Thanks Karine and Jodi for assembling some very adventurous running terrain (and awesome volunteers) in the Black Harbour area. As well as the river crossing and lots of healthy size puddles, the buckets of rain were all out to keep the dust down and put out any fires that might ignite from runners' thighs blasting up and down some quite serious grades. A little unusual for the first day of October that it was raining heavily and a pleasantly warm eighteen celsius.
This course had something for everyone: sweet bouncy wooded singletrack through mossy undergrowth; a couple lengthy climbs to settle into; a river crossing; hubcaps to circle around; bottomless mystery puddles; some good old fashioned root hopping. And we will never forget the foot sucking muck of the last climb before the final ascent. The hill was steep enough already, just adding a little extra resistance to lifting your foot each time made it especially fun!
02/10/2011
26/09/2011
Chezzetcook Chickadee Trail Run 2011
You can now register online at Atlantic Chip for $20, or on the morning of the run for $30. The course will be very well marked and volunteers will be on-hand to point you in the right direction at the major intersections. There will be awards for the top female and male in both distances. Snacks and awards afterwards too.
Same-day registration 7:30 'til 8:45 am. at
the trailhead
pre-race ramble at 8:55
race starts at 9 am
distances of either 10km, or 20km.
Course Description
The course is ninety five percent logging access roads, . There is 400m of pavement. You will get your feet wet. You will experience some slippery rocks and sticks, and you will probably see or hear a chickadee or two. The ice has been cancelled for this year, by moving it ahead 3 weeks.
Allow time for a ten to fifteen minute pre-race warm-up, and time to socialize.
Don't forget to check the weather and dress appropriately. Most of the trails have large exposed rocks and puddles. There are no feed stations on the course, so supply yourself with necessary water and snacks. This is a physically demanding run, and most of the course is in remote wilderness.
Same-day registration 7:30 'til 8:45 am. at
the trailhead
pre-race ramble at 8:55
race starts at 9 am
distances of either 10km, or 20km.
Course Description
The course is ninety five percent logging access roads, . There is 400m of pavement. You will get your feet wet. You will experience some slippery rocks and sticks, and you will probably see or hear a chickadee or two. The ice has been cancelled for this year, by moving it ahead 3 weeks.
Allow time for a ten to fifteen minute pre-race warm-up, and time to socialize.
Don't forget to check the weather and dress appropriately. Most of the trails have large exposed rocks and puddles. There are no feed stations on the course, so supply yourself with necessary water and snacks. This is a physically demanding run, and most of the course is in remote wilderness.
2010 mean times were 1:36 for the 16km, and 0:46 for the 7 km runs. For this year, I estimate the middle times for the 10 km might be around 1 hour, and the 20 km around 2:10.
View Chezzetcook Chickadee 2011 in a larger map
The yellow pin is the start. Ten kilometre particpants will run this, then continue counter clockwise around the inside (blue) loop, and complete an out and back trail at approximately the three quarters distance. Twenty kilometre runners will do that, plus be directed by volunteers at an additional three separate points along the trail to the out and back sections. These sections are indicated in green on the map.
View Chezzetcook Chickadee 2011 in a larger map
The yellow pin is the start. Ten kilometre particpants will run this, then continue counter clockwise around the inside (blue) loop, and complete an out and back trail at approximately the three quarters distance. Twenty kilometre runners will do that, plus be directed by volunteers at an additional three separate points along the trail to the out and back sections. These sections are indicated in green on the map.
Not only is the twenty kilometre run twice distance of the 10 km, but also keep in mind that all four out and back trails involve some good climbs and will test your lungs, quads and capacity for discomfort.
Here is an elevation profile of the 10km course. 215m elevation gain.
And one for the 20km course too. 412 m elevation gain.
Directions to the start line. From Dartmouth. Main Street to highway 107, drive about 20 minutes, turn off to exit 21.
Turn left off of exit ramp, continue towards Head Chezzetcook. Stop at stop sign across from St. Barnabas church and cross road to Conrod Settlement Road. Drive about 2 minutes down Conrod Settlement Road.
