NELSON'S TRAIL RUNNING SERIES

Whitewater Run

2012-02-07T13:00:00.000-08:00

As much as I am enjoying running again in the winter, it certainly takes some sort of early goal to make you want to run the roads, especially for a trail runner! That said; all my friends where headed out ski touring on this magnificent Kootenay day and I was relegated to getting in a long run before I headed down to Nicaragua for a 50km race next week. I can't say there is a long line up of people wanting to run from town up to whitewater and back down, so it was just Carolyn Donnelly and myself to enjoy an early season 30+km grunt of a run. As it turns out, we both felt great and enjoyed the early season trot...
Although the cold did set in after a few hours, I know I will be shortly thinking how much better I feel in this weather than I will be next week running through the 34degree sweaty jungle!
The long 20km climb from Nelson to WH2O gave me time to reflect and get excited about the Pilot Point spring race May 6th that I hope a bunch of you will get out to...such a cool course!

There is also a fun adventure run Bill and I are thinking of planning for August. It is the Rockwall Trail in Kootenay National Park. It is an amazing 55km loop with a 35km and 45km shortened option. It'd be fun to get 2-3 groups to cover all levels of ability and head out there for the weekend. If anyone is interested, let me know.

Pilot Point Trail Running Race May 6, 2012

2012-01-13T11:07:00.000-08:00

Hopefully we will have a "normal" spring this year where our trails open up in mid-april and therefore can hold a spring trail running race. We tried last year, but spring came sometime around July!

We are planning a spring race on May 6th. The race will be held at Pilot Point in Crawford bay, just across the Kootenay lake ferry.

There will be an approx. 10km and 20km race route. I ran the trails last year and they are amazing with lots of ups and downs and gorgeous views of the lake- you will be entertained! Both courses are ALL singletrack and very runnable. It's a great day to bring along the family too as there are wonderful trails along the lake to go for a small hike or picnic to keep busy.

If anyone is planning to get in shape for the awesome Kaslo Sufferfest in the fall this is the opportunity to get going!

All proceeds for this race will go to the Tipi Camp a non profit society who's mission statement says it all:

"The objective of the Guiding Hands Recreation Society is to educate people about the value of nature and outdoor recreation to teach individual responsibility for conservation, ecological awareness and sustainability"

I will put up more information in March, but keep the date booked in your running plans!....

If anyone has any questions, please fire me off an e-mail at randy@spearheadtimberworks.com

Winter Biking, Running and Spring Trail Running Race

2012-01-08T12:09:00.000-08:00

You have to work real hard to shake off those Kootenay winter doldrums some of us face every December/January. So instead of giving in (for me that could be a lot of movies and going to bed at 8pm) I've found you just need to embrace it, be creative, there's always something fun waiting just around the corner or your imagination.
Snow biking is one way to have a great night out. The boys at NRG in Nelson (who are the distributor for these bikes made by Surly) graciously let me take their bikes for a spin. I have to say it was a great workout and an amazing amount of fun, especially on a bright moonlit night.
We rode for 3 1/2 hrs on a combination of rail trails, singletrack and logging roads for a fun 25km.
I just started to get back into running after a two month hiatus with some nice easy 1-2 hour runs around town mixing up different terrain to keep it fun and interesting. I do only have six weeks to get ready for a fun run in Nicaragua, if I am so inclined physically to challenge.
I figure a nice fun day out seeing 50km of Nicaraguan back country can't be that bad...that said, I am not a fan of the heat and humidity, especially the combination of them! The last time I experienced this, was only a couple a hundred kilometres to the south in Costa Rica at the 3 day LaRuta bike race- ouch did I suffer :( ....

Bill and I are looking to put on a spring trail race in Pilot Point, on the East Shore, probably the end of April. The trails there are amazing, with beautiful views of Kootenay Lake. Being low down at lake level, these trails usually open early in the season. I'll probably put some more info up in February, so check back then- but I am thinking of a shorter 8-10km route and a 15-20km one for those with a few km on the legs.

When running becomes a hastle- try ski touring

2011-11-28T08:29:00.000-08:00

As much as I miss running, there comes a time of the year in the Kootenays, where it is just not meant to be- yet the mountains are still beckoning my call. So with the trails covered over in their deep sleep for the winter, I suppose we should take that as a hint to go enjoy other gifts we're given. Anyways, if you want to work those quads over the winter with minimal strain on the knees and other joints, then a good day of ski touring is the perfect activity.
Of course some Nordic skate skiing thrown into the mix too, provides a great break on my body before another season of trail running starts. That said; the 2012 season is around the corner with lots of fun adventures to be had starting with a 50km trail race in Nicaragua in February up some volcano on a small island on Lake Nicaragua.
http://www.lostworldsracing.com/prologue-race-isla-de-ometepe-nicaragua/
I suppose I better start some long logging road runs again in January?....
Of course I will be going back to the Earl Grey Pass again this summer with some unfinished business as well as the Rockwall trail and maybe even a spring R2R2R run across the Grand Canyon and back, but that might be a little much too early in the season. I also hope I can inspire more local folks to come out and enjoy some of these adventures- you'd be surprised what you can accomplish! If any runs interest you, please let me know.
Hmmmm.....nice for November!

This couloir is looking filled in and yummy!

