5 Peaks – Alice Lake

I love trail running. LOVE it. Actually miss it when I don't do it. Crave it when my feet haven't touched a trail in more than a week. And the best part: I am a fairly mediocre trail runner. I'm slow and a too cautious. I'm so enamoured by my surroundings that sometimes I forget I am running – or racing.

Mmmm... pre- and post-race fuel!

But man, I love it.

So every year I take part in the 5 Peaks trail running series.
Five race, one per month, at five different peaks in the lower mainland.

Two weeks ago, I was lucky enough to race at Alice Lake, near Squamish for the first time ever.
I've been here before to snowshoe in the winter, but have never run the trails past the last frost.

The day started with juice and jitters. Some pre-race energy courtesy of my fan: M.

It was overcast and drizzly. Half the runners had long sleeves and layers. I had a tank top and deep regret for not reviewing the weather report.

The first two kilometres of the Sport Distance were pretty much UP!. Lots of elevation gain. Lots of trail runners "walking" up the steep hills and embracing the lactic acid build up with smiles.

Before race / After race

AS I ran / walked / jumped / trekked upward, the skies cleared, the sun rose, and I was grateful for my lack of layers.

After cresting the hill we had a brilliant yet technical downhill route for another 2 or 3 km. It was thin – passing was nearly impossible. It was roots and rocks and instability. SO. MUCH. FUN. There were little rickety mountain bike jumps that I ran up and jumped off – giving this white girl a little air and a great thrill.

"I believe I can fly!" said a runner who jumped off the jump with a smile so big it nearly jumped of her face. It was a brilliant day for a race.

The terrain was some of the most unstable and technical I've run on. My brain hurt more than my quads, really. I barely looked up – watched my footing the whole time.

In fact, I was so focused on clever footwork that as the elevation steadied, I didn't realize until I pulled a hard right and heard a roaring crowd -- what? the finish line?

M was there with a banana and water in hand – a loyal fan.

I didn't break any records.
Came about 200th over all.
Felt fast and strong, though.
And felt alive.

Can't wait for next month's race in Whistler!