Ultra-Marathon Training in the Yukon
While training for my first ultra marathon (55km), I was fortunate enough to spend 2 weeks in Yukon, Canada. My trip overlapped with some of the biggest weeks of training in my program, and I hit the trails with all the energy I had.
September 17, 2021
Golden Horn was my first solo long run in the Yukon. 1km into running that steady incline, I realized that trail runs on this trip were going to be closer to hiking than running. The terrain was tough at times and I checked my gps *a lot*, but I made it to the summit. Thankfully I have a thing for frosty terrain and moody clouds, so wasn’t upset to miss the view.
I am 3 weeks away from my first ultra marathon, which means I’m in some big training weeks while I’m away. This was the first of 3 back-to-back-to-back long trail runs, i.e. 3 long runs 3 days in a row. My stomach handled the nutrition and fluids well, though I learned quickly that a pretzels should only be eaten one at a time 😆.
September 18, 2021
Day 2 of back-to-back-to-back took me to Montana Mountain, just outside of Carcross, Yukon. I was happy to run up the dirt road to the trail head (photo 1), since it meant I could plod forward without having to wonder if I was on the right path (a luxury on unfamiliar trails!). The road ended abruptly at the site of an old landslide, where there was a narrow path along the bank (see the snow path on photo 2). I carefully continued on for a couple hundred meters, but being alone I couldn’t help but think “what will I do if I slip?”
I decided to stay safe and turn around (my mom and husband breathed sighs of relief when I told them later), thinking there may be another way across on higher ground. I ran/walked/hiked some snowy banks (photo 3) only to find this part of the trail required me to plod through icy water (photo 4 🥶). I wasn’t up for that, especially not knowing if I was heading in the right direction.
I felt defeated as I turned around and headed back. In a final attempt to salvage my run, I turned onto a trail off the side of the road. Success! I found myself in a network of beautiful dense forest trails as the clouds parted and the sun began to shine (photos 5-7).
September 19, 2021
My days have been ending the same way since I arrived in the Yukon: scrolling through different websites trying to figure out which trails to hit the next day. I kept seeing Mount Lorne pop up, and decided on day 3 that it was time to attempt it.
The trail starts on Bear Creek — no bears spotted, thankfully. After a few km through the pine needle carpeted trails, the path abruptly turns and the real ascent begins. I can only describe this as a 1000m climb equivalent to a cross between the ski hill and les éboulis back home in Mount Royal. Calves constantly burning, but so satisfying to see the view reveal itself with every step.
Near the summit there is some scampering required across the stony ridge. I watched two hikers about 1km ahead of me struggling to find the best path, and ultimately decided that the view OF the summit was good enough for me. I headed back down the mountain and had my trail running right of passage: I tripped on a root and fell 😆. No major injuries, so I’ll take it as my one and only fall, please and thank you.
September 20, 2021
Ultra training is going well, but after 3 long runs in a row I was so happy to have a recovery day! My left side felt sore as I woke up after having fallen on the trail the day before. This was also the first morning I was alone in the yurt (Alex is camping), so I stayed in bed a bit longer than usual. I was tired, but overall I felt good.
We headed over to Miles Canyon for a walk. I don’t think I will ever get over how blue the water is here (photos are edited, but that blue is real!). The cliffs to the river were a bit steep for the kids, so we decided to head over to playground in Whitehorse. I took that opportunity to do a little run/walk with Homer the dog so I could take in a bit more of the beautiful scenery!
September 21, 2021
On this day I wanted a change of pace (literally) and opted for some trails with a bit less elevation. Big climbs and big descents are good training for my upcoming race, but I haven’t been feeling like I’m *running* all that much (mostly power walking).
I was met with a variety of different terrains, from super technical roots and rocks, to slippery muddy marsh, to soft dirt and pine needles. It was a lot of fun, and even without a lot of elevation I still got some nice views. It rained briefly, but then the sun came out to say hi.
