We've finally made it 3/4 of the way through October and next to summer, fall is my favourite season. The trees start to change color, Halloween is right around the corner (literally) and it makes fall riding that much more exciting. While race season is coming to an end that doesn't mean that the fun is over. The biggest race of the year next to the Tely 10 was held a few weeks ago in St. John's, and was appropriately named the Huffin' Puffin Half & Full Marathon. I've debated running a half marathon for the last two years and chickened out last minute each time, so this year it just had to be done. Ive been running for three years now and it was time to take the challenge to a new level. It felt GOOD to be able to tick off another point on the bucket list, let me tell ya!
We've finally made it 3/4 of the way through October and next to summer, fall is my favourite season. The trees start to change color, Halloween is right around the corner (literally) and it makes fall riding that much more exciting. While race season is coming to an end that doesn't mean that the fun is over. The biggest race of the year next to the Tely 10 was held a few weeks ago in St. John's, and was appropriately named the Huffin' Puffin Half & Full Marathon. I've debated running a half marathon for the last two years and chickened out last minute each time, so this year it just had to be done. Ive been running for three years now and it was time to take the challenge to a new level. It felt GOOD to be able to tick off another point on the bucket list, let me tell ya!
A half marathon is 21.1 kms- I felt that if I could complete the Tely 10, which was 16kms comfortably, that 21.1kms should be no problem. The route was scenic and the weather could of been a little warmer but otherwise it was the perfect day. Mentally the challenge was good; the last mile was the hardest. I started to get hungry at KM 11, which is unusual for me so I ignored it and pushed on. I ran into trouble the last mile from the finish. My legs started to feel increasingly weak and I was starting to get dizzy. I debated walking to the finish but I just couldn't. I had been training for months to complete this race and there was no way I was going to walk. If I collapsed, I collapsed. I learned a valuable lesson that morning; EAT MORE for breakfast even when you feel like you can't OR take Gels. You push your body so much harder on a race day that it is important to make sure you are getting the energy and nutrients your body needs.
Seven of my friends ran that day, for four of us it was our first half marathon, and the other three are seasoned Pro's. Everyone had achieved a time they were working towards or received a Personal Best. What more could we ask for?
After the race we appropriately treated ourselves to the breakfast of breakfasts at Mallard Cottage- Bon Appetite
Seven of my friends ran that day, for four of us it was our first half marathon, and the other three are seasoned Pro's. Everyone had achieved a time they were working towards or received a Personal Best. What more could we ask for?
After the race we appropriately treated ourselves to the breakfast of breakfasts at Mallard Cottage- Bon Appetite
The itch to register for another race is eating away at my soul (just registered for another half marathon as we speak!!). The next local run is November 11th so until then I will patiently wait. I have looked ahead and have found some races that have caught my eye which are coming up this winter. My running group has "eagerly" decided that we would all run the Hypothermic Half Marathon this winter. It wont be the last time we are called a bunch of Masochists, lemme tell ya! It helps to have such a great group who support one another through and through. Ive learned that the racing community is like a cult, but its the good kind. haha Everyone is so supportive in everyday, its uplifting and positive in so many ways
With that being said, I have no idea how I've managed to go this long and not write at least one post. Some good exploring has happened in the last month and there is a lot more to come.
Since my last post I have ventured to the Port Au Port Peninsula, Gros Morne a few times and what the Corner Brookers call "out the bay", meaning Lark Harbour and surrounding area. There are some FABULOUS hike up there that I had no idea existed( I will post the site containing most of them at the end). I knew that Newfoundland was a beautiful place, but MAN, the west coast sure holds the majority of the beauty that this island has to offer. We can agree to disagree...Right?
When I visited the Port au Port Peninsula a few weeks ago I stopped at a few areas that are definitely worth mentioning. The main reason for my trip was to visit Cape St. George. I had never been there, or not to my knowledge anyway. As a child my parents dragged my brother and I around the island so who knows, I may been there.
The coastline on the Port Au Port is beautiful; The cliff's are terrifying and beautiful. I felt like I was being drawn to them, not to mention It was an absolutely stunning fall day. Boutte du Cap park is located on the tip which has breathtaking views, an old acadian bread oven which is available for public use and a hiking trail that will take you to Cape St. George bird sanctuary. It has ALL OF THE AWESOME.
There is also an awesome waterfall located not the way up the port called Hidden Falls. It was well worth the stop. The rock formations along the coastline were enough in itself to stop. The waterfall was just extra!
