Blog – GottaRun

Switching it up during COVID

Posted on 1 October 2020 by

Training and Race Cancellations

Nanaimo master track runners, Feb 2020, group hug!

We started to take the COVID-19 pandemic seriously at the running track in early March 2020. Our three-day-a-week Master’s track group went from hug-greetings, to elbow bumps, to toe-taps to the complete cancellation of all training sessions. Then the news came of all the summer’s track meets being canceled; then the fall ones too! Thankfully I attended 2 indoor track meets in February before all the shut-downs!

The provincial parks closed, including my favourite trails on Newcastle Island Provincial Marine Park. And worse still, my beloved Vancouver Island Trail Race Series was canceled. Road races canceled too! Then the ultimate cancellation (or postponement), the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo. Not that I was (ever) in contention, but I’m a very competitive cheerleader! For an extroverted runner who likes to do it all (trail, road, track, and even watching running), this was devastating, not to mention all the lack of socialization!

Fitness Classes Cancelled

Meanwhile, in January I had started teaching a weekly hour-long exercise class in our local community centre, with its fabulous sound system. Attendance was great and I found I loved putting the music together with the different exercises (something I’d been taught but really never excelled at… but practice, practice, practice). I focused on strength, balance, and coordination as we all need that as we age. There was a great deal of satisfaction amongst the attendees, plus my running legs were really benefiting from this extra exercise – so many squats! Again COVID changed all that. The community centre was closed. We were turfed out. What to do? How was I going to keep my dedicated and energetic group together? How was I going to stay focused without any motivation?

There was one more fitness activity that had to change too. For more than a year I led fitness classes at a Nanaimo senior’s home. OMG, I loved that group of 80-100-year-olds. They were so enthusiastic and they all benefited from staying active. I would stay after classes to share stories over coffee. We would laugh and have a great time. You guessed it… COVID halted that too. I miss that group the most! But it was and still is so critical to protect this age demographic from this terrible virus, so no visits! Someday I hope to see them again. Luckily I see some of them via social media.

So Much Free Time

Along with intense gardening, I started a skipping challenge

For one thing, this freed up a whole bunch of time! Group training sessions faded into the past. I used to commute from my home, via bike, boat, and car to the running track. This was usually a 2.5 hour round trip, including the 1.5 hr practice. Occasionally I would also add additional coaching activities to those times, plus there were track meets about every second weekend (2 days for each) in the summer. There was also the additional trail running practices a couple of times a week, mostly with friends on trails all over Nanaimo and beyond, with a race once per month at some wonderful Vancouver Island location. Those were pretty much 6-8 hour affairs, including all the travel, racing, and post-race events. When I think about it, that is a lot of time spent running, but I never begrudged it. I loved it. I craved it.

So with coaching, training, races, leading exercises classes all halted, what was a girl to do?

Celebration of Movement, Training & Running

At first, I stayed very local, running with close friends (socially distanced of course) or on my own. Then in early June, I saw an event that turned my fitness and running life in a better direction. It started with an intriguing Facebook notice from badass Canadian runner, Gary Robbins, of international ultra-running fame and the founder of Coast Mountain Trail Running (trail race organizers). He clearly understood the suffering that competitive runners felt over all these race cancellations with the potential to slack off on our usual training. So he and a bunch of colleagues dreamed up the CMTR Summer Scavenger Hunt. They threw in something for everyone, from road, trail, and track runners; whether you are fast or slow; whether you liked hills or cross-training or were a morning or evening runner. They dubbed it a Celebration of Movement, Training & Running, and dreamed up 30 different challenges (with 5 earned bonus challenges) that had to be completed in 100 days.

CMTR Challenge completed and 2020 Terry Fox Run combined

I was smitten the moment I saw the notice! What better “event” for me?! I signed up and immediately started with the first challenge, “Home Run”. This involved 60 minutes of running without going more than a Kilometer from your home. I contacted a running friend, who was also feeling bummed about not running as much as we used to, and away we went.

As of this writing, I’ve completed all of the challenges. Most of the challenges (running without a timing device, running and listening to a podcast, running backward for 500m, running 2x in one day, scavenger hunts on the trails and roads, hill running, etc.) could be completed on my home turf or close to it, thereby complying with Bonnie Henry’s recommendations, to get outside, exercise, and social distance (plus lots of handwashing). And above all to have fun!