Turn left onto Moser Road. Continue to end of road where you will see a basketball net. That is the starting area. Please do not block anyone's driveway while parked.
Cuddly Coyote October 1, Black Point fire hall
Karine and Jodi are at it again! It's Cuddly Coyote time again version 2.0 with some quad tenderizing topography on the menu. You can get just a taste with a 9 km run, or a full course meal of 21 kilometres. See you there!!
http://trailbugracing.blogspot.com/2011/08/cuddly-coyote-trail-race.html
http://trailbugracing.blogspot.com/2011/08/cuddly-coyote-trail-race.html
18/09/2011
Kejimikujik 25/50
Thanks to Brad for putting together a super nice out-and-back course. Four hard-willed runners battled in the 50k, the other dozen of us ran through the 25. Alarmingly cold first thing in the morning (5C), but eventually it warmed up to the mid teens.
50km
Jodi Isenor 3:48
Shawn McCardle 3:49
Chris MacKenzie 4:28
Doug MacEachern 5:40
25km
Sean Merrett 1:56
Richard Lane 2:03:30
Darlene Chapman 2:07
Andrew Myatt 2:12
Matt Keith 2:13
Ian McDormand 2:15
Bridgette Sabourin 2:27
Karine ?
With so few hills, my quads are feeling surpisingly beat up from the run. The trail is just what you would think of, when you think of Keji' national park; lots of giant pines, smooth cushiony forest floor, short gravel sections with a few little rocky and rooty parts. Oh, and lots of kids carrying backpacks, that kindly stepped aside for us speedsters.
50km
Jodi Isenor 3:48
Shawn McCardle 3:49
Chris MacKenzie 4:28
Doug MacEachern 5:40
25km
Sean Merrett 1:56
Richard Lane 2:03:30
Darlene Chapman 2:07
Andrew Myatt 2:12
Matt Keith 2:13
Ian McDormand 2:15
Bridgette Sabourin 2:27
Karine ?
Cathy Carter 2:33.30
Stuart McLellan 2:45
Kevin Neat 3:05
Nancy Neat 3:05
Stuart McLellan 2:45
Kevin Neat 3:05
Nancy Neat 3:05
19/06/2011
21 Runner Salute
The Musquodoboit Muffin run went off with a bang, or to say more accurately, finished with several bangs, as the last few runners were pushed along to finish by accompanying timpanies of thunder from a passing storm.
Women's seven and a half kilometre:
Bonnie Sutherland 56:07
Erica Doucet 1:00:58
Suzane Couture 1:12:24
Susan Spence Wach 1:16:58
Amy Lachance 1:43:33**
Men's seven and a half kilometre:
Graeme Wach 52:00
Ben Parsons 54:20
Bruce Murphy 1:08:15
Kris MacLellan 1:09:46+
Gordon Warnica 1:15:11
Tim dine 1:19:17
John Fahey 1:25:19
Grant Wach 1:44:00
The eight runners in the fifteen kilometre:
Andy Canning 49:50/1:42:03++
Sean Cassidy 51:15/1:47:17+++
Tim Brooks 55:35/1:49:38
Kevin MacDonald 56:30/1:56:15
Tim Farmer 56:25/ 2:08:27*
Jack Kelly 1:00:35/2:08:29***
Murdoch Jean 1:05:41/ 2:13:30
Mike Black 1:09:35/2:27:51
*started 15 minutes after the start**started 30 minutes after the start.***ran 10 hours the day before today's run. +longest run of his life so far. ++chose the muffin run over the Johnny Miles. +++Anton Krupica no-shirt award.
There was some truly inspirational efforts by runners that have never run the Admiral Lake trail before, or had even imagined running something like that before. There were even a couple part-time runners out to see what they could muster. Amazing run especially by Tim B. who ran a negative split [-1:30] the second lap without his glasses.
A deep bow with flourishes to the growing list of supporters to trail running:
The Adventure Outfitters for outfitting our terrific volunteers (Mary, John, Doug, Judy, Bert, & Susan thank you all)with gift certificates! Plus two gift certificates were drawn to happy recipients.