There are many other natural wonders and touristy things for people of all ages to do. There is also an alpaca farm along the way that is worth visiting. They have a gift shop as well which contains all kinds of home knit alpaca wool sweaters and other crafts. You can feed the alpaca's too if you felt so inclined. With that being said, if you are in the area take the day to explore everything the Port has to offer.
Since my last post I have ventured to the Port Au Port Peninsula, Gros Morne a few times and what the Corner Brookers call "out the bay", meaning Lark Harbour and surrounding area. There are some FABULOUS hike up there that I had no idea existed( I will post the site containing most of them at the end). I knew that Newfoundland was a beautiful place, but MAN, the west coast sure holds the majority of the beauty that this island has to offer. We can agree to disagree...Right?
When I visited the Port au Port Peninsula a few weeks ago I stopped at a few areas that are definitely worth mentioning. The main reason for my trip was to visit Cape St. George. I had never been there, or not to my knowledge anyway. As a child my parents dragged my brother and I around the island so who knows, I may been there.
The coastline on the Port Au Port is beautiful; The cliff's are terrifying and beautiful. I felt like I was being drawn to them, not to mention It was an absolutely stunning fall day. Boutte du Cap park is located on the tip which has breathtaking views, an old acadian bread oven which is available for public use and a hiking trail that will take you to Cape St. George bird sanctuary. It has ALL OF THE AWESOME.
There is also an awesome waterfall located not the way up the port called Hidden Falls. It was well worth the stop. The rock formations along the coastline were enough in itself to stop. The waterfall was just extra!
There are many other natural wonders and touristy things for people of all ages to do. There is also an alpaca farm along the way that is worth visiting. They have a gift shop as well which contains all kinds of home knit alpaca wool sweaters and other crafts. You can feed the alpaca's too if you felt so inclined. With that being said, if you are in the area take the day to explore everything the Port has to offer.
Most recently I did the Little Port Head Lighthouse Trail. It is a 3km hike but it is very difficult, when you start going up it is UP the whole way until you reach the plateau. The views once you reach the top are absolutely breathtaking, then again there aren't making hiking trails in Newfoundland that aren't rewarding.
The cedar cove trail and bottle cove are located in very close proximity to the lighthouse trail as well. All of the beauty you could ever want in the once place. Bottle cove beach is lovely for a fire on a nice evening; it is just so peaceful there.
The next hike on my list is Coppermine Trail. This hike is also rated difficult and is just 3.8 kms that being said don't let the short distance fool you. It’s all UP!
Since Moving to the west coast I've been wanting to hike Marble Mountain, after running halfway up once and getting word that there was a bear along the way I had decided it was probably in my best interest to turn around and come back down and finish my run in Steady Brook. Naturally my fight or flight response took over and I was out of there in two seconds flat. I have since gotten another opportunity to get up the mountain and while there really is no way up, it is worth the slog to the top. If you ask me its just one of the things that you feel obligated to do living in Corner Brook. Will I ever ski, no! Probably not but at least I can’t still say I've been to the top.
The cedar cove trail and bottle cove are located in very close proximity to the lighthouse trail as well. All of the beauty you could ever want in the once place. Bottle cove beach is lovely for a fire on a nice evening; it is just so peaceful there.
The next hike on my list is Coppermine Trail. This hike is also rated difficult and is just 3.8 kms that being said don't let the short distance fool you. It’s all UP!
Since Moving to the west coast I've been wanting to hike Marble Mountain, after running halfway up once and getting word that there was a bear along the way I had decided it was probably in my best interest to turn around and come back down and finish my run in Steady Brook. Naturally my fight or flight response took over and I was out of there in two seconds flat. I have since gotten another opportunity to get up the mountain and while there really is no way up, it is worth the slog to the top. If you ask me its just one of the things that you feel obligated to do living in Corner Brook. Will I ever ski, no! Probably not but at least I can’t still say I've been to the top.
Again, I will apologize for not posting as much as I would like. I’m hoping to have a little break in my studies within the next few weeks so I can get out and get back in touch with nature, get lost a little and find myself again.
Don't forget to check out the link posted below for some great hikes here on the West Coast of Newfoundland.
"Good things come to those who wait"
Until next time;
-E
http://www.yorkharbourlarkharbour.com/Trails.htm
Don't forget to check out the link posted below for some great hikes here on the West Coast of Newfoundland.
"Good things come to those who wait"
Until next time;
-E
http://www.yorkharbourlarkharbour.com/Trails.htm