Last Sunday was the
Batawa Frozen Ass Snowshoe Race, the fourth race in the Dion Eastern Ontario Series, and my final snowshoe race of the season. I ran this race two years ago and really enjoyed it, and was looking forward to seeing the course again. It is an out-and-back, with the first and last three (or so) km being mostly flat, and then a big up-and-over hill to hit twice in the middle.
The snow conditions were very packed so it would be a fast race. Our friend Rebecca Turner was running, and I knew she is faster on roads so I would be hard pressed to be able to run with her today. For the first few km I ran ahead as she was being a bit cautious with not having run many snowshoe races, but by the beginning of the big climb she had caught up to me. I led into the half way point, but I knew I was working harder than her, and on the climb back up she went ahead and I just did my best to stay as close as I could.
I've really enjoyed these shorter, faster races on snowshoes as it has been a nice way to mix things up and enjoy the winter season. I feel structurally in an excellent place, and I think the addition of some regular faster running, in training and now these races, has provided the best specific strength building for the running muscles.
The final race of the series is on Sunday, the
Switzerville Red Barn race. I'll be sitting this one out, but am looking forward to spectating and helping out.
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| Before the start |
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| Half way point |
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| At the finish. I'm a bit more knackered than Rebecca. |
On Monday, we lost our big old tabby cat Rocky, who was almost 18 years old. He was such a sweet guy, always looking for a cuddle. He was quite an eccentric in his later years, and is legendary for standing up to the dogs and protecting his and our other cat Ozzie's turf. Our neighbour's black lab got the full treatment this summer when he visited our yard. Rocky went flying in the air and landed squarely on the dogs's back, sending him running home with his tail between his legs. No one was hurt, but one ego grew and the other was bruised.
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| A gentle giant |
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| He followed me everywhere, even onto the hammock |
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| We'll miss you, Rockums |
6 comments:
You've had a great season! Fun way to lead into the spring.
Rocky was a very unique cat. The day he attacked the neighbours dog was the day I gained a lot of respect for him:) I still find myself wondering if I saw that correctly.
Sorry to hear about the loss of your beautiful Rocky.
Glad you are enjoying the faster shorter stuff. I have been enjoying it through you rather then suffering through it myself:-)
Oh Sara I am so sorry to hear of your Rocky, losing a long time friend and fur baby is so hard, my thoughts are with you, and he was a beautiful boy xo
Jenn
Thanks EJ and Jenn.
Oh I'm sorry to hear about Rocky. RIP.
So sorry to hear of you losing Rocky. He was always out to greet us when we came. He will be missed.
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