Kaslo Sufferfest

2011-10-03T12:08:00.000-07:00

The 2nd annual Sufferfest went off this past weekend, bringing in some 300 racers to participate in the biking and running events. Janis, the event coordinator, as well as the whole town of kaslo, did an amazing job of putting on this fun filled festival weekend.
Originally the 5okm trail run was to run through the high alpine and finish in Kaslo and this is what got me excited about checking it out as I love the journey so much more than the race. Although the route was changed to two 25km loops around the Kaslo area, it was quite fun keeping Lex and I entertained for many hours.
We started at 6am in the pitch black in downtown kaslo. It was a perfect 12 degrees out- even a little humid. We started the run with a 5km - 2000' steep climb out of Kaslo before leveling off onto some wonderful rolling singletrack which traversed Mt Buchanan. Before we new it we rolled through the first 25km loop in 2:35 feeling really fresh. At km 35 we definitely started to feel like our legs were now heading into virgin territory at this distance so things started to slow down for sure. By km 45, although we liked descending, the steep downhills were tough on the legs at this point. We did keep up a nice steady pace till the finish, but not with the same pep as we did on the first loop. I think next year we will be ready to handle a 50km race with much more smoothness all the way to the finish line! In the end we were both really happy with our time of 5:40 as my goal was for a sub 6hr day. Other than dealing with some leg cramping I felt great at the finish...Lex, the rock star, didn't seam to have any issues at all.
Being only my second year of running, It was great to accomplish my year end goal of a 50km trail running race. That said; I'm not really looking to race much beyond that (famous last words) but I am really excited about finding more exploratory mountain runs in that 50-80km range for fun next year as I know I am surrounded by so many of them here in the Kootenays and Rockies.
Bill finished 3rd in his age group in the men's 10km
Lex and I at the finish of the 50km race

Lex in the 50km -60+ wins again!

Smallwood Results

2011-09-16T09:44:00.001-07:00

Thanks to everyone for coming out and having a blast on the Smallwood Trails and helping to raise over $800 for Habondia's Lending Society.

It was a perfect sunny Kootenay fall day. Everyone not only finished, but all the times were fast too!

Hope to see you all at the Sufferfest in a few weeks.....

See below for the results

12km RaceMens:

Shawn Degroot 1:10:33

Peter locke 1:17:00

Graeme Marshall 1:17:20

Kelly Robertson 1:28:04

Stanley Soukeroff 1:29:39

Sem Marsland 1:39:00

Rob Marsland 1:58:54

12km womens

Jill Winters 1:38:29

Kim Irving 1:47:15

Sarah Dobell 1:50:42

Theresa Southam 1:58:34

Shandi Millar 2:01:52

Kari Kroker 2:06:15

Angie McTague 2:06:27

Irene Brinkman 2:18:45

25km Mens

Nelson Rocha 2:39:00

Sacha Kalebas 2:46:01

Lex Baas 3:03:38

Gerry Moore 3:03:53

Greg Smith 3:17:14

Womens

Carolyn Donnelly 3:06:25

Sara Sheehan 3:07:08

Genevieve LaChance 3:12:58

Janis Neufeld 3:19:34

Liz Edwards 3:25:05

Smallwood Mountain Run Challenge

2011-09-08T08:44:00.000-07:00

Please click on the August posts in the Blog archive and scroll down to the Race Page for all details on the Run

Seven Summits

2011-09-04T10:59:00.000-07:00

After some heavy procrastinating whether I should drive 5 hours out to Kootenay National Park to run the 55km Rockwall Trail, I opted out for something closer to home that I new didn't have snow on the trail from Thursday's stormy weather. So the next best thing was the Seven Summits Trail in Rossland, which is only a 50min drive to the trail head.
It was the first sign of frost this fall as it was 3 degrees, but gloriously sunny out on the trail.
I was actually looking forward to running this solo (sorry Lex- I know you wanted to run this trail, but we will!)...Because there is no water on this 37km mountain run, I didn't even bring my dog who gave me that guilty "death stare" when he saw me leave with my running gear in the morning.

As usual, I needed all of the first hour climb to settle into the run. I don't think it was the elevation bugging me as I haven't had many days over 7000' this year, I think I was just so excited, that I couldn't contain myself from going too fast to start...Well okay- the truth is- just as I was about to leave the trail head the first car with bikers showed up, and they said something like "see you in a bit down the trail" ...I thought that was rather presumptuous of them, so I said "well maybe"... damn- the race was on...
Cresting the first big climb at around 10km I was feeling- well all you trail runners know- high as a kite on endorphins, as my heart settled in, ready for the next summit up a head as seen in the above photo and happy that the bikers were no where yet in site!
The weather couldn't have been any better, maybe warming up to that perfect 18 degrees up above 7000' and not a cloud in site.

Not easy timing those self-timed photos!

I was hoping to just have to run the 30km seven summits trail to the Cascade Hwy access road, but there was no one there to hitch a ride out with, so I was stuck running the 7km Dewdney Trail down to the Paved Hwy- which is a nice 2000' descent for the bikers, but a pounder on the running legs...
The 37km run took 4:38 Hwy to Hwy...Had to walk a little while I was hitching back to the trail head, but it felt great to loosen the legs up on some flat ground...
All in all an amazing run. I think it is a better trail to run than even bike!...

THE SMALLWOOD MOUNTAIN RUN CHALLENGE

2011-08-15T08:52:00.000-07:00

The Nelson Trail Running Series Presents:

The First Annual 12km and 25km Trail Running Race

Randy Richmond checking out the new 25km course with the Valhalla's behind

Lex Baas ripping it up at Km 13 of the 25km course

When: Sunday September 11, 2011

Where: Smallwood Trails above Beasley (12km outside Nelson) see directions below

Distance: There will be a 12km and a 25km trail running option

Start Times: The 25km race will start at 9:30am (same day registration starts at 8:30am)...The 12km race will start at 10:30am (same day registration starts at 9:30am)

Cost: $30 if you register online by Sept 9th - $35 if you register the morning of the race. All race proceeds will go to the Habondia's Community WISH project. See http://www.habondia.kics.bc.ca/

"REGISTER ONLINE HERE"

Includes: One aid station at the top of the big climb at the 4.7km mark of the 12km race. Two aid stations on the 25km race- one at 6km and one at 15.5km. We will have free BBQ hamburgers (Veggie too) at the finish. Note: All racers doing the 25km route will be required to carry a minimum of 1.5 litres of water. All Aid stations will have water or electrolytes and fruit.

Directions to Start/Finish: From Nelson, drive west approx 12 km on HWY 3A towards Castlegar...Turn right onto Beasley Rd and drive 200 metres to the first intersection... Turn right onto the gravel road called Queen Victoria Rd (There is a sign, but it may be hard to see...do not turn extreme right onto Nygaard Rd !)...Zero your speedometer here...Drive up Queen Victoria Rd and at approx 0.8km it turns into Smallwood Creek FSR...At 2.8km stay Right on same road...At 4.4km where the road crosses creek is the race Start/Finish.
From Castlegar, take the second exit for Beasely Rd off of HWY 3a (approx 2km past the first exit) and then follow the above directions

Car pool will be available leaving from Oso Negro Coffee House: 8:30AM for the 25km, 9:30 for the 12km. Please send us an e-mail if you are interested and we can help set you up.

