Grey Sunday afternoon

Vancouver this afternoon

I signed up for the Vancouver half marathon that will take place in 4 weeks. I did not specifically train for it yet, because normally my shape should be good enough to run a half marathon. But just to make sure I decided to try a longer run this afternoon. The weather was grey with a bit of rain, perfect for a run!

I drove to Park Royal, parked my car next to the Ambleside hockey fields and started my run through the Ambleside Park, over the Capilano River and on to the Lions Gate Bridge. There was a huge traffic jam on the bridge and just when I entered the sidewalk of the bridge I heard the sirens of fire engines and an ambulance. I then realized that the traffic had come to a complete standstill and that there was no traffic coming from the other side anymore.

Accident on the Lions Gate Bridge

I continued my run up the bridge (which seems to be much longer and higher when you run up than when you drive!) and almost at the top I saw that there was a 4 car pile-up. Especially the last car was in pretty bad shape, all airbags were deployed and a child seat had broken lose and was hanging half over the front seat. I hoped there had been no baby in there… There was  nobody in that car anymore (it seemed the person(s) were in the ambulance) and I decided to continue my run.

Stanley Park seawall

At Stanley Park I left the bridge and did a run around the island. First over some trails (very wide, more suitable for a leisurely stroll than for a trail run) and then from Third Beach over the seawall all around the island. Because of the grey weather is was not so busy and I enjoyed the sights over the water. I still feel very lucky to live in this beautiful city!

Third Beach in Stanley Park – just before the sun started shining

On the way back I ran a trail along Beaver Lake and then took the Lions Gate Bridge back to my car. The total distance was 17.5 km and it took me 1 hour 42 minutes (incl. a few stops to enjoy the sights and to take pictures). When I checked my GPS I noted that I had climbed in total 650 meters during the run. The Vancouver Half Marathon has hardly any climbs in it (it actually starts at 100 meter altitude and ends at sea level), so that will probably be easier than today’s run. I am ready for it!

Typical Stanley Park trail – wide and well maintained, not for real trail running