TransLink service changes, spring 2012
Posted: 28 April 2012 Filed under: Transit | Tags: bus routes, postaweek2012, translink 1 Comment »Buzzer Blog post covering Spring 2012 service changes
Most of TransLink’s service changes for spring are related to the rollout of the Frequent Transit Network [PDF map], and most of them are to cut down on the weekend early-morning service before the 15-minute frequency kicks in at 7:00am on Saturday and 8:00am on Sunday. (Prior to this, the 15-minute guideline applied from 6:00am to 9:00pm, 7 days a week.) It’s interesting how some routes that appear to be frequent enough (I’m thinking 337, 401, 403) do not make the cut, according to the guidelines.
The other big piece to the changes is the introduction of the long-awaited connection between White Rock and Langley. A few TransLink planners managed to board the new 531 on opening day. But why was the 531 made to terminate in Willowbrook, instead of the bigger hub of Langley Centre?
The 531 could be the only piece of new or improved transit services for a while. In an action-packed April, the independent commissioner for TransLink has released his review of TransLink’s application for a fare increase, followed by TransLink’s response, which effectively suspended most of the items on last fall’s Moving Forward Plan. I’m disappointed that such a decision had to be made, which only places a glaring spotlight on the major disconnect among TransLink, the cities, and the province. And with a provincial election a year away, I’m not expecting any movement between now and then.
Running in Hawaii
Posted: 23 April 2012 Filed under: Rickie Personal, Running | Tags: hawaii, holiday, postaweek2012 1 Comment »
P366:166 - Palm tree on Anaeho'omalu Beach
I took this photo in the middle of my scheduled long run on the west coast of the Big Island. There was a stretch where I was running on sand, and let me tell you that it’s really tough. I did the same thing for a brief stretch on Waikiki Beach earlier in the week.
I was away for a week, and while I did a general wrap on my travel blog, I want to cover the running portion here. My family and I split our time between Oahu and the Big Island. I had two runs on each island. The first one was a circuit around Diamond Head in Honolulu. It was challenging, compounded by a brief shower that added greatly to the humidity. The second one, the next day, was near and on Waikiki Beach. Even though this was also early (both runs started around 7:00am), I was again affected by the humidity.
The runs on the Big Island, on the other hand, were an issue of heat rather than humidity. Add to that the fact my last scheduled long run took place while I was there, and I got a little concerned, not least because I have no idea of where to run. I tried mapping one where I would go on the King’s Trail. But when I set off Saturday morning, I realized the trail is not suitable at all. Forced to improvise on the fly, I just went around the resort area where I was staying, including beaches and another attempt on the King’s Trail. Here’s a picture of what it looks like:
King's Trail, looking north toward the Waikoloa resort
Dehydration and lack of water became an issue while I was on this trail. I returned to the townhouse where we were staying for a refill. I then made a point in the second half of going really slowly and stopping frequently. It was after 9:00am by this time, and the sun was already bearing down. My overall time on my feet was 3:50, about the same time as last week in Vancouver, but I figured that with the conditions I endured, it’s a remarkable achievement.
I’m now entering week 2 of the three-week taper. I’m feeling great, and can’t wait to get to the start line for the Vancouver Marathon.
Back to runemployment
Posted: 8 April 2012 Filed under: Rickie Personal, Running | Tags: postaweek2012, training, unemployment Leave a comment »Now that my latest work contract has wound down, I’m prepping myself to return to the full-time job of finding a full-time job. But it also frees up a bit of time to focus in the last month of training for the Vancouver Marathon. It’s another turn of runemployment, and there’s some optimism on both fronts. My training has gone well, and I’m on track at making the start line for the marathon. The last work contract, while providing some stability and funds, has shown me that I can reach higher for the position that suits me better with my experience.
But first, a brief holiday – I’m heading to Hawaii with the family! Yes, it’s much needed, and I can’t wait to get in several “R”s while I’m there: rest, relaxation, reading, reflection, and running. Depending on the wifi access I get, I might post a photo a two. See you in a week!
Running in East Vancouver
Posted: 1 April 2012 Filed under: Running, Vancouver | Tags: east vancouver, eastvanlove, postaweek2012, training Leave a comment »I’m an East Vancouver boy, through and through. I’ve lived here since 1991, and I can’t imagine living anywhere else. After attending the latest #EastVanLove tweetup, I thought about my running in East Vancouver, particularly the long runs. Even within those, I’m thinking of the really long runs that are at least 20 km long. For those runs that start from and finish near my home, most of them extend beyond what’s considered East Vancouver. But I hadn’t thought about creating a long run entirely within East Vancouver. This route, which I ran this weekend, is almost 30 km, and is a decent cross-section of the entire Eastside.
Crab Park, taken at the start of my East Vancouver long run
I started here, at Crab Park. From here, I made my way along the industrial area and eventually on to Commercial Drive. It was nice to see the produce shops setting up and resisted the temptation to partake some coffee from many of the caffeine dens that line the Drive. After 8 kilometres, I ended up here at one of my favourite running places, John Hendry Park and Trout Lake.
Trout Lake
I also ran next to the SkyTrain line, which itself was built over the route of the old interurbans that went from Vancouver to New Westminster and beyond. And after passing through Collingwood, Champlain Heights, and Everett Crowley Park, I made my way down to the riverfront. This is as far from Crab Park as you can get and still be in East Vancouver.
Along the riverside trail in East Vancouver
This one’s a real revelation, as I discovered there is a riverside trail for about 3 km. I’d previously run on a bike route that was placed further away from the river. I finished my Eastside tour by going through the Punjabi Market neighbourhood, Mountain View Cemetery, and finishing along Main Street to where it meets with Kingsway.
Running this made me realize how diverse East Vancouver is in terms of running terrain. It may not have the uninterrupted trails of the seawall, but for long runs, there is a lot to see. I’ll be glad to give a tour!
