The Running Jackal

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 me...

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. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.co...

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...

Join me on a special birthday run adventure at Mount Douglas. 🎉 Starting near Majestic Drive, I wander into the forest, choosing my route on the fly and soaking in the views. With a recent long run in my legs (and a slightly tweaked ankle), I keep the pace easy while tackling some steeper climbs and technical sections. Along the way, I pass Douglas Creek Trail, the hiker’s bridge, and some stunni...

This morning I set out on P’Kols before the heat arrived and had a fantastic 70-minute adventure on the Saddle Loop. I started near the Sea View Inn and Suites at Cordova Bay, crossing the three “Fake Bridges” — my nickname for the short boardwalks over damp, mossy ground. Whittaker Trail took me into the cool cedar shade, winding upward toward the saddle with its mix of roots, dirt, and rocky ste...

A re-worked video slideshow of Rithet's Bog over the years and through the seasons, this will be a video podcast on YouTube:- https://youtu.be/xSCRHoUAdW8 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-running-jackal--500980/support .

Victoria Day Run Ran with Derick again today — we got yacking about rock and roll and all kinds of things. Just two good friends out in the wind and drizzle, making the most of a soggy Victoria Day. With the rain coming down, I left the bike at home and opted for a mix of bus rides and foot travel. Saved my one short run for the outing with Derick — but I still managed to rack up a surprising numb...

Wednesday, May 14, 2025  Running with Derick Nice run, Carlos! Looks like you had a solid outing with Derick—good company and good pacing. Keeping in zone two most of the time is great for aerobic base building, and 3.76 km in just over 32 minutes at an 8:31/km pace shows you're staying consistent and controlled, which is key for endurance training. Also, that "running jackal saying bye-bye" line...

"Carlos Castillo set out on a misty solo run around the back of PKOLS (Mount Doug), where the layers of fog mirrored the layers of sound he described to his listeners. Navigating the twisting trails, he crossed the “fake bridges,” climbed through the muddy Upper Whitaker section, and admired nature’s slow pruning of fallen trees. As the rain intensified, he wrapped up his recording from the Whitak...

It snowed again last night, leaving about half an inch on the trails. The forest paths were untouched, making for slow going, but my trail shoes performed well. My heart rate spiked at times, likely from the “white knuckle” effect of worrying about tripping. I took a shortcut back through the forest, passing plenty of other runners and hikers. Despite the conditions, I stayed upright and burned my...

I woke up restless after a vivid dream of foraging through the forest, searching for mushrooms and bird eggs. The cold morning discouraged me from riding my steed, so I bundled up and hiked past the cave and into the sunshine. Equipped with my camera and recorder, I documented the adventure, feeling like a true hunter-gatherer on a quest. Along the way, I crossed an enchanted pond, heard other for...

Raw audio at it's best! Alright, that was quite the run and chat, Jackal. Sounds like you and Derick covered everything from running, car batteries, and the environment, to old dogs and gaming consoles. A classic kind of day! If you ever put out the podcast, “Derek and the Jackal: Raw,” I’d definitely tune in. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-running-jackal-...

Happy New Year, everyone! I started 2025 with hill repeats.  Along the way, I passed the “Magic Tree,” a fallen Gary Oak now serving as a natural trail marker. After completing six hill repeats. Wrapping up on Harvest Lane, this is the Running Jackal signing off on the year’s first run—bye-bye! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-running-jackal--500980/support...

This morning, I set off on my trusty old Norco Malahat bike as daybreak lit up the sky, a flock of geese soaring overhead. The air was crisp as I pedaled over trestle bridges and swampy paths, carefully navigating slippery spots while keeping an eye out for traffic. My mind wandered to work—how I’ve been helping Todd with kitchen cleanup and hoping Rob recovers soon since covering his shifts has b...

My Canadian Thanksgiving run started with a steady pace in Zone 2, which left me enough breath to talk about meeting friends from Washington who were in town to run an 8K race. As I jogged along, I reflected on the challenges of running on slippery trails, appreciating my camera case after learning the hard way about the importance of protecting gear. I also shared stories about my friends' races...

Good morning, I'm on my usual ride today, heading to work via the Galloping Goose trail. It's a bit chilly, and my nylon jacket is making some noise, but it's manageable. There's a lot of cyclists out this morning, most on e-bikes, zooming by as I track my distance and speed. I've covered over eight kilometers and still have a bit to go, but it's