Click here for Garmin Route Info on 25km Course:

Click here for Garmin Route Info on 12km Course:

If you go to the "Details" screen on the Garmin-Connect link above you can save the Google Earth kml file onto your desktop then open it in Google Earth and tip the earth to really see the climbs and descents. on the temporary places sidebar turn off the laps etc. to de-clutter the screen. Click on the "play tour" for a bidseye flyover of the course.

Route description For 12km Course:
Run up Smallwood Creek FSR for 1.3km and enter the Smallwood trails at the switchback in the road... After 20 meters up this trail, turn left onto the posted "Crow's Nest" trail...run DOWN the Crow's Nest trail for 1.2km before you turn uphill for a 2.1km climb...You'll come out on a logging road at the Aid station (fill up here as there is no more water/food until the finish)...Cross the road and head right back into the trail called "Antler"...Antler will wind its way with small ups and downs 2km until you get to a logging road...Cross the road and head back into the trail called "Smallwood"...The trail climbs for 2km until you hit the junction between the trails "Smallwood" and "Bigwood" ...GO LEFT onto the "Bigwood" trail (there are signs posted on the trees at this junction!)...Run down the 2.2km "Bigwood" trail all the way to the logging road...turn left and run UP the road 1.2km to the finish.
The 12km course is 90% trail, 10% logging road...Approx finish times 1:40-3:00 hours

Route Description for the 25km Course:
Run Up Smallwood Creek FSR for 1.3km and enter the Smallwood Trails at the switchback in the road...The trail becomes "Sweet Sally"...Continue straight up Sweet Sally for the 3km grunter climb until you hit the logging road...turn left and continue up the logging road for 1.2km to the first aid station at 5.7km into the race (please fill up here!!! as there is no water food for 10km)...Turn left off the road at the aid station into the trail "Ungulate" (soon to be renamed!)...The next 4.7 km of trail rolls up and down passing a small lake and then amazing views of the Valhala's...the trail then starts the main descent 5.2km down hill until you come out on a logging road (the last 20 metres of the trail before the road is left overgrown on purpose to hide the trail entrance from the ATV'ers...Continue down the logging road for 0.7km until you hit the 2nd aid station...(fill up here as there is no more water/food for 9km at the finish)...From the Aid station go into the trail called "Antler"...For the next 2km the trail rolls up and down until you come out on a logging road...Cross the logging road and go right back into the trail called "Smallwood"...The trail climbs for 2km until you hit the junction between the trails "Smallwood" and "Bigwood" ...GO LEFT onto the "Bigwood" Trail (there are signs posted on the trees at this junction)...run down the Bigwood trail for 2.2km all the way to the logging road...Turn left and go UP the logging road for 1.2km to the finish!
The 25km course is 85% trail and 15% logging road...Approx finish times are 2:30-4:30 hours...Please note the 25km route is more exposed and you should be equipped appropriately- Rain jacket, extra water/food etc...

SMALLWOD TRAILS: The Smallwood trail network is a Vision by Pat Wray and John Krebbs, former heads of the Nelson Cycling Association. A lot of time and dedication goes into making these trails happen for all of us to enjoy, so please give them a big thanks if you ever run into them or better yet volunteer for the many trail work party days through out the year...

Other Races: Being three weeks prior to the Kaslo Sufferfest this makes for a perfect training day!

See: http://www.kaslosufferfest.com/ for details.

For any other inquiries please email: randy@spearheadtimberworks.com

Smallwood Trail Race Update

2011-08-11T12:47:00.000-07:00

The Race will be on September 11th as this seems to be a better day than the Labour Day weekend for some people...I will run the Smallwood route this Saturday instead of 7summits to get the distances and elevation profile out to you. If anyone wants to "explore" these trails Saturday- let me know...It will be a slower fun pace, well because Bill is coming :) "(what the hell Richmond, I think its time for a paddle to work with me!!! I will be running the short loop so I can GPS it...Bill)" , so all are welcome. We will meet at Oso at 8am...Randy

Smallwood Trail Running Race

2011-08-10T11:48:00.000-07:00

It seams as though everything is a little late happening this year, but we've finally got our act together to put on a great trail race September 4th at the Smallwood Trails which are just outside Nelson. There will be two distances for the runs- one 12km and one 22km- approx...I will post more information and get a poster out in the next week- so check back.
I figure this will be a great training day for those who are signed up for the Awesome Kaslo Sufferfest 4 weeks later.
The trails will guarantee to keep you entertained and challenged as this whole area is off the beaten track with beautiful views of the Valhalla's on the 22km course.
All proceeds will be donated to the very worthy Circle of Habondia Lending Society. For more info see: www.habondia.kics.bc.ca

On a different note; I am running the 7 summits trail in Rossland this Saturday, so if anyone is interested, let me know....Randy

Kokanee Glacier Park

2011-08-09T11:31:00.000-07:00

I didn't think I'd have to wait until August 9th to finally get a run in up at Kokanee Glacier, but the snow has finally melted and it is as beautiful as ever up there. Although the road up there kind of sucks as it seams to deteriorate more and more every year, it is still worth the trip as you never get tired of the terrain and scenery. My legs only had one slow speed in them as the trip to Slocan Chief Cabin and back took 2:30. I was definitely still tired from the Earl Grey Pass. It was great to just take in all the "grandiose" of it all and even stop to talk to the many hikers on the way up.

The nicest part of this run is that I can get a great 2 1/2 hour high alpine run in, swim in a beautiful lake at the end and still slip into work before 10am!

