlvckECdqkViAGPXDnpY5LO6zk8VYeBFtGrOPgs2LD5wUtBGMSsb04hHfeYv2mrjnERBgYiAgKHtFciOLdoFILD0FbGkXcBv8jfxEttGisAjCTJiDCDCJYCdcs8/s320/10668813_10153300541934111_83757430067015927_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Focused in the closing kms. Photo: Rita Ivanauskas</td></tr>
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<br />
- I'd arranged to have a friend meet me at the finish line to go for a 10k cool down, after a quick awards ceremony (I placed 3rd female overall), off we trotted for a blissful, easy 50 minute run in the hilly Stanley Park trails. Were my legs fresh? No. Could I easily run that 10k? Yes.<br />
<br />
So I now have one more week of really solid training and then it will be gradually reduced volume to prep for Comrades. I am so excited to be heading to South Africa again, and whilst I might not be in tip top shape and perfectly prepared, BMO was an excellent benchmark of fitness that shows that I should be able to post a respectable showing at The Ultimate Human Race on May 31st :) I'm excited, motivated and keen to just race as best as I can.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ZXUTKC94hvXL22oW5Hzxj-3MKseCAwylFpsB444k7pU6xDlc_aLL__cYNW4mCmO4_dM8S6ImBzSp8YomKs9r1iqN_kp11uLp0HoVyCCpeBPKwrcGYzpgxNoYUEdpsO2HZQHTe4z8_Vvp/s1600/10408076_893414774033107_7286952851492185705_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ZXUTKC94hvXL22oW5Hzxj-3MKseCAwylFpsB444k7pU6xDlc_aLL__cYNW4mCmO4_dM8S6ImBzSp8YomKs9r1iqN_kp11uLp0HoVyCCpeBPKwrcGYzpgxNoYUEdpsO2HZQHTe4z8_Vvp/s320/10408076_893414774033107_7286952851492185705_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pumped with my time, how good I felt, and that whilst my hand is still in need of much therapy - at least I am back running. Photo: Salomon Store West Vancouver</td></tr>
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<br />Ellie Greenwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053246362407725539noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255787720146163342.post-44055468944672075462015-04-02T14:26:00.000-07:002015-04-02T14:26:29.445-07:00A Bumpy FlightMy oh my, how did April 2nd happen? The year so far seems to have just flown by, though to be fair it has been a bit of a bumpy flight so far! Firstly, please excuse if there are a few typos in this post but two weeks ago I was commuting on my bike to get to a massage therapy appointment when 'bam!' A car abruptly cut in front of me, I slammed on my brakes to avoid hitting them and before I knew it I was flying over my handlebars, hitting the tarmac and going in an ambulance to ER to find out that I had three broken bones in my hand. Left hand typing is hard! Darn, I never did make it to that massage appointment but I did make it to surgery four days later for a whole bunch of metalware to be put in my hand as it turns out the breaks are pretty severe.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9mrfqSVJJULgqUSR9oC8dtKLgIUQiZPwZq5eFZ0-ZPQofprf3Vxn-EJftplJZ7Og82onDE9sgclShWH1X1XC-RBIp4ipcRwSM_8YQX9dg35DeBc0z9YZs0xhXMDomxUYw3mI85tmGoR8/s1600/IMG_1237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9mrfqSVJJULgqUSR9oC8dtKLgIUQiZPwZq5eFZ0-ZPQofprf3Vxn-EJftplJZ7Og82onDE9sgclShWH1X1XC-RBIp4ipcRwSM_8YQX9dg35DeBc0z9YZs0xhXMDomxUYw3mI85tmGoR8/s1600/IMG_1237.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not conducive to running!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTbApT3TC4I7YsN6qZOxgrTvYMbGvLtwTwTwZRuGvBHipmKVN2hDCeaa1h0tIsY42rzJFv009ZF1D5yVmQfuMXlLqBlqUTgu5Z5TKtmqLWhPMPi8Reata_vZjD6cBayRYlgBqmLphlaWc/s1600/IMG_1180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTbApT3TC4I7YsN6qZOxgrTvYMbGvLtwTwTwZRuGvBHipmKVN2hDCeaa1h0tIsY42rzJFv009ZF1D5yVmQfuMXlLqBlqUTgu5Z5TKtmqLWhPMPi8Reata_vZjD6cBayRYlgBqmLphlaWc/s1600/IMG_1180.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I LOVE my bike!</td></tr>
