The North Shore Enduro, From a Missouri Perspective…
It’s going to be tough to do the North Shore Enduro justice. That is a statement about more than just the race, too. The peripheral activities magnified the Enduro to a level of excitement and fun I’ve never experienced in running – seriously. You’re probably already sensing it, so I’ll just say it: I’m now spoiled forever on trails. Now, this is not a bad thing, this is a good thing. I learned a ton about running this weekend in only a few hours of being on the trails in Lynn Canyon.
I witnessed some of the highest level of running prowess you’ll find on planet earth (no joke), coupled with some of the most friendly, accommodating and hospitable people you can imagine. Throw in rushing creek waters; 600ft per loop of stair master 1,000,000 level climbs, roots, rocks and massive 50ft+(?) tall cedar trees – now you’ve got yourself a running event!
The winner, Mr. Gary Robins (new course record holder), ran 9 loops (over 40 miles) in 5hrs 34min 36sec and overcame approximately 6,000ft of climb. Let's call it about 8:20 per mile - INSANE FAST on this roller coaster ride. Well done Gary!
The North Shore Enduro is hosted by a wonderful group of ultra runners, Club Fat Ass, and they are based in Vancouver. I “met” Club Fat Ass through Andrea Reynolds, proprietor of Running Chics in Republic, MO. It is a really long story, so just trust me that I’m lucky to know these fine people – I truly mean that. Oh, and there’s a link to their site here on my blog (just click on the Club Fat Ass logo in the lower left corner of this page) and you can read all about them – they’re fantastic and I encourage you to check them out. If you’re looking for a good technical fabric running shirt, look no further than Club Fat Ass. It’s only $25(Canadian) + shipping and it’s the best money can buy, if you ask me.
So here’s the situation for the Enduro:
Format: 6hr run (go as far as you can in the time-limit), but you can stop any time you want (these are easy going, laid back people – easy to like)
The Course: Lynn Canyon in the stunning North Shore area – a trail loop that’s about 7.25k
Difficulty: ok, that’s subjective, but the trail offered everything from forestry roads, to perfectly groomed & wide trails, to some of the most technical roots, rocks, stumps, etc. that this Ozark Foothills runner has ever seen. And I already mentioned the 600ft climb, which went from a beautiful rushing riverbank to partially up the side of a mountain. All of this in only 7.25k – AWESOME! My Garmin added up 11,900ft of elevation change during my run (that's for 3 loops, so nearly 4,000ft per loop).
I only did a bit more than 3 loops in about 2hrs 24mins (just over 14 miles). Not too shabby given the terrain and it’s my first long run back since MO-AR TREK. But this wasn’t about a race for me, it was about being with some new friends, and my new friend Kristie was on the trail with Lauren too!
Some of the pictures tell the rest of the story. But if any of you reading out here ever get a chance to go to Vancouver, DON’T FORGET your running gear!
Jason
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