There were over 2000 world-wide participants in this “event”. Besides keeping active and fit, I’ve formed Instagram connections with crazy runners all over Vancouver Island, Canada, the United States, Australia, and Japan. About halfway through the summer, we were all shipped a bag of buttons each representing one of the challenges, plus a lanyard. After the completion of each challenge, we could pin the appropriate button on the lanyard and then proudly display it with other medals and ribbons. These were all part of the good things that competitive runners need, except the large gatherings, but we are keeping safe, fit, and healthy! I’m just hoping that this same group does a winter challenge to keep us going for another few months of no competitions.

Outside Fitness Classes

But what about my exercise classes? Well, there were some determined people in that group! After the inside sessions were canceled, we decided to move it outside to a park. I set up the rules, which involved social distancing and no sick attendees. The first outdoor class on a cool, but sunny day in mid-March was fabulous. We held it in a local park and following the class I proudly posted about it on social media, hoping to attract more attendees who wanted exercise in a COVID-friendly manner. Then the shaming – warning of dire health consequences – began. That was a total shock to me given how we followed all the proper protocols, ala Bonnie Henry. I felt the pressure and I halted the classes.

Clandestine Outdoor Fitness Class

However, my students were determined to not let these classes end! They found an out-of-the-way location in a dog-legged cul-de-sac. We formed a clandestine email group and set to keeping these outdoor classes alive. I picked up a Bluetooth speaker – using the songs on my iPhone as the music source. And away we went. It was very hush-hush. No photos. No social media. After a few once-a-week classes, most of us found that we had time on our hands so we started meeting three mornings a week and only skipping days when it rained.

I’m so pleased with how these classes turned out. The folks who regularly attend are getting so fit – as am I – and we are having so much fun. With all the squats and lunges, we all have quads and buns of steel! I let kids come for free with an adult. I change up the songs with each class and vary the exercises a bit each time too. We went through an all-Canadian music phase for a bit (around Canada Day), then there was 80’s and then 90’s hits. Now it’s back to a mixture of great tunes. What’s not to like? Singing along is encouraged!

As summer progressed, and more COVID restrictions came off, I started to promote these classes to a wider audience, especially given that we were following all the COVID rules. There are still those who will not mingle with others even at a distance, so those people don’t attend. C’est la vie and I respect that. With colder weather coming, we’ve now found a new location with a covered roof. We’ll see what the weather and COVID brings, but in the meantime, we are boosting our immune systems through outdoor exercise.

Returning to the track and my beloved seniors

Social distancing at the track

Even though some of the Master runners are returning to the track for practices, they, unfortunately, practice exactly the same time as I lead the exercise classes. Except for my need for speed, in spiked shoes, I like the stay-close-to-at-home part of my exercise routine rather than crossing the water to train for events that might never happen. I’m contributing to my own community. I will continue to run on trails close to home with friends and I may try to fit in the occasional track workout, just for variety and to connect with old friends. I’m still not back teaching the seniors and may not be for a long time. When I do eventually return, I’ll be so ready for them!

The new Normal

New Outdoor Group Fitness Location

The strange thing about this COVID situation is that although it has changed our lives in such profound ways, some things have actually changed for the better. We’ve all had to make choices and decisions about what is best for ourselves. Maybe that is to stay at home and perhaps take in a Zoom class or two. Maybe that is to defy all rules and just get outside and party like there is no tomorrow? Wait, that is completely NOT recommended, as it is not just YOUR tomorrow. I believe the best option is to find a balance where you stay safe, respect others, but keep moving. What will be the new “normal”? What will we leave in and what will we leave out? If nothing else we’ve been given a chance to re-evaluate what is important in our lives and make appropriate adjustments for this new reality. It’s funny how a pandemic was necessary to do that for so many.

Posted in Challenge, Cross training, Fitness Classes, Running, Track, Trails

Dazzle Patterns: a run through history

Posted on 10 July 2018 by

Denise — 4 Comments ↓

Dazzle Patterns and running shoes

How does a novel take shape? Well, a writer starts with a germ of a story and goes from there. The author then refines and repeats the process over and over until it is finally published. Kind of like running or race preparation. How else do you get to the end result? Right? Although this is not a running story per se, it is a story about my friendship with a writer who also happens to be a runner.

