Icy again

The trails were icy again this morning.
Temperature was around plus 2 at 9 a.m. and the ice on the trail seemed to be almost evaporating and leaving a coarser surface.
By noon-hour the increasingly warm temperatures and the slight drizzle had the icy very slippery.
Temperatures are expected to hit plus 9 by Monday with rain which could almost polish the ice and make it very slippery before it all melts away. If it does not all melt and the temperatures drop again, look for a lot more ice next week.
Definitely time to have the screws in the bottom of your shoes!

I've been negligent

Unfortunately I have not been keeping this up of late and appoligize.
After today's loop I can see it is a good idea.
John T. posted this comment from our run on my last post so I've put it up for all to see.
Be careful out there.

Ran a couple of loops today. Lots of ice on the main trail for the 1st km, and up on top of headwaters. There are also a couple of trees down. One big pine that you have to squeeze betwen the branches, just after the out and back to Turnbull. Another is across Martin's road, just north of Dieter's aid station location. It crossed the road on the hill so it is about 3 ft in the air. You need to crawl under it. Fun after 40k.

johnt

Nice day

Been a while since I've been in the valley.
Trail is in great shape!
The conservation area has cleaned up the obstacle that had been blocking the trail anywhere.
The path down to the Sulphur Creek bridge crossing is very wet from the spring at the top running down the trail.
Other then that it was a great weekend to be running! Enjoy!

Tuesday's conditions

The trail is sure drying up fast.
Running the western portion of Headwaters Trail, it was almost possible to run the course without muddy shoes.
The one small tree that had been laying right across the northern portion of the upper loop to the farmer's field is now gone. The two other obstacles remain.
The cut/gulch/gorge is now clear footing. A few tiny pieces of ice (not enough to slip on) could be seen in the leaves lining that section of the trail.

Tuesday's conditons

The trails are improving rapidly.
It was almost possible to run the Headwater's section of the trail without getting your shoes dirty or wet.
The gulch/cut still has ice along the upper portion. The remainder of the Headwater Trail was ice/snow free.

Weekend conditions

The trails were just a little muddy on the weekend.
The ground is almost thawed totally and there are some mud holes waiting to suck in your feet.
Areas that are typically covered in water during the spring are including the Monarch Trail, the trail down to the creek crossing off the Monarch trail. and the out and back to Turnbull Road.
There are two sections still with ice--the trail hidden in the evergreens by the Lookout Trail and the Gulch/Cut.
There was several pieces freshly of freshly blown down from Thursday or Friday might along the edge of the trail. There are three obstacle now across the trail on the circular top to the Headwaters Trail.

Thursday's conditions

I was on the Headwaters section last night and the snow and ice is almost gone.
There was still a ribbon on the downhill side from the farmer's field but the rest was clear.
The trail is really muddy though and today's rain is not going to help much.
There are spots where you can put your foot down and be fine. The next step the ground may look the same but your foot could disappear in mud up to your ankle.
The two trees are still across the trail on the upper loop of Headwaters.
The cut/gorge, half-pipe (what ever you call it) was still lined with ice but it was not sheer ice and was passable it you were careful.

Conditions Tuesday

Things are starting to change rapidly in the valley.
While there is still snow and ice to be found, it is disappearing fast leaving some big mud patches in it's place.
Several of the shaded areas on the trail are still covered in ice but this is becoming much softer and breaking under the weight of a runner's step.
The long run down from the farmer's field is still cover in ice and was running ankle deep in the run-off water.
Some of the muddy patches just suck you foot in up to your ankle. These spots can surprise you. One set is fine, the next your foot disappears without warning.
Weather was great for a run Tuesday with the sun shining brightly.

Sunday's conditions

Sunday brought a mixed bag of conditions on the valley trail.
An early start for a run hand people sliding around on ice, especially on any of the north facing hills and any place the sun is not getting through the tree cover.
Where the trail sits wide open there are large pools of water or deep mud.
As the day warmed up, the ground thawed, and there was more mud.
It is going to take at least until the end of the week I sure before the ice will disappear. The cold overnight temperatures is not helping.
It was definitely a weekend to be running with screws in the bottoms of your shoes.
Those using road shoes really had a tough run.