Mountain Equipment Co-op for providing super awesome Vector tees for the first place finishers!
Java Blend for providing us with some much needed medium roast Columbian and the magic carafe! Thanks Jim!!
11/03/2011
Musquodoboit Muffin Trail Run
What:
The first ever Musquodoboit Muffin Trail Run, taking place on the Musquodoboit Trailways Admiral Lake trail. A very special thank-you to The Adventure Outfitters for providing awesome gift cards for our very much appreciated volunteers. Also thank-you to the amazing support from Mountain Equipment Co-Op for providing race prizes, and to Java Blend for providing us with their super amazing coffee!
When:
It happens Sunday, June 19th, start time 9 a.m. Cost $20. There will be an award for the top finisher in each of the four categories.
Distance 7.5 or 15km:
Run either one, or two laps of the 7.5 kilometre loop. The loop consists of 2 kilometres on flat rail trail, and the rest on very difficult singletrack through the woods.
Pay Attention
There are no support or feeds on the trail, but there will be volunteers at the major intersections to point you in the right direction. The trail is well marked with yellow metal tree tags and at intersections there is pink trail flagging.
Warning, Warning, this is very difficult running!!!
Imagine running up 100 stairs made of randomly placed bear-size boulders. Or how about running down a steep hill on a trail that is only wide enough for one foot at a time that twists and turns on wet leaves; and there are the wet roots arching over chiseled sharp rocks requiring very carefully planned placement of the foot. Essentially that is the trail, with a few relaxing smoother bits.
The first ever Musquodoboit Muffin Trail Run, taking place on the Musquodoboit Trailways Admiral Lake trail. A very special thank-you to The Adventure Outfitters for providing awesome gift cards for our very much appreciated volunteers. Also thank-you to the amazing support from Mountain Equipment Co-Op for providing race prizes, and to Java Blend for providing us with their super amazing coffee!
When:
It happens Sunday, June 19th, start time 9 a.m. Cost $20. There will be an award for the top finisher in each of the four categories.
Distance 7.5 or 15km:
Run either one, or two laps of the 7.5 kilometre loop. The loop consists of 2 kilometres on flat rail trail, and the rest on very difficult singletrack through the woods.
Pay Attention
There are no support or feeds on the trail, but there will be volunteers at the major intersections to point you in the right direction. The trail is well marked with yellow metal tree tags and at intersections there is pink trail flagging.
Warning, Warning, this is very difficult running!!!
Imagine running up 100 stairs made of randomly placed bear-size boulders. Or how about running down a steep hill on a trail that is only wide enough for one foot at a time that twists and turns on wet leaves; and there are the wet roots arching over chiseled sharp rocks requiring very carefully planned placement of the foot. Essentially that is the trail, with a few relaxing smoother bits.
It is absolutely necessary you bring your own food and water for an extended run of Two Hours Plus. The distances are deceptive, as the terrain is very steep with many sharp twists and turns. Plan for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours run for the 7.5 km, and 1:45 to 2:45 for the 15km.
This trail demands a lot of the runner, requiring hopping, sidestepping, ducking, shuffling, jumping, skipping, arm waving, shoulder shifting, and grunting. It is highly advised to have shoes with deep lugs for traction. This should not be one of the first runs of your season. The trail, know as a very challenging hiking trail, is a real humdinger to run on. This is a technical trail run experience. You are encouraged to walk/fast hike it, if you find the trail difficult to run.
There are several incredibly beautiful look offs and the terrain the trails cut through is amazing. The trail is very challenging with very few flat-like sections. Most of the time you will be ascending, or descending a steep hill. Take a peek at the map, just to see how many times the trail skips over contour lines. Just looking at it will make your thighs ache!
http://www.mta-ns.ca/PDF/Map.pdf
Directions to site from Main St. Dartmouth:
East on 107 approximately 23 kilometres to the very last exit (Musquodoboit Harbour).