Running the Earl Grey Pass

2011-08-08T08:23:00.001-07:00

Wow I don't really know where to start with this story. All I can say is; there are "Fun Adventures", and then there are "Tough but rewarding Adventures", and then there are "White Light Adventures"! This was the name of my Adventure racing team that I had through 12 glorious years of adventure racing from 1995-2007. The name was derived from trips that we've all encountered from time to time where the phrases "Shit Happens" or "And then it all fell a part" or in last weekend's case "It was all going so great"...
The Earl Grey Pass is a 63km trail that crosses the Purcell Wilderness Conservancy from Argenta in the West Kootenay's to 20km outside Panorama resort in the East Kootenay's. I knew it wasn't going to be a "quick" 63km, as the Earl Grey Pass Trail is deemed a wilderness trail, so I recruited my best adventure buddy Patrick from the coast who I was confident could handle anything I could throw at him.
We left the trail head in Argenta at 2:47am figuring that this was going to be a 17-20 hour day and not wanting to do too much in the dark at the tail end of the run. The first 2-3 hours of the run in the dark went by in a flash as we crossed a ragging Hamill Creek by cable car several times. It was actually a little daunting pulling yourself across the river in the pitch black while it raged below you by only a few feet.
The next 2 hours we started to cross many slide paths where the trail became non-existent in the 6-12 foot high walls of Slide Alder, Devils Club and an assortment of other shin ripping vegetation.
Then the trail became non-existent as this years blow down was an exceptional mess...
Couple that with a BC Parks map that I got online where it shows the trail on the wrong side of the river and that it had been rerouted several years back! Although we didn't know that you no longer have to cross the creek anymore, we found creative, but very dangerous ways of crossing it twice that we never had too...Actually 4 times, because we came back the same way :(
To make a long story short, we were forced to make the tough, but smart decision to turn back at 40km into the route because of the incredible amount of blow down. Not knowing how long it would take to reach the pass with no trail and the thought of getting caugh out up high where it was much colder at night made this decision painful, but easy.

One of the many cable car crossings

At 17 hours into the run, although 5 hours of that were spent at a snails pace bushwhacking, we eventually were forced to stop as it got dark as we were both exhausted and knew that finding the trail in the dark was just too much energy. Oh and I failed to mention we were essentially out of food with only a few things left to eat, but were needed for the rest of the run out. I was happy I threw a lighter into my pack as well as an emergency blanket which was graciously supplied by my friend Chris' mother- Thanks Barb!!! ...She actually sent it to me after hearing from her son about an adventure last summer that I froze in the mountains after going too light on a three day trip with only a down jacket, but no sleeping bag...

Although we only shared one bagel between the two of us for dinner, lying by the fire wrapped up in Pine bows in my foil blanket for 5 hours until day break was quite pleasant.

A lot of the trails were great running though

So in a nut shell, We ran 40km in, then 40km out back to the trail head, which is in the middle of nowhere, then another 15km to the HWY to hitch a ride back to Nelson...In total 95km of running and bush whacking.

The Bad:

Not worth doing the trail until they clear it out again

Using the wrong BC Parks map

Must bring a bigger reserve of food next time

Need some shin protectors

The good:

Made amazing time to the back of the valley in 8 1/2 hours and were on a pace to finish in under 15hours

Beautiful remote terrain

Was finally able to put those boy scout survival skills to use

Had a great running buddy who never complained when the shit hit the fan

Looking forward to trying this unfinished business again next year!

Catching up with RTNX race in the Valhalla's

2011-07-29T09:37:00.001-07:00

Once in a while you need to blow a day off work, so I thought I'd head off into the Valhalla's to catch up with some of the teams doing the RTNX 7 day adventure race. I figured since I helped design the course, I'd better get out to see how the teams were managing the big traverse through the heart of the Valhalla range from Beatrice lake to Ice Creek Lodge to Gwillim Lakes through Drinnon Pass etc...
Neo and I had a blast crossing creeks and very shortly into the route hitting the snow line.

I was lucky enough to run into the one Kootenay team doing the race- The Kootenay Kaos. For 3 of them it was their first adventure race and being an expedition style race, meaning non stop for 7 days, they had a monumental goal to take on. They had just finished the "Crux" of the race and could smell the finish line 48 hours or so away. In great spirits and great navigation, they seamed to be having an amazing adventure. I am super proud how they are moving through this amazingly challenging course.

Climbing the knife ridge of the Lucifer Pass

Team Kootenay Kaos heading down from Gwillim Lakes through Drinnon Pass.

Hard to believe it's almost August !

Looking down Lucifer Pass north towards Evans lake

A great run/hike that I highly recommend for it's dramatic beauty. Probably the 3rd week of August with the snow gone and the wild flowers out would be the best time...

...Well I hope the weather holds as I am running the Earl Grey Pass this weekend with a friend from Vancouver. I've been looking forward to this run all year so I am now filled with nervous excitement being my first real "adventure" run.

The Mystery Traverse

2011-07-17T12:22:00.000-07:00

As a part of the Raid The North Extreme, a 5-7 day adventure race being held in the Kootenay's this year, I was out checking some of the route that will form part of the race. The race is all back country using map and compass only and is comprised of trekking, Mt. biking, canoeing and ropes. Teams of 4 are given coordinates from point A to B on a topo map and you find your way there, travelling 18-22 hours a day until you complete the 400km-500km course!
Because the course is not reveled until the day before the race, to avoid teams from checking out the route, I can't disclose the location for another week until the race starts. What I can say though, they are up for quite a reward as some of these valley's are remote and pristine, littered with old growth cedars, snow capped peaks, and no logging or mining roads. That said; no reward is handed to you on a silver platter, as they must perservere through long sections of mind f**king bush whacking to eventually be rewarded with mind blowing vista's!!
I lost count how many rivers/creeks we had to cross. This was the only one we didn't have to get wet on.
The cedar forest was amazing although littered with devils Claw
The Alder was relentless, many times down to a crawl on our hands and Knees. There were sections that took us 2 hours just to go one km.
We would break through the Alder onto these little rock islands of mental reprieve for 30 seconds only to put our heads down, literally, and go right back in.
It's amazing how much snow is still up there, although we carried snow shoes, running shoes seamed just fine.
It took my friend Chris and I 12 hours going hard to complete this section through the mountains, which forms only a small portion of the race course.
For you trail runners out there, getting out into the mountains on a big off trail day of hiking, I find does wonders for your mental strength and physical endurance, without being hard on your body. Definitely helps get you ready for those bigger running objectives/races and should be added to your training.

