Happy New Year, Cruisers!
January 3rd: On Saturday seven walkers/runners turned out on a frigid morning, none with shorts on since the temperature was at the -5C mark. The destination for the seven stalwarts was Joe’s Trail, guaranteeing a cold temperature due to the proximity to the Brunette River. The seven were not disappointed in that regard. Angela, Rod and Bobtoc opted to walk and Rene’, Larry, Laura and Alex opted to run. The three walkers met the gate at North Road before returning; their time and distance respectively, 1:40 and 7.6 km. Alex continued his run past the gate at North Road to Hume Park, continuing up Larry’s Hill and the dog off chain area before his return to the Centre; his time and distance 1:33 and approximately 10 km. Rene’, Larry and Laura turned back at the North Road gate; Rene’ and Larry returning to Cariboo into the north trail to Burnaby Lake as far as the nature house at Piper Ave then returned, picking up Laura who remained moving on Government Street; then the three returned together to the Centre, their time and distance, 1:25 and 11.7 km respectively. Joe’s Trail attracted about five other runners, several walkers, most with dogs, and two cyclists. Amazing!
January 4th: On Wednesday three Cruisers and one canine showed up at the Centre for a walk or run. Cruisers Rod, Bobtoc, Edie with canine April on a cold, -1OC evening. The trio opted to walk the Forest Grove route backwards, i.e., tackling the pedestrian overpass from centre using Cameron St, Beaverbrook, Stoney Creek pedestrian overpass, then west on Forest Grove Drive to Underhill, and you know the rest. The route was tricky underfoot from time tot time, the air damp, which made the cold felt right into the bones. Time and distance, 1:34, 6.8 km.
Not content with the Monday run, Rod went out on his own Sunday. He reports he went out in the afternoon from home and did the Forest Grove loop. Time out 58 min. Distance 7 km. It’s slowly coming back, he reports.
In Coquitlam, Jennel and Heather began training for their upcoming BMO Vancouver Marathon in May, their first run being January 4 in the daytime; encountered snow; distance for the first run, 10 k. They intend to do their long runs Mondays, may also train with a couple of Dads of children in the area.
On Wednesday January 6th: six Cruisers plus canine April turned out at the Centre for a walk or run. The turnout included Alex ,RA Edie, Larry, Libby, Rod and Bobtoc. Destination there and back was the oh so familiar Forest Grove Drive route starting west onto Beaverbrook to Eastlake and you know the rest, utilizing the pedestrian overpass. Larry and Libby, eager to get some mileage in for Maui, ran the route, did Underhill 2x. Alex and Edie started together, then Alex moved forward to catch up to Larry and Libby. Bobtoc jogged while Rod walked until the downhill portion of Forest Grove at which time he ran. Edie and Bobtoc came into the finish together. Distance for Alex, Libby, Larry and Rod, 7+ km, times varying between 1:16 and 1:19. Edie and Bobtoc;s distance and time, 6:8 and 1:21. The six enjoyed a relatively mild +2C temperature, safe surfaces except for the blacktop on Beaverbrook off Cameron Street on the outward bound section of the run. The same blacktop was non-slippery on the way back. The BEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR. So far.
In Coquitlam, Jennel ran 6 km Wednesday, encountered a foot of snow at the Westwood Plateau Golf Course. Heather ran her 6 km Tuesday January 5 Both ran Thursday Jan 7, 10 km.
Saturday January 9th: Six brave men turned out Saturday on a cold -1C but clear, bright morning. All six agreed their route would be to the west. Larry, Len and Rene’ opted for the Kensington Ice Rink and Rod, Alex and Bobtoc, wishing a shorter distance, opted for the Supervalue corner. Larry and Rene’ completed their run to and return from the ice rink in 1:45, distance 16 km. Alex moved on from Rod and Bobtoc to join the lsd group, so combined with Len to do their 16 k run, their
ime 2:09. Rod and Bobtoc walked/jogged to the SV corner and return to the Centre; time 1:45 and distance 10 km. The temperature gradually warmed up above freezing. The Coquitlam Contingent of Jennel and Heather on Friday morning met at the corner of Pinetree & David…ran 1 lap of Town Centre Park, then back to their homes. Only 6 km today, aggregating 38 km for the week toward their marathon training.
Monday January 11th: Edie, Rod and Bob decided to discuss the state of the world at Tim Horton’s rather than brave the downpour.
