[therubberguard]

Just a heads up, Grouse Grind opens tomorrow

Grouse Grind (http://www.metrovancouver.org/region/grousegrind/Pages/default.aspx)

what's everyone's target time this year?

Personally, hoping to keep it under an hour.

[Ch28]

It's that time of the year again, bitches! :alonehappy:
Grouse Grind (http://www.facebook.com/grousegrind)
55 minutes ago
Guess what, Grinders? Start your stretches, eat your carbs and get some sleep... The Grouse Grind officially opens for the summer season tomorrow!

Share this status to spread the word!

First Skyride down is at 7:30am.

Times for now are 615am - 730pm

Current Best Times? 58 minutes
New Goal Time? Under 50 minutes
Frequency? Going to try to go at least 3-4x a week
Tips for the newbs? Bring a towel & bottle of water to keep yourself hydrated. Go at a steady and consistent pace. Don't be like some of those shirtless fools that sprint at the start and end up gasping for air 1/4 way through :lol

[RayBot]

I was trying to beat my best time of 45 minutes. But i gained a bit of weight since then.

[sdubfid]

43MA

best time around 48mins, be lucky to break 60mins tomorrow

[skiiipi]

Going tomorrow (or I guess later today) as well.
Goal is to break 60min...gonna be tough

[skiiipi]

53:05....not bad for first time of the year

[DaFonz]

44 minutes after doing heavy squats in the gym.

This might be the year to break 40!

[The_Situation]

44 minutes after doing heavy squats in the gym.

This might be the year to break 40!

Wow that's crazy impressive.

[TypeRNammer]

I did the Squamish Chief while the grind was closed....it was my first time too.

Will be trying out the grind when I have time!

[Ch28]

Took the gf up for the first time in several years. We ended up finishing in 1.5 hours. Not bad for her first time in so many years. Gonna try to go by myself tomorrow morning if it's not raining

[Gerbs]

Dear god, went from 59min to 2 hours since i ha to wait for friends :okay:

[Suprarz666]

1hour for me, first time ever.

[TRDood]

Are there still tons of misquitoes near the last quarter mark?

[!Aznboi128]

^ depends on the time you go, last time I went wasnt that bad, Going to go on thursday see how well I can do this year

[Ch28]

Are there still tons of misquitoes near the last quarter mark?

Didn't notice any yesterday, but we went at 830am.

[vafanculo]

Took the gf up for the first time in several years. We ended up finishing in 1.5 hours. Not bad for her first time in so many years. Gonna try to go by myself tomorrow morning if it's not raining

Lol damn, I wouldn't be able to sit for a week, let alone go back to back the first time.

Every year I say I'll go, but I chicken out. This will be the year I really go. I'm expecting 2 hours maybe.

Is it dry? Can you get away with runners?

[LiquidTurbo]

Lol damn, I wouldn't be able to sit for a week, let alone go back to back the first time.

Every year I say I'll go, but I chicken out. This will be the year I really go. I'm expecting 2 hours maybe.

Is it dry? Can you get away with runners?

Relax. It's not that bad. you can get away with runners just about any time, I've done it in the pouring rain. The steps are easy and it's easy to be sure footed.

As Confucius say..

"It does not matter how slow you go, so long as you do not stop." That's a good tip.

Sometimes you just have to do things. Just drive there and make yourself do it. It's not some daunting huge task or anything.

[Ch28]

Lol damn, I wouldn't be able to sit for a week, let alone go back to back the first time.

Every year I say I'll go, but I chicken out. This will be the year I really go. I'm expecting 2 hours maybe.

Is it dry? Can you get away with runners?

Going back to back on the grind isn't hard at all. It really is no different then going to the gym two days in a row. It's just a different workout

I think the average time for the grind is 90 minutes. It took me 140 minutes the first time I went last year. I cut it down to 90ish minutes the second time I went. I ended up hitting 59 minutes a few times after.

The only part that isn't dry is the last 1/4. There's still snow up there so it gets a quite muddy up there. Just make sure you have good grip before taking your next step. I do the grind in runners

[jeepwreck]

my best time has been 48 mins. i would like to break it this year

[RayBot]

Everyone that goes up usually go up with
runners . Trail runners preferred

[dton13]

45 mins yesterday and today....

Best time was just under 39, gotta get back at it!

[therubberguard]

1hr1m today. Went up with runners and it was a big mistake especially since it was super slippery, felt like i was going to roll my ankle. Lots of water flowing down with the snow melting and the rain.

[dton13]

1hr1m today. Went up with runners and it was a big mistake especially since it was super slippery, felt like i was going to roll my ankle. Lots of water flowing down with the snow melting and the rain.