Monday's conditions-WET!

Spring is definitely on the way, FINALLY!
The warm temperatures today had the snow melting very fast.
Most of the trail on slopes that had been coated with ice, are now teeming with water running down them. The ice underneath and screws on soles of my shoes were gripping better.
There is a lot of water running anywhere of the trail and it is impossible to finish the loop without wet feet.
A lot of mud is now open on the trail.
Heading up and down from the farmer's file on Headwaters is still fun with the ice and running water.
The snow was making it feel cold in spots on the trail and that meeting with the warm air today was causing some foggy conditions in spots.

Dangerous conditions

On such an incredible day, I'm disappointed I have reply on someone else for today's trail report as I work!
Apparently the trails a a little dangerous. The warm daytime conditions start melting the snow in the valley and then the minus temperatures overnight freeze the melt creating slick conditions for running or walking on.
The trail down to the bridge across the creek of the Monarch Trail is especially dangerous and you have to find footing off the path. The switch backs on the main Red loop are slick too.
The same is true of the climb to the farmer's field on the Headwaters section. Traveling off trail to find footing seems to be the best answer.
There are reports of mud sections along the way, but few and far between. At least they are there and are a sign spring may actually be on the way.

Scott Jurek Runs Up Hill

A video on running up hill by Wester States 100 Legend Scott Jurek from the Runner's World website.

Cool morning

The temperatures were still a little cool first thing this morning keeping the snow on the trail solid underfoot.
Unfortunately the warming and cooling trend the past week as left LOTS of spots with ice.
The trail down to the bridge off the Monarch Trail is particularly treacherous with two people almost going over the edge of the trail into the left valley.
The frozen snow was a great help for cross the farmer's fields on Headwaters but I'm sure the warming afternoon temperatures will change that. It will also increase the icy conditions across the trail.
Happy running!

Another beautiful day!

Maybe spring really is on the way!?!
Another great morning on the trail. Yesterday's thaw was frozen underfoot this morning making some pretty good running conditions.
Still tough going in the farmer's field on the Headwaters loop. Still post holing but great to be up there in the sun for a change.
The trip down was a little rough as the trail was over ankle deep in slush and melting snow from below the gate to where the large tree is still laying across the trail.
Other than that, ENJOY A GREAT DAY!!!!!

OUS Coats are.....

$65 each. Apparently the price was left out of the post below about ordering them.
You can ask for either the OUS logo or the Ontario Trail Series logo on the jacket when ordering.
You can get more information from the Ontario Ultra Series site here, including the sizing chart and pdf file for faxing or e-mailing.

Trail conditions

Saturday, March 15.....
Great to see the sun out today...
The warmer temperatures definitely had aided the trail conditions.
The trail is starting to get packed solid enough to make the going easier.
Headwaters across the farmer's field is still interesting with a fair bit of post holing. Going to take a lot more sun and warmer temperatures to get a nice pathway beat into the snow (and more users).
No a lot of really slushy areas yet but a few.

But who cares! The sun was out and it was almost warm!
Can spring be far behind??????

OUS Coat information.....

Are you in the market for a new running jacket? Are you interested in supporting an Ontario manufacturing company? If you said 'yes' to either of these questions we have an offer you can't refuse.

The Ontario Trail Series / Ontario Ultra Series is working with Niko Apparel Systems to offer high quality running jackets. You have a choice of three colours (black / royal / lime green), two logos (trail / ultra) and five sizes in both women's and men's fit.

Orders must be submitted to Niko by Friday April 11, 2008. We require a minimum order size of 24 jackets to proceed with the order. Also, even though there are three colour choices there is a minimum of 12 of each colour to proceed with that colour. (That's why you are asked for your second choice of colour.) Jackets will have both reflective piping in the seams and reflective striping on the back for improved visibility.

The sizing chart is attached along with the order form and jackets will be available to try on at our booth at Around the Bay on March 28 & 29. They will also be available to try on at our fun run - The Spring Warm Up on April 5.

The jackets will be ready for shipping by about May 16. Shipping will be directly from the manufacturer at a cost of $8. However as an option we can have your jacket available for pick up at the Sulphur Springs race with no shipping charge. Please indicate on your form in the 'Special Instructions' section and if you could drop a line to either John Rennison or myself to give us the heads up.