In Coquitlam, Jennel, Heather and Jin, the latter a young dad in the area, met at Pinetree and David in the morming (no rain) and ran 3 laps at Town Centre Park. Jin also is training for the BMO marathon.
January 13th: On Wednesday Alex, Cheryl, Edie with April, Larry, Libby, Rod and Bobtoc met on a mild, no precip evening at the Centre. The route chosen was the FGD frontwards. Edie walked to Underhill before returning to the Centre; the remainder ran, jogged or walked the route, with Cheryl, Larry and Libby running the Underhill 2x; Alex, Rod and Bobtoc ran or jogged. Rod was first in at 1:07, Alex and Bobtoc at 1:12 and the 2x trio in shortly after. The group basked (in the dark of course) at the rustic fence outside the Centre. Eoin put in a cameo appearance on his walk from the Library, weight-training, carrying four books. A fun evening; the best night of the year.
The Coquitam Contingent:
Heather & Jennel met at Pinetree & David on Wednesday morning and ran 2 laps around Town Centre Park, then back to our homes. Approx. 10km for Heather, and Jennel went a little further to make up for missing the last run….so she did 17.76km. Heather is a day older today!
January 16th: Where was the girls? Five hardy guys had a stag run Saturday on a rainy but +5C morning. Rene’ and Larry opted to run to Commercial Drive and return, and Alex, Rob and Bobtoc did a shorter distance, but did stretch it out to Renfrew St before returning. The five endured the rain, which however abated for the most part for the return. Time and distance for Rene’ and Larry, 1:55 and 18 km; for Alex, 2:22 including pit stop at Renfrew St. who stayed with Rod and Bobtoc for much of the route then booted it on the return leg. Rod both ran and walked. Bobtoc jogged his usual race pace most of the route. Time and distance for that duo, 2:44 including pit stop at Renfrew St., distance 14 km. Could have been best morning of the year? Jury’s out on that one. Having said all that, all five had a good time. Pygmy Owl with mole – sights that you can appreciate when you go outside…..
Coquitlam Contingent:
Heather & Jennel met yet again and ran town centre twice….making our runs within a point of a km within each other. 10.22 & 10.24 LOL This makes our total for the week 43km….Jennel did a bit extra because she got LOST on her route in the fog…so hers was 5 km over…48.52
Editor’s note: More info regarding Wednesday’s venture out at the Centre. Eoin not only went to the library but walked with Edie Wednesday, THEN went to the library. Sorry Eoin for my not reporting the facts.
January 17th: Christina and Edie ran from Hyde Creek Rec Centre and Christina spotted an eagle.
January 18th: Seven Cruisers turned out Monday on an evening with a +8C temperature and NO RAIN; felt like spring, best night of the year. Canine April with Edie and Eoin walked the route from the Centre to Underhill and Eastlake and return. Cheryl, Laura, Rachel, just returned from Maui sporting a tan, also with news of being accepted at VGH to begin her nursing career, Rod and Bobtoc, chose the FGD route frontwards for their run/jog/walk. Distance 6.8 k, for some a bit longer due to bobturning. All back to the Centre in time of 1:17 or earlier. A GREAT evening.
Coquitlam Contingent was busy: Jennel reports:
Heather drove to Jennel’s house Monday morning, from there, the two of them ran to the Bert Flynn Circuit : (per Jennel- at top of Ioco Road)- running two laps on the uneven terrain….woody trail (great dog walking path)…lots of people. Jin told us of that route. Weather was mild, but the path was wet from the overnight rain and tree roots where bulging through the ground. 2 laps equaled almost 10km, and from there we ran up into Port Moody, almost to Anmore, then back through some trail, over the gas line, then up and around a big hill in Port Moody (Forest Park Way), then up another gravel – massive hill behind Stoneridge, then back to Jennel’s. 13km total. We both weren’t overly thrilled with the run route, but something different and we had great company and beautiful views of Coquitlam being up in the Mountains!!! What more can you ask for!?!
From Norman Law Sunday Jan 17 in Hong Kong:
Just completed the full marathon though not recovered from ITB and hip joint injuries from previous training. Very slow time of 5 hrs 49 min. 55 min alower than last year.
CONGRATULATIONS NORMAN, NO EASY FEAT AT THE BEST OF TIMES!
From Rod Tuesday Jan 19:
Went out from home this morning (Tuesday) and did the Forest Grove loop forwards like last night. Time out 1h03, distance 7 km.
