Hey there, fellow runners and ultra runners! Today, I am excited to share with you all about my recent adventure in achieving my long time goal of setting a Fastest Known Time (FKT) on a course that I have been eyeing for over a decade.
It all started on Friday, Oct 18 at 8am, when I decided to do something special for my birthday - create an FKT on a route that I have always wanted to conquer. The challenge? Running from the North parking lot entrance at Island Lake Conservation Area in my hometown of Orangeville Ontario towards the General Store at the corner of Hockley Rd and 8th line, but with a twist. Instead of taking the direct route down Hockley Rd, I had to run every line in between, twice.
For those of you who don't know the Hockley Lines they are the side roads that are between Hwy 10 and Hockley Rd and Hockley Rd and 8th Line. The famous Bruce Trail crisscrosses over several sections of these lines.
The journey began with me running down Hockley Rd, then heading up/south on 1st line towards Side Rd 5, along 5th sideroad before making my way towards 2nd line. I repeated this pattern all the way down to 8th line towards the General Store, taking in the sights along the way, including the iconic Rosebud Motel from the hit show Schitt's Creek. Of course, I had to stop and snap a picture! And this is where I found my first dime lying on the ground in the hotel parking lot.
Bruce Trail - crisscrossed over several sections of the Bruce Trail
After reaching the General Store and capturing a moment with one of Headwaters Painted Horses out front, it was time to head back towards 7th line on Hockley Rd. Turning up/south on 7th line, and wouldn't you know it I found my second dime as I turned the corner. I retraced my steps all the way back to the starting point at the north Island Lake parking lot. But the challenge wasn't over yet.
Next, I had to run around Island Lake, taking a left turn on the North Baker Tr, passing by the dam to the beach area and Amphitheatre, running under the covered bridge, following the trail making my way back to the dam making my final turn left before heading towards the finish line where I found my third dime.
After a grueling 81k climbing 1456 m of ascent and descending those lines and running the Lake, I successfully completed the course and set a new FKT time of 10:51:09. This FKT is now known as the Snakes and Ladders of Dufferin County.
It was an incredible experience pushing my limits and achieving a goal that I had been dreaming of for so long. The sense of accomplishment and satisfaction of completing the Snakes and Ladders course is something that I will always cherish. So, to all the runners out there, never stop chasing your dreams and setting new challenges for yourself. Who knows, you might just surprise yourself with what you can achieve. I would like to thank my wife Jodi who supported me by being a mobile aid station every 10k. I could not have done it without her. Happy running!