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<br />
This week I was meant to be in Mallorca for Salomon Advanced Week, but instead my surgeon made me stay home for some follow ups and hand therapy. Boo :( But do check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salomonrunning?fref=ts">Salomon Running on Facebook</a> to see some awesome pics of what my team mates are up to and what cool new products they are testing. I'm so honoured to be part of this team and looking forward to Advanced Week 2016!<br />
<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtb68oS8C9Z9TWojN9QvccLcpogeP-OHEhNLunWBAj_zUli6MFCeyMCkvOx1y7-r2V8T9YJjGNqziRw759CxG942Gxki4WclSPt1XcEZl_lG2vLVjo_F4G1-CidTHg7V4c7Ekz6gPB_Lq/s1600/10847739_10155413160125346_3935284873524845648_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtb68oS8C9Z9TWojN9QvccLcpogeP-OHEhNLunWBAj_zUli6MFCeyMCkvOx1y7-r2V8T9YJjGNqziRw759CxG942Gxki4WclSPt1XcEZl_lG2vLVjo_F4G1-CidTHg7V4c7Ekz6gPB_Lq/s1600/10847739_10155413160125346_3935284873524845648_o.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salomon Advanced Week</td></tr>
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<br />
Before the injury, I started out the year as I often do with the Fat Ass 50k here in Vancouver. Having not run much in December (end of season down time) it was a bit of a slow sufferfest of a day but I had the company of great friends Kim and Sammy, who refused to let me drop back and so good chatter was had great times shared. Thanks guys!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLorQRxIaLstFv8ex231XmJ7ngFIE5jONsebH-zflj6Aqetd7QFbhIuOap92_UVq1JVtn010KZoXqIxAiayFXeY3B62u0pli3eg4MRvECiKEkt9lVq0K1BqRwQjbP46Ocvg3zCeFN9Jcr/s1600/IMG_0802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLorQRxIaLstFv8ex231XmJ7ngFIE5jONsebH-zflj6Aqetd7QFbhIuOap92_UVq1JVtn010KZoXqIxAiayFXeY3B62u0pli3eg4MRvECiKEkt9lVq0K1BqRwQjbP46Ocvg3zCeFN9Jcr/s1600/IMG_0802.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with Kick Ass Kim and Super Sammy</td></tr>
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<br />
January was then all about build up and return to speed and at my run club workouts I sometimes found my groove, and I sometimes didn't. But I've been running long enough to know that I just need to keep plugging away and so that is what I did. <a href="http://vfac.ca/">VFAC</a> interval workouts are a guaranteed sufferfest, but shared with great friends we all smile at the end and come back every week for more. In mid February I raced the <a href="http://www.pacificroadrunners.ca/firsthalf/">Pacific Road Runners First Half Half Marathon</a> and was reasonably happy with my 80min finishing time, slower than the year before but good enough and a great workout to progress my fitness. Once again Sammy and I found ourselves side by side, and then around 15k we picked up our friend Dave and he jumped aboard our little pain train to the finish line. There is nothing like running the last 5k of a half at your absolute fitness potential to know what suffering is about :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Glu0c8V_B-PDG9NzTyw8goErTbIzp2FfpFTlE2iQPyfnvh_RHektor_kj7IgL6MKDX_nNhCY58SzqSY59Y4ezIVzqRY-T0KuG1uE7p20bWlMIyG28SUm_1pyWx-CUQxWQV4QJwNX0Ty-/s1600/134336_10155179970725313_3790299757531667498_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Glu0c8V_B-PDG9NzTyw8goErTbIzp2FfpFTlE2iQPyfnvh_RHektor_kj7IgL6MKDX_nNhCY58SzqSY59Y4ezIVzqRY-T0KuG1uE7p20bWlMIyG28SUm_1pyWx-CUQxWQV4QJwNX0Ty-/s1600/134336_10155179970725313_3790299757531667498_o.