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.