Repeat: Why the Coldest Night of the Year event?
Feb 20 Coldest Night of the Year Event for First United.is a campaign for donations, gladly accepted by team members . Cheques to Night of the Year, or First United Church. That place does wonders for so many disadvantaged folks in the lower mainland. Receipts for tax purposes will be issued.
January 20th: Nine Cruisers turned out Wednesday evening for another NO RAIN, balmy temperature, an even better best night of the year than Monday. The nine headed west again for the FGD route, with Eoin and Edie , canine April again walking the route from the Centre to Eastlake and Underhill and return, distance circa 5 km; runners Cheryl, Larry, Laura and Libby doing the whole route using the pedestrian overpass plus 2x of Underhill , and Alex, Rod and Bobtoc running, jogging and walking the same route but only 1x of Underhill, their distance 6,8 km, a bit more for Alex who conscientiously bobturns to keep an eye on all. Time for all, no more than 1:12.
Coquitlam Contingent report from Jennel:
On Wednesday Heather & Jennel met at Pinetree & David, ran 2 laps around the Park then home. Heather ran 10km, and Jennel put in a little extra milage because she didn’t run the 6km yesterday with Heather.
So Heather ran 6km Tuesday, 10km Wednesday & Jennel ran 15.87km Wednesday…(close enough!?!)
Kihei Cruisers:
Saturday January 24th: Those of us not winging our way to Maui met at Cameron Centre on a cool morning with no rain. Miriam with her granddog, Jax, Edie, April, Rod, Alex and Eoin walked to North Road via Joe’s Trail – 7.75k in 1:32 while Laura and Len (in shoes) ran Joe’s Trail and on to Larry’s Hill then did a loop through the park and back to Cameron – 9.4k in 1:12. Laura came back to meet the walkers at the bottom of Cameron to up her distance somewhat and keep the walkers company.
Alex ran the 15k Chilly Chase today in 1:39:01 as part of his marathon training schedule.
Heather & Jennel have both run a total of 43km this week. We’re both exhausted! That’s one week….we’ll have to run that in ONE DAY for the marathon!?! Good grief!!! There better be PIE at the end of the race:)
The Kihei Cruisers are probably getting ready to watch another lousy sunset in paradise. Good of them to take one for the team.
RA Edie
Larry:
The Kihei Cruisers arrived safely at their destination Saturday afternoon. A bit of turbulence on theflight but we made it. All of us are staying at the same complex, Kamaole Sands.
On Sunday one of us did a run while the others took various walks and spent time at the beach. The beaches are their usual wonderful selves. Bobtoc and Marie won a two-for-one ticket package to see an Elvis tribute show by someone who had a long run in Vegas, so they will be going tomorrow (Monday) to see the show in Lahaina. The weather is warm here, 29 C, warmer than usual – better than the US northeast blizzards! We’re going on a Monday early morning run so it’s time to turn in. We’ll update again soon!
Note: Cruisers did a two hour run/walk on Monday. (In the sunshine, warmth, by the ocean – 
) Libby likes it there.
Bob:
Good to hear about those poor souls across the Pacific. We are struggling here with the warm weather, great views of the ocean. Tough work. Somebody has to do it.
Bob:
Good to hear about those poor souls across the Pacific. We are struggling here with the warm weather, great views of the ocean. Tough work. Somebody has to do it.
Bobtoc, concerned about those on duty: the Home Guard. Keep Calm and Carry On.
Monday January 25th Update:In honour of Robbie Burns day, Cold Weather Cruisers showed up in tartans and kilts (kidding!).
No haggis was eaten either.
Rod, Alex. Laura, Eoin, Edie and April met at Cameron at 6:30ish on Monday night. All five walked to the corner of Broadway and Underhill where our paths diverged in what was at one time woods but is now mostly tar and cement. Laura and Rod being keeners ran from Broadway and Underhill via Forest Grove back to Cameron with a distance of just under 8k in 1:23. Not to be outdone despite his
15k on Sunday in 1:39, Alex ran to Underhill and Broadway and back to Cameron the same way for a distance of 6k in 1:05. Eoin, Edie and April turned back at Underhill and Broadway in 1:12 for just under 5k. There was no rain or wind and the clouds were lofty, which allowed us to imagine we could see the stars and the moon. I know they were up there somewhere. It was a balmy 8 degrees. Alas, there were no palm trees, tropical breezes or mocha java lava ice creams but we are tough and soldier on despite this.