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Half (credit Jay Klassen)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8PGktH67bDhSiG2wuGIwVO4PDooni7p5EP3vhP7VG23i764CNT6e5m2YuDb4ku9F7BS4Oj5g8Rejqc3T43_A5IFZ5wD5W30AsRNkjzKcgWqYPBN_dqAk4IuZvAfCtRXNv_pR9N-_lzGxo/s1600/IMG_1101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8PGktH67bDhSiG2wuGIwVO4PDooni7p5EP3vhP7VG23i764CNT6e5m2YuDb4ku9F7BS4Oj5g8Rejqc3T43_A5IFZ5wD5W30AsRNkjzKcgWqYPBN_dqAk4IuZvAfCtRXNv_pR9N-_lzGxo/s1600/IMG_1101.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">post speed interval workout with Tim</td></tr>
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<br />
Of course with the current state of running (none until my surgeon gives the green light) who knows if <a href="http://comrades.com/">the Comrades</a> will be a-go in less than two months time. I am not naive enough to think I can win with this interruption to training but the Comrades has never been about winning for me. I love the Comrades with an absolute passion and if I feel I can put on a respectable performance on May 31st then I it will be an honour to represent Salomon and Nedbank through the Valley of a Thousand Hills.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0XsMOtIysEXjkDeBJUT5RapTVB7sL8qjAYvS_bbyrNkE8VWeIP3352oWP022nxvtMuTxT285GHP8g_O7rlxdQXklrv5i22j8xUeD8sXaO3a8qJfy6nKoAr23A1FHm_g5Kk7i6HCT1Gun/s1600/IMG_7271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0XsMOtIysEXjkDeBJUT5RapTVB7sL8qjAYvS_bbyrNkE8VWeIP3352oWP022nxvtMuTxT285GHP8g_O7rlxdQXklrv5i22j8xUeD8sXaO3a8qJfy6nKoAr23A1FHm_g5Kk7i6HCT1Gun/s1600/IMG_7271.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with Amy after Comrades 2014</td></tr>
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I will be participating at the <a href="http://www.bmovanmarathon.ca/">BMO Vancouver Marathon</a> on May 3rd in one form or another. On April 30th I'll be speaking at the race expo (about the Comrades), on May 2nd I'll be hanging out at the Clif Bar booth at the expo, and on race day I'll either be running, cheering my <a href="http://www.kintec.net/walk_run_clinics.php">Kintec/ NSA</a> clinic runners, or helping out the race organizers. Keep an eye out of my<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ultra.ellie"> Facebook page </a>for details, I'm looking forward to chatting to many runners over the race weekend.<br />
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And one final note - I have a great deal if you are looking at buying some sunglasses. My super sponsor, <a href="http://sundogeyewear.com/">Sundog Eyewear</a>, are offering 25% off sales on www.sundogeyewear.com until April 30th if you enter code ELLIE25 (US & Canada only). They will also provide me with a 15% kickback from any of these sales which will be a great help for medical costs associated with this darn broken hand.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfn9Xwbd7r76UJY27MEWFo8HKqS8iLndRhALOL2g-f2uq-DAJwYApgQ-JzzePJ7Ckio1ae5o3EsKHAAsMpqh1gmzInMEyYsa_s2T-XwhkbkK-8zl5vDRPeh7WaDq-kxZ7f-nvtFzfh3zn/s1600/IMG_1205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfn9Xwbd7r76UJY27MEWFo8HKqS8iLndRhALOL2g-f2uq-DAJwYApgQ-JzzePJ7Ckio1ae5o3EsKHAAsMpqh1gmzInMEyYsa_s2T-XwhkbkK-8zl5vDRPeh7WaDq-kxZ7f-nvtFzfh3zn/s1600/IMG_1205.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kristin and I wearing our Sundogs whilst we are a mobile aid station for our clinic marathoners-in-training</td></tr>
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Oh, and one very final note - a huge thank you to all my sponsors and friends, who have been so helpful and understanding when I can't run :) Ok, time to sign off now - that was a long post for typing with my 'wrong' hand!<br />