Wildhorse Pass

2011-07-04T10:12:00.000-07:00

Running from Nelson to Ymir via the Wildhorse Pass is a relatively gentle 35km run and a wonderful route to give yourself some confidence for off road running. It's less than 3000' of elevation gain/loss along the way- so gentle on the legs too.
We ran parts of the Stanley Loop out to the HWY then cut through the Nordic ski trails to get to the Clearwater parking area. It's amazing how fast the grass grows in this area that we Cross Country skied on only 2 1/2 months ago

From the Clearwater parking lot it is approximately a 12km climb up to the pass- which is just below the snow line in the photo below

We crossed at least 6 icy cold creeks, which I thoroughly enjoyed, as my legs always seamed to respond with renewed vigor.

Below is the turn off at the top of the Pass- not well marked- but just as you start to descend from the saddle into the Wildhorse Valley

Lex and Liz not as used to the "Cold Water Shock Therapy"...don't worry- it will grow on you!

The trail is logging road to the pass and a nice ATV trail on the way down- all at a nice grade

A great 4 hour run to Ymir. You can even finish it off at the Ymir pub for burgers and beer...

Canada Day

2011-07-04T09:20:00.000-07:00

Cold wet Kootenay Spring + Big snow year + it's not raining and actually sunny = Skiing Ymir bowl on Canada Day

I even dressed up in my Canada Day summer shirt for the occasion

Not a bad corn snow day for July 1st.......

Morning Mountain to Rover Creek Traverse

2011-06-19T19:17:00.000-07:00

It's been two years now since I started trail running. I've slowly worked my way up with some mileage, so I can start dreaming of venturing out into some incredible terrain that just beckons my call...The 61km Earl Grey Pass is definitely my next big objective for the summer, so I figured I better start cranking up the km's to make sure I feel confident. Not wanting to bother my usual running partners with a big run that I wasn't really sure how far I was going to get, I set out with my faithful companion Neo (I do have to write a future Blog about the privilege of being with your dog in the backcountry)
I started up the Silverking trail to Giveout FSR on another gloomy day that seams to be the norm this season :( - that said; it was a perfect running temperature.
The first hour and a half climb felt so easy and relaxing I just wanted it to go on forever. Only my breathing and Neo's panting broke the wonderful silence.
No fresh steam, but still warm, this bear scat was only 10 minutes old i figured...I'm actually getting good at guessing...Neo is my early warning system though, so I wasn't too concerned.
Up Up and away I could see the highest point on the run in the distance. I knew I'd get to the snow line eventually, but it amazes me how low it still is being June 18th!
I only had to run through the snow for 30 minutes or so, but it felt extra dreary as it started raining on this section.
I was pretty excited to feel the short lived sunshine as i started my big descent toward the 49 creek drainage.

Hit 49 Creek and started my next ascent up the May & Jenny road to and old trail that crosses the valley and connects into Midslope FSR. Lots of wind fall, mud, snow and spring run-off creeks to run through, but loved every minute of it...
I was hoping this was the last valley to cross ( you can see the road where i was heading in the top middle of the picture below)
First view of the valley bottom below. The air was now warmer and it was sunny once again. I knew this last 1'800 foot decent was going to hurt as i was now getting pretty tired.

I think we both feel the same here at the end of the run- pretty damn happy!!...
All told it was just over 5 hours of running the 44km route with 4'000 feet of climbing and 4'800 feet of descending. I think I'd prefer to run it the other way next time. This route would make a great mountain marathon race or just to train for a 50km ultra. It's relatively close to town and even has cell coverage for a lot of it.

Silverking Loop

2011-06-13T08:53:00.001-07:00

It's nice to be able to just run out the door and not have to venture off all the time.
After too many weeks of hills, I mish-mashed together as mellow of a 21km run as i could think of- the Silverking/Stanley trails, with a few hidden gems thrown in.
Although i do have some lofty goals for latter in the summer once the alpine clears out, it's nice to tapper the "Big Sunday" runs once and a while so I'm not hobbling Monday at work!
As usual, we had sun and rain (the hail waited for me to get home this time) all in the same day. One good thing with this weather is the incredible lushness and smells out on the trails. The above photo is a wonderful section of ferns- Liz thought she was back in the North shore of Van.

I love this mossy section of the trail approaching Cottonwood Lake.

Town to town this 21km loop only has 2,200' of gain/loss so makes for a great introductory trail run. It also helps those of us- such as myself who've succumed to smashing there toes on roots or rock and have to lay off those steep descents for a few weeks.

I thought getting away from Mt. Bike racing would alleviate those nasty falls, but i think i take more abuse trail running!

Fry Creek Trail Run

2011-06-06T12:13:00.000-07:00

This past "Big Sunday's Run" as they are coming to be know, included four of us Nelson folk along with the ever keen Kaslo contingent for an incredible run of the Fry Creek Trail.

The run is an out and back- although can be done as a loop if you wanted to run down the Kootenay Joe road. We ran in the 12.5km rolling up trail to the back of the valley to a point where it starts it's major ascent to connect to the old 4wd track, then followed the the rolling down trail back to the car for a wonderfull 25km trail run.

Fry Creek Canyon looking across Kootenay Lake

The creek was ragging as the spring run-off was in full force. It actually provided a lovely natural air conditioning effect to make for a great run on a warn sunny day.

Bill Harbord ripping up the trails :)

Smiley Liz seams to be enjoying the meadow, the sun and the run

Lex and the dogs squeezing through the trail

It's hard to believe all the work that went into building the trail as it followed quite a tight canyon where the old time miners must have carved it right out of the rock.

We only crossed one big slide, that looks like brand new, along the trail. You really noticed the temperature difference here as you got a little away from the river.

Doesn't get much better trail running for me than this!