There are several incredibly beautiful look offs and the terrain the trails cut through is amazing. The trail is very challenging with very few flat-like sections. Most of the time you will be ascending, or descending a steep hill. Take a peek at the map, just to see how many times the trail skips over contour lines. Just looking at it will make your thighs ache!
http://www.mta-ns.ca/PDF/Map.pdf
Directions to site from Main St. Dartmouth:
East on 107 approximately 23 kilometres to the very last exit (Musquodoboit Harbour).
Turn right onto highway 7 and travel east for 2.4 kilometres.
Then turn left onto highway 357 by the bank(Meagher's Grant Rd).
Continue for 1.7 kilometres to the first bridge, and turn right on the bridge (Bayer's Mill Road).
Continue for 1.7 kilometres to the first bridge, and turn right on the bridge (Bayer's Mill Road).
Drive to the end of the road.
Park off the side of the road on either side, but not in front of the gate.
The Start/Finish/Registration is on the rail trail proper near the intersection of the Bayer's Mill Road and the rail trail.
You can register on the day of, or now on Atlantic Chip.
http://www.atlanticchip.ca/events/details.php?show=727
The Start/Finish/Registration is on the rail trail proper near the intersection of the Bayer's Mill Road and the rail trail.
You can register on the day of, or now on Atlantic Chip.
http://www.atlanticchip.ca/events/details.php?show=727
Here's the start point on google maps
Also here's an idea of the gps route profile:
http://www.sports-tracker.com/#/workout/anerdoo/gkbhi6a7jsivkpe0
View Muffin Run start in a larger map
View Muffin Run start in a larger map
13/12/2010
The running of the Chickadees
The chickadees were out in full force cheering on 34 runners for the first Chezzetcook Chickadee Trail Run.
The tightest race within the race was the women's sixteen kilometre. The first three finishers were roughly within three minutes of one another.
Early estimates for top men's finisher were an hour twenty'ish. A mix of technically challenging road wide ice puddles and icy dicey downhills would make staying upright a wee bit sketchy. Two running aces smoked that time, and a total of ten finishers were within one hour thirty! There's definitely some running talent in them there hills.
Thanks a bunch to the volunteers, most of them having never seen a trail run before, who were indubitably impressed at the fitness level and friendliness of the runners!
Not least of all, a huge thanks to The Adventure Outfitters for hooking up our five volunteers with gift certificates, as well as providing gift certificates given away as draw prizes.
Seven kilometre
Women
Angela Mudge 61,22
Sheila O'Brien 64,28
Men
Jared Rainault 38,14
Frank Mudge 42,45
Steven Elliott 46,59
Alex MacEachern 54,15
Sixteen kilometre
Women
Darlene Chapman 1,32,15
Karine Comeau 1,33,18
Bonnie Sutherland 1,35,30
Brigitte Sabourin 1,48,51
Erica Doucet 2,01,00
Men
1. Jodi Isenor 1,13,51
2. Dale Block 1,17,05
3. Michael French 1,20,55
4. Clint Cummings 1,25,30
5. Greg Jones 1,25,45
6. Sean Cassidy 1,26,06
7. Mark Campbell 1,27,55
8. Kevin MacDonald 1,28,17
9. Tim Brooks 1,28,22
10.Tim Farmer 1,30,17
11.Daniel Rice 1,31,18
12.Paul Gallant 1,32,15
13.Peter Boileau 1,35,19
14.Jason Ryder 1,36,29
15.Jack Kelly 1,36,55
16.Bev McMurtrie 1,39,24
17.Ron MacDougall 1,40,01
18.Don Rushton 1,47,09
19.Adam Durling 1,48,55
20.Grant Heddon 1,50,16
21.Yigit Aydede 1,59,49
22.Andrew Lowrey 2,09,36
23.G. Warnica 2,22,25
Thanks to everyone for participating, you're awesome!!!
Check for more photos coming soon at http://picasaweb.google.com/112470159493977696597
Some great shots here from Mary and John
http://machawk.net/activities/show/album/index.html
And if you were top two in your category and didn't get your hand made chickadee award you can email me: anerdoo(at)gmail.com to arrange a pickup.
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