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<br />
Happy trails,<br />
Ellie<br />
<h3>
<i><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"Embrace your biggest disappointments, build on your greatest achievements, keep your head held high and you cannot help move forward".</i></div>
</i></h3>
Ellie Greenwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053246362407725539noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255787720146163342.post-45378035017552351182015-03-11T21:36:00.000-07:002015-03-11T21:36:07.047-07:00The Joys of and the Reasons why Anti Doping control in Sports is a mustCongratulations! Your prize for winning the IAU World 100k is US$2000 and the pleasure of being added to the WADA Whereabouts register! Woo hoo! So the IAU World 100k was back in mid November and last week I was advised that I need to report "Whereabouts" as of next week, but I've still to receive the prize money (I'm told that it is on it's way!), I guess in the grand scheme of thing I do agree with this order of priority because trying to keep doping cheats out of athletics as much as possible is absolutely essential for the whole reputation and well being of our sport. I know that I for one don't want to watch races where I am looking at competitors and being suspicious that they are using 'a little extra' to help them perform to their best, because then it's not their best, it's some artificial best that is cheating clean athletes of the accolades, the recognition and the earnings that they deserve.<br />
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<br />
So what is the "Whereabouts" register? Basically it is a system where an athlete has to submit online, in 3 month installments, their overnight address as well as a 60 minute time slot every single day (between 5am and 11pm) until at some time in the coming years when the athlete will be advised that they are being removed from the register. An athlete also needs to report the dates and locations of all their competitions and there is encouragement, but not requirement, to report regular activities such as training sessions, regular gym workout locations etc. Once that information is submitted then an anti-doping officer can show up at any time to perform doping control (a blood and/ or urine sample). It is essential that an athlete is at their daily 60 min slot location as if they miss an anti doping officer showing up for this slot then this is recorded, and there is only the 'chance' to miss three such visits in a year before it is classed as an anti doping violation and the athlete will be banned from competition for two years! In all other slots (regular activities, competitions etc) the athlete must provide a blood/ urine sample if an anti doping officer shows up, but if the athlete is not at these locations when they said they would be then this is not classed as a missed test - phew!<br />
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All this information is submitted on an online system, which is fortunately quite easy to use, and can be updated at last minute either by going back onto the system, using an iPhone app or text messaging new details to a specific phone number. Given most athletes travel a certain amount and often don't have regular schedules the ability to adjust submitted "Whereabouts" information is essential.<br />