It actually surprised me that there was 3,300' of climbing as you never really had any sustained ascents, but it wasn't a fast running trail either. Maybe because you don't really want to wipe out if you can avoid it...Right Lex!...or maybe just enjoyed the incrediable beauty of where we live.

Not sure what the next organized run will be as Kokanee Glacier Park and 7summits are probably still 6 weeks out...I did run the Pilot Point trails in Crawford Bay last week and they are really worth the effort to get there- so good in fact I just might have to make another trip there soon as I didn't get the chance to explore all the loops...Hmmm next week? :)

Lex's Garmin information - http://connect.garmin.com/activity/90510646

Trail Races for 2011

2011-05-27T12:46:00.000-07:00

Yes we have been a little slow out of the gate putting together a few trail running races this year- mainly because it is still snowing out there F#*K!!
We still plan on making two happen though- just later than we hoped for because of the trail conditions.

Our first race will be the 14km Svoboda trails, complete with a whole new single track section that should be completed in the next month. I was hoping for a June race, but looks like July.

The second race will be a "warm up" for those of you considering the 50km Kaslo Sufferfest- which I hope lots of you do, as it will be a fabulous course and a really fun event. The race will be in the Smallwood trails and will be an 11km or 22km loop. Again, the last section of this trail needs to be completed and is still currently under snow. The 22km loop (not sure of the exact distance until the trail is complete) will be a fabulous route- with only a few kilometres of logging road, some ridge top running with views of the Valhalla's and lots of cool forested trails I am really excited to run this course. Tentative date is the beginning of September- four weeks prior to the 50km Sufferfest race which makes it a perfect training run.

If you have any questions or are interested in the Fry Creek trail run June 5th you can e-mail @ randy@spearheadtimberworks.com

Kuskanax Trail Run- Nukusp, BC

2011-05-26T09:06:00.000-07:00

After hobbling through the past week recovering from our 30km run through Kokanee Park bike trails (we ran Nutsack and Hitman loops), Lex and I decided to ease it up a bit with a beautiful trail run in Nakusp, BC. The trail is a great way for anyone to get into mountain running as it is an out and back for a total of 21km, or can be done as a 10.5km- one way. Either direction is fun, but is obviously a "rolling up" out of Nakusp and a "rolling down" from the Hot Spring road access.

I figure it could be a good excuse to get the family out too as they can drop you off at the beginning of the trail and continue on to the Hot Springs, while you run up to meet them...every one's happy then :)

There's 3,000' of climbing/descending on the 21km loop, but it really didn't feel that bad as they came in lots of little bursts.

We are trying to get out to other fun trails at least once a month to help us prepare for the 61km Earl Grey Pass Trail in August.

We are planning to run the Fry Creek Trail in a few weeks (June 5th or 12th), so if anyone is interested, let me know. It is an out and back, so you can run as far a s you feel like!....Randy

Randy's wednesday lunch run

2011-05-11T13:59:00.000-07:00

Here's Randy's route through the lower Kokannee park trails.
http://connect.garmin.com/player/85019464

Updates are coming!

2011-04-26T13:43:00.000-07:00

Springtime is here and Randy, Liz and I have been running the lower trails around Kokannee Park. Doesn't take long to hit the snowline. It looks like we will be putting a race on in the Smallwood Creek area not sure if we will have one or two races after that. Stay tuned for some epic training runs this summer in the Alpine so get off the couch and start training.

If you are coming to town and looking for some running companions or routes drop us a line.

Here's a shot of the cabin at Gibson Lake, scene of the awards at last years Kokannee Park run. Taken April 23/11

2010-10-17T13:31:00.000-07:00

Thanks to our sponsors, Spearhead Timberworks, Snowpack Outdoor Experiences, Gerick Cycle and Sports and Whitewater Ski Hill. If you have a race that you want to publicize or want to be included on our e-mail list send us an E-mail. In a week or two some of us plan on running in the Smallwood Creek area so stay tuned for a date and time

Finally thanks to my partner in crime Randy Richmond............

Bill

Strong right to the finish!

Leonard left it all on the run course

Post race cool down with some Virginia's cooking

One of LV Rogers XC team

Congratulations to everyone who articipated in this yars Svoboda Trail Run. It was an awesome day with stellar perfomances from everyone.

Shawn DeGroot 1:03.40
Mathieu Page 1:05.04
Bowen Wang 1:05.50 Ran 8km’s
Mark Klan 1:10.41
Jamie 1:14.52
Guy Lupien 1:16.45
Lex Baas 1:16.55
Gregory Smith 1:18.14
Grant Nichol 1:22.30
Scott Spencer 1:22.36
Luca Sattler 1:24.14
Kiraya Spencer 1:25.58
Leonard Batubara 1:30.52 Fastest Indonesian finisher ever ( National record for this race)
Danica Long 1:32.48
Tyler Exner 1:33.31
Nico Boelter 1:35.39
Oskar Wuestinger 1:36.30
Kari Kroker 1:42.15
Nicholas Albright 1:42.15
BarryLipscombe 1:48.07
Young Jin Yu 2:06.48 Took the longgggggggggg way

Svaboda Trail Run

2010-09-13T15:14:00.001-07:00

A terrific run in and around the West Arm Provincial Park. Similar route as last year with a bit of extra length added. 13.5 km's with 2000' of elevation gain on trails, fire roads and double track.

Sunday October 17th at the Svaboda Parking lot. All proceeds to local xc trail builders and Habitat for Humanity.

I ran the course on then weekend with my GPS. See the link below for the course on Garmin-Connect.

See the course map here

Register Online Here

Kokanee Glacier Mountain Run Results

2010-09-13T10:49:00.000-07:00

Terrific results from everyone. It was a hard day in the cool rainy weather. Congratulations to everyone and a big thank you to our sponsors SnowPack Outdoor Experiences, Gericks Cycle and Sport and Spearhead Timberworks. Next race is the Svaboda Road Trail Run on October 17.

Our friends in Kaslo also have some trail races coming up on October 3 See http://www.kaslosufferfest.com/ for more information.

Kokanee Glacier Mountain Run Info Update

2010-09-10T14:27:00.000-07:00

Hey All Keen Runners for this Sundays race...Just a reminder that if you want to car pool up to the start at Gibson Lake, please meet by 8:25am at the parking area at the bottom of the gravel Road just off the HWY.

