A Solid-Footing Kind Of Weekend

   Last weekend was my first opportunity to try out my new CamelBak but, run-wise, I unfortunately had to cut things short due to unexpectedly icy conditions. So not much actual running last weekend.
   This weekend, I was all set for another run but we've had some fresh snow over the last couple of days and the temps were down around -3C so I wanted to be a little more prepared for the elements when I went out there.
   

Spent some time screwin' around
and then I headed out~

To this end, I found myself some hex screws, got my oldest and least favourite kicks (Nike Pegasus, if you really wanna know---I actually like them but I like the others more), and I drilled some screws into the bottom of them. Didn't feel like dragging out power tools or anything and found that a ratchet and socket did the trick quite nicely.
   Today I headed to Komoka Provincial Park, being somewhat content to pay the $5.25 for two hours of run'n'fun time there, no big deal. There were quite a few people there, way more than I expected, but I was the only one (that I saw) who was there for running the trails. Running into other people while I'm out is one of the things I enjoy about trail running. Lots of dogs, as well, mostly on leashes...

   The screwshoes worked awesomely. The first part of the run was fairly level so difficult to gauge their effectiveness. Once I hit the hilly spots, though, I found they made a huge difference. So much easier to run when self-preservation is not the foremost thing on your mind!
   This was my first trip to Komoka since early Fall and it seems like a whole different place in the winter, surprise, surprise! I ran there a fair bit back in the summer but with all the leaves now gone and with the ground snow-covered, many of the landmarks successfully disguised themselves and I'd have to stop and re-orient myself quite often. It's also a different experience when you can see so much more deeply into the forest---it gives you a totally unique perspective on the terrain and where you are in it. Pretty cool, actually.
   

The Steps--good time to turn around

I only really wanted to run 5K today, so I started on the white trail and ran west til I got to 2.5K and then I turned around and headed back. This 2.5 K took me right to the bottom of The Steps, a rather imposing (especially when you're tired) wooden structure which takes you up from the edge of the river back to the top of the valley. I briefly contemplated conquering them but....no. Quite happy to turn around there and head back.
   Part of the reason I only wanted to do 5K is that there were a couple of times in the summer I "overdid" it. Bad cramps ensued and, also given that I haven't really run in almost 2 months, it seemed like 5K was a good target. There was a little more walking on the way back but I figure I ran well over 4K and I'm happy with that.
   Afterward, I felt none the worse for wear. Knees were a little sore and the Achilles were letting me know about it a touch. Cramping was not an issue, likely at least due partially to the fact that there was not the same fluid loss as there might have been in the summer.

The Thames--much higher and faster
in the wintertime

   Best of all, fitting my shoes with screws has made it that much easier to contemplate getting back out there again. Knowing that footing will not be an issue gives me little excuse for not putting in more mileage than I might have otherwise. What I need to do now is suck it up when it gets dark and get out there on the occasional weeknight. Not going to get much accomplished by running once a week!

Just really pretty