Good time given the conditions, I told myself I'd go up the whole weekend but hit the gym instead today :failed:

I always run up with these Nike ACG's

http://www.hejin54.com/uploads/allimg/c101103/12XLP624V40-22P4.jpg

Got them on sale at MEC for $45 two years ago. Best $45 I've ever spent. Gore-tex exterior its been up the GG probably 100+ times and it's never failed me lol. They're heavy as fuck and the GF thinks they're ugly as sin but I love em.

[DaFonz]

Lol damn, I wouldn't be able to sit for a week, let alone go back to back the first time.

Every year I say I'll go, but I chicken out. This will be the year I really go. I'm expecting 2 hours maybe.

Is it dry? Can you get away with runners?

It's easier than you think it is. Imagine walking up stairs for an hour and that's the grouse grind. People just think it's tough because they stop and rest which just makes things worse. Just choose a steady pace without stopping and you can hit an hr easy.

After today, it won't be dry. Runners are fine. I went up with adidas superstars. I've seen people wearing flipflops, high heels and going barefooted (after realizing high heels suck.. :lol:).

[Redlines_Daily]

What do you guys wear for clothing? Im going to do it this week in the afternoon, is shorts/tshirt ok, or will it be too cold for that?

[RayBot]

What do you guys wear for clothing? Im going to do it this week in the afternoon, is shorts/tshirt ok, or will it be too cold for that?

Probably for the next 2 weeks.....it will be very cold at the top, even worse if you build up a heavy sweat. You won't be feeling it while you do the grind, but it will hit you the moment you stop. A tshirt/shorts is definitely fine, but you may want to hit the lodge right away if you have a tendency of getting sick.

[dton13]

I usually wear tshirt and shorts, rain or shine...but I also sweat like crazy so if its cold I don't waste time at the top I just go inside to clean up. The only time I'm really cold is when I'm waiting for the gondola lol.

If you don't plan on not sweating like a pig, I'd wear something warmer like a long sleeve or hoodie. If you're bringing a backpack you can always stuff it away there. That being said if you're going later this week and its 20+ out I'm sure a tshirt will be fine.

[gdoh]

last year i did 60mins this year i will aim for 45

[tiger_handheld]

is there a fee for doing the grind?
how does a person get down once they are on top?

[dton13]

is there a fee for doing the grind?
how does a person get down once they are on top?

No fee for going up
$10 per gondola trip down
or $100 for annual pass

[unit]

i would bring a light jacket

[skiiipi]

44:23 in the rain today

[dton13]

44:23 in the rain today

Awesome time. I just eeked you out today. 44:05 timer to timer =p still feels slow ugh

It was sunny in the valley so got off work early and headed to North Van. Started pouring at 5:30 lol but ended up not too bad. I don't know if you have a smartphone but I started using STRAVA recently (mainly for biking but can be used for runs too) to track my times. Its awesome because they also have a leaderboard to show your rank on certain segments

[skiiipi]

Yea I have a grind timer
So 44:23 was my grind timer time.
I went and bought a pair of new trail runners today.
Salomon speedcross 3, has the mud/snow contact outsole
Super grippy in wet.
Going again on saturday, going to try to break 40min by end of summer.

Do you guys think training with a weight vest will help increase my time? Or is that more just strength training?

[therubberguard]

Yea I have a grind timer
So 44:23 was my grind timer time.
I went and bought a pair of new trail runners today.
Salomon speedcross 3, has the mud/snow contact outsole
Super grippy in wet.
Going again on saturday, going to try to break 40min by end of summer.

Do you guys think training with a weight vest will help increase my time? Or is that more just strength training?

I've heard of people training with weighted vest to gain more muscle in their legs so they don't tire out as fast. Should help your time. Worked in Dragonball Z.

Where did you pick up the trail runners from? Looking for a pair.

[skiiipi]

I've heard of people training with weighted vest to gain more muscle in their legs so they don't tire out as fast. Should help your time. Worked in Dragonball Z.

Where did you pick up the trail runners from? Looking for a pair.

I got mine at Atmosphere Kits....what I really wanted was the Salomon XT Wing S-Lab Softground....but Sportchek stores only carry the S-Lab-4 with the dry ground compound outsole.
the Speedcross 3 is lighter, but less stability but has the mud +snow compound.

If you want waterproof, look at the Salomon XT Wing GTX which is available at any atmosphere store. If your foot is more neutral rather than over pronated like mine, Atmosphere carries a few really nice goretex ones...and Salomon offers a few even lighter neutral trail runners too.

