Feb 1st:  Here is my Strava map of this morning’s run with the Cameron Cruisers at Rocky Point.  Len

http://www.strava.com/activities/110404965

On Saturday, Rod, René, Alex, Larry, Len, Laura and Rick Davidson ran from Rocky Point along the trail, along Alderside, Ioco Road to the Esso refinery gates (the “Pearly Gates” as we call them), and back to the pier.  It was a coolish and cloudy morning, but no rain or snow, so it was a good time for a run.  Very high tide, among the highest we’ve seen there!  Time 1 hour 33 minutes, distance 11.8 km.  Rod turned back at Alderside and Ioco Road, distance 10 km, time 1:20, as he had a field hockey game in West Van in the afternoon.  Go Rod go! 

Last Saturday, Jennel jogged from her house down Parkway Blvd. to get Children’s Tylenol for her two sick kids (who have bronchitis), then back up the hill.  Nice fresh air.  Good little run.  She thinks the distance was 7km total.  Hope the kids get better soon!       
Feb 4th: Jennel’s Tuesday run report: Heather called me a “Slavedriver”…..I made her do HILLS!  I had “Libby’s Heavenly voice” in the back of my head saying “tummies tight, sternums up, shoulders back and lift those knees”  So, the thank-you goes out to you Libby!   Heather & I met at Pinetree & David, then  made our way to Parkway Blvd. where we completed 4 reps of Parkway Blvd. HILL today.  We ran cautious as we were prepared for slippery areas, but didn’t have any poor conditions on our run…thank-goodness!   We ran 11.14km ….Heather probably a little shorter, but pretty close to it I’m sure.   
Nice to hear your enthusiasm, Jennel and Heather!    
On Wednesday night, Larry, Libby, Edie and canine April walked in the – 4 C clear evening, surprisingly without wind, working up enough warmth to feel comfortable – as long as we were moving.  Despite being a bit chilly, it was a pleasant evening out.  Rod will be relieved to know that no one wore shorts!  We walked the Forest Grove route, going over the Gaglardi overpass, up the big hill, along Forest Grove, down Underhill and along Eastlake.  Distance 7 km, time 1h 20m.    

Feb. 10th:  On Monday, Rod, Edie, Alex, Debra Colvin and Rick Davidson met at Cameron.  The first two walked the Forest Grove loop with canine April, very slippery in places, especially when the dog went off in a different direction with no advance notice.  Edie was almost the contender for the Faller’s Trophy a few times but managed to stay upright.  There was slushy snow in some places and lots of puddles.  The other three planned on a 10k run so headed off to Super Valu but went as far as the power station past Duthie to get in extra distance.  As Rod, April and Edie were soaked through, they went straight home and didn’t see the others at the end so don’t know their exact time and distance.  Even their feet were squishing (not April’s, although she looked a different colour!).  Rod did pop into Cameron to say hi to Debra Nicol, who was spinning fast and furiously (and keeping dry).
On Wednesday night, Rod and Larry ran along Beaverbrook to Eastlake, up Underhill and along the Broadway trail to Woodhurst, then back to Cameron Centre, time 1 h 20 m, distance 7 km, finishing just as it started to rain and hail.  Meanwhile, canine April, Edie and Libby walked the Forest Grove loop.  They got to about the Gaglardi overpass before the heavy rain started, and got back to Cameron about 8:05ish, distance about 7 km.  It wasn’t the best night of the year weather wise but still a great walk in the fresh air, no ice or snow. 
On Thursday, Heather & Jennel ran from their homes and met at the corner of David & Pinetree on a dry, 8 degree morning.  From there they ran the outer perimeter of Town Centre Park, then made their way to the TRACK and ran a total of 2.5 laps at tempo pace, then another two at regular pace.  Ran 1 hour & change…estimate….8km.  (Editor’s note: Jennel, I think I got it right!)
Thanks to the staff reporters Edie, Rod and Jennel for contributing their reports!     

  On Saturday Feb. 15th, Edie, Alex and Larry walked along Beaverbrook, Eastlake, Underhill, Broadway to Woodhurst, as Larry took to a run from Underhill to Super Valu, then the three returned back to Cameron by the same route.  Time was 1 h 15 m, distance about 7.5 km for Edie and Alex, about 9 km for Larry.  The weather actually was good for this time of year, no rain, and not too cold.  
Jennel’s Saturday report….Jennel went to PMRC and ran the indoor track for 45 min. and 15 min. weight lifting in the gym while her girls were in gymnastics!  Good run:) ….after gymnastics “the little Cruisers” came to join Jennel (Mom) around the track for 5 laps!   Good little runners in training!!!    Signing off as 1/2 of the Tues. / Thurs. group!!! 
     

