Crossfit Armoury - April 15, 2018: Slow Runner Unite - Fort Edmonton Park

The path that I ended up taking (it wasn't the correct path)
Sunday; April 15, 2018 @ Fort Edmonton Park

Thoughts:

So, after just finishing #inVEST about an hour earlier; a small group of us had decided to do some early training with regards to running.  We called our group  Slow Runners Unite as we are not part of the upcoming running group that is starting up at the end of the month.  

We had extended the invitation to our Armoury group via our social media.  It was for anyone and everyone who wanted to come out.  Those who may wanted to walk, push a stroller or do a light jog was more than welcome to come out.  

We actually had two people who were pushing their kids in strollers and as well as walking their two dogs!

For lots of us, this would be our first run for 2018.  Run/jog/walk, whatever works!  

Of course, in my great wisdom; I wasn't paying much attention to our team lead who knew the path much better than I did.  All I heard at one point was "..at the Suspension bridge, you turn right and...."    I must had been distracted by a squirrel or something as that was some key information I needed.   

The rest of team (Shannon, Candice and Amanda) pulled away from me in the beginning.  I was able to maintain eye contact with them for a good while until we came up upon the suspension bridge.  I thought maybe they would wait, (no, they didn't wait) and after the turn to the right past some tall bushes... I thought I would resume my line of sight with them.

Unfortunately, there was a fork in the path!  I had to make a decision on which path that they may had gone.  I, unfortunately picked the wrong path and realized my mistake when I ended up by the Wolf Willow Stairs.  

Wolf Willow Stairs - obviously during summer
<photo credit:>  http://albertamotophoto.blogspot.ca/2013/06/wolf-willow-ravine-staircase.html

I've heard a lot about these stairs, being one of the steepest ones in Edmonton.  I already had a gut feeling that the team didn't go this way.  I didn't see them on the stairs and I didn't see any foot prints in the wet path.

Well, since I'm here at these famous stairs and I know that I will have to go back anyways.  I'lll just go ahead and climb these!  I read later that it's 200 stairs to the top.

Since I didn't bring my phone with me, I wasn't able to take any pictures.  I found the above picture from a search and from another blog site.   Photo credit given to this individual.

So as I made my way back toward the Suspension bridge, I was able to meet up with Kylene and the others who were pushing their strollers.   And not more than a minute later, the rest of the team were making their way back. (see picture below)

Me, rendezvousing on the Fort Edmonton Suspension bridge
with the team after I took a wrong turn
<photo credit:  Kylene Alexis>

After a group shot of everyone, the team continued backed toward our originating starting point.  And again, the rest of team left me in the dust.  Of course, this time I won't be getting lost.  Just quite a bit slower than the rest of them.

Group picture - Slow Runners Unite
Sunday; April 15, 2018 - Fort Edmonton Suspension Bridge
<photo credit:  Amanda Murray>

For a first time out, it was a good run/jog/walk and a nice climb to the top of the stairs for me.  I'm looking forward to more of these workouts/runs/jogs in the near future as I need to improve my cardio.  It's not just about lifting anymore.  I need to focus on all of my weakness.  

Train hard, surround yourself with positive people, share the journey and have fun along the way!