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Of course it goes without saying that the whole concept of anti doping control is to test an athlete for banned substances which could potentially increase their athletic performance, so from now on there will be no random medication popping for me, instead I will need to check before I take any medication to see if it is on the 'banned list'. If a medication is banned then the first port of call is to try to find a similar medication that is not banned, and failing that an athlete needs to obtain a therapeutic exemption before they can take a substance that is on the banned list. I'm just hoping that I stay healthy :)<br />
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The whole World Anti Doping Association set up works within the frame of the events that are under the banner of the IAAF. Hence a runner can win any number of trail races such as UTMB, Western States, TNF50 etc and they will not come under the radar of being added to the "Whereabouts" register, but as soon as an athlete starts choosing to compete at IAAF events then there is the 'risk' that they may get asked to submit 'Whereabouts". If an athlete is asked to submit "Whereabouts" information but does not want to then the only way out is to officially retire from competing in IAAF events in the future, and I think even if someone such as myself did that, there would be a cloud of suspicion around that athlete (and rightly so) and even non-IAAF events would likely not be keen that that athlete competes in their races. Equally I think it is important to say that I 'chose' to compete at an IAAF event, because if any athlete really does not want to potentially be added to the "Whereabouts" register then they can simply not compete at those events. It's rather along the lines of 'if you don't like the rules then don't play the game'.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JO8e-VC0LvYD9fU3dSTFoTbav0tcKjQVYubdOiC7oUPfS_tUdzK9hI2ch8VQhH62ewhMfaII8_8Mfq-DIjRWwzOSYPntFYNGAxXuRyTZZknLRb1yJ2hOTMtz5XZMeY62IPCzY7t3GtgA/s1600/B3CplXWCYAE9cRl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JO8e-VC0LvYD9fU3dSTFoTbav0tcKjQVYubdOiC7oUPfS_tUdzK9hI2ch8VQhH62ewhMfaII8_8Mfq-DIjRWwzOSYPntFYNGAxXuRyTZZknLRb1yJ2hOTMtz5XZMeY62IPCzY7t3GtgA/s1600/B3CplXWCYAE9cRl.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Of course I am not overly excited to have been added to the register; it's time consuming and extra admin I'd prefer not to deal with, but it is the price that we have to pay to maintain the integrity of our sport and keep the cheats out, and so for that reason I'm happy to comply with the necessary procedures (though ask me that again when I first get tested as my usual 60 minute slot will be very early morning when I am sure to be at home ... and in bed!)Ellie Greenwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053246362407725539noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255787720146163342.post-27385467062963514562015-01-01T06:32:00.001-08:002015-01-01T06:32:09.893-08:00New VenturesIn 2008 I was approached by a friend who managed the Canadian Montrail team at the time and he asked if I wanted to join the team. Did I want to join? Wow! Me? I had a 3:18 marathon PB and had won a handful of low key, local trail 50ks. I'd never run 50 miles, let alone won Western States 100 miler, heck - I'd not even raced outside of Canada. Needless to say, it was an absolute honour to be asked to join the team and the last seven years have been full of lots of miles, lots of smiles and countless new challenges and opportunities. But the time has come where it is just right to move on, so today I say a huge thank you to Montrail and Mountain Hardwear for their support over the last seven years. It's been quite the ride!<br />