If you have any questions please email John at rennison.john@gmail.com or Sharon Zelinski at sezelinski@gmail.com.

Cheers, Sharon

Trail conditions-SNOW!

Blogger is acting up this morning so I hope you have no problems getting to the blog!

The trail is definitely snow covered and then some.
The conditions alternated this morning between nice with falling snow to biting with wind driven snow. The snow is getting deep and the going is tough. Not many people out to beat down the path.
The coming storm is only going to add to the problem.

WHERE IS SPRING??????????????????????????

Trail conditions

The cold temperatures this morning meant the snow was crystalized, making it a bit like running on beach sand. There was not path beaten down yet from high traffic after Friday's snow fall.
The sun ppeared once and a while but did not melt the snow enough to cause a great base. The cross country skiiers were enjoying themselves though.
The wind was whipping across the farmer's fields on Headwaters making for some fun.
The two obstacles on Headwaters are still there. The small over hanger on the way up and the huge tree blocking the trail mid-way down.

New magazine

We now have our very own running magazine here in Canada in case you have not seen it.
The first issue is on the news stands.
The cover story is a Q&A with middle distance runner Hilary Stellingweff and her bid to get to Beijing.
The magazine website is here.

Put the screws to ice

We get a lot of questions about our footing while running on the trail in icy conditions.

The secret is the simple stainless steel metal screws we use on the bottom of our shoes. We use half-inch hex head screws in either size #8 or #10, the later being the larger sized head.
One package of the screws will give you more then enough screws for a single pair of shoes.
The hex shape of the head give more edges to grip the ice.
You will probably still slip just not as often that's for sure.


When driving the screws into the bottom of your shoes, be sure to keep the screws to the outter edge where you will not go through the sole and find yourself running on the sharp point where it has come through.

The outter edge of the sole should keep you outside the area where your foot comes to rest.
I find the best way to drive the screws is using a hex-nut driver for a cordless drill. It drives the screws much faster. I DO NOT RECOMMEND USING A SLOTTED SCREW DRIVER DESPITE THE SLOT IN THE SCREWS.










Another alternative would be a nut driver similar to a screw driver but having a socket head. It is harder to use but will work. Screws will come out from time to time but are much cheaper then Yak Trax which I have had come off. I have run on pavement with them without much trouble. Yak Trax can be damaged doing so.
Matt Carpenter offers some similar information on his page here.

Fun Run Photos

Some photos from a recent Fun Run although I have to admit there does not seem to be many people RUNNING!
Thanks to Phil McColl for the photos and of course Dieter Scholz for the excellent aid station.



















Common Jim catch up!

They're done

Sharon Zelinski finished second overall and first woman in the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail 118 Mile Run in Florida in a time of 27 hours or so.
John Turner got to 55 miles before the heat and humidity got to him.
Fifteen runners started the race with only about five finishing.
The heat and humidity took their toll on the even Florida runners who were acclimatized.

Friends in Florida

While most of us continue to fight with the snow this weekend, John Turner (seen here on his last 100-km training run) and Sharon Zeliniski (who unfortunately I did not have a photo for) are running the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail 118 Mile Run in Florida.
Turner holds the race record after winning the inaugural race last year. This year the race is being run in the opposite direction around the outside of the lake and without some of the construction that caused minor detours.
Unfortunately the race is a low-key affair and results are not posted on line. There's not even a race website.
Results will be posted when John calls after finishing.

View Larger Map

Trail conditions

The trail was nice today, especially since the sun was out.
The footing was a little dangerous with crisp loose snow on top over uneven ice beneath.
The hidden roughness could lead to some ankle turning.
There were several deer out and I saw at least one Cardinal.
There is one small sapling leaning leaning way down over the trail on the way up Headwaters to the farmer's field and there is still a large tree across the trail on the way down. All other obstacle have been removed now.

OUS Coat's Price Announced

The OUS coats I mentioned in an earlier blog entry will be $65 plus tax and shipping (about $8). The ordering process is still being finalized.
There may be some accommodation for orders that will be picked up rather then shipped. More on that as it becomes available.
The plan is to have examples of the coats at the Around the Bay Road Race to be tried on. They will come in women and men's sizings.

