The Running Jackal

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I set out for three long hill repeats on P'kols and immediately realized I'd forgotten my voice recorder, so the phone, a discarded glove, and a bit of improvisation had to do. Mist, steady rain, soaked feet, and steep grades kept the effort honest as I moved between running and hiking, listening closely for zone changes. The climbs weren't about speed but patience, rhythm, and accepting what the hill allowed. Between summits and familiar faces on the trail, thoughts drifted to future miles and long walks along Hadrian's Wall. Imperfect audio or not, the work got done — unrushed, intact, and exactly as needed.

P'kols, UnrushedJoin me midweek as I leave the streets behind and ease into the trees.From Glendenning to Harrop, the pace softens and the forest starts to speak.There's no rush here — just breath, footfall, and the quiet work of moving forward.This is a short run, a long exhale, and a reminder that not every effort needs an edge.Lace up, tune in, and come wander P'kols with me.

Long zone one run in my frosty 'hood, Avg Cadence:63Cold air, quiet streets, and that pale winter light stretching your shadow out ahead like a compass needle. The frost on the path says early and honest—no rush, just steady forward motion. You're moving through a neighbourhood that hasn't quite woken up yet, hills holding the horizon, trees standing watch. It feels like a run where endurance mattered more than speed, where you let the rhythm settle and finished stronger than you started—exactly what the numbers back up. A calm, workmanlike coastal miles kind of morning: subdued, gritty, and quietly satisfying.

Good morning everybody, Carlos here, recording my trailer video on Blenkinsop Road as I headed down toward the Lochside Trail. I planned to go up the Donwood stairs to Lohbrunnner Pond and thought that would be the title for this short midweek podcast. I had already captured quite a bit of footage on Mount Douglas and was running down toward the Lochside Trail as I spoke.Letting listeners know to watch my 'feed' for a midweek video podcast of about 24 minutes from that outing, mixing in a few walk breaks and some “eye candy" . I signed off as the Running Jackal from Lobrunnner West—or maybe East—realizing I should have checked the sign before saying goodbye.

Broadmead and Rithet's Bog are part of the same landscape history, shaped first by wetlands and later by agriculture and settlement. Rithet's Bog was once part of a much larger marsh system that naturally drained and nourished the surrounding land. As settlers arrived, sections of the bog were drained to create farmland, leading to the establishment of Broadmead Farm. The name “Broadmead” came not from the land itself, but from Broadmead, a prized racehorse owned by Robert Paterson Rithet. Over time, most of the wetland disappeared under development, leaving Rithet's Bog as a rare surviving remnant of that original environment.

A gentle Wednesday loop around the Cedar Hill chip trail, keeping things relaxed and familiar. One steady lap around the golf course, soft footing underfoot, nothing forced. I slowed down long enough to say hello to some old friends — the ducks — who barely flinched as I shuffled past. That's the beauty of this place: repetition without boredom. Thirty minutes of woodchips, small climbs, wandering thoughts, and an easy rhythm before heading off for errands and a few more miles on the bike. The Running Jackal signing off from the Queensbury Ave exit. Stats:3.5 km · 70 m gain · 30:40 · Avg cadence 63

I recorded a long on-the-move video and audio segment while running and walking through Mount Douglas Park the day after the salmon toss, narrating what I saw along Douglas Creek as it ran high from recent rain. I talked through my process of keeping audio and video synchronized, filming incidentals, and planning how the footage would become both a trailer and a longer podcast episode. Along the way I reflected on wet feet, muddy trails, fake bridges, zone-based heart rate alerts from my running app, and the challenge of staying upright on slick rock. I passed familiar landmarks like the hiker's bridge, Elephant Rock, and the saddle, mixing trail observations with side thoughts about money, technology, past injuries, and even low-flying floatplanes. I nearly tripped while chatting on trail but stayed vertical, finished the climb, and signed off contentedly from a soggy but memorable run the day after the salmon toss.

I rode my e-bike twice today, using the first short loop to get moving and the second to close the loop and pick up my cycling gear. Between the rides, I settled into a solid 30 minutes of traditional weight training. The strength session felt steady and controlled, with an average heart rate of 97 bpm and just enough effort to keep me honest. Altogether, the second ride covered 6.61 km with 67 meters of climbing, giving the day a nice aerobic lift. It felt like a quiet homage to my virtual training buddy KG, sharing the work even when one of us didn't hit record.

Carlos introduces the hike while climbing the South Ridge Trail, showing off his new chest-mounted camera alongside his point-and-shoot. He pauses to give viewers a 360-degree look at the surroundings as he continues the ascent. The outing is framed as a straightforward trail update, with “South Ridge Ascent” set as the title for the day.

Short Coastal O&BA short coastal out-and-back just under an hour, covering 6.42 km. I ran for 56:25 with a relaxed overall pace of 8:47/km, averaging 6.83 km/h. Heart rate stayed mostly easy at 125 bpm on average, peaking briefly at 155. Cadence was low and economical at 67, and the effort felt great throughout. About 529 calories burned on a steady,

I completed a purposeful ride–run–ride day, stacking short e-bike sessions around a steady trail run. I kept my heart rate low throughout, staying firmly in aerobic territory and focusing on efficiency rather than intensity. I used the Golf Course Loop run as a controlled endurance effort, letting it complement the rides instead of turning it into a hard workout. I finished the day feeling durable and composed, confident that the work supported long-term progression rather than short-term fatigue.

Hello everyone—Carlos here, taking a few audio notes before I properly hit record. I'll be filming the show later today on an epic summit run, hands free, with a point-and-shoot camera strapped to my chest. Douglas Creek is in full storm-surge mode this morning, swollen and loud, the kind of water that demands a photo or two for context. All of this is just note-taking for now, setting the scene before the actual program begins up near the resort.The sun is out, fifteen minutes in, hydration check done, and I'm heading toward Ash Road on the west side of the creek, trying to stay relaxed and honest in Zone 2. This route took me about an hour and fifteen last summer, and there's no need to rush it today. A brief stop, a drink, a friendly exchange with a fellow trail traveler and her dog, and a reminder that the mountain always introduces you to someone—or something—unexpected.That's enough notes for now. Time to stop talking, start climbing, and let the summit do the rest.

A Trip Around the Chip I headed out midweek from Queensbury Avenue toward King's Pond, setting off on a familiar loop of the well-drained chip trail at Cedar Hill. The run felt like a trip down memory lane, with ducks on the pond, the million-dollar view, and the soft crunch of fresh chip underfoot despite the recent rain. I mixed steady jogging with short walk breaks as the rolling hills, muddy patches, and creek crossings kept things interesting. Even with interruptions for photos and trail chatter, I held a comfortable sub-nine-minute pace and stayed mostly in zone three. I finished the loop relaxed and content, knowing I'd parked the e-bike nearby to grab groceries before riding home.

I rode my e-bike down to the Lochside Trail and started my out-and-back run toward the trestle bridge over Blenkinsop Lake, which I always called Roy's Bridge. I fumbled with my voice recorder at the start, laughing at all the clothing noise before finally tucking it back into its glove. As I crossed the cedar planks, I enjoyed the glockenspiel-like sound of my shoes tapping along the wooden bridge. A little farther down the trail, I bumped into Chris running in the opposite direction doing his K-repeats. I carried on down the path, feeling like the Running Jackal signing off near the end of another rambling trail podcast.

I slipped back into the forest of fun for a steady hour on the trails, covering 6.49 km. My pace stayed easy and smooth, settling into long stretches of Zone 1 and 2 with a few spicy climbs pushing the effort higher. The route wound from the neighbourhood streets into the cool woods, then out toward the beach before looping home. My legs felt strong, my heart steady at an average of 126 bpm, and by the end I'd burned 584 calories. It was one of those relaxed Saturday runs that left me feeling great from start to finish.(This description was summerize from my data by an AI algorythm)

I headed out early for a relaxed 5-kilometre walk through Gordon Head, keeping a steady pace of around 10:30 to 11:00 per kilometre. My heart rate stayed low at about 107 bpm, and my cadence hovered around 127 steps per minute, so it really felt like an easy errand walk. The route took me through quiet neighbourhood streets with only small rises and dips in elevation. Along the way I passed a giant Canadian Santa and a whole lineup of inflatable Christmas pups that made me smile. It was a calm, steady way to start my morning.

On a bright, sunny Sunday morning, I headed out solo for my Two Cove Run with a goal of burning 600 calories. I covered 6.98 km in just over an hour of running time, holding an easy, steady pace of 9:17 per kilometre. My heart rate stayed comfortably controlled, averaging 121 bpm and peaking briefly at 140. I spent most of the run in Zone 2 and Zone 3, keeping the effort aerobic and relaxed. I finished feeling great and nearly hit my calorie target with 582 burned.

Learning from the forestI went for a solo run in the Forest of Fun and let the trail pull me into its cool, green quiet. I moved past the rushing creek and noticed how swollen the water looked after the recent storm. I ran by the Douglas Weir signs and paused just long enough to read about storm surges and rain-garden projects. The mix of forest sounds and fast water kept me focused and steady on the climb. By the time I finished, I felt refreshed and grounded from being out there.

I headed over Mount Douglas and down toward Lohbrunner Pond for an easy Sunday outing with a baggie of brown rice in my pocket. My legs settled into a relaxed rhythm, most of the run sitting comfortably in Zones 2 and 3. The trails were calm and cool, and by the time I reached the pond the ducks were already circling the little landing, waiting to see what I had brought. I fed them by the water's edge under the cedars, enjoying that quiet pause before jogging home. All told, it was 8.66 km of steady effort, a great-feeling run with a simple mission accomplished.

Somewhat Discombobulated!, Workout to burn 600 caloriesI headed out feeling a bit scattered, but the trail settled me down quickly. I moved through all five heart-rate zones as I covered just under 6 km in a little under an hour. My pace stayed easy and steady, even when a few harder surges pushed me toward the top of my range. By the end, I had burned just over 600 calories and found a comfortable rhythm. I finished feeling great, glad I showed up for the effort.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

This morning I ran laps at Lambrick Park, alternating 300 calories clockwise and 300 calories counterclockwise while struggling to stabilize my heart rate after a late night out. I carried my camera and a diluted Damiana tea sports drink, took walk breaks in the shade, and noticed lots of people walking dogs and playing baseball and tennis as I went. Despite my elevated heart rate readings, which I suspected were due to adrenaline, dehydration, or even Bluetooth interference, I kept to my program and checked my stats periodically. By the time I'd run nearly 5 km, I realized both directions had been equally stressful, so I decided to head home while still feeling good overall. As I turned into my street, I reflected on pacing, age, and the importance of listening to my body while running.

I headed out on a 90-minute run–hike mix, aiming to keep most of it in zone one with occasional stretches into zone two and three. I monitored my cadence, heart rate, pace, and hydration, pausing for tea breaks and noting how my body responded to the mixture. Along the way I passed other runners, including a Coast Guard woman, and reflected on recording challenges, outfit noise, and whether the audio quality would be useful. My thoughts drifted to family—like my son flying back from England—and everyday details, such as salmon deals at the store. The route climbed steadily to the saddle, where I wrapped up the recording before heading downhill toward Bow and Lambrick Parks to finish.

Hello everyone—today I'm taking you on a hike instead of a run, aiming for about 90 minutes of activity. I've got my camera, voice recorder, and the metronome ticking away, though that click may make the audio unusable. Crossing the Hiker's Bridge, I passed people enjoying Douglas Creek. I stopped for water, admired the trees I think of as friends, and recorded some trailer footage while moving toward the meadows. The traffic and clothing rustle made the audio tricky, but I pressed on past the outdoor schoolroom, then climbed toward Arbutus Mount, noting helicopters overhead. The trails were beautiful, rocky, and quiet, and I filmed again for the video audience. Today's episode will likely be called ‘To the Meadows and Back'. Wrapping up, I stowed my earbuds, and continued the hike—still recording,.. still The Running Jackal..

Rolling out from Gordon Head, the loop begins on quiet neighborhood streets before heading west toward Shelbourne. From there, the route carries on along Cedar Hill Road, a long straight stretch that threads through Saanich. It then bends south, passing Swan Lake and weaving through parkland and suburban lanes before crossing toward the Gorge Waterway. The ride continues into downtown Victoria, curving past the Inner Harbour and skirting around Deadman's Island. From there, the route climbs back north through residential streets, steadily winding back toward Gordon Head to complete the 20 km circuit.

I set out on a brisk solo walk, starting from the residential streets and following my route downhill toward the water. The early kilometers took me past Rutland Park and through shady, tree-lined sections where I paused to notice a sign for Sierra Park. My pace stayed steady as I wound through the neighbourhood streets, my shoes scuffing the pavement, and I tracked my splits and heart rate along the way. Soon, the trees opened up to reveal Arbutus Cove, where the sand, rocks, and driftwood spread out beneath the morning light. I lingered for a few minutes by the quiet shoreline, taking in the contrast of sea, forest, and sky before looping back toward home.

On the ferry, I chatted with others about seniors traveling for free, cycling policies, and how vehicles were loaded. I explained my e-bike setup, battery range, and how I managed a multi-day trip by charging overnight. I compared different routes, including the Lockside Trail and back roads from Cowichan Bay toward Victoria. As we crossed, I reflected on leaving home, noticing how the ferry's speed matched the pace of an e-bike. The trip wrapped up with a few last thoughts on senior discounts, space on the boat, and my farewell from the ride.