[dton13]

Yea I have a grind timer
So 44:23 was my grind timer time.
I went and bought a pair of new trail runners today.
Salomon speedcross 3, has the mud/snow contact outsole
Super grippy in wet.
Going again on saturday, going to try to break 40min by end of summer.

Do you guys think training with a weight vest will help increase my time? Or is that more just strength training?

TBH I've had some friends go up with weights, never really seen them gain as much time as I do with just going up as many times as possible. Based on my limited empirical evidence lol, I've never seen "pros" to use any weights either going up. Most of them are avid/pro cyclists though so take that FWIW. That doesn't mean weights won't help. When I started biking more last year that's when I noticed my times dropping faster.

[RayBot]

Endurance athletes(marathoners, cyclers, triathletes, etc) will have problems using a weight vest. Their training goals is also include being a lean as possible for training....so giving them a body weight that they are not used to will not necessarily help getting up grouse faster.

People who do a lot of strength training....will probably see a significant difference.

[xmisstrinh]

do you guys run it or walk at a moderate pace? and how often do you take breaks on the trail? is there any get-dirt-in-your-nails climbing at some of the steeper parts? I wanna start doing it this year.

[yameen]

went last week and completed it at 70mins. was a bit slippery near the top.

[TypeRNammer]

Did the grind :fuckyea:


But took me 1 hour 25 mins :okay:

My very first time doing it too!

[skiiipi]

Just got back from the grind
Got there 4min after they locked the gates....decided that I came too far to not do it, so just climbed over the gates at 7:34.
Finished 44:21 later...beat my time yesterday by 2 seconds...I am quite happy with myself cause I did Bikram Yogo at 4 for 90 min prior to attacking the grind, didn't think I'd be able to break the 50 marker today.
Will be going back on Saturday, hopefully a bit more rested and aim for low 40s.

[Ch28]

It's pretty damn cold for the last 1/4. I barely feel my fingers when im up at the top.

My best time last year was 58 minutes but my average time so far this year is around the 1:12 mark :(

My legs felt like complete mush last night. I dont know if it has anything to do with the cold temperature or not, but i havent been that physically exausted since the first grind last year

[TypeRNammer]

Yeah I found it to be quite cold on the last quarter...

I will return to the grind soon and hope to improve on my time!

[thegentleman]

I went up 9am for the first time ever. 52:00 on the dot.

Gonna try and go a bit earlier next time to beat the morning crowd. Got stuck behind some slower people. I didn't want to break their pace by saying excuse me and having them stop for a sec. Would that have been rude?

[Not really racist!]

^no, i usually try my best to get outta the way if i see somebody behind me coming up qucik

perfectly fine.. you shouldn't have to ask em unless they don't really know you're there but obviously there are some sections that are more narrow than others

[skiiipi]

43:33 today
Went at 2:30pm
Was way too crowded on the trail
Was hard trying to get past peopke

[skiiipi]

Question to all you grouse veterans....how do one sign up for the grouse grind race at the end of the season?
What can I expect at the event? I know i wont "win" or anything, but I think it would be a fun way to finish off the reason, and work towards my goal of achieving a sub 40min time.

[therubberguard]

Went today, 56minutes.
not much of a crowd, rain is probably keeping everyone away.

[FAWKER]

They extend the course and make you loop around the chalet. The finish line is near the skating rink so it will make your official time a bit slower. It's like the Sun Run, there are refreshments at the end.

Question to all you grouse veterans....how do one sign up for the grouse grind race at the end of the season?
What can I expect at the event? I know i wont "win" or anything, but I think it would be a fun way to finish off the reason, and work towards my goal of achieving a sub 40min time.

[Ch28]

I went up 9am for the first time ever. 52:00 on the dot.

Gonna try and go a bit earlier next time to beat the morning crowd. Got stuck behind some slower people. I didn't want to break their pace by saying excuse me and having them stop for a sec. Would that have been rude?

most people will automatically move out of the way for you if they see that you're going to pass them. just say 'excuse me' or breath/grunt real loud until they move aside :ilied:

[TRDood]

Went on Sunday. Right now is actually much more enjoyable than July/August (never been in May). Little flies.

Not much going on at the top though. I expect the events and festivities come in later when snow melts?

[skiiipi]

They extend the course and make you loop around the chalet. The finish line is near the skating rink so it will make your official time a bit slower. It's like the Sun Run, there are refreshments at the end.

cool! how and when can I sign up?

[thegentleman]

most people will automatically move out of the way for you if they see that you're going to pass them. just say 'excuse me' or breath/grunt real loud until they move aside :ilied:

Maybe I should play Ludacris' "Move Bitch" song on a speaker when I get stuck behind someone. Haha.