Speaking of Around the Bay Road Race, the 30-km distance is now totally full. There are still some openings apparently in the 5-km distance.

Good footing today until....

The trail had some good footing, especially on the main, portions this morning early.
But then the rain came.
We were off the trail before the rain and warming temperatures had any real chance to become a factor. While the temperatures were supposed to rise above freezing today they are supposed to drop again for tomorrow. Things could turn to a skating rink with the melting and freezing.
I was not up the Headwater Trail section today and am waiting to hear from someone who did go up how it is.

Another training video

OUS jackets

The Ontario Ultra Series organizers are looking at the purchase of running jackets featuring the OUS logo on the front of the jacket.
The jackets would come in male and female sizing with the longer tail in the back with a draw string hem. There is also a pocket located on the back but it does not come with the web belt for folding the coat into the pocket and wearing around your waist.
The jackets are produced by Niko Apparel Systems in Hamilton and be similar to other running jackets offered on the market.
The costs of the jacket will depend on the number ordered (those details are yet to be worked out) but should be $70-75.
The jackets will be available to try on at the OUS booth at the Around The Bay Road Race trade expo. I will post more details here as they become available.

New BIG Obstacles

The trail started off looking beautiful this morning. The valley was coated in a coat of beautiful white snow.
Unfortunately there are several new obstacles on the Headwater Trail portion.
There is a small evergreen tree bent over across the trail heading up to the farmer's field. On the way down from the field on the western edge of the loop, a huge tree now blocks the trail.
There is also a second tree across the trail leading from Martin's Road to the gultch or cut.
As the day went on, the falling snow turned a heavy, wet near rain. The rising temperatures made the footing tough going. It would have been a great day to be off the trails by 11:30 or so instead of the 2:30 p.m. we death marched on until!!!
The weather forecast has changed from brutally cold for Sunday or only bitingly so. It may end up setting the snow making the footing less slippery but could also make for some hardened snow ankle turners.....

The valley is beautiful!

The heavy snow fall Friday as turned the valley into a winter wonderland.
It also has turned the trails into tough slogging in some spots during the early going today.
The thick blanket of snow is covering ice in some areas.
If it stays warm and the traffic stays high the way it was today, the snow should be packed down nicely. The forecast is calling for some cooler temperatures however.
The parking lot at the pool house on Jerseyville Road was not plowed this morning and people were parking on the road which was dangerous. They were also blocking the entrance to the parking lot if a plow showed up to clear it.....

Trail Runningt: Getting started video

Snow might be a blessing....

While I am sitting at home cursing shoveling the snow in front of my house, it actually may be a blessing in disguise.
It has been said what sets us apart from the animals is our ability to learn from our mistakes. Apparently I do not catch on as quickly.
Last year during a run, I shortened the laces in my shoes by not running them through the bottom eyes on the shoes. It allowed my toes to spread out in the shoes a little. The problem was it left me with huge loops in the laces.
While running that day, John said one minute I was there. The next I was gone.
I had managed to hook one foot through the loop of the lace on the other shoe.
Down I went, hard!
Fast forward to Thursday when I went out to try out a new pair of shoes.
They are probably a little big on me. I have a small volume foot.
The laces pulled tight for fit, left huge loops.
Guess what?
Yes, down I went again. This time the ground was frozen solid and was quite rough where I went down (right by the camp site on the Red Loop). Think sidewalk with small peddles on top!
I ruined a great pair of tights and brand new pair of gloves in the crash.
I'm hoping the snow will offer some cushioning on Saturday when I head back.
The temperature has been rising all day so it should be good and tacky (the snow).
The first section of trail from the pool house was still ice covered Thursday before the snow and it was very difficult footing. The snow should help.

Looking for someone to run with?

Alf Khoen is the coordinator for a group who call themselves the "Ancaster Acorns".
We are a loose group of runners, mostly from the Ancaster area, who loves trail running," says Alf.
"We are mid-pack runner with a primary interest in social running rather then racing. Depending on time restraints and ability, we start as a group and run from 10 km to a couple of hours. Anyone willing to join us on the trails is very welcome to run with us."
You can reach Alf for more information at akoehn@cogeco.ca

Trail good

The trail is in fine shape.
The several centimetres of fresh fluffy snow early today made for tough slogging--like running on sand. As the day went along the trail was packed by the high traffic and warming temperatures melting the snow slightly.

