My first night trail race - The Rugged Raccoon 25 km

I knew going into The Rugged Raccoon 25 km night race on May 4th that the trail would be a mud fest. The week leading up to it there were three days of heavy rain. The month before I completed a training run of most of the route during daylight hours and had made mental notes of some of the more technical sections with hills, mud, and roots. It circles a lake at the Wildwood Conservation Area in St Mary's, Ontario. Race night, the bulk of us started at 7:00 p.m. with clear skies overhead. The temperature was warm enough that we could run in shorts and t-shirts.

I got off to a quick start hoping that I could avoid getting bogged down with a group of runners at the first mud pit that was unavoidable near the 2 km mark. I decided just to plow right through it. My strategy worked. A small group of us ran in sight of each other through to the first aid station. Star Wars cantina music played over a loudspeaker there. I filled up my drinking flask with Skratch and carried on, thanking the jovial aid station host as I left. The sunlight was fading. Long shadows cast a golden glow across the farmland we passed before we followed the trail back into the woods winding its way up a hill.

I experienced an upset stomach after completing the next kilometer and had to slow my pace to get over it. Most races I've completed started early in the morning. My digestive system wasn't used to racing at night. I pressed on. By the 10 km mark I was moving better, and I stopped at the 2nd aid station near a dirt road that crossed over a narrow bridge. With my flask refilled with Skratch I ran close behind another racer on this dirt road to the entrance of the trail on the west side of the lake. It was getting dark. I stopped to put on my headlamp and to get a pack of electrolyte gummies I had stashed in my running vest. I soon caught up to a fellow racer and plowed with them through another muddy section of trail. We ran together for about half an hour with our headlamps on, taking turns leading the way. After crossing a creek, I stopped to get some supplements out of my running vest. Soon I was left to run on my own for the next three kilometers or so continuing on the west side of the lake trail. There were times when it felt surreal as my single headlamp illuminated a blur of evergreen trees that rushed past me as I ran. It was like playing a first-person video game where I had to avoid mud holes and protruding roots. Somewhere I came up a hill and found a manned aid station. Someone with an encouraging smile offered to refill my flask with Skratch. They had freshly made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I took half of one to go, munching it as I headed into the dark up a steep incline.

The next two kilometers wound through evergreen forests. A couple of runners passed me there as I stopped to walk, dealing with a cramped hamstring. I took in extra fluids and told myself that there was only one more aid station and then the finish. I could run again so I pressed on and soon was heading over highway 7. More peanut butter and jelly sandwiches were waiting for me at the last aid station. The attendants refilled my drinking flask and encouraged me that the finish was just five kilometers away. Five kilometers was less than the distance I normally ran weekdays on the trails near my home. I told myself that I was just heading out for one of those morning runs. It helped to keep me going as my hamstring was still giving me some trouble. Back into the forest I ran. Around a stream and across a field. I could hear I was close to a rural road, the rumble of passing cars. Soon I entered a hilly pine tree forest. The next section was straight along the roadside for about 1/2 km. I could see the flashes of headlamps in the woods from runners who were behind me. Like fireflies in the distance, they made their way along the trail I had just tread. The last section of trail cut across the woods beside a river back up to highway 7. An underpass was there that led back to the race finish. I could hear shouting and someone ringing cow bells. My running pace quickened as I came down the paved road toward the noise. Electric candle lights illuminated both sides of the five hundred meter path to the finish. Groups of sweaty, muddy, finishers were there - cheering. I came across the finishing line with my hands raised. Someone put a medal around my neck, congratulating me. I didn't know I was still a contender. I finished third place in my age division.

It felt good to be done my first night trail race. There was more of a thrill by completing it in the dark. Throughout it my senses were fully engaged to stay balanced and upright. I think I might do one again if I have the chance.