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And ... an equally huge thank you to <a href="http://www.salomonrunning.com/us/">Salomon</a> for asking me to join their running family for 2015 and beyond. I'm so very excited for the opportunities that this will afford me as a runner, the places it will allow me to travel, the races it will allow me to run and the people it will give me a chance to meet, and hopefully inspire. <br />
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Wishing each and everyone of you a Happy New Year. May your trails be scenic, your roads be fast and your adventures filled with friends and family.<br />
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Happy trails,<br />
<i>Ellie</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv67voBsyj68xKIAz_L0sHYQ5RuNADj5ckOGz4Afba8rYGLzuLYuBs1BygE5bwk-uvOAF0ujdM0T6nzEnrcbyONdj0IrhjFrRr4AIXKmDY0dQHs_vf0GbiOAT-UFneO2lIVJxoiXKyl9H-/s1600/DrozPhoto_SanFrancisco14_6042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv67voBsyj68xKIAz_L0sHYQ5RuNADj5ckOGz4Afba8rYGLzuLYuBs1BygE5bwk-uvOAF0ujdM0T6nzEnrcbyONdj0IrhjFrRr4AIXKmDY0dQHs_vf0GbiOAT-UFneO2lIVJxoiXKyl9H-/s1600/DrozPhoto_SanFrancisco14_6042.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit: DROZ Photo </td></tr>
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Ellie Greenwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053246362407725539noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255787720146163342.post-82689077555035669532014-11-25T14:08:00.000-08:002014-11-25T14:12:29.452-08:00IAU World 100kThank you, once again, to the elite ultra media team of <a href="http://irunfar.com/">iRunFar.com</a> for publishing my race report from the <a href="http://www.iau-ultramarathon.org/">IAU World 100k</a> in Doha last week! You can read about my perspective on the race <a href="http://www.irunfar.com/2014/11/third-times-a-charm-ellie-greenwoods-2014-iau-100k-world-championships-report.html">here</a>.<br />
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But here as some extra little memories of the event that didn't fit into the race report:<br />
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- Anti doping control knocked on our hotel room door at 7.20am on the day before the race. You have to answer the door right away so the doping control office in a full length hijab was met by Ellie in her underwear ;)<br />
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- It was on honour to be mowed down on the 20 x 5km lap course by a pack of the leading men, Max King, Jonas Budd and about 8 other men stormed past me like I was standing still.<br />
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- Meghan Arbogast is amazing! The course had lots of out and backs, and each time I saw Meghan she looked rock solid and smiling, 8th in the World at 50yrs+ is outstanding. And she looks better in bun-huggers than me ;)<br />
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- Max King and I like to win together! Chuckanut, UROC, JFK, World 100k wins together. What's next on the schedule, Max?<br />
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- On the GB crew we were honoured to have Eleanor Robinson helping out along with Walter and Adrian. Eleanor was IAU World 100k champion herself in 1990, the year the race was held in Duluth, MN and Ann Trason came 2nd.<br />
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- It was very nice of the BA cabin crew to offer us all champagne on the flight out to Doha, but being well-behaved runners we all stuck to just water :( Being in Qatar, even a celebratory glass of wine after the race had to wait until the flight home.<br />