Cool nite

Another cool night on the trails.
Cool enough the snow was crunching under foot going up the Gulch.
Trail is snow covered on the Headwaters portion we were on. The conservation crew had been in again on their ATV and had packed a double track on the lower portion of the trail. There was lots of evidence of fresh tree trimming although it was dark enough when we were in, I did not let my eyes wander from my beam of light and where I was going.
Nice cool night for a run.

Trails better than roads

Apparently the trails were in better shape than the roads tonight.
There's three inches of snow in the bush of the light fluffy kind.
The snow did cause some problems on the ice beneath but should be a benefit when it becomes packed.
The moon was so bright it apparently was shinning in your eyes running from Headwaters Trail down from the field.
Unfortunately the snow did nothing for the driving.....

Trail running tips from runner Julie Fingar during TV interview

They finished in Hawaii!

Monica Scholz climbing into one of the aid stations.

Congrats to Charlotte Vasarhelyi and Monica Scholz who both finished the 100-miler at HURT and Phil McColl who finished the 100-km. (Unfortunately I could not find photos of the other two on the website.)Results can be found here.
Also finishing the 100-km was Fred Davis who regularly runs Sulphur Springs.

HURT Hawaii race page.

Did not seem as icy today

I can not explain it but conditions did not seem as icy today as they were yesterday.
COLD but not near a icy.

Conservation area guys did a great job of clearing trees on the upper portion of Headwaters Trail yesterday. Th only obstacle on the trail that I'm currently aware of is the tree across the trail from Martin's Road to the Gulch. There are still trees down on the trail down to Martin's Road from the Reforestation Trail but they are liable to alway be there since the conversation area does not really consider that area a trail.

From the other side of the valley.

News from the other side of the DVCA: Spring Creek Trail was fine this evening. Icy patches where the puddles usually are but they were small and easily rounded. Night is clear, moon is out. Nice time to run the rail trail. Bundle up!

From Isadora

If you were wishing to be somewhere warmer....

Monica Scholz, Phil McColl and Charlotte Vasarhelyi are all running in Hawaii.
You can find the webcast here.
You may have to hit your refresh button to get latest results.

Be Careful Out There!

The trail was exceptionally icy this morning!

The milder temperatures Thursday-Friday left some melting that the cold snap today promptly froze. It would be hard to describe where all the ice is. It would be probably be easier to describe where there was not ice.
There was a light coating of snow throughout the valley which early in the morning has obscured the icy spots. There was still a fair bit of traffic through the trails, but mainly walkers. There were spots where it was obvious someone had fallen.
Some sore of aid (screws in you shoes or Yak-Trax) is highly recommended.
There was a strong wind that dropped the temperatures due to wind-chill.

Good News

The conservation area crews were out on the Headwaters Trail and were clearing the trees down across the trail. It looked like there may have been new ones down in that section since I was in Thursday night but they were hard at work on them.

Warmer Night but.....

Warmer night tonight so the mud was back a little bit.
It was darker out since the skies were not as clear as last night.
The two-centimetres of snow that has been predicted was starting to sprinkle. I hear the weather forecast is calling for minus double-digit temperatures by Sunday.

Nice Night

Just back from a run on the western portion of the trail on a beautiful but cool night.
There has been a little snow fall since I was out on Sunday morning. Most of the ice is now covered with a layer that has some grip to it. There is a little (very little) on most of the trail and it was cold enough the mud was frozen almost solid, causing some ankle turning knobs to be stepped on.

Around the Bay Road Race

The Around the Bay Road Race is fast approaching on March 30.

I know many people train for the race along the trails in the valley.

The $55 early registration goes up Feb. 2 to $60.

You can register on-line at the ATB page here.

If you use the Running Room registration page, you receive a $10 gift certificate that offsets the cost of the $4 on-line registration fee.

