Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Grouse Grind

On our recent trip to Vancouver we decided to enjoy the splendid September weather by doing the Grouse Grind, nicknamed "Nature's Stairmaster". The trail is only 2.8 KM, but the elevation gain is 2,900 ft. Erik pointed out the irony of measuring the distance in metric, and the elevation in feet. For those of you who do much hiking, that is a very steep climb - an average 30% grade, which is steeper than the Mt. Si hike which averages 1,000 ft of gain per MILE.

We started around 10:30, and already the trail was very crowded. By the time we finished, one could see a steady stream of climbers coming up the trail. Sven led the way for us, and it was difficult, as the steps were obviously designed for adult legs, not kid legs. Often, he had to pull himself up a step with two hands. But he did a great job of scrambling over rocks, roots, and large steps to get to the top - and there was very little complaining. He said his legs were getting sore, but that was it. We met several groups with kids, and not a single one looked happy. 1.5 hours after we started, we were at the top and enjoying the fantastic view. We took the cable car down, as hiking down is not allowed.

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Sven's First Race

Yesterday Sven and Erik ran the Jock n' Jill 4 Mile race. It coincides with the Jock n' Jill 1/2 Marathon that is held each year on Labor Day. Here is Erik's write up of the event.

Sven's official time was 45:25, a 10:47 pace. (The course was a little over 4 miles.) Sven was the fastest 7-year-old. There were only two 7-year olds, and no six-year-olds, so there's a 50% chance he was the youngest finisher at all. Sven finished 298 out of a field of 489. He also finished almost a minute faster than the *average* finish time.

Sven's division is boys age 19 and younger, so he didn't win his division. He placed 28 of 33. Most of the people behind Sven were adults although he was faster than several fit-looking older kids. Not bad! Sven did a 1-mile race last year, but there were no official times. So this was his first regular road race and he did very well!

The other thing was there was a mass start for both the half marathon and the 4 mile, so the three of us got to start the race together, and run together for about half a mile. But it also meant Sven had to contend with a big mass start of adults who were not necessarily looking underfoot for kids. Sven dealt with the challenge well. Best of all, he had a good time.

Friday, September 04, 2009

Tooth Fairy Part 2

What does a boy who doesn't believe in the Tooth Fairy get when a tooth falls out? Earlier this year Sven informed us he didn't believe in the Tooth Fairy. But he wasn't so sure, when his tooth fell out this past weekend. We asked if he was going to leave it out for the Tooth Fairy. He gave us a strange look then agreed to leave it out on his bed in an envelope. He also told us that since his blanket in the summer was lighter than his winter blanket, he will be able to feel the Tooth Fairy when she arrives.

However, the next day, after getting the money, he tried to find ways to trick us into admitting we were responsible. He even tried to tell Erik that he didn't get an allowance this week, because he already got his money.

Next time, maybe we'll just directly deposit the dollar coins in his piggy bank. He still has several teeth to go, and having Erik leap out of bed at 6:30 AM because he forgot the Teeth money is no fun either.