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- Thank you to Team Canada and Team USA crew for the additional cheering, the ultra community is awesome :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dlGEp3NckxbRWdhdk0b3xLd8a9NkkEISlHFjQzzmkxPBD_6zXnCnKZhiWuDJUQ5Mf4TBvTLSBQK6Qdu1o9sgSHs2ZOD7jDbklH4UtPFWdIuOzyOpfMrVX6cSHFGqG-VyXNpJZul-h-T1/s1600/IMG_0217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dlGEp3NckxbRWdhdk0b3xLd8a9NkkEISlHFjQzzmkxPBD_6zXnCnKZhiWuDJUQ5Mf4TBvTLSBQK6Qdu1o9sgSHs2ZOD7jDbklH4UtPFWdIuOzyOpfMrVX6cSHFGqG-VyXNpJZul-h-T1/s1600/IMG_0217.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Course preview with Emily and Jo pre-race</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFoTymZ4Beao4b6EOM4yKxKqP8AdawilKhGa63oX9Qk6lvsEy9yZyPL2B0ftCQy7pFAqUQlwxKHMwlmIofS2C-C7A-kgItUW2xYvLxtR2gRrQ7zej7rBtmxnOjMPuEBbTi_-yC8JeYv6rA/s1600/IMG_0204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFoTymZ4Beao4b6EOM4yKxKqP8AdawilKhGa63oX9Qk6lvsEy9yZyPL2B0ftCQy7pFAqUQlwxKHMwlmIofS2C-C7A-kgItUW2xYvLxtR2gRrQ7zej7rBtmxnOjMPuEBbTi_-yC8JeYv6rA/s1600/IMG_0204.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team GB arrives in Doha</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBTPqOAvlKwtEWp5LEosJA-lz9Bhl4QbgWMIvizmfx_Dz1raE9vXrWmimH4fA_eO0W4e7TN7ROgHIbemvQCzwZyR-aHLnnrqG6olCTmNFeYsPI0ZdA0t4x1L7oIUOjskLshNwGssedvsb/s1600/1400382_766178743417159_7880071315158182537_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBTPqOAvlKwtEWp5LEosJA-lz9Bhl4QbgWMIvizmfx_Dz1raE9vXrWmimH4fA_eO0W4e7TN7ROgHIbemvQCzwZyR-aHLnnrqG6olCTmNFeYsPI0ZdA0t4x1L7oIUOjskLshNwGssedvsb/s1600/1400382_766178743417159_7880071315158182537_o.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yippee! Credit: Aspire Zone Foundation</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDpCUH54PrJNFKf9rVF3MwsabQiGOS-cp-OWKuRukhNSvDhewKvuq5Oj00mq3b-_gclUadfnAGEO1QNdSGeuEV8OkajBhCvVWv5aduNJvncr9fNT98Q_3OlOYD5QXnuqiNs1yySGkMEC2r/s1600/1553412_766178780083822_4161016296055616116_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDpCUH54PrJNFKf9rVF3MwsabQiGOS-cp-OWKuRukhNSvDhewKvuq5Oj00mq3b-_gclUadfnAGEO1QNdSGeuEV8OkajBhCvVWv5aduNJvncr9fNT98Q_3OlOYD5QXnuqiNs1yySGkMEC2r/s1600/1553412_766178780083822_4161016296055616116_o.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks Adrian for the Union Jack :) Credit: Aspire Zone Foundation</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDhM5OaItx6C3R_S2muVU62syr5HIUsMGWWFoUAKQgoc1aG-s5bMp2uyFQqodjdEjOuXetayWvpLZSzh5u5YB2-2rwM2kXx08uiy2fVjOPxwoAO5Xqh2vBRvcIK2GUsx6o9wC8nAPHiOl/s1600/1511889_766180353416998_6775418849982046572_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDhM5OaItx6C3R_S2muVU62syr5HIUsMGWWFoUAKQgoc1aG-s5bMp2uyFQqodjdEjOuXetayWvpLZSzh5u5YB2-2rwM2kXx08uiy2fVjOPxwoAO5Xqh2vBRvcIK2GUsx6o9wC8nAPHiOl/s1600/1511889_766180353416998_6775418849982046572_o.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ok running form for a trail runner :) Credit: Aspire Zone Foundation</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB72MhZrPr0KG9wDZa7PYAJNPfQhf9ug4O4ARJ6diTGj_vlIVutxlR0cy0khhSnJBVzI4IkvjWHuHlKakgRUMTWpBAIjefTNEMtNqmadlFM9b4CmnRIF-KCgRICcQ1Troj9pDPG8VETcqu/s1600/IMG_0250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB72MhZrPr0KG9wDZa7PYAJNPfQhf9ug4O4ARJ6diTGj_vlIVutxlR0cy0khhSnJBVzI4IkvjWHuHlKakgRUMTWpBAIjefTNEMtNqmadlFM9b4CmnRIF-KCgRICcQ1Troj9pDPG8VETcqu/s1600/IMG_0250.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Torch Hotel, Aspire, Doha</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5-Px3pmxmtTlEBvJoEwfu4eKQiL-fdFdT65crT8eR2c92VMsTz4VhDO_H9BSETwiV7ZGp6lNNErqTsxURw4Y5j5dalmd4vXwR33RpUHDeJ_zpNCzYp6ehBzsn-7AIZBe5Nx-j-yxKL3h/s1600/IMG_0254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5-Px3pmxmtTlEBvJoEwfu4eKQiL-fdFdT65crT8eR2c92VMsTz4VhDO_H9BSETwiV7ZGp6lNNErqTsxURw4Y5j5dalmd4vXwR33RpUHDeJ_zpNCzYp6ehBzsn-7AIZBe5Nx-j-yxKL3h/s1600/IMG_0254.