Completing the 2023 Phoenix Trail Races 50K Ultra

October 14th, 2023, I took part in the Phoenix Trail Races 50k Ultra, held at the Fanshawe Lake Conservation Area in London, Ontario. It was the first time I was able to complete an ultra distance race since suffering with Covid-19 in 2021 and 2022. When it comes to ultra distance trail races this was the gnarliest route I had encountered in my life. The mix of tree roots in sections, rocks, and steep declines make it a challenge. The year previously I had attempted the same ultra but had to stop after completing the first 25k loop because of a knee injury I suffered after tripping on a root and skinning my left knee.
We started the race with light rain and chilly wind gusts blowing down, so I wore my hydration vest over over a black windbreaker and a t-shirt. The aid stations had a good selection of drinks and snacks. I had Mourten 320 in my both of my 600 mls hydration pouches so I took water and pickle joice at most of the stops. My plan was to take an S-Cap every 45 minutes (after struggling with cramps I think this should've been one S-Cap every 30 minutes). While on the first 25k loop I was able to keep on this schedule. My drinking flasks were empty of Mourten 320 by the time I reached last aid station on the first loop. I had them refill my flask with Gatorade.

I caught up with three runners I knew from work, Miles Climenhaga, Brian Taylor and Joe Lightfoot, just as they were completing the first 25k loop. I refilled my hydration vest with 1200 mls of Maurten 320. We left from the half-way point aid station and ran together for the next fifteen kilometers. It was encouraging to have others to joke with as we pushed through the narrow forest trails that snaked alongside the south side of Fanshawe Lake. I suffered hamstring cramps a couple of times and had to walk off the pain, take some S-Caps and more hydration drink, so I lost sight of my friends near the 35k mark. It took me about twenty minutes to catch up to them. I sarcastically declared my love for tree roots as we ran the technical switchback trails filled with them before we reached the Rebecca Road aid station. I didn't trip once.

I ran on my own for the last 7K as I had to stop and stretch out my cramped hamstring after coming down a steep decline. It was a slow long slog to get through the winding Monkey Wrench Loop trail on the way to the last aid station. From there it was just over 5k to the finish line. It was a joy to be welcomed at the finish line by Miles, Brian and Joe, who had completed the race 15-11 minutes before I arrived. My wife, Olivia, was there too. Minutes later, we all sat together enjoying free hot soup and sandwiches inside a wooden lodge next to the finish line.

ULTRA FUEL REFLECTIONS
- Drinking Mourten 320 allowed me to take in 1500 calories throughout the race. My energy level felt consistent and I didn't have any stomach upset issues.
- Taking S-Caps helped to relieve muscle cramping. I think I should have taken them more frequently.
- Pickle juice is nice too.

50 km charity run for Soldier On

February 20th at 6 a.m. I left my home in Courtenay B.C. heading south, running, following the old coast highway toward Fanny Bay. It was still dark so I had on a headlamp. My new Hoka One One Clifton 7 runners felt good. This would be my first long run in them. My wife, Olivia, would meet me every 8 kms to provide drinks and snacks. If I was to successfuly complete the 50 km run I set out on I would need the fluids, electrolytes, and calories she had in the trunk.

By the time I reached Union Bay I was greeted by the sun rising over Denman Island. A co-worker and her husband stopped by the roadside in their car to take video and cheer me on as I made my way out of town heading toward the Buckley Bay ferry terminal. At the Petro Canada gas station there another co-worker was waiting, who would run with me to the 25 km half-way point where I turned around. Being just past the 1/2 marathon distance when we met up my legs were starting to feel "the burn." The hard pavement at the side of the road gave me a good pounding. At this point it was encouraging to have someone else along to help push the pace.

Not long after the turn around, as I approached the 30 km mark, I stopped to listen to the sea lions barking offshore. They seemed to be cheering me on. I recorded them on video (see below).

The weather continued to be pleasant throughout the morning as I made my way back to Courtenay. After running 5:55 I was at the edge of the city, the 50 kms almost complete. The busy intersections of the inner city slowed me down as I had to wait for traffic lights to change. By this time many people were out and about in their cars doing their Saturday morning shopping. I made it back to my house after a 6:28 run, happy to be able to take a warm shower.

The next morning my legs felt like cement as I came downstairs to the kitchen. I had several high protien recovery drinks over the next 24hrs. The Hoka Clifton 7s did their job well. It only took me 2 days to recover. By Tuesday I was able to do my normal 75 minute forest trail run. Many thanks to those who supported my charity run for Soldier On - we exceeded the target amount of money we hoped to raise.