During the course of writing her novel Dazzle Patterns, Alison Watt, and I ran together many times over many kilometres. She would write sections of the story and then when we ran she would tell them to me. Once upon a time, the story started with her grandfather drifting around the ocean in a life-raft with a dozen other men. A few runs later, I’d ask how the writing was going or I’d ask how a particular character was developing and BAM! that character would be gone: written off, dropped on the novelist’s floor. Or sometimes the plot would have taken a completely different direction. Or the setting had moved from one coast of the country to the other. It was always fun to hear the latest iteration of the story.

All the while we ran and we laughed, got fitter, and in retrospect, I think this helped Alison develop the story. Novel writing is a solitary occupation, requiring the author to labour in front of a computer screen, on a typewriter or pushing a pen over paper for many hours. They put their thoughts down and mull them over, but once in a while they need to share them; to say them out loud, to get them out of their head, and to see how they fly in the world. I’m not sure how I helped in this process with Alison during our runs except to provide a willing ear and ask a question here and there. Although I have to say the version of the narrative during those early runs did not bear much resemblance to the final published novel. Let’s just say that it is a process, but I do hope that she revisits those early stories someday.

Nova Scotia

Jumping ahead a few years after Alison, completed an MFA in Creative Writing, refined the novel, and morphed into its final published form, we covered many kilometres together and yes, shared many glasses of wine! While unable to attend the first book launch on our west coast home island, I decided to join her for the launch of the book in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Quite the leap, eh, but I had just finished my track season, completed the final race in the trail series, and ran my last road race of the year. In other words, it was racing downtime and definitely time for a recovery break! Plus it was a perfect time to visit my son in Labrador. Combining all of this, I thought, would make an excellent vacation!

Planking on the big guns at the Halifax Citadel

I arrived in Halifax in late October 2017, the day before Alison, and spent a day recovering from the cross-Canada overnight travels. Of course, I went for a run after checking into my AirBnB, having a wonderful cup of coffee at the Dilly Dally Cafe, and having a nap. I covered a lot of ground running that day, in a most unseasonal, but glorious summer-like day. I scooted past and marveled at the Emera outdoor skating oval (brilliant idea for all seasons!), reacquainted myself with the Halifax Citadel, and checked out several Haligonian neighbourhoods I’d never seen before.

Maritime Museum visit

Upon meeting up with Alison the next day, near our fabulous and historic accommodation at the Waverley Inn, we struck out for a walk, with the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic as our first destination. This museum has the most amazing collection of artifacts, images, and stories about the 1917 Halifax Explosion and the sinking of the Titanic in 1912 (including the role Halifax played in that disaster).

Visiting the museum before Alison’s book talk was the perfect refresher course for both of us on Halifax history. With amazing luck, we managed to tag onto a museum tour through both these collections. Our tour guide was fabulous! We asked lots of questions and he seemed to have an answer and a story for them all. The large black and white images covering the exhibit walls showing the destruction from the explosion were mesmerizing.

Equally intriguing, were the exhibits of the linen mortuary bags (containing buttons, pins, baby shoes, etc.) that were displayed in both the Halifax Explosion and the Titanic exhibits. Amazingly there was a father/son connection between these bags and these two disasters. One of Alison’s main characters, Fred, finds himself learning how to process the bodies from the real-life Arthur Barnstead, the Registrar of Deaths for Halifax, during the Halifax Explosion and son of Dr. John Henry Barnstead, a Halifax physician, during the Titanic disaster.

Oh, the book…

Here is where I should give you a quick precis of Alison’s novel, Dazzle Patterns, as you may wonder what the heck a west coast author is doing giving a book reading in Halifax. Well, the book starts with the 1917 Halifax Explosion and you meet Clare, a glass flaw inspector; Fred, a glass blower; and Leo, Clare’s fiancé, who has just gone off to fight in WW1. We follow these three characters around Halifax, through their lives, touching on the fine art of glass blowing, painting, and dealing with death and destruction from both the explosion and WW1.

Suffice it to say, I loved the book! And I can proudly say that the book was a finalist for the 2018 Amazon Canada First Novel Award, a 49th Shelf Top Fiction Book of 2017, as well as a finalist for the 2018 Alberta Trade Fiction Book of the Year Award. Well, done, my friend! Thankfully, Freehand Books, the book’s publisher, recognized the significance of launching the book in Halifax during the time of the many 100th-year commemoration ceremonies of the 1917 Halifax Explosion.