I am feeling good about how my training is going. I’m completing my runs, my sleep and recovery are near optimal, and my legs aren’t giving me any major issues. I have come to acknowledge that I am not as fast as I was initially hoping I would be, but I’m happy to be figuring that out now during training and not on race day. This has been such an interesting experience in getting to know myself, my limits, and how far I am comfortable pushing those limits. It hasn’t been easy, but I didn’t sign up for easy :).
September 22, 2021
Another day where I chose to sleep rather than get in a morning run. This training is tough, but I’m grateful to be doing the big weeks while on vacation. The rest comes easier, and the effort feels more like an adventure.
First day of autumn and the Yukon has fast forwarded to winter with a dusting of snow! My mom and I went for a walk, just the two of us. We saw ducks and plenty of beautiful landscapes (makes it easier to forgive the snow).
Later in the day I took Homer for a run. It was close to his dinner time and he refused to be out past 5pm, pulling me towards home with every fork in the trails 😂. Never keep a dog (or a runner) from a meal!
September 23, 2021
This was the longest run in my training program: 6 hours on feet. This was the run I was most nervous about because it would my longest (in duration) run ever.
The snowfall that morning was the cherry on top.
I set out for the Mount McIntyre loop, which was a 33km route with 1050m elevation. I had done part of the trail when I climbed Golden Horn, so I was familiar with the terrain. Based on my other excursions this trip, I estimated that it would take me close to 6 hours to complete. I took extra care during the initial climb since I wasn’t used to the snow and I knew the trail beneath had loose rocks.
Once I reached the alpine tree line (the elevation where trees can no longer grow!), I relaxed a bit. I knew the hardest ascent was behind me. It was eerie to be moving through the fog, especially with my bear fear still in full swing (Despite bear spray, bear bells, and lots of talking to myself — maybe taking to myself made it more eerie?). I did a lot of run/walk through the weaving trails until I reached the summit. What a view I’m sure I would have had!
The descent was where the bliss came in. It felt easy. The sun came out. The trail was not very technical, and I made up for a lot of time. Rather than following the loop which continued on a gravel road, I broke off onto some smaller trails to gain more elevation and distance. My right hip started to bug me about 4.5-5 hours in, but walking breaks and form checks helped the pain subside.
This run gave me confidence that the ultra would be doable. Long, but doable. I was happy.
September 24, 2021
The last long run of my training cycle. After my 6 hour activity the day before, I decided not to run this one since that morning my hip gave a little twinge on the 1km walk to my sister’s house. Coach agreed that it was not the time to tempt injury — no pain allowed from now until race day!
I headed back to Mount Lorne with Homer in tow (or vice versa), figuring I could do the less steep reverse side of the loop that I had missed before. This idea was squashed pretty quickly as I realized we would have to traverse some very wet marsh. We did the same steep climb as I had done a few days prior, only this time the views were sprinkled with snow.
With hindsight, bringing a dog on a steep hike wasn’t the best idea! The ascent was okay, but on the descent he was pulling me and the risk of falling was scary. I had to hold his leash an inch behind me the whole way down. We made it alive, and we were still friends at the end.
September 25+, 2021
The last day… which would become 3 😬.
Started with a shakeout run through my sister’s backyard trails. Breathed deep breaths and took in the frosty sights. Legs tired, but soul energized.
Saw an eagle on a walk, then got a call that the boys were home from their trip. We ordered pizza and ate cake (my husband, the birthday boy), then packed up all of our things. We were ready to go home.
At 2am I woke up with horrible nausea. Spent the next 5 hours throwing up before texting my family. Tried to rally but couldn’t. Canceled my flights. Ate 2 crackers and drank 100mL of gatorade. Slept for 15 hours on/off, with a visit from Homer. Was a zombie for a day. Booked new flights (🤑). Said goodbyes. Flew home with empty seats beside me.
Not the best end to a trip. But, yeah, I would go back. See y’a next time, Yukon.