The next Saturday, my legs were feeling good and the weather was nice so I decided to do a 4 hour mountain trail run near Cumberland B.C. for Soldier On. Below are some video clips I took. I followed a route close to the Cumby 25 km trail layout.

The Itchy Grizzly

By Rob Sargeant

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Global charity run for COVID-19 Relief

A video clip I took of myself training during the COVID-19 Quarantine in the Comox Valley was used in the above video montage produced by I-Run-Far (at around 2:25) for their Operation Inspiration.

Because of COVID-19 most of the ultra-marathon and mountain races scheduled for the Spring of 2020 have been cancelled or postponed. Many of the race directors, sponsors, and athletes upset by this turned it into a good thing by coming up with the idea of doing a virtual race. This past weekend I took part in "Operation Inspiration" a global charity run organized by I-Run-Far, joining 1600 long distance runners from around the world. Together we raised over $52,000 dollars for the World Health Organization's COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.

When my race bib number arrived the day before, I found it had a spot where I could write in who I wanted to inspire by doing this. After giving it some thought I realized how much work the cashiers were doing during this quarantine - so I put them down. Cashiers, you are my heroes. Those working at Walmart, Superstore, Costco, and other grocery stores, helping us to continue to have the necessities we need to survive. Brovo!

I picked a 20 km route to run that followed the Forbidden Plateau road heading up 1750 feet 10 kms and then back down again. Here are some edited video clips I made while I was doing the run Saturday morning documenting my progress(below).

Training during the COVID-19 quarantine

I recently took a one hour run on one of my favourite trail systems during the corona virus quarantine in B.C. on Vancouver Island. I found that I was more careful than usual and stayed on the even surfaced logging road. I didn't venture off on the more technical mountain bike trails that wind through the forests like I usually do. There are over 25 kms of trails to explore in the mountains outside of Cumberland. Since 2015 I've trained on the trails and in the technical sections have only had a couple of scrapes and muscle strains throughout the years. I've always made it out safe.

It was a beautiful day. I met other people who were out walking their dogs or on mountain bikes. We made room for each other as the logging road was wide enough to practice the 2 metre physical distancing rule. This is the first time that I've had to deal with a quarantine like this. So much had changed within a period of two weeks. I ran along thinking of the changes; the cancelled sports events, closed theatres, restaurants, and clubs. I looked around. The forest was the same. The birds were still chirping. With a thankful heart I focused my mind on the many things in my life that hadn't changed and it gave me hope as I finished my run.

50 km World Vision Canada Charity Run - 2020

February 22nd, at 5 a.m. I left Courtenay B.C. attempting a 50 km charity run for World Vision Canada. My wife, Olivia, drove the support vehicle and shuttled ahead of me stopping every 8 km or so to provide aid. The first two hours as I headed south on the old coast highway 19A it was dark. Even though I wore a headlamp I was able to take in the stars of the clear night sky, and the reflection of the constellations in the coastal waters. 15 km into the run the sun began to rise. I was just on the edge of Union Bay where Olivia was waiting with the car as the second aid station stop. I dropped off my headlamp, refilled my Nathan drink bottles, and picked up a Mars bar to nibble on later. A kilometer further down the road Olivia drove past me cheering me on. This encouraged me. My body felt warmed up, and my legs were loose, but I wondered if the heavy fitness test I had completed earlier in the week at work might hinder me from finishing. I continued on hoping that no muscles would strain. After passing the halfway point at the Fanny Bay wharf the bright morning sun broke over the tree tops of Denman Island to the east. I felt encouraged.

After Fanny Bay the route I was on turned inland through some hilly and forested areas. I kept telling myself to run the kilometer that I was in and not to worry about the many others that were ahead. Just as I came into the fourth aid station stop Olivia told me to get quickly get into the car. I thought she saw a cougar or a bear. She drove ahead to find a better spot for us to stop maybe 3/4 of a kilometer. Once we had stopped she explained to me that there was a strange person asleep at the side of the road where we had originally planned to have the stop. She didn't want to wake him/her. Due to this change I calculated that we should add an extra kilometer to the distance we had planned.
As you can see from the video below I was able to complete the 50 km World Vision Canada Charity Run with the support of my wife.

After completing the run we had lunch at Lefty's Restaurant in picturesque Qualicum Beach. They make a great bacon cheeseburger with a side order of fries. This is just what you need after pounding out 50 kms.

Tzouhalem Mountain Trail race 2019

When I saw the heavy rain before the start of the Tzouhalem Mountain Trail race I wondered if I would be able to complete it under my 2 hour goal time. Due to the rain we huddled under banquet tents set up on the large front lawn of Providence Farm until the very last minutes before the start count down was made. We were off, kicking up mud, trying to avoid puddles in the dirt road that led up to the trail head. Tzouhalem Mountain was shrouded in mist. I couldn't see the heights we were to ascend. The first four kilometers were mostly climbing and scrambling at certain places where the rain had washed over bare, rocky, slippery, outcrops. As it was well into fall, many leaves were on the ground. This made it hard to see the pink directional flags once we got to the summit and were following single track. The four runners I followed went off course about 800 meters when the lead runner lost sight of the pink flag markers. When I had to back track I thought my goal time was an impossibility. When it got tough I thought of a Bible verse I had read earlier that day, Psalm 18:33 "He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, and leads me on the heights." I whispered it in a prayer under my breath.

We pressed on, coming to some trails near a cliff edge where we could look out to the valley below. By the time we had reached the summit the mist had cleared enough that we were able to gaze down. I stopped to take a couple of photos. After 7 kilometers the trail started into a series of steep descents. I had to be careful at some because of the trail conditions with the mud and puddles. I didn't fall even once though thanks to my stable Altra Olympus 3.0 trail running shoes. I picked up speed and was able to pass some people during my descent. I checked my watch at the 9 kilometer mark and saw that I was within range of reaching my goal time. 1:50 was looking like a possibility. I stayed focused and pushed down the quad trail switchbacks that led back to Providence Farm. I felt good. The finish came into sight after passing back through the barnyard. I didn't care about stepping in puddles anymore.
I finished in 1:48 better than my goal time. I heard chatter a few seconds later that a pack of runners was right behind me and 15 of them had taken a wrong turn on the summit and had done an extra loop. A light rain was still falling and there was a chill in the air as we waited for the rest of the runners to finish while eating soft tacos and drinking coffee.
RACE RESULTS

Training for the MT Tzouhalem mountain trail run

I had the last two weeks of August free so I took a short overnight camping trip to the Cowichan region of Vancouver Island, where Mount Tzouhalem is located. I arrived in Duncan just after the sun had risen. I had a map of the trail system with the racecourse marked out but had a hard time finding my way as the course wasn’t marked. I had a few false starts finding the right dirt road, and almost ran through a horse paddock at Providence Farms. The horses were glad to see me. I was surprised.

I finally found the start area and got onto the dirt road that led to the trail head of Mt Tzouhalem. After the first switchbacks that are wide enough for a quad wheeler to access, it becomes mostly single track, technical, with rocks, roots, and fallen trees to navigate. With 500 meters of vertical the slog to the first summit has a lot of long steep sections that can only be power hiked. I went off course and ended up on the summit of the cross trail, which offered me some amazing early morning views. I found the single-track trail beyond this wasn’t marked well. I’m sure race day they’ll have it tagged with ribbons. There were too many forks in the trail with no directional arrows. After an-hour and forty-five minutes I decided to head back to Providence Farm so I wouldn’t get lost.

As I returned to my car I had put in almost a three-hour training run, and had had a good taste of the trail conditions for the up-coming MT Tzouhalem trail run, part of the Vancouver Island trail running series. I would say, as a mountain running trail race it’ll be tougher than the Cumby 25, but not as punishing as the Kusam Klimb. As I was soaking my feet in the Lake Cowichan back at the beech where I was camping I found that I had lost a toenail during the run. Later that evening I comforted myself over the loss as I refueled with a meal of fried chicken and chips and a milkshake at the fifties diner in Cowichan village.