“Suffice it to say, I loved the book!”

Tour of Halifax

Soldier’s Boer War Memorial Fountain in the Halifax Public Gardens

Outside the museum, we visited many sites (both walking or while running), some of which were significant in Alison’s story, including the Halifax Public Gardens, where Leo and Clare visited just before Leo shipped out to Europe.

“For a time they sat by the fountain. Then Clare rose and took him by the hand. She led him into the farthest corner of the garden, wandering, unspeaking, past the irises and peonies, the clipped privets, under the beeches, past the lake, to a thicket of lilacs. Leo took off his uniform jacket and laid it on the uncut grass.”

We also sat by several of the fountains and wandered through the garden speculating (spoiler alert) just where were Clare and Leo intimate and where did Leo propose to Clare in this garden?

Although not significant to the story, we decided to slip into the magnificent central branch of the Halifax Public Library for a quick tour. It seemed to be the perfect venue to indulge my librarian background and Alison’s author and artist talents. It is truly amazing and so worth a visit if only to admire the architecture and the public art installations (especially the works of Cliff Eyland).

Alison Watt in the Halifax Public Library

One evening, we strolled along Argyle Street, through one of Halifax’s historic neighbourhoods, near St Paul’s Anglican Church, the oldest building in Halifax, built in 1750, the year after Halifax was founded. Across the street was the site of the Victoria School of Art and Design (a precursor to the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design and now in a different location).

The school which at the time of the Halifax Explosion was directed by Arthur Lismer. He went on to become one of the founding members of the Group of Seven and as a character in Alison’s book, he encourages both Clare and Fred to take art classes at the school. Lismer lived in Dartmouth, across the harbour from Halifax, and created many sketches and paintings of the WW1 warships, including ones painted in dazzle patterns, as well as the wreckage following the explosion.

The original art school site, at 1740 Argyle Street, is now the Five Fishermen Restaurant, where we enjoyed a delicious seafood meal and chatted with the manager about this famous site. Between its original art school and restaurant incarnations, the building actually housed a mortuary run by Snow and Sons, which would go on to become J.A. Snow Funeral Home. And sadly, this was where many of the victims from both the Titanic and the Halifax Explosion were given funerals.

Another major site that featured in Alison’s book and was key in the aftermath of the explosion, was the Chebucto School. It was relatively unscathed in the explosion, being some distance from the epicentre and was used as a triage and first aid centre, morgue, and later funeral home. Fred, being of able body and without his job as a glass blower, volunteered to help in the morgue at this large 20th century Classical Revival style brick building.

“They took the bodies to the school. It stood dark and impassive, its two solid storeys facing the snowstorm. Fred Baker, the cadet and the soldier carried the heaviness of death down the stairs of the dark school, into the basement, which had become the morgue.”

Although Alison and I didn’t visit this site during our visit together, I’m pretty sure I passed this building as I rode a city bus through Halifax. This dominant building still stands and currently houses the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts.

Inside the grounds of the Halifax Citadel

Of course, Alison and I ran while we were in Halifax and since we were so close to the Halifax Citadel, I suggested we run there. The view from the appropriately situated site is fabulous in all directions. Apparently, the hundreds of soldiers stationed there at the time of the explosion were an enormous help during the aftermath of the explosion.

While Alison worked on book promotions, I did a solo run around the historic Point Pleasant at the entrance to Halifax Harbour. While there, I thought of the book’s character, Leo. He would have passed this way when he shipped out for foreign shores during WW1. Were he looking off the ship’s starboard side, he would have seen a treed area scattered with military armaments or fortifications from past battles. During the Halifax Explosion, despite the distance from the explosion epicentre, all the trees on the point were apparently flattened. I can happily report that they have long since recovered, despite a setback from Hurricane Juan in 2003.

Reading amongst history

Alison Watt signing copy of Dazzel Patterns with Peter Dykhuis and Alan Ruffman

Alison Watt signing a copy of Dazzle Patterns with Peter Dykhuis and Alan Ruffman

Quite wonderfully from a writer and an artist’s perspective, Alison read from her book amongst many Lismer paintings and sketches at the Dalhousie Art Gallery. These provided a fabulous backdrop for her story and we were able to meet with some exceptional Lismer scholars that evening, including Alan Ruffman and Peter Dykhuis. I should also note that Alison is a fantastic artist in her own right and this shows in her wonderfully descriptive prose.