Glad he didn’t tell us to keep dry!
From our Coquitlam Cruisers:
Last week: Thurs. Run: Heather & Jennel met yet again at Town Centre Park Thursday morning…2 laps, then home….Heather 8km, Jennel 11.40 (Jennel did a touch more, as she plans to take Saturday “off” and soak in the hot tub while the kids have swim lessons!)
This week: Heather & Jennel started a brand new week of training. Monday morning we ran 16km, starting at Shaughnessey & David….straight down Shaughnessey to the MaryHIll Bypass, and return. Great Run – despite that MASSIVE hill along our route!!! LOL
Last week: Thurs. Run: Heather & Jennel met yet again at Town Centre Park Thursday morning…2 laps, then home….Heather 8km, Jennel 11.40 (Jennel did a touch more, as she plans to take Saturday “off” and soak in the hot tub while the kids have swim lessons!)
This week: Heather & Jennel started a brand new week of training. Monday morning we ran 16km, starting at Shaughnessey & David….straight down Shaughnessey to the MaryHIll Bypass, and return. Great Run – despite that MASSIVE hill along our route!!! LOL
Wednesday Update for Cold Weather Cruisers or Dripping Wet Cruisers
January 27th: Rod and Eoin did the 7 km Forest Grove loop in 1h28. No ice cream, no palm trees, no red wine, but just as much water as there is in Kihei.
Won’t be out Saturday as I Have an early game. Will probably run Friday.
Flurries forecast for Sunday.
Rod
Won’t be out Saturday as I Have an early game. Will probably run Friday.
Flurries forecast for Sunday.
Rod
Rod is in his 59th year of field hockey!
Kihei Cruiser Update
On Monday, the Kihei Cruisers went on a training run to get acclimatized and to show Libby the sights of the shoreline and beaches. We ran about 12 km in a time of just over 2 hours, not running constantly due to stops to show the beach scenery. Then various Cruisers went to the beach. On Tuesday morning, Libby and “guest” Larry attended the Kihei Canoe Club outrigger session, which was fabulous because we got sun and calm waters, and saw a mother humpback whale and her calf on the near or at the surface of the water for about 15 minutes. What a sight to see! Various tour activity and beach attendance followed. Got to watch our sun exposure so as not to drain our energy before Saturday’s half marathon and 10 K, which is of course the only reason we are here….
Aloha everyone,
Larry
Coquitlam Cruiser Updates
Thursday: Jennel was a solo Coquitlam Cruiser today. She ran the usual route down David to Town Centre, 1 lap, then back home. 8km
Wednesday: Today, the “Coquitlam Cruisers”…(aka, Heather & Jennel) met at Town Centre Park. Heather had been their earlier and had already ran 1 lap, then Jennel joined her and ran the next lap with her….we ran into Jin’s wife, Reginia and she ran a couple laps too! Total for everyone was: Heather 11.5km, Jennel 13km and not sure of Reginia’s (she had to dash off to work)….so that was a fun morning….the best morning yet, as Bob would say!!!
Do you need a new toque? Sign up for our Cliff Avenue Cruisers 5k Walk for the Coldest Night at 5 PM Saturday February 20th. You can also sponsor our team if you can’t make it or walk and sponsor. Thanks
https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?teamID=671350&langPref=en-CA
https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?teamID=671350&langPref=en-CA
Really?! Flurries forecast for Sunday?
It is nice and sunny here. Libby and I went kayaking this morning and the ocean was calm so it was very nice. We saw a turtle show its head out of the water a couple of times, looking at the kayaks and paddleboarders. I had some difficulty getting in the water with the kayak (a big wave knocked me over!) but I soon figured it out and paddled like crazy to get out on the water. Libby is an expert and showed me the way. Others in the group went cycling, swimming, and read books. On Wednesday three of us went on a four-hour walk/run journey into Wailea and Makena. Libby’s had some ice cream, I’ve had the red wine but have to cut it now for the run.
I know he’s out there somewhere!
I have elected to do the 10 km with Bob. IT s been
fabulous here. We saw humpback whale from the outrigger, then on Thursday from the kayak, and today we saw one from the car. So great.
Aloha, Libby
fabulous here. We saw humpback whale from the outrigger, then on Thursday from the kayak, and today we saw one from the car. So great.
Aloha, Libby
Saturday January 30th:
