The Running Jackal

By Jackal

This channel is a collection of voice recordings that capture little slices of my life here in Victoria. Most often, I’m out on the running trails, sharing the sounds and stories I encounter along the... more

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FAQs about The Running Jackal:

How many episodes does The Running Jackal have?

The podcast currently has 389 episodes available.

The Running Jackal episodes:

November 16, 2025 Harrop to the South Ridge Trail.
I headed out for a quick push from Harrop up toward the South Ridge, keeping it sharp and efficient.
The climb hit hard and fast, proving once again that the shortest line to the summit is always the steepest.
I held an average cadence of 56 and kept my effort steady through the tight bends.
I covered just over five kilometres with nearly two hundred metres of climbing.
By the time I wrapped it up, the whole thing had become a compact, punchy fifty-one-minute burner.
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25min
November 12, 2025 Blenkinsop trail run
I started recording my trailer video at the BlenkinsopTrail sign and began hiking uphill after a bit of running along Blenkinsop Road. The trailer captures the first climb as I transition from running to power hiking, giving viewers a steadier view. I mention that the footage is handheld and that I’ll soon need to put the phone away to avoid cracking the screen on the rough trail. Before ending, I turn the camera on myself to say goodbye and remind viewers to watch for the Blankens Up Trail Run, Zone 4. I accidentally start another short video while trying to take a photo, adding a bit of bonus footage as I continue climbing.
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24min
November 09, 2025 Doumac Park Trail
Doumac Park Run After e-biking along the Lochside Trail, I kicked off the run segment of my ride-run-ride session at Doumac Park. It was a relaxed 1.58 km in just over fifteen minutes — mostly Zone 2 and 3 effort, steady and smooth. My heart rate hovered around 119 bpm, peaking briefly at 146 as I picked up the pace. The morning felt great — calm legs, good rhythm, and a clear head. A small loop, but another link in the chain of active, creative days on the trail.
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27min
November 04, 2025 Irvine trail summit run
I set out this morning for a climb up the Irvine Trail to the antenna summit, skipping the usual lookout to explore the adjoining peaks instead. The air was crisp, with water running lightly in the creek and frost reported further up the island. Along the way, I met a group of hikers and their dogs, trading greetings as we all worked our way up the steep grade, sometimes running, sometimes hiking. The climb was steady, filled with reflections about work, missed timesheets, and the rhythm of trail running itself — knowing when to push and when to ease off. Reaching the old antenna, soon to be replaced, I paused for photos and a final look before heading down the South Ridge Trail, signing off from the summit of Mount Douglas on a bright Tuesday morning.
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31min
October 29, 2025 Trail Running (201)
Storyline: “Trail Running 201 — The Midweek Extravaganza” It began like most midweek runs for Carlos — The Running Jackal — waiting for the number 28 bus to pass before settling into an easy rhythm along Majestic Drive. Ten minutes in, he laughed at his own wordplay, taking a “preemptive” walk break while watching the maple leaves fade from brilliance to frost-muted tones. Turning toward the “Mountain of Joy,” he reflected on how his training had evolved from Trail Running 101 — chasing medals and age-group podiums — to Trail Running 201, where the joy lies purely in movement, conversation, and connection. Along the way he met familiar faces: an older runner nursing a tendon injury, a teacher leading an outdoor school of young adventurers, and the quiet hum of a hummingbird above the trail. As he reached the “fake bridges” marking halfway, the metronome ticked in sync with his breath — a reminder that running, like life, isn’t about racing anymore, but about listening, pacing, and savoring every step through the Pacific Northwest’s living classroom.
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25min
October 26, 2025 Madrona Farm Power Loop
On a misty morning along Harvest Lane, I set out on a brisk hike, metronome ticking in my ears as I aimed to hold an eleven-minute pace toward the Maddock Trail. My goal was to find the hollow tree my friend Jackie—who hikes these woods on crutches—had photographed, marked by two white mushrooms near Madrona Farm. Along the winding trails, a friendly dog kept pace with me while its owner followed behind, and together we passed quiet meadows, weathered stumps, and signs of wildlife. Though I never found the elusive tree, the search carried me across Mercer, Tod, and Blenkinsop Trails, where I paused to take photos and soak in the stillness of the Gary oak meadows. As music from a Grateful Dead jam played through my earbuds, I climbed and descended the familiar slopes, keeping a steady rhythm between effort and pace. By the time I returned to Harvest Lane, almost 11 kilometers later, the morning dew had begun to fade, and I signed off as the Running Jackal—content with the journey, if not the discovery.
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24min
October 21, 2025 Rithet's Bog Anti-Clockwise
Describing the bog ride:run:ride
This morning I started with a 7 km e-bike ride through Saanich to warm up and burn 200 calories. Then I ran the Bog loop anti-clockwise, 4.9 km at an easy 8:05 pace, enjoying the quiet trails and soft ground. After the run, I got back on the bike for another 7 km ride with a bit more climb. By the end, I’d covered about 19 km in just over 90 minutes. It was a perfect mix of riding and running to start the day.
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31min
October 15, 2025The Duck Run
This morning’s “Duck Run” covered 8.01 km from Blenkinsop Road up through Gordon Head, finishing near Tyndall Avenue. The total time was 1:38:19, with 1:16:32 of active running at an average pace of 9:33 per km. Heart rate stayed mostly aerobic, averaging 124 bpm and peaking at 157, with 37% of the time in Zone 2. The run burned an estimated 711 calories, exceeding the 600-calorie target. You reported feeling great, keeping a steady 61 cadence and smooth pacing throughout the route., Avg Cadence:61
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22min
October 13, 2025 'It's all about the trees'
Happy Thanksgiving from Canada! It’s a blustery holiday Monday, but the skies have finally cleared after days of rain and cloud. I set out for a run through the forest at Mount Douglas, recording both audio and video while passing fellow hikers, dogs, and families enjoying the crisp autumn air. Along the way, I reflected on the Royal Victoria Marathon held yesterday and chatted with a few locals about their Thanksgiving plans. Surrounded by the sheltering trees and golden light, I felt deeply grateful for nature, friendship, and the freedom to explore the trails that inspire me
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32min
October 09, 2025 SSI O&B Ride
I started my road trip early, catching the bus at the end of San Juan Avenue just seconds before it arrived—perfect timing. After a quick transfer to the 72, I rode to the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal and boarded the small ferry bound for Fulford Harbor on Salt Spring Island. I had no fixed plans, just a simple goal to explore the island and see what future e-bike trips might look like.Once there, I biked about six kilometers to Ruckle Farm, logging around 500 calories on my little road bike. The island was scenic but steep—definitely better suited for an e-bike next time. I stopped at a local store that had everything from sandwiches to wine, enjoyed a beef sandwich and a discreet Pilsner Urquell from my water bottle while listening to a pianist by the pier.Despite a few mishaps, it was a rewarding solo adventure full of music, good food, and the open road.
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13min

FAQs about The Running Jackal:

How many episodes does The Running Jackal have?

The podcast currently has 389 episodes available.