Wolfville and family history

Running through fall colours in the Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens, Wolfville, NS

Following our time in Halifax, we headed over to Wolfville on the western side of Nova Scotia. There we walked and ran some more and visited sites such as Acadia University (in particular the Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens) and the Grand Pré National Historic Site.

Alison Watt’s grandmother’s family home near Grand Pré

The main purpose of the visit to this side of the Nova Scotian peninsula was to trace Alison’s maternal family roots. And, perhaps not so coincidentally, this was also the farming area where the book’s characters, Leo and Clare hailed from. While there we visited Alison’s grandmother’s childhood home. This is where Grandma Roxy lived before she headed to Halifax to fill one of the many empty jobs following the Halifax Explosion. There she met Alison’s grandfather and, in a sense, this whole Dazzle Patterns story was born.

The journey continues…

While in Wolfville, we stayed at the historic Blomidon Inn, visited with Acadia student and friend, Ashlee Jansen, and lucked into a fabulous annual event called Devour, the Food Film Fest, in which we fully participated! Did I mention that in addition to running, we both like food, wine, and movies? And OMG the Bubbly Bus tour was so much fun! But I think all that might be another story!

Here’s a toast to our running, laughing, eating, traveling, drinking and friendship adventures together. May they go on and on!

Bubbly wine and food pairing at L’Acadie Vineyards

Sampling bubbly wine at Benjamin Bridge Winery

Posted in Books, Destination Running, Food, Movies, Review, Running, Tourism

Happiness: first race after injury

Posted on 9 April 2018 by

Denise — 1 Comment ↓

Running to the finish Bazan Bay 5K finish line. Thanks for the photo Christi Lundman

This is what happiness looks like! I ran my first race since October 2017 and since being injured in December with a piriformis injury, aka a pain in the butt.

My running the Bazan Bay 5k was pretty much timed because I was feeling in much better running shape and so that I could support my Bastion Run Club effort to win the Vancouver Island [Road] Race Series award. We came in a very close second with fabulous performances by all who ran. Congrats to the CEEVACS team for winning first place! Bastion will be back next year!

I rode from Nanaimo with a teammate to Sidney and we chatted about our injuries and about how happy we were to be still running into our second half-century. We were philosophical about how things had changed… our bodies in particular as well as our attitudes. Thanks, Jane!

At registration, I was so delighted to meet so many teammates and fellow competitors after such long a hiatus. Hugs and well wishes were exchanged and then it was off for a warm-up. A piriformis injury requires a lot of warming-up, the muscles have to get engaged and relaxed at the same time. In other words, warm and loose! A pre-race massage probably would have helped! I warmed up with a bunch of teammates as we all got into the spirit of the event. The excitement mounted as we approached the start line.

But somehow this race was different. There were no butterflies in my tummy. No internal conversations about pace and place. I felt so relaxed and was having so much fun hugging teammates and fellow competitors.

Before I knew it, the race was underway. And away I went – cautiously – across that start line. I figured I’d run on effort and not by pace, although admittedly I started my watch at the gun sound. Habit!

As I ran and stacks of runners passed me, I didn’t feel bad. I was enjoying the event. There were photographers and cheering friends and family members lining the course. As I passed them, I thanked all the course marshals who were all very supportive. And yes, admittedly, I even asked for “more cowbell” from one of the bell swinging cheerers! Volunteers and supporters deserve so much credit!!! I even thanked the traffic controllers although admittedly they were not cheering or as friendly. Perhaps they had other plans for Sunday morning than watching more than 500 runners stream by!

Hitting the 1k mark I was just over a 5k pace. Not bad for an old injured runner, I thought. I kept plodding along being buoyed by teammates who tossed out encouraging words to me as they ran past. I was not hurting, but I wanted to run carefully. Plus I have to say, a butt injury does not help with cardio. I had lost a lot of that over the last few months, but ask me about flexibility. I have gained a lot of that stretching out a piriformis injury for months. But flexibility doesn’t win road races! Clearly, I wasn’t out to win!

