5 Peaks goes back to school! Well, not really. The second race of the 5 Peaks series here in the lower mainland was held atop Burnaby Mountain in Burnaby. This was the first time 5 Peaks had run an event at this location and overall it was very well organized.
The weather was perfect for the run - bright and warm but not too hot. Getting there was quite easy compared to the trek out to Golden Ears. I arrived in plenty of time to get my race package and do a bit of a warm up. Since this was the first time that the 5 peaks folks had been to Simon Fraser University there was some confusion near the start of the race as it wasn't obvious which way the runners should line up - clearly not everyone had studied the course map. The announcer herded everyone into the correct orientation and the race began on time.
The first part of the course was along University Drive on a slight decline. The wave of runners I started with bolted down the road but I kept an even pace, knowing that I would need lots of energy for both the up and down bits of this race. They were only allowing 30 racers per wave so it was clear that the first trail we would hit was going to be very narrow and it was -- the very definition of single track. Since we were at elevation already, the first trail was a descent of a few hundred metres. It is quite a different experience going downhill first, as my legs were still fresh but the pounding is no less intense. Lots of fast folks were passing me but the narrow trail made this a bit tricky in spots. For the most part people were patient to wait for a wider section of trail so I could edge over to the right as far as possible, but a few impatient people elbowed on through.
And did I mention it was dusty on this trail? The course was on the Gearjammer trail, which has lots of switchbacks on it. By the time I was well onto the trail there was a cloud of dust to run through. A bit of coughing ensued. Nothing like adding to the challenge. I think I like running in wetter conditions better. Mud can be slippery but at least it gives a visual clue as to how slippy it is. Several runners ahead of me were losing footing every now and then because the banked bits of the path were covered in dust which seemed to be like a lubricant in these conditions. I was glad to have solid trailrunning shoes on that have great grip.
The trail leveled off so I got a bit of a rest just by running along the undulating path. I would have looked around a bit but there were lots of rocks and roots on this part. I came to the first split of the course for the enduro/sport lengths of the race and was very happy to see excellent signage and an alert volunteer abling directing people. Then came the first serious incline. After running up this for a while I took a walk break and my first sip of water from the bottle I was using -- it was covered in a dusting of dust, so I suppose you could say I had a mineral water break. By this time most of the runners who were going to pass me had done so and I settled into a good run/walk routine. The aid station was located on a flat part of the course out in the bright sun so I ran past that and then started the second ascent of the race. As I was going up a couple on mountain bikers passed me - they were in VERY low gear. Not sure who was working harder: me or them? I got to the second split point in the race and again another alert volunteer clearly indicated which direction to go, which effectively took me in a large loop around most of the course I had just done. Before I started the race I thought I would be getting lapped by a lot of the front runners by this point but after the race I realized that they were so far in front of me and the loop was relatively small so that they had already looped this part of the course before I even got there. Oh well, less moving aside for me to do.
I passed the aid station a second time and noticed a lot more people hanging out there having a drink. I prefer to carry my own water but the day was hot enough and the climbs steep enough that at that point in the race I could understand why someone would want to rest a minute or two for a water break. I ascended again and passed by the second split point once more. Someone behind me asked the volunteer if the end of the course was near and he said "Yes, but since you are about to do Cardiac Hill, it won't feel like the end." Ack.
I came upon the trail marker that read Cardiac Hill. I looked up. That was not the right thing to do. This trail just goes up. No switchbacks. I saw several people walking up,slowly. As I started to ascend (walking of course) a very tall fellow passed me but within a minute I was passing him. I figured the best strategy was to go up at a steady walking pace. I could feel my calves stretching. The path was covered in gravel but is was not too loose so footing was secure. There's nothing like having a your feet slipping out from beneath you on an ascent like that. I passed a few people going up because no doubt they had taken this hill a bit to quick to begin with. There were a couple of volunteers at the top encouraging us on. No doubt they were also looking for people about to pass out! This ascent rivaled some of the climbs on the Whistler race. I kept a steady pace though and reached the top which took me out onto University Drive again. Fortunately, the finish line was a nice gentle decline down from where I was. I ran into the finish area at 1:21:33. Since I was targeting 1:30 I was happy with that finish and I was definitely not the last finisher. I also managed to complete the race with no ankle rolls.
The course was officially 9.8km in distance with a gross elevation gain of 614m. A lot of that gain though came in a couple of steep ascents, unlike some of the other trails that have a nice undulating course route. It was quite the workout. The race winner completed in a speedy 43:17, which surprised the course organizers, so I suppose my time wasn't too bad. I was grateful for a short ride home as I find driving after a race is an excellent way to get leg and butt cramps. I even got up the nerve to run a cold water bath and sit there for 5 minutes or so, which I have to say paid off well the next day. My legs felt pretty damn good, though the calves are still mooing somewhat.
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