  
February 16th, Rick Davidson, Shirley Sywak and I ran the scenic Lost Dutch Marathon. Dave and Jeannie ran the 1/2 marathon in 2:11. We were given great support by Jerry Sywak and Miriam. It was a very hot day with temperatures of 84 F or 29 C. We all started together but Rick, wanting to get out of the heat and finish as soon as possible ran ahead and finished in a very good time of 4:53 (considering the heat). Shirley and I ran together (although I was struggling to keep up to her) till the 6 mile checkpoint where we met Jerry and Miriam. I started to slow down and fall behind Shirley who soon got about 1 mile ahead of me. At around 12 miles, I thought I was going slow enough that Miriam might be able to walk with me. We tried but Miriam thought I was still going too fast. We tried again about a couple of miles later and she walked with me for the rest of the race. She was quite amazing as she was dressed more to go shopping, carrying her purse and camera and wearing dress clothes. She was always going ahead and encouraging me saying “you can do it”, “don’t slow down”. Just before one aid station, I gave her my hydration pack and asked her to have it filled up for me. Then she had to run to catch up to me. Amazing! Shirley finished in 5:57 and I finished in 6:21, with Miriam running alongside of me. Here is a link to our pictures. We have pictures from 4 different cameras. It was a well photographed event!

http://lensoet.phanfare.com/6413074_7382582#imageID=208454394

Also on Sunday February 16th, Libby represented the Cruisers at the Historic Half, braving the cool temperatures and wind to complete another half marathon in fine style.   Her time was 2h 35m, 4th in her age group!  Way to go Libby!  

The rain held off thankfully for Libby and for the Cruiser volunteers at The First Half, Alex, Angela, Laurie and Edie.

Heather & Jennel met at Port Moody Rec. Centre this fine rainy morning and ran the indoor track for an hour at a good steady pace.  We had a good run and more importantly, stayed DRY!!!  It’s Raining CATS & DOGS and in some locations starting to snow!  Lots of people were on the indoor track today!  “We all had the same idea”!!!  “Great minds think alike!!!” ha! ha!

 
From Edie: On Monday night, Laura, Edie and canine April had a girls’ night out.  We did Forest Grove backwards in 1h 16m.  It was a clear, cool and refreshing night to walk.  You boys don’t know what you missed.  (Editor’s note:  They did not walk backwards!  They went the Forest Grove route, going by Stoney Creek elementary school, across the Gaglardi overpass and you know the rest.)  
 
On Wednesday night, Larry, Laura, Edie and April walked the same Forest Grove route, time 1h 20m, distance 7 km.  Even though it was apparently 5 C, it seemed colder somehow.  But no precip so we were happy!  
 
Thursday report from Rod:   Went out at 6:20 this morning for run through the palm trees.  Time 1h 10m, distance 8 km.  Very humid here and arrived back fairly soaked, but a quick pool dip took care of that.   Free beer and margaritas the night before….!!
 
Thursday report from Jennel:  Heather & Jennel met at the corner of Pinetree & David.  Jennel woke up to snow, but Heather insisted it was warm around the Lafarge Lake area.  …and it was….so when we met, we ran 2X’s around Lafarge at a good steady pace.  Total times:  Jennel 11.14km, Heather 9.14km  
On Saturday mornng, Len, Rick, Laura, Alex, Bob and Larry ran and walked west along Eastlake, Underhill, down Shellmont through Meadowood to Broadway, back down Underhill to Eastlake and back to Cameron Centre.  It was snowing but at the time the snow was not sticking to the trails or roads.  Much talk about the winter Olympics!  Time 1h 12m, distance 7.8 km.  
 
From Rod:  Saturday’s run 8 km, time 1h 5m, Sunday’s run 8.25 km, time 1h 1m, then joined all the other Canadians in the sports bar to watch the hockey final. Much joy here and a few comments to the Americans here.  (Editor’s note: How about the free beer and margaritas…) 
 
From Jennel: Saturday’s run:  More SNOW today, so I went to run at PMRC for 45 min. at a high speed tempo pace!!!     

On the advice of Edie and Jennel, together with photo documentary evidence, the usual Monday run-walk this evening is cancelled due to snow, some eight inches or so. .  We in balmy Burnaby west of Holdom Avenue are fighting with snow on our banana trees. Thinking of calling in the army  from Camp Wainwright, AB to assist.  Up to an inch thus far.
 
Rod reports from Mexico:   Free margueritas and beer there.  He’ll leave the running until manana. Life’s not fair.
Tues. Run:hike.  Jennel was snowed in again, so Heather & I just couldn’t meet up….so I stuck on my hiking/snow boots and went for a trek.  Did the Coquitlam Crunch.  2 hours.  Had to RUN up in the snow as I thought I would be late to pick up Sofia from Preschool!  Not bad at all.  Roads were worse.  I started to walk Lansdowne, as I thought it would be a safer walk, but then a public bus hit snow and slid into a parked car…so I got off that route and made my way to the crunch!!!!   Turned out to be a lovely (yet exhausting) hike!
 
Heather & I met Thursday morning at Pinetree & David.  From there we ran 2 laps at good pace around the outer path of Lafarge Lake/City Centre Park.  At the end of our 2 full speed laps we caught our breath and walked for a few seconds….during this walk, my husband Tony drives by us, slows down and shakes his finger at us to get running!!!  Geesh!?!  “We laughed and said, “at least we weren’t holding coffees too!”  Tony calls us the ”yakkers”… (that couldn’t possibly be true!?!) We ran a total of 10 km, then Jennel also did 6 reps of Parkway Blvd. to make my run 13km.   
Rod in Mexico:
Went out this morning (Friday) at 6 am and did 10 km in 1h15. Have put in 70km since we came here and feel a little more fit. Hope you all get a run in this Saturday.
Rod