At about the 2k mark the lead runners had turned the corner in the out-and-back course and I was into full-on cheering mode. The only thing missing were pom-poms! Everyone I knew got a cheer from me, even if I couldn’t remember their names! They were blitzing it down the course. “Go, Shelby!” “Way to go Melissa!” “Whoa Jane – looking good!” “Go Bastion!”

Swinging around the turnaround at 2.5k was very satisfying. I could then see that I was not at the end of the pack like it almost felt like. Now I could encourage the other runners behind me! “Looking good!” “Keep it up!” “You can do it!”

I simply could not keep the smile off my face as I checked my watch with 1k to go and I was at about 23min. That meant that I could finish this race under 30min. And that would be a win for me! I picked up my pace and sped (in my mind) through the finish line to the sound of lots of cheering fans! A time of 28:39 could not have been more satisfying! And better still I wasn’t in much pain.

Bastion Run Club finish line group photo. Thanks for the photo Kevin Stedmon.

I was greeted by teammates for a group photo at the finish line. What a great group! Then there was water, please, now! Lots of conversations with friends (teammates and competitors). So much love and happiness! My hair was wild, my cheeks were red, sweat poured down my face and my heart was full!

A 16th place finish out of 25 60-64-year-old women was just fine by me! By the way, that is a lot of awesome 60+ women runners! Plus the other women in the older categories, too! Next year I hope to be back and maybe recapturing one of the top three places once more, but for now, I’m just happy to be racing again!

Posted in Injury, Life lessons, Racing, Running

Halifax Running: Point Pleasant Park

Posted on 27 March 2018 by

Denise — No Comments ↓

Rocky shoreline of Pt. Pleasant Park, Halifax

Almost every city in Canada has a great park and I’ve been lost in most of them (possibly not a good claim to fame as a running tour guide, but I’ve also found my way out all the while discovering so many wonderful sights). Vancouver has Stanley Park and Pacific Spirit Park; Calgary has Fish Creek Park; Montreal has Mont Royal Park, to name a few. And Halifax has the wonderful Point Pleasant Park, which I recently explored.

Grain Elevators at the end of South Bland St.

The first time I ran in this park, several years ago, I barely scratched the surface (and mostly got lost), but this last time – in October 2017, I explored extensively. And there is a lot to explore!

Both times I visited this park, I started my run in downtown Halifax and wove my way past the enormous view-blocking grain elevators on the appropriately named South Bland St. and along Young Ave. through some upscale neighbourhoods with gorgeous homes, before arriving at one of the multiple park entrances.

This mostly forested park covers 75-hectare at the Halifax Harbour entrance. There are 39 km of trails and roads and a multitude of historic British-owned forts (Fort Ogilvie) and batteries, armaments, monuments and spectacular sights. Because of its location, the area once formed the front lines of Halifax Harbour’s defense.

Fort Ogilvie armories

A fun fact is that the park is leased by the city of Halifax from the British Government for 1 shilling (about 10 cents) a year, with a 999-year lease. With the diminished need for military protection and with the increase in leisure activity in the area the British Government offered park to the city in 1866. At first, this was for a 99-year lease, but this was changed in 1879 to the much longer term. Um, seriously, why not rent to own?

Thankfully there are wonderful large maps throughout the park, with well-marked road and trail signs and this time I did not get lost. Plus I had plenty of time to explore. And what better way to do that, but by running.

Prince of Wales Tower

One of the most spectacular buildings in the park is the round Prince of Wales Tower. It was built in 1796 by Captain James Straton and was used as a redoubt and a powder magazine. It is apparently the oldest Martello tower in North America. I had a lot of fun running around this intriguing building and reading all the interpretive signage.

Sailor’s Memorial or Halifax Monument

There are numerous military monuments in the park, including the quite spectacular Sailor’s Memorial or Halifax Monument which commemorates soldiers of the Canadian Army, Merchant Navy, and Royal Canadian Navy who lost their lives at sea. It is very moving to circle this monument reading the names of more than 3,200 women and men who lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars.

Another smaller monument, which I came across completely by surprise as I ran through the park, pays tribute to the Canadian Merchant Navy ship SS Point Pleasant Park. The cairn and plaque marks the 9 lives lost when the ship sank in 1945 off the coast of South Africa after being fired upon by a German U-boat. This steamship was completed in 1943 Lauzon, Quebec and named after the Halifax park, as was apparently the tradition of naming Park ships after Canadian wilderness and recreation parks.

