Dirty Dozen Questionnaire

I had mentioned I was going to send out a list of questions to each of our Soiled Sport Trail Running Group.

Figured I would lead off with what it look like, by answering the questions myself.

I hope whn you get the questionnaire in your inbox, you will take the time to share your answers.

Photo's are welcome as well

The Soiled Sport Dirty Dozen Questionnaire

Name: Larry G.

Years Trail Running: 20+

1.       What got you into trail running?

a.       Marathon training with fellow London Pacers during a very hot summer, it was suggested we meet on Saturdays at noon (because Crazy Legs Pellow was a dentist and worked Saturday mornings) So we met at Komoka and it then morphed into Wednesday nights and rotating Saturdays

2.       Longest trail running distance? (training / race)

a.       First one was Haliburton Forest 50K

3.       What is your favorite London area trail? And why.

a.       Komoka because it is so beautiful in any season, plus nostalgia.

4.       What is your most memorable training run or race?

a.       We were doing Kains Woods Trail way back when we could do the back end section that is now off limits. We were doing a Saturday morning run and fog drifted in and all you could see was the back of the person in front. A train was in the distance with its horn blowing. Jim G. had us all stop and just listen. It made everything feel very remote, even though we were minutes from the city.

5.       If you were to talk someone into trail running what would the sales pitch sound like?

a.       It’s not only the scenery and the challenge of the trail, but the runners are very interesting and supportive.

6.       If trail running is considered a passion, what other things are you passionate about?

a.       I am passionate about Canadian history and geography. I have the pleasure of a wife and friends who love to ‘do things’. I have been able to run, hike paddle in a number of Provinces and Territories. And it baffles me at the size of our country and how remote some areas are and are populated by people glad that you came to look and experience. And as I tell anybody I run with “it’s amazing that anything got discovered in Canada”

7.       Tell us about a training run that involves weather, good or bad.

a.       On a Wednesday winter evening we were to run Komoka trail. The snow had been coming down heavy all day and could barely get into the parking lot. Only Adam and I showed. We started our run and the snow was shin deep, and just got worse. When we got to the first open field area the snow was waist high drifts. We turned back. On the drive home the ditch was littered with cars that just slid of the road. A good night to call it quits early.

8.       What is a strength you have in trail running and what is something you consider a weakness?

a.       Stubborn, is that strength or just the brink of stupidity? But my weakness is sweating. It causes dehydration and cramping in races, as I cant drink fluids fast enough.

9.       What music do you listen to running or relaxing?

a.       Affairs of the Heart, Juliette Kane and CBC orchestra. It is about 22 minutes of music that makes me like I am completing something great.

10.   Post-race or training run food or beverage that makes it all worth it?

a.       Coffee after a trail run with friends.

11.   Favorite running story?

a.       I was in the Jasper – Banff Relay a number of years ago. Our teams plan was  to shuttle the runners kit bags to the section they are to run. But they mixed them up and I got my street clothes, so I ran my section in my underwear.

12.   Who is my running idol?

a.       To all of you who have been within ear shot of me during any trail run, I always tell of my trail running idol Monica Scholz. A Canadian trail / ultra-running legend and the worlds nicest person. Followed by a large number of my fellow trail runners who make it look so darn easy. You Bastards!!