Anyone can post comments

I have fixed the problem that only allowed people with Google gmail accounts to post comments.
Please let me know if anyone has problems at rennison.john@gmail.com

Cooler day, less mud

This morning was cooler then yesterday on the trail allow some of the mud to solidify and keeping shoes drier. Still a couple of areas with ice on the trails.

From Isadora:
Conditions today were amazing - but from the other side of the Rail trail: I ran from Warren park (~ km 2.5 of Rail Trail), Spring Creek Trail to Sawmill to Main Loop to Ski loop #1 to Monarch end-to-end. Effectively no snow, springy soft ground - almost melting- yet shoes came home clean. Positively bouncy!

Saw 4 deer. 2008 count now 5.

- Isadora

Good Luck Monica and Phil!

Monica and Phil are off to H.U.R.T. January 19 & 20.
Monica's doing the 100-mile, Phil the 100-km.
You can follow their progress at:
http://aditl.com/hurt/

Might have been a little under stated

My last post about trail conditions might have been a little under stated in the ice department.

Ninety-per-cent of the trail is clear or muddy but the first kilometre out from the pool centre parking lot is a ribbon of ice and tough to run on without screws in your shoes (or some assistance). The same is true of the first 300 metres off Martin's Road up toward the farmer's field on Head Waters Trail.

There is a a strip of ice on the trail leading to the Gulch off Martin's Road on the way back to the main trail to the parking lot and the Gulch is icy and snowy but has some leaf and pine needle cover for some assistance in the climb.

There are two trees down on the Head Waters Trail; one is just below the rise to Turner's favourite hill to climb and another after the junction on the round section of the upper portion of the trail. There has been a trail down on the section from Martin's Road to the Gulch for sometime and it is still there.

In the conservation area proper the trail is fine throughout. Someone has cleared any trees that were block in the trail (we did not go out the dog-leg to Turnbull Road this morning, we are getting lazy I guess).

Happy running! Will be out tomorrow again.

Sulphur Springs Trail Registration Now Open

The on-line registration for the Burlington Runners' 16th annual Sulphur Springs Trail Race 2008, May 24-25 is now open at:
https://www.onlineregistrations.ca/sulphursprings/

The race includes distances of 10 km, 25 km, 50 km, 50 miles and 100 miles.

A pdf of the race course map can be found here:
http://burlingtonrunners.com/sulphursprings/TrailMapandDirections.pdf

Hamilton Conservation Authority Entrance Fees

Here are the entrance fees for the Dundas Valley from the Hamilton Conservation Area website:
Fee per vehicle: $5.00
Per vehicle with horses, per horse: $10
Walk/Bike in per person: $2.00
Horseback access: $10.00

All the authority's entrace fees can be found here:
http://www.conservationhamilton.ca/parks/fees/

Message from Conservation Area Website about Water Levels

Information Bulletin - Jan. 10
January 10, 2008
Creek levels in the watershed remain higher than normal as a result of the combination of rain and the melting snowpack that has been occurring over the last five days.
In addition, Environment Canada is now forecasting precipitation amounts in the range of 20 to 25 mm overnight Thursday and into Friday.
Although no major flooding problems are anticipated at this time, higher than normal flows will result in dangerous conditions along all streams.
Please exercise extreme caution near all water bodies.
Adults are advised to keep children and pets away from streams at this time.
The Hamilton Conservation Authority continues to monitor stream and weather conditions and will issue further messages as necessary.

Trail not bad......

Wednesday, January 9 th's wind storm did bring down trees along the trail.
On Thursday I ran the western edge of the trail and found trees down in at least three locations.
Martin's Road has several trees laying across the road. They are blocking the road to traffic but are not on the piece of road we use. They are on the right as you come down the hill from the Reforestation Trail and emerge out onto the road.
There is a tree across the trail after you leave Martin's Road on the way to the corn field, before you come to the junction. It is right as you come up the small hill before a slight right turn to the junction of the loop on the upper part of the trail.
The tree is about knee-to-waist height (depending on your height) but is easily stepped over.
The trail was either muddy or covered in ice. Most of the snow is gone in the bush along this section of the trail.
There were two deer in standing on the trail in the middle bend along the corn field. There were four more standing in the field just as you turn left into the bush to head down the trail.