I'm sure that I am not the only one to see this Sunday's forecast as rain and cool, so now that I have given up the thought of it being sunny and hot, I am actually excited for a little adventure...you might not see mountain peaks, but there will be no shortage of beautiful lakes, meandering streams and wildflowers to keep you enlightened...please don't forget both warm gear for the run and warm gear to change into after the run!!!

We will have some hot coffee at the start and some "snacky food" for after the race and lots of cool prizes/ give-a-ways too :)

I guarantee all runners that come out will have an adventure!!!!...See you all out there!

A little fresh snow 5 days ago looking down on the run route from high up on the glacier

Kokannee Glacier Run

2010-09-05T10:40:00.000-07:00

The Kokannee Glacier Run is fast approaching, on Sunday September 12th, see Randy's post below. Please note the mandatory gear req'd for the race. Keep in mind that weather conditions can change very quickly so be responsible and be prepared for bad weather. Randy writes a great description of the course in his post and we can answer questions on race morning.
I ran the course the other day in about 3 hours of running time, I run these days a 6 minute km or a 9.5 minute mile. I took one bottle and refilled it from the streams. I don't think trekking poles are required, the trail is in good shape, I wore trail shoes (pick them up at Snowpack)
It would be great if we could all car pool to the start at Gibson's Lake as parking is limited. Cash or cheque for your donation.
Virgina will make some scones and goodies for the finish as well as oranges and banana's. Bring something warm to wear while we wait for the awards and later finishers.

Svoboda Road Trail Run

2010-08-20T10:07:00.000-07:00

The online entry for the Svaboda Road trail run is up and running "click here". The course will be the same as last year roughly 12km's in length. Paper entries can be picked up at Gericks on Baker street in Nelson. Completed entries can be dropped off one hour before the race start. Please note that the Kokannee Glacier Run is by donation only but you will need to sign a waiver on race morning.

click on image to enlarge

"The woods are lovely dark and deep, but I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep." - Robert Frost

"There are as many reasons for running as there are days in the year, years in my life. But mostly I run because I am an animal and a child, an artist and a saint. So, too, are you. Find your own play, your own self-renewing compulsion, and you will become the person you are meant to be." - George Sheehan

Kokanee Glacier Mountain Run Info.

2010-08-16T15:44:00.000-07:00

The following should be all the information you'll require for the Kokanee Glacier Mountain Run:

Race start: Sunday September 12, 2010 at 10am sharp from the Gibson Lake Parking Lot in Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park (please allow a 35minute drive up the park dirt road).

Registration: Registration while open at 9am in the Gibson Lake parking Lot- the start of the race

Directions: 20km N.E. of Nelson on HWY 3A. Just past Kokanee Creek Park (500m) turn left and drive 16km up Kokanee Glacier Rd. (At 2 1/2 km stay left- should be a small sign too) The road is okay for most vehicles, although it is a little rough in a few sections- leave your Porsche at home! It is very advisable to car pool up this road- there is an area to park at the bottom.

Course: 18.6km out and back route with 100% of the run on trails with 2500' of elevation gain/loss. There are world class sections of absolutely beautiful alpine terrain- rolling up and down through meadows and sub alpine forests. For most runners 95% of the trail is runable, with only a few short sections you'd probably elect to walk. See July 26th post below for some photos. Plan on a finishing time of just under 2 hours for the winners and 3 hours for the back of the pack. There will be a cut off time to get to the 9.3km turn around at the Slocan Chief Cabin of 1:45.

Mandatory Equipment: This is a high mountain race so a long sleeve rain jacket/shell is required. There will be no aid stations along the route so plan to bring any food/water you'll need for the entire race with you. There are numerous fresh creeks for water on the route. I personally drink from them all, but if you do not like doing that, bring a water purification system of your choosing. Please bring a small first aid kit with band aids, tape for blisters and disinfectant cleaning swabs.

Route Description: An 18.6 km out and back course from Gibson Lake to the Slocan Chief Cabin. The first 3.8km of the race is the main grunt gaining over 1300' as you rise up above Gibson Lake. The rest of the course is rolling ups and downs- passing Kokanee Lake, Garland Lake and Kaslo Lake. At Kaslo lake is the only junction in the route. There is a huge parks sign that shows you the right turn to the Slocan Chief Cabin. (Note: You are not going to the kokanee Cabin on Kaslo Lake, although you come to within a few 100 metres of it, but bi passing it to go on to the Slocan Chief Cabin)

Cost: The race is by donation only. That said; 100% of the donations for this race will go towards local trail building for a new run/bike singletrack in the Nelson area. All costs for the race have been born by local business such as Spearhead, Snowpack & Gerick Cycle. You've all done races before, so you know what they cost. So for those that can donate more- GREAT and for those that don't have much- such as starving students- that's GREAT too.

If you require any other info please feel free to contact me by e-mail- randy@spearheadtimberworks.com

2010 Races

2010-08-12T09:54:00.001-07:00

This year we have deleted the Pulpit Rock Challenge from our calendar and replaced it with the Kokanne Glacier Mountain Run on September 12th. This race is by donation only with all proceeds going to local trail improvements. See Randy's post below for a description of the route. I will try to run it this weekend with my GPS for more accurate specifications.
The Svaboda Rd Trail Run will be on October 17, the same course as last year except for an addition 3 km's at the top. The route incorporates Logjam, Frogjam and Squealer. All proceed from this race go to Habitat for Humanity.
Last year we raised $1,500.00 for the CT Scanner at KLH. Our costs for the two races was $200.00. A special thanks to Snowpack, Gericks and Hellmans Canoe and Kayaks.

I have a friend - Steve "Burner' Turner who lives in Victoria and volunteers time and energy for the Kidsport program there. If you plan on running the Royal Victoria Marathon please consider joining the Kidsport pledge program. Steve guarantees a PR if you do. Pledge Information

Slocan Chief- Kokanee Glacier Park Run

2010-07-26T13:58:00.000-07:00

Ahhh...finally the alpine opens up after a long awaited spring thaw. Just when I couldn't face running the same old trails in the valley floor, all the areas dreamy runs have opened up- and not a minute too soon, as the valley floors are just too hot to feel motivated for trail running these days.