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Montrail/ Mountain Hardwear teammies Max King and Amy Sproston</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZbx9CQZpJNd1FhWZeWDayERPpbRSzeQ3WwgmY6xkzbwZXQ8PyhePxxE_WStQ8ON_pK3Ls4J__KOdaYLq0tzksv-dnHiE56p0xPGQnc_qh40ZNIoSa9DBsOlpomdZjEp1rTQ6sTOK_v7m/s1600/10655158_766178726750494_3116708817433663833_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZbx9CQZpJNd1FhWZeWDayERPpbRSzeQ3WwgmY6xkzbwZXQ8PyhePxxE_WStQ8ON_pK3Ls4J__KOdaYLq0tzksv-dnHiE56p0xPGQnc_qh40ZNIoSa9DBsOlpomdZjEp1rTQ6sTOK_v7m/s1600/10655158_766178726750494_3116708817433663833_o.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posing for the cameras. Credit: Aspire Zone Foundation<br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI08xoVDbGov4ME9UP6EVef-nrHCvR9GfXNklieLdLlZas56RS299cCoZ2_SnWCa4ZOZMsEagfB6iuZObi_tkmU2NTncTXfMgl5U5sLPPLtoCNl1pymtvyiS3S-_xMud6Aos-grbNe7nMX/s1600/IMG_0360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI08xoVDbGov4ME9UP6EVef-nrHCvR9GfXNklieLdLlZas56RS299cCoZ2_SnWCa4ZOZMsEagfB6iuZObi_tkmU2NTncTXfMgl5U5sLPPLtoCNl1pymtvyiS3S-_xMud6Aos-grbNe7nMX/s1600/IMG_0360.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team Sweden friends at the Opening Ceremony</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXm52GiUZ9fcwzeXrn_VznJMehm_XIy8ah8A_LjVQPFJkgBCnsdgYy_KpJAYf8rxV-hPJs6M60FtVWLyyQCDIlg0g-nIgsgoAVuuxixjZhMyOnqIcOnyiZBbzuN8nzOT1fvJtcFPIQ2nhQ/s1600/IMG_0258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXm52GiUZ9fcwzeXrn_VznJMehm_XIy8ah8A_LjVQPFJkgBCnsdgYy_KpJAYf8rxV-hPJs6M60FtVWLyyQCDIlg0g-nIgsgoAVuuxixjZhMyOnqIcOnyiZBbzuN8nzOT1fvJtcFPIQ2nhQ/s1600/IMG_0258.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We love a 7.20am call to doping control ;)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjYbUpOUpgPe1Xhaz9Tp5ZOGHh3H5Bdp240v8GOMbq1eKy8HeNBr9-BTDgSVo8wPiLBSGuTI9fsEoBzNr_o6bIGScHnkbahtIa6G0Nq52i3me5Tzcojb1CBXO6jRLy84tfZ0ZyUzHUrl0/s1600/IMG_0280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjYbUpOUpgPe1Xhaz9Tp5ZOGHh3H5Bdp240v8GOMbq1eKy8HeNBr9-BTDgSVo8wPiLBSGuTI9fsEoBzNr_o6bIGScHnkbahtIa6G0Nq52i3me5Tzcojb1CBXO6jRLy84tfZ0ZyUzHUrl0/s1600/IMG_0280.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doha souks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGSOlTAB3hoCLDCTnzbxHzNqqg0aDdup91tBIhK5K0_yJpiIeQ2GR0M0gW8eozOWov8I2pLE-T5qLdTusNibQQfIMSnFksi8I0BKbbk6h4gGCKCvKQrGu6InOhR3opZOY2Pzag6z5Im630/s1600/10394013_10152877406260763_2117233758413734770_n(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGSOlTAB3hoCLDCTnzbxHzNqqg0aDdup91tBIhK5K0_yJpiIeQ2GR0M0gW8eozOWov8I2pLE-T5qLdTusNibQQfIMSnFksi8I0BKbbk6h4gGCKCvKQrGu6InOhR3opZOY2Pzag6z5Im630/s1600/10394013_10152877406260763_2117233758413734770_n(2).jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jo, myself and Jo with Eleanor. GB 3rd, 1st and 4th. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOoeU_Hpa7VYUDwKK8uO5UAdfjNvO2nZJHrfESpXjWnfc8IC7ZzyX6EUIWJmpWnF6ef7Pg4EWYCERMqilcvmtYSvxsIz3JejBuB9xSy60ecLKOUO7RqxWG-E1lp9hWkRFoWd5dG-JAhxgy/s1600/10405458_10154860966585384_6415245874540666154_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOoeU_Hpa7VYUDwKK8uO5UAdfjNvO2nZJHrfESpXjWnfc8IC7ZzyX6EUIWJmpWnF6ef7Pg4EWYCERMqilcvmtYSvxsIz3JejBuB9xSy60ecLKOUO7RqxWG-E1lp9hWkRFoWd5dG-JAhxgy/s1600/10405458_10154860966585384_6415245874540666154_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre race smiles with Emily and Jo. Credit: Bryon Powell</td></tr>
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<br />Ellie Greenwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053246362407725539noreply@blogger.com11