The Running Jackal

'Top loop romp'
i went out for a relaxed Top Loop run and covered about 5 km in roughly 50 minutes. My pace was around 9 minutes per kilometre, keeping things mostly comfortable. My heart rate averaged about 135 bpm and briefly climbed to around 180 bpm during the harder efforts. I spent most of the time in the easier zones with a few stronger bursts mixed in. I finished the run feeling great, like it was a solid but playful outing. 🏃‍♂️



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A mid-week triptych often refers to a three-paneled artwork or curated photo series, frequently highlighting themes of daily rhythm, religious devotion, or art, such as a constructivist piece or a "Holy Week" poem-prayer series. These creations, whether visual or written, are used to break up the week with creative, reflective, or artistic focus, often displayed on social media.

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This morning I headed out solo on Patrick’s trail loop, covering 7.05 km in just over an hour, keeping it mostly steady and aerobic. My heart rate stayed comfortably low overall, drifting between Zones 2 and 3, with just a touch of climbing effort in Zone 4. The pace was unhurried, the cadence relaxed — the kind of run where the body moves and the mind wanders. As the trail rolled under my feet, I found myself thinking about old friends and the seasons of life we’ve shared. It was one of those “great feeling” runs — not fast, not flashy, just honest miles and quiet reflection in the woods.
, Avg Cadence:60

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Carlos recorded his midweek “show” while hiking up Church Hill Drive to the lookout, choosing to walk instead of run to keep his heart rate under control. He reached the top at about a 12-minute-per-kilometre pace, noting the cold air, hazy sunshine, strong wind, and ongoing antenna construction near the summit. During the climb, he reflected on his upcoming Hadrian's Wall adventure, which now looks like it will include four walkers doing the official west-to-east route, including a new addition who is Bill’s cousin. After 38 minutes of climbing, he began his descent down the Glen Denning Trail toward Harvest Lane, expecting the downhill stretch to improve his pace. The video ends as he heads back home, about 3.37 kilometres out, with the audio set to continue beyond the eight-minute clip.

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In this episode, I head out for an easy altitude-focused run from the base of Mount Douglas Park, recording casually from my phone as I climb toward Arbutus Mount. Running low on hydration, I make an early stop at the park’s tap before continuing along the lower trails, noticing recent wind damage and the quiet of the forest. The route follows a classic saddle loop, mixing steady climbing, power hiking, and relaxed downhill stretches while I keep an eye on heart rate and pace. From the top of Arbutus Mount, with views out over the Salish Sea, I wrap up a reflective, low-key effort and call it a day.

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That morning I headed out for my Three Triangles run, planning easy hill repeats with a steady climb that grew progressively steeper before each downhill. I moved through Mount Douglas Park, tracking my pace and heart rate while greeting dog walkers and pausing occasionally for photos of my favourite trees. The second climb averaged about eight percent, pushing me into higher zones than usual, though I tried to stay controlled and focused on steady effort. As I ran, I reflected on my podcast episode, my training philosophy of longevity over extremes, and even shared a few thoughts about the Barkley Marathons. Near the end, about fifty-five minutes in, I recorded my Wednesday trailer on the power line trail and signed off until Sunday.

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This morning I headed out along Colquitz Creek for a five-kilometre run, and the creek was in full storm surge mode. Flowing down from Elk Lake, it was louder and fuller than I’ve ever seen it, a big change from the usual trickle. I followed the path beside the water (with Interurban Road humming nearby), carefully crossed the nearly flooded stepping stones, and stopped for a few photos along the way. The route opened up at Panama Flats, wide, watery, and full of birdsong, with Mount Douglas watching in the distance. A muddy, scenic out-and-back adventure — recorded live, as always.

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This is Carlos taking the experimental route up Mount Tolmie, trying the west side for a change instead of my usual east approach. What I found was a narrow single track with little bridge planks over swampy ground, patches of bare rock, and more hiking than running — especially with a camera in one hand and a voice recorder in the other. I made a wrong turn, retraced my steps (as trail wisdom demands), and eventually rejoined a semi-official path that wound its way toward the top. There were fungi on trees — possibly turkey tail — signs of last summer’s burn, a stray Starbucks gift card, and plenty of mossy rock photo opportunities along the way. Twenty minutes in, I popped out at the summit parking lot, recorded a quick trailer, watched a wary seagull guard his snack stash, and then let the paved downhill carry me back toward Richmond Road. Not a long episode, but a good cross-training climb close to home — less than five kilometres from my fridge. Later: tomato sauce, pizza assembly, and the quiet satisfaction of another small local adventure in the books.

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A sunny trail run unfolds from Cedar Hill Road up through Whittaker and Harrop, with more climbing than running and plenty of pauses to soak in the views. I’m moving at a mountain trot, stepping over fallen trees, passing hikers and familiar dogs, and occasionally running out of air as the trail tilts upward. The day feels like early spring teasing its arrival—gloves come off, sunshine breaks through, and everything looks ready to wake up. Thoughts drift to future plans like the Hadrian’s Wall adventure and a new podcast, even as muddy sections and wet shoes keep things very real underfoot. The run loops back down toward Harvest Lane, ending with tired legs, a full head, and a cheerful sign-off from a bright day on the trails in BC.



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Glacier Place Mash I started running anticlockwise from Glacier Place, letting an open-air recording capture the trail exactly as it was—tree frogs, passing voices, and the scrape of fresh gravel underfoot. It was the first run of the week, easing into Zone 2 and waiting for the breathing to settle as the pace naturally smoothed out. Construction noises drifted through the forest while I thought ahead to longer walks, paper maps, and the quiet logic of moving steadily from morning into evening. Downhills offered free speed, climbs demanded patience, and the loop revealed its familiar landmarks in no particular rush. Thirty-plus minutes later, I arrived back where I started, breath intact, mind clear, and the mash complete.

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