You've heard of Sworry Trials, how about Sawry Tribulations?

James Lange

As part of my Impossibleman training I had planned on doing a solo Backyard Ultra on my training loop as an intermediate goal sometime in June. Then I thought maybe I would invite a friend or two to join me. Then I thought why not throw the invite out all Roosters and see who's stupid enough to think it's a good idea. I know it's a long shot, but at the very least I got @Craig_D lined up (even if it's just the two of us we'll have fun I'm sure). If you've always wanted to visit the Canadian Rockies this is a great excuse, and I'm happy to act as a guide while you are here. The race weekend is June 10/11. It goes without saying that this is an unsanctioned, unserious, and almost totally unplanned event.

Before you reject the idea as totally crazy, please have a look at my promotional leaflet (attached to this post hopefully), there are a few factoids in there that just might entice you.

wchevron

I can't tell if this is an advert for a race or your Tinder profile?

James Lange

@wchevron said:
I can't tell if this is an advert for a race or your Tinder profile?

Yes.

Craig_D

You forgot to emphasize the fact that Cochrane is really pronounced Cock Ring. One question - are terry cloth robes part of the race swag or do I need to bring my own?

Aaron Webstey

My god, it's glorious.

James Lange

@Craig_D said:
You forgot to emphasize the fact that Cochrane is really pronounced Cock Ring. One question - are terry cloth robes part of the race swag or do I need to bring my own?

You can borrow mine.

Tad_M

As soon as you are ready for this to be the Ode to Laz Alberta Backyard Ultra, the licensing deal is ready. This is amazing! Good luck runners (and hoverboarders).

James Lange

@Tad_M said:
As soon as you are ready for this to be the Ode to Laz Alberta Backyard Ultra, the licensing deal is ready. This is amazing! Good luck runners (and hoverboarders).

Ode to Tad has a nice ring to it.

Aaron Webstey

@James Lange said:

@Tad_M said:
As soon as you are ready for this to be the Ode to Laz Alberta Backyard Ultra, the licensing deal is ready. This is amazing! Good luck runners (and hoverboarders).

Ode to Tad has a nice ring to it.

So the Saury Tribulations early in the week as a warm up for Ode To Tad? This sounds awesome for some reason

James Lange

@Aaron Webstey said:
So the Saury Tribulations early in the week as a warm up for Ode To Tad? This sounds awesome for some reason

I better make sure I can pull off a one day completely just-for-fun event for as few as 2 people before I sully Tad's good name.

KHilgendorf

Did anyone else look at that personals ad and think, “this guy’s a runner?”

kjrunnin

You had me at 2 cats.

Craig_D

Update: Last night shift before heading down to @James Lange 's humble abode in a couple of days. I managed to convince one of my kids to come along and try a couple of laps. I figure with a modified @Struang training plan, and my Physio guy dry needling me like i was a pin cushion I have no problem going for a minimum of 6 laps. Wish us luck! Supposed to be hot as balls as well.

James Lange

24 hours to go!

My recruiting efforts fell a little flat. Had one dude from work (a legit ultra-marathoner) almost convinced to come, but he's planning a 120km/12hr training run so the backyard format wasn't tough enough for him. I had two dad's from my kids' swim team interested, but they are both out of town this weekend. Then I have a couple neighbors who are definitely interested in beers post-race. I think for next year's poster I'll have to show a little more skin.

My dad is really bored these days so he's ridiculously excited to see the three of us slog around for hours. He's planning on documenting the race and is even brining his drone, so you can all look forward to that video dropping on youtube in a week or so.

wchevron

Looking forward to the hot tub pics. Who gets the top bunk?

Struang

@Craig_D don't knock my training plan, it's got me to the finish of two full and a half Ironman.

Admitedly with minutes to spare in some cases, but that's just a minor detail

James Lange

Had an amazing weekend! Began on Friday with the shock of finding @Tad_M on my doorstep. I was very very confused. @Craig_D did a really good job of keeping that one close to the vest.

The race on Saturday went well. All three of us had our longest runs of the year. My goal was 8 laps and I managed that. The weather was a little warm and sunny, but no smoke or thunderstorms. The communal jar of Vaseline was a real lifesaver. In the evening we enjoyed the fuck our of hot tub (sorry @wchevron no pics), pizza, and beers.

I'll share my dad's video once he posts it.

Not sure what the future holds for this "event" but I've got some vague plans.

Craig_D

@Struang said:
@Craig_D don't knock my training plan, it's got me to the finish of two full and a half Ironman.

Admitedly with minutes to spare in some cases, but that's just a minor detail

Hey. Don’t take it the wrong way. I tried it and liked it last year. I still say you need to bottle it and sell it. If you have at least 2 people with “minutes to spare” results you’re definitely on to something as far as I’m concerned.

Craig_D

Thanks for hosting us @James Lange. It was great to just get out and run. You have an awesome family and it was great to meet them all! Looking forward to July now and have a bit more motivation to train.

Tad_M

@James Lange , I loved the course. It ad 7 distinct phases that I found really interesting to help with the eventual mental games that have to be played.
What a great time, and your family was amazingly kind to the invaders.
I’m hooked! It’s my personal best backyard in competition.

James Lange

It was awesome to have you Tad!

Here's my dad's video:

M_Ware

Your dad did a great job. Thanks for sharing.

Craig_D

@James Lange Great video

wchevron

I'm still waiting for the bunk bed pics.

Tad_M

That's super cool @James Lange ! Tell your Dad thank you for all that work.
I'm sorry I took so long to check up on the Roost.