Myself and Gerry Moore headed off on the 18.6km round trip run from Gibson Lake to the Slocan Chief Cabin. It is by far a classic in the local mountain running scene (well at least for me it is since the access road is right behind my office). Sure the first 30 minutes are a bit of a puker as you gain 1500' in 3km, but as seen in the photo above, the trail is quite runnable. That said; it must of been the elevation that made my heart feel like exploding and legs as heavy as lead- at least that's my excuse!

Surrounded by 9,000' peaks, most of the run traverses between 6,000-6,600 feet. Still a few snowy patches, but for the most part, summer had finally sprung up here. The aroma in the air, the flowers, the ground all smelt like a field of dreams.

The red liken spreads itself over the remaining snow fields as we approach Kokanee Lake

Once you've gained the alpine and your heart rate mellows, your state of mind goes from survival mode to "running bliss" as the trail quickly settles into a heaven-like meandering of streams, lakes and high alpine grassy fields.

The top of Kokanee Glacier is just barely visible at the top of the ridge line behind the tall skinny tree. This section of the trail is between Slocan Chief and Kokanee Cabins.

All in all a perfect Sunday Morning run in the mountains. With only 2,500' of elevation gain spread out over the 18.6km run, it is a wonderful run for all trail runners. Expect a 2:30-3:30 hour run time with lots of fresh water along the route.

Any other inquiries- let me know....happy trails...Randy Richmond

Kaslo Sufferfest

2010-07-13T07:10:00.000-07:00

Here's a friend of ours Janis Lampimaki in Kaslo putting on some races in early October. Definitely putting it in our calendar!

2009-10-26T08:29:00.000-07:00

It's always fun thinking up new adventures, especially when they are right before your eyes, but you never really put it together until that light bub goes off in your brain one day.
The Evans trail is an old access hiking trail to Valhalla Park that runs north from Slocan City up the west shore of Slocan lake. It is a 10km out and back trail that is too surreal to appreciate unless you go yourself and check it out. I was planning this run for Friday, since I always like being in the mountains for my birthday, but the torrential rain that day gave me enough of an excuse to postpone it a day.

It started off with 5 of us wanting to do the run, but in true Kootenay fashion, it ended up only two, myself and Liz Edwards (Oh and our two faithful dogs). Although I have hiked, bushwhacked and slogged through the mountains in adventure races for countless hours even days without stopping, I really hadn't ran for longer than an hour and a half before so I knew it was going to hurt a little.

The photo above shows the view looking back from the turn around. We followed the shoreline on the right all the way down as far as you can see to the end of the lake.

The trail meandered in and out of mossy dark green forests to open meadows overlooking the lake

Needless to say, the scenery was incredible, with fresh snow blanketing the mountains.

Knowing that it is only days away from full on winter and ski touring, I enjoyed the last days of warmth and sunshine.

The trail was not strenuous in an aerobic sense, but definitely required fancy footwork as you needed to focus at all times hopping over logs, rocks and slimy roots.

It was a great day- not knowing who had the bigger smile myself or Nemo...

All in all it took 2:45 for the run. It hurt more from smiling every minute of that run than it did on my legs...it was way too much fun!

TRAIL RACES

2009-08-11T17:10:00.000-07:00

I sing the Body electric;

The armies of those I love engirth me, and I engirth them;

They will not let me off till I go with them, respond to them,

And discorrupt them, and charge them full with the charge of the Soul.

Walt Whitmans words uttered after completing this years Svoboda Trail Run (max. heart rate 189)

Thanks to everyone who attended the two fundraising runs. This is only the start so keep checking this blog for upcoming athletic challenges.

Do you have a special trail or epic run you could write about? I would love to post it here to share with others. Please send ito the e-mail attached to this site.

Special thanks to the folks at Snowpak, Hellman Canoes and Kayaks and Gericks Cycle and Ski for the great draw prizes and support.

And a very special thanks to my cohorts in crime Liz and Randy, volunteers Thiery Brionne, Sheryl Richmond, Troy,Gabe Carpindale, John Price and Holli Kosof.
Thanks......Bill

These races are fundraisers for KLH CT Scanner Campaign. Please see the Kootenay Lake Hospital link at the bottom of the page for more information about the campaign or if you wish to donate.

"Race to the Flagpole"
Sunday September 27 2009, 9:00 AM sharp race start.

Race starts from the new Pulpit Rock parking lot. There is no parking on Johnstone Road so please run or ride to the race start. All athletes who arrive by bike or running receive a 30 second time bonus! If you want our sherpa's to carry a warm shirt to the flagpole for the walk back down please arrive no later than 8:00 AM as we need to give them a head start. We will have some water at the top however we recommend that you carry your own water and nourishment.

The race climbs up to the flagpole where finishers will wait and re hydrate. After the last athlete finishes we will give out the draw prizes then walk back to Johnstone Road. Racers to take the left "easier" fork above pulpit rock.

"Svoboda Trail Run"
Sunday October 4 2009, 9:00 AM sharp race start

Race starts in the Svoboda Rd parking lot. Limited parking so please run or ride to the race start. A 30 second time bonus to those who do. The race starts up the road to the Frogjam outlet. Up Frogjam to the Svoboda Traverse. Left on the Traverse past the Logjam outlet to the road, up the road to the entrance to Logjam. Down Logjam to the Traverse. Left on the traverse over the footbridge, turn right back onto Frogjam back to the start/finish line. 12 km's and 500 meters of elevation gain. Please be self sufficient in water.

Costs are $25.00 for a single race or $40.00 for both (you must register for both races at the same time). Since this is a fund raiser there are no refunds. All money raised goes directly to the Kootenay Lake Hospital Foundation in support of the CT Scanner Campaign.

A special prize for the male and female with the lowest accumulated time for both races plus the long course Fat Tire XC mtn bike race to be awarded after the Svaboda Road race

Double click to expand