Banff Ski Runners: Hope Camp 2.0

Hope Camp 2.0

The Harvie Heights pathways and back woods were strangely silent on the second of September. The usual pole clicking, wheel whirring, and bush whacking noise was drastically reduced and an erie stillness prevailed. Canmore dwellers and fellow skiers grew confused as the regular group of Banff Ski Runners did not surface for a full eight days. An explanation of the strange events of early September 2009 was in order.

Or maybe no one noticed, but regardless we, the Ski Runners were over 800 km away. Eager for more sea level air and rain, the team headed to Hope, BC for the annual and creatively named “Hope Camp” of 2009. We had been to the area the previous year and found good roads and trails for a week of endless intensity, taking advantage of the superhuman possibilities at sea level.

Wednesday: The plan for this year was to “throw down” for four days, take a day off to recuperate, and hammer out another three. The team left town in a convoy of minivans in the morning with plans to stop in Revelstoke for a rollerski time trial. The course had already been used twice that summer on previous trips. The race was fun for most and a good way to break up the 8 hr trip. Rumors were flying around that Haakon had somehow sped up his roller skis giving him the win in the men’s race, while Curtis took second and Justin claimed third. The women’s TT was won by Michaela with Adri taking second. The more important comparisons showed many improvements from last time. The team arrived at the hotel in Hope that evening at the Alpine Motel, grabbed our boxes of complimentary orange juice and headed to our rooms. The motel was conveniently located next to the grocery store, which turned in record profits that week.
Thursday: We awoke in the morning in the shadow of Mt. Hope and the daunting task of 16 running sprints of approximately one minute each. Some suffered more then others who thrived on the track like workout but needless to say there was some serious limping going on back at the motel. The team recovered later with an easy flat skate rollerski. Sidenote: if in Hope check out the train tunnels on the trans Canada trail. Stunning.
Friday: More intensity with classic rollerskis; lots of zone 3 and then some burning double poling. Tired arms on the steep hill made for some comical video.

We ran and kicked the ball around in the afternoon to hone in our soccer skills.
Saturday: We did an epic time trial in the rain on skate skis which was sketch, but we found blackberries in the ditch to aid recovery. The finish order is summarized in the below picture.

(left to right). Gerard, Haakon, Justin, Anthony, Fraser, Peter, Michaela, Micah, Adri, Curtis happy to be done, check out the Bolt pose.
That was not all for Saturday however. We still had some hard skiwalking intensity to do in the afternoon.
Sunday: Off day. Harrison Hot Springs for some, Hells Gate for others. A mini van full of dudes checked out the Harrison while the girls checked out Hell’s Gate. I think both were enjoyed although some may resent not hitting up Vancouver. Sorry Curtis.
Monday: Again with the classic intervals. Some had a much better experience this time with unexplainable improvement in the uphill double poling. Justin ended up with a cheering section on the side of the road. This made everyone else very jealous.

Night time? Or cool effect?
Not done for Monday; we had a skate rollerski with photo shoot for the paper… no big deal… as well as a legit pick up soccer game in which we wowed the locals with our Ronaldo look alike and corresponding skills.
Tuesday: The Bolt workout! So we attempted to beat world record running times in the 100, 200, and 400 meter. Whether or not we succeeded is classified but suffice it to say that the Hope drag strip rarely sees such natural power and acceleration. Curtis took a nasty fall but valiantly carried on. No one could match Haakon’s fast start on the 100 and 200 while Gerard killed the 400. A head to head was in order since a certain Killick needed to prove to himself that he could succeed in the 200. It was close to the line but Anthony edged out Haakon who was later quoted on saying he missed a pole in the final meters. The day ended with a climb up the Hope lookout trail. Great views.

Hope from the lookout.

Wednesday: Last day. Some crazy ski striding intensity again. The satisfaction of that last interval was amazing. High fives were common and maybe a few hugs and maybe some welling up emotions as some cried happy tears on each others shoulders….Not.

Gerard and Justin pushing the pace.

Fraser and Peter showing good form.