Roy's O&B

Carlos heads out on a run documenting recent changes to a fenced-off dog area, noting it was created as a compromise after leash rules upset dog owners. He reflects on the restricted access, comparing it humorously to confinement, but accepts people will eventually adapt. Along the route, he passes familiar local spots, including Kevin’s firewood lot, new housing developments, and the Glendenning trail area, sharing observations about the neighborhood and past connections with fellow runners. His run continues along the Lochside Trail toward Roy’s bridge, marking distance, pace, and small details like reopened water fountains and trail conditions. Reaching the turnaround point, he captures a few photos, notes his progress, and signs off before heading back.

The "Nancy Hanks" Run

Nancy Hanks was the mother of Abraham Lincoln, remembered for her influence on his character despite her early death in 1818. Her name later lived on in a different way through Nancy Hanks, a record-setting harness racing horse of the late 1800s. The horse became famous across North America, symbolizing speed and excellence during a time when horse racing was hugely popular. In Victoria, streets in some areas were named after notable racehorses rather than historical figures. As a result, “Nancy Hanks Street” in Victoria reflects the legacy of the celebrated horse, not Abraham Lincoln’s mother.

Harrop and the South Ridge trail

I started my run from the top of Harrop onto the South Ridge Trail toward Cougar Cave, setting out with Norma before she turned back due to her sore back. I kept the early pace slow, mixing in walking so we could ease into running together without pressure. Once on my own, I stayed relaxed in Zone 1, moving through the meadows and past familiar landmarks like Tombstone Rock while taking in the spring flowers and birdsong. I adjusted my route around the new dog fencing, noticing how it’s changing some of my usual loops but still enjoying the shared trail space with others and their dogs. By the end, my pace improved steadily, and I finished with photos, video, and audio—grateful for a flexible, sunlit run on the Mount Doug trails.

Lambrick Park Revisited

I had set out toward Lambrick Park to close out my “Revisit Trilogy,” beginning my first windy lap with the goal of staying in zone two. I reflected on the previous runs—King’s Pond and Rithet’s Bog—along with a tough experiment in zone one the day before, which made this effort feel more balanced. Over five steady laps, I shared the quiet rhythm of the park, brief encounters with fellow runners and plenty of dogs, all while keeping a consistent pace. I noted how the run fit into my broader weekly training, managing effort, calories, and recovery to stay on track. I wrapped up the session on my final lap, looking ahead to upcoming adventures and signing off from Lambrick Park on April Fool’s Day.Check out this Flyover of my run on Strava. https://strava.app.link/OF0YU5CnZ1b

Rithet's Bog Revisited

I set out under a grey sky, looking up through bare branches as I found my rhythm and settled into the quiet of the trail. The ground turned slick and alive beneath me, and I carefully crossed waterlogged logs, each step a mix of balance and trust. There’s something grounding about wet shoes and the sound of slow-moving water, like the land is speaking in a softer voice. I paused at the edge of the bog, taking in the story of this place and how it’s shaped by time, water, and patience. It felt less like a run and more like a conversation with the landscape, one step at a time.