A scenic 20-miler

Yesterday was my first 20(+) miler of this training cycle. Our group met outside of town in the ski region of Hockley Valley. Our coach had sent out an email earlier in the week warning that some sections of the route would be "rather mountainous, but provides for a fabulous view from atop the north rim of the Hockley Valley. Don't miss it, it is worth the drive and effort!" I wasn't quite sure what we were in for.

It was another hot and sticky day, already pushing 30C/86F with the humidex when we set out. Unlike last week, we were not protected by overcast skies. Once the sun came up, it was a scorcher.

The route was beautiful, but extremely challenging. We faced hill after hill after hill with a few significant climbs. Coach wasn't kidding when he used the word mountainous.




We plodded along and took in the sights, ticking off the miles slowly but surely.

Quiet country roads (and some much-needed shade).

We eventually reached the top of the escarpment where we enjoyed this spectacular view.



We enjoyed a long downhill before making another brutal climb. You can see the road going up, up and up in the background - that's where we were headed!

And a group shot (that's me in front):

Around the 13-mile mark, we stopped briefly to load up on water, gatorade and oranges that our coach had stashed at a local inn. After that, the 7+ miles to finish seemed to go on forever.

This was the home stretch (more hills):

And we finally made it.

32.84K (20.4mi)
3:29:54
6:23/KM (10:16/mi)

[77.5K/48mi for the week]

Considering the route and conditions, I am definitely not disappointed with my pace. It was a hard run.

There was a pond on the property where we started and believe it or not, many of us actually went in for a swim. It was pretty deep and cooler than I expected, which felt amazing to soothe my sore, tired legs and cool me down. I took off my shoes and went straight in wearing my running clothes. Sorry, no photographic evidence. :)



Once I had dried off, the Recovery Socks went on.



After a feast of fresh baked goodies, fruit and chocolate milk, it was time to hit the road home. In the afternoon, hubby and I had the opportunity to go out on Lake Simcoe with his mom and her boyfriend and we had a cool, refreshing dip off the boat in the middle of the lake. My legs were definitely happy.

I hadn't eaten much all day, so by the time we reached shore I was starving. We stopped at Boston Pizza to replenish some calories with a delicious Tuscan pizza before heading home to crash.

I hope everyone had a great weekend. I have to get busy catching up!