Inscription in the SS Point Pleasant Park Memorial

On the waterfront, overlooking the Harbour entrance is a large ship’s anchor from the aircraft carrier HMCS Bonaventure serving as a monument to the men and women who died while serving the Canadian Navy during Peacetime. When I was there, in late October, on a beautiful fall day, several red poppies adorned the plaques, perhaps in preparation for the upcoming Remembrance Day.

Bonaventure Anchor Memorial at the entrance to Halifax Harbour

There is much more history to this park than monuments and trails, much of which is sadly not recognized. Apparently, this whole area was once Mi’kmaq territory and there were wars fought for it, including Father Le Loutre’s War (1749–1755), also known as the French and Indian War. Unfortunately, none of these defenses constructed during that war remain. And I did not see any reference to any of the sites on the maps nor demarcated anywhere in the park. I stand to be corrected; perhaps I just missed them.

As much as I searched, I could not find a source that told me the derivation for the name of the park, other than the obvious: it is located on a point and it is pleasant! This was especially true on the beautiful fall day that I visited. Please fill me in if you know the source of this park’s name.

Fall coloured oak leaves

You can run for hours in this park, stopping and enjoying the views and the monuments as well as the flora (primarily maple, birch, and pine as well as ferns and other shrubbery, plus I bet there are some wonderful spring flowers… just about to burst forth any April or May day). The trees are making a nice recovery after Hurricane Juan decimated most of them in September 2003. Plus this was not the first tree flattening event in the park. They were completely eliminated during the Halifax Explosion in 1917.

Throughout the park, there are hills and flat areas, plus paved roads, gravel trails as well as single track trails for the adventurous runner. When I was there, I also watched a couple of women running wind sprints on the grassy area near the ocean. Go ladies!

Speaking of the ocean, I stopped a while there, breathed in the wonderful salt air and listened to the waves move the smooth stones in and out. I also dipped my toe in the Atlantic Ocean, just to metaphorically complete my journey from my home province of British Columbia – from the Pacific to the Atlantic.

Looking out to the entrance of Halifax Harbour from the shore in Pt. Pleasant Park

In case you are wondering all photos were taken by me on an iPhone 6, on an unexpectantly lovely Fall day.

Posted in Destination Running, Life lessons, Running, Touring, Tourism, Trails

Running Labrador: Hamilton River Road Bypass Trail

Posted on 19 December 2017 by

Denise — No Comments ↓

Red bench along trail

Runway Closure, Day 2
On day two of being one of the “Runway People”, I explored another trail. You can read about my day one adventure where I ran on the fabulous Birch Island boardwalk trails. I have to admit, I was quite happily stranded in Happy Valley-Goose Bay for a couple of days due to the Goose Bay Airport runway closure.

Always Talk to Taxi Drivers
Anyone who knows me knows that I’m no shrinking violet. I love to chat with people. Well, one of the first folks I chatted with when I arrived at the Goose Bay Airport from Nain, Labrador, just prior to the unannounced and quite unprecedented runway closure, was Melina from Cooney’s Taxi. She drove me to my destination and while chatting I mentioned that I would be leaving the next morning to head home to Nanaimo. She gave me her personal business card (on which was noted “CAR # ONE” – right on girl!) and away she went.

Early the next morning, just as I was texting her to tell her about the runway closer, which I heard via an email from Air Canada stating that my flight was canceled, Melina showed up at my door to tell me this exact same news. We laughed and instantly bonded. We proceeded to text each other over the course of the next few days and even after I safely and eventually arrived home on the other side of the country!

The bypass trail

Hamilton River Road Bypass Trail
It was Melina who told me about this trail. I had seen it the day before when I ran past it. It started right next to the Tim Hortons on Hamilton River Road, but I had no idea where it went. I recall, there was only one sign indicating that no motor vehicles were allowed on the trail.

A little aside… how did it come to pass that Melina told me about this trail? Well, after my Birch Island run the day before, I had done a little grocery shopping and had returned home with a whole wheat baguette to go with my wine and cheese. Unfortunately, my baguette was moldy… apparently, they are not big sellers in HV-GB. So I just drank my wine without it. I was sad about that, as I LOVE bread, but what could I do about it?

But, there was some hope for more HV-GB adventure, when I heard that the runway was closed for yet another day. Apparently, not everybody was thrilled about that, but I used it as a great excuse to explore the area some more!

Support Taxi Drivers in Small Towns
Taxi drivers in the small town of HV-GB rely heavily on the business they get from the airport traffic (both commercial and air force), which is pretty substantial for a rather remote airport. With the runway closed, there wasn’t much other taxi business. So, on day two of my unexpected stay, I called up Melina and asked her to drive me to the grocery store so that I could exchange the baguette, chat with her a bit more and give her some business. After I told her about my Birch Bay run the day before, I mused about where to go for another run. That was when she told me about this trail.

Up and Over the Unnamed Trail
Hamilton River Road is quite busy being the main conduit between the airport and the rest of the Valley. Running or walking beside it was not at all appealing. Even at the time of the runway closure, there was still lots of traffic, so this bypass trail was perfect for a run! This unnamed black-topped trail makes it easy for runners, walkers, and bike riders to transverse over the sandy terrain between the two small, but now combined, communities of Happy Valley and Goose Bay.

Stretching on red bars

The trail starts conveniently between the Tim Hortons and the Federal Court building and across from the Labrador Health Centre. It soon passes a residential area to the right and wilderness (trees and shrubs) to the left. It rises up to pass the multiple sports fields and buildings of the Mealy Mountain Collegiate High School. Then up some more, but not too challenging, for a great view back down towards the Churchill River. It levels out again and runs past more residential areas – with a few trial offshoots – before hitting Hamilton River Road again at the intersection with Kelland Drive.

While only about 3.5K long, this trail avoids the major Hamilton River Road, which according to Google Maps, would have taken me the same length of time to walk/run had I taken it. But what a great alternative. There are lovely red and blue benches along the way, perfect for push-ups, tricep dips, Bulgarian leg dips, leg stretches or if you must, sitting and resting. There is also easy access to the red bars around the High School sports fields, for additional exercises, if you are so inclined!

Downtown Goose Bay
Once I hit the second Hamilton River Road I was in “downtown” Goose Bay. I explored the shops along this stretch of road, including Dorothys Crafts and Sewing, where I purchased a couple of small souvenirs (which I could run with). I would highly recommend Dorothy’s for larger souvenirs, such as photos, paintings, plus Inuit made jewelry, clothing, and carvings.

I also stopped in at Merle Norman Cosmetics, which was right next door to Dorothy’s and vowed to return the next day for a manicure, if I was still in the area. Alas, that was not to be as the runway was opened for a four-hour window to allow flights to land and take off. To their credit, Air Canada delayed their morning flight to Halifax, aka my long overdue exit flight, to fit into this window and I was able to get out of HV-GB but not before taking a final taxi ride to the airport with Melina so I could thank her and tell her all about my explorations of the area.

Name that Trail
I’ve been in touch with a few folks in HV-GB about the name of this trail, but apparently, it is just called the “walking/bike trail.” Come on people… think of a better name! I noticed a memorial marker along the trail for a young man, unfortunately, I didn’t get his name. Perhaps someone else knows! I also recently heard the sad news that the mayor of HV-GB died in a tragic gun accident, so perhaps this trail could be named after him as he was apparently quite an outdoorsman.

Post-Run Tim Hortons lunch

To end this unnamed trail run… since this blog is really about running, not airports, taxi drivers, shopping, or wine… After my “shopping spree” in Goose Bay, I ran back down the trail and ended at the aforementioned Tim Hortons for a well-deserved chicken noodle soup, a roll, a donut, and hot chocolate (yes, with whipped cream). How Canadian is that?

Baguette, formage et rosé

Oh and that evening I enjoyed my rosé wine with a nice fresh (although non-whole-wheat) baguette and cheese. Speaking of rosé wine, I just have to mention that I was completely blown away by the rosé wine selection in a liquor store in this small community… was it due to the sophistication of the inhabitants or visitors? Who knows, but I liked it!

In conclusion, I would highly recommend this bypass trail to any HV-GB visitor or local inhabitant. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank the Goose Bay Airport folks for closing the runway and keeping safety in mind! In addition, I want to thank my host, Andrew, for allowing me to stay in his apartment while he too was caught up in the runway closure, over in St John’s. My final thank you goes to Melinda the # one car driver in HV-GB!

The runway tar problem

Posted in Destination Running, Food, Running, Touring, Tourism, Trails

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