Month: August 2024

Walk 118 and 119: Search for the vengeful tree root

Brunette River with copious vegetation.

I am determined to exercise in some way every day, so late this morning I went out for walkies.

The summer weather has returned after a few days of intermittent showers and clouds, so it was already 26C when I headed out, and a bit humid. I kept up a brisk pace for the 4K walk to Burnaby Lake. When I got there, I decided to walk the approximate 2 km up the trail to find the nefarious tree root that I tripped on in a recent run. I set off, knowing the approximate location.

As I approached the area, I slowed and started scrutinizing the ground. At one point I even caught my toe on something. A-ha! I looked intently at the ground and could not find what I had snagged my toe on. I guess it was just a bump or something. It felt like it was too early for the tree root, so I pressed on. I observed that this area is perfect for nefarious tree roots, as there is a lot of canopy–ergo, shade–but the sun also pokes through in lots of areas, creating a dappled pattern that makes the ground hard to read.

I could not find the root.

I did find a large, smooth stone protruding a bit out of the trail, so it’s possible my foot happened to snag on it at just the right angle, but it feels like it’s a little too close to the middle of the trail, and I always run on the right. But maybe.

I walked to the bridge with the 8K marker and headed back, completing a second walk of 6 km and a very brisk pace of 9:01/km. I sweated a bit! It was nice to be out and touch trees, but not trip on them.

Foot bridge at the 8K marker.

Stats:

Walk 118 and 119
Average pace: 9:09 and 9:01/km
Location: Brunette River trail/Burnaby Lake
Distance: 4.02 and 6.02 km
Time: 36:43 and 54:15
Weather: Sunny
Temp: 26-28°C
Humidity: 59-55%
Wind: light
BPM: 118 and 119
Weight: 166.6 pounds
Devices: Garmin Forerunner 255
Total distance to date: 865.86 km

August of wind

It’s hard to come up with August-themed puns.

Here are a few reasons to like August:

  • In BC, the first Monday of the month (this year, it’s the 5th) is BC Day, a statutory holiday. Who doesn’t like stat holidays? I mean, other than retail workers, essential service workers and…probably a lot of other people, actually.
  • The day before BC Day is the Pride Parade in Vancouver. I’ve been multiple times and while I haven’t been in a while, it’s not because I don’t enjoy the parade, it’s more it’s too successful for its own good, drawing crowds up to 600,000 strong, which is close to the entire population of the city of Vancouver. Young guys in underwear are very popular. I’m not going to knock it, but I don’t want to be there when the parade ends and those 600,000 people need to leave. Also, the forecast is sunny and hot. This leads me to…
  • It’s still summer, if you like summer. I like summer. I like the longer nights, the warm days, the sun (not so much heat domes and the like). I like wearing shorts and not having to bundle up for my runs because it’s raining/snowing/hailing.
  • August has 31 days, so if you like it, there’s more of it.
  • If you go to school, it’s another month of school-free hanging out, relaxing and seeing the world, or some parts of it.
  • It’s also a popular vacation time, with the usually good weather.
  • If you’re into the PNE (Pacific National Exhibition), it starts in late August, and it lets city slickers see cows, pigs and, uh, probably farm equipment, up close and personal.
  • Probably other things I’ve missed and will secretly add to this list later.