[dton13]

Question to all you grouse veterans....how do one sign up for the grouse grind race at the end of the season?
What can I expect at the event? I know i wont "win" or anything, but I think it would be a fun way to finish off the reason, and work towards my goal of achieving a sub 40min time.

All I see is the Seek the Peak this year. I haven't done it myself personally but I know the course starts with a run and continues up the grind. If you have the time I'd say go for it. Doesn't hurt to just run it for kicks.

Pulled a 42:15 on Sunday. It was busy as hell for 9am. I must be getting old cause I was pretty tired, not sure how much quicker I can get this year.

[skiiipi]

All I see is the Seek the Peak this year. I haven't done it myself personally but I know the course starts with a run and continues up the grind. If you have the time I'd say go for it. Doesn't hurt to just run it for kicks.

Pulled a 42:15 on Sunday. It was busy as hell for 9am. I must be getting old cause I was pretty tired, not sure how much quicker I can get this year.

Wow good time...yea my best time so far is still 43:33...going again wednesday...but I pushed pretty hard to get to 43:33, not sure how I am going to shave the 3:33 to get below 40, maybe I'll need to train with a weight vest soon.

[dton13]

Wow good time...yea my best time so far is still 43:33...going again wednesday...but I pushed pretty hard to get to 43:33, not sure how I am going to shave the 3:33 to get below 40, maybe I'll need to train with a weight vest soon.

Not sure if the vest is necessary. Just keep going up even if its 10 seconds everytime you'll shave that no problem. For me I find that I need to push the first half, and the second half always stays around the same. On sunday my first half was around 21:30...and I remember when I was consistently under 40, my first half was around 19:00. So I've resulted in really pushing on the first half (jogging the beginning and any flat areas I can).

Secondly I try to regulate my breathing. I know some top grinders (and I guess any endurance related sport) talk a lot about diaphragmatic (sp?) breathing. I practice that sometimes and I think it helps control my heart rate.

[skiiipi]

41:29 today....
Another personal best...

[Gh0stRider]

note to self: dont run and try to keep up with the hot girls lol

[UFO]

There was free beer up top and free download last Saturday :D

We did BCMC though for a more enjoyable hike and much less traffic.

[skiiipi]

Despite a faster than usual time to 1/2 today (21:xx)..was unable to set a new personal best...41:46 today...not bad on 3.5 hour of sleep I guess...will be back next thursday

[ziggyx]

61 minutes today after doing a full leg workout last night. That was my 4th time going this season so far.

Best time this season 55 minutes. Best over all time just 49 minutes.

Just trying to break that 45 minute mark..

[rexsomnii]

Gonna go tmr morning! First time this season!

[skiiipi]

42:22 today, seems to be getting slower...
Need to focus more and push myself harder in the first quater I think.

[vafanculo]

Just did it woooot!

First time in over 5 yrs.. Previuos time was like 2-3 hours lol.. After fully dedicating myself in the gym for the past 2 yrs, I expected 1.5 hours, but did 1h 18 min.. So happy lol. Almost teared up when I was done haha

Only regret was wearing full white runners.. I musta looked like an idiot.

[skiiipi]

44:35 today....not sure what's going on but been getting slower each time the past 3 grinds....not sure if its mental or physical at this point, but its getting frustrating.
Thought I would get better each time, or at least be consistent +/- 10sec, but I am now almost 4min behind my PB... In fact I did 43:xx in pouring rain last month...

[Ch28]

44:35 today....not sure what's going on but been getting slower each time the past 3 grinds....not sure if its mental or physical at this point, but its getting frustrating.
Thought I would get better each time, or at least be consistent +/- 10sec, but I am now almost 4min behind my PB... In fact I did 43:xx in pouring rain last month...

Take a day or two off to rest and try again. Could very well just be that your body is worn out from it.

[skiiipi]

Take a day or two off to rest and try again. Could very well just be that your body is worn out from it.

Very well could be...thx for the tips
Not going back till Wednesday, and maybe I'll take a rest day from the gym on the tuesday before then.

[Ch28]

Very well could be...thx for the tips
Not going back till Wednesday, and maybe I'll take a rest day from the gym on the tuesday before then.

There was a time last season where I went 10 times in 14 days. My times fluctuated a lot but I never thought too much about it. I was getting a good workout and I just figured that the slower times was a result of my body being worn out haha

[Ch28]

Got 1:04 today after taking a week off because of the weather. Back to my average time from last season. Passed a lot of hotties on the way up.

Obamaface.jpg

[Wykydtron]

My personal best last year was 58:47....or 57:48. Either way, I'm going first time of the season Saturday. Don't expect to be under an hour, but I'm going to just fucking give the shit out of 'er and do my best. I don't have a set mark I want to be at before it closes. My goal when I go is to just improve upon myself.

[ziggyx]

There was a time last season where I went 10 times in 14 days. My times fluctuated a lot but I never thought too much about it. I was getting a good workout and I just figured that the slower times was a result of my body being worn out haha

I've been going everyday this month so far except for one day haha. Been getting a fairly consistent time but haven't been able to beat my goal of 50 minutes. Even went yesterday in the rain. I thought it would suck balls doing it in the rain but it turned out to be okay. :fullofwin:

[skiiipi]

40:56 today, new personal best....so close to my sub 40 goal, hopefully I'll hit it soon.
Going again afterwork tmr

[Wykydtron]

60:44 today. Super happy with that for my first time this year.

[Gumby]

My brother in law just did the Grind 7 times on Saturday. Just for the hell of it. :high:

[Ch28]

My brother in law just did the Grind 7 times on Saturday. Just for the hell of it. :high:

:ahwow:

There's a guy that's done the grind 1406 times in total. Dude is a fucking machine

Got 1:02 tonight. I don't know if it's the first day of summer or what, but the grind was packed to the tits! Gondola ride was like a can of sardines, and the lineup to buy gondola tickets wrapped all the way to the lobby lol

[ziggyx]

^ yeah the grind has definitely gotten more busy most likely because the weather is getting a little better lately.

[Wykydtron]

57:52 today. 4 seconds off of my personal best. I am super happy with it as I did my p90x legs/back workout before I went.

[Wykydtron]

From 57:52, to my new personal best last night at 53:30. So pumped! My goal for summer was 55....guess it's now 50.

[sebTeggy]

Havent been in years and years and years

1:19 and I had to throw my pack of cigarettes out at the halfway mark, I couldn't help myself, It was pretty depressing.

I don't care what anyone says, but that's a pretty good time :D

[Wykydtron]

Fuck yeah dude! Just do your best, and forget the rest! By doing it, your time was better than everyone else not.
I'm down to 50:21. Almost at sub 50!!

[ziggyx]

Just got 49:50 today pretty happy

[Wykydtron]

Beat my goal of sub 50 yesterday! 48:40!! Fucking super stoked!

[tiger_handheld]

exactly how hard is the grind?
any tips for first timer?

[Derek_N84]

Focus on finishing it the very first time, that way you'll know what to expect the next time and you can set an appropriate pace for yourself. Dress comfortable, bring water, don't over hydrate during the actual hike, and try not to rest to long because it takes some effort to start again once you rest too long.

Hit my first grind this year before work this morning, 50:42.
Hopefully this year I can get anything under 45.

[Wykydtron]

Don't stop is my advice. If you need to rest, just slow down, taking steps slowly. Keep moving to keep your muscles going, as well as your motivation and 'momentum' up. First time, def just finish so you know what you're going up against before you really start to giv'r.

New personal best of 47:46. Chasing down the damned 45 minute mark.

[skiiipi]

I am moving upto Vernon in a week.
Looks like I'm not gonna break the 40 marker this year.
PB is still 40:56 from earlier this year.
Will try to come back down for the BMO race.

[skiiipi]

Anybody doing the Clearly Contact Grouse Grind Mountain Run tomorrow?
if you guys are, come say hi....i'll be the guy in all UA gear with sportchek logo on my shirt

[ShadowBun]

1st time

did it with friends (male and female) so had to wait around them
1hr and 15min
felt really easy...

next time gonna go by myself and see what's my personal best!

[RayBot]

PB is 45 from 2 years ago.

This year, i am still trying to beat 49.

[skiiipi]

Just finished the race
49.Xx (official time might be just over 50 not sure yet)
Nothing to brag about time wise
But considering I took a 2 month break when I went to vernon...I'm happy
Pb is still 40:56 from earlier this year
Goal for next year is to get under 45 for the final year end race
And crack 40min for the grind
Posted via RS Mobile

[Wykydtron]

I was able to get down to 45:15pb so far. Better than I ever though I was capable of this season.

[JACKED]

exactly how hard is the grind?
any tips for first timer?

dont wear cotton you'll be sweating like a pig and it wont dry

[RayBot]

^^Yep.....very good way to get sick now that we are at the latter ends of the Grouse Grind season.

[subordinate]

on the bus home,

First grind of year, im darn happy at 54min. Past best was 1:05

Next year, 50 !
Posted via RS Mobile