Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Cross Country Canada

I found this little running gem today. It's the Campbell Valley Regional Park in Langley, BC.

After checking out of the Westin this morning, I got a ride to Langley. Langley is about an hour from Vancouver, and where our warehouse is located. Tonight I am staying at a Days Inn, which is not nearly as "plush" as the Westin. It's not that I really care about hotels too much, but the gym here makes the gym at The Sandman (where I stayed last week) look like a field house. Concerned about this, I needed to make alternative plans.

Someone at the office told me about the park. The problem was that it's 10 miles away, and I don't have a rental car. However, there is a software consultant visiting us the week who does. And since he's staying at the Days Inn too, I immediately started working him in hopes he'd either give me a ride or flip me the keys for a few hours. First I baited the conversation with super innocuous comments like "What are you doing later?" or "Man, I'd really like to check out this park". Nothing. Then I straight up asked him if he wanted to go for a run. He didn't.

On the ride over to the hotel, he told me he was in for the night. So while walking through the lobby, I dropped an "OK cool, see you tomorrow. I'm going to take a cab to this park 10 miles away to run." He stepped into the elevator, turned his head and said "OK great, I'll see you tomorrow."

The elevator door closed.

I can't really blame the guy. After all, I just met him this morning. And he deserves props for playing it super straight. I was obviously desperate, and he isn't dumb. Yet in no way did his saying no (by not saying yes) make me feel like a dick for begging. Nicely played, software guy.

A $20 cab ride got me to the park entrance. Before I got out of the cab, I double checked that I had cell signal. I did, which was key because I'd have to call for a cab to get back.

The cab fare was money well spent. There is a 6.5 mile boundary trail that circles the entire park. The trail is well groomed, soft (almost too soft), and gently rolls across countryside that alternates between lush forest and grassy meadow. I don't see country like this in Orange County, that's for sure. And the weather was perfect, mid 60's and sunny. At the top of one hill, I caught a glimpse of Mt Baker over the border in Washington. There is something about seeing the volcanic peaks of the Cascades I never get sick of.


It was also a little muddy. In retrospect, my Newtons would not have been the go-to shoes for this run, but it's what I had. I saw a grand total of 4 million rabbits, 6 people, 3 dogs and 2 horses over the hour it took me to complete the circuit. When I was done, I called the cab company and had a ride back within 10 minutes.


I'm flying home tomorrow. But I'll be running this route again next time for sure.

12 comments:

Jennifer said...

Great story. I love when stuff like this happens and you find the "gem" as you say. Well worth the cab fare! Cheers!

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Caratunk Girl said...

Sounds like an awesome run - I love how you take advantage of your travels to get workouts in.

Matty O said...

I LOVE running or working out in other areas. I get sick of my "home course" and take every advantage to workout on the road.

So far, Hawaii has been my FAVORITE workout location. Running hard seems effortless and the scenery there is just jaw dropping. Some day we will live there and enjoy life to its fullest.

Keep up the good work!

KovasP said...

Great run, but I'm disappointed you took a cab instead of running to the park. :) Sounds awesome there and I know I always get a charge from running a new location.

skierz said...

that sounds like a far better run than the one to find the gym at the Westin! BC is the most awesome place for scenery!

Unknown said...

Very cool, except for the software guy, but he is a software guy so I am guessing his social skills are a bit on the awkward side?

OrangeBlossom said...

How beautiful! I need to take some pictures of my runs.

What kind of camera do you have?

You sound like me lately ... asking complete strangers if they want to run. =)

Emz said...

I'm with Caratunk Girl - I love how you explore while you are away from your home setting. So cool. I think I need to be less boring. ;)

Aimee said...

Wow..that sounds like an awesome place to run! Good for you for getting out and running outside in a beautiful place. :)

KC (my 140 point 6 mile journey) said...

Totally worth the cab fares. I love the Garmin map of your run. I'm one of those one's that actually clicks on view details. I wonder if BC has the same kinds of rabbits i see on my run all the time? Nah, the one's there are probably more furry and adapted for the snow, not florida bunnies. Hope your last run is another great one. It sure is beautiful there.

DRog said...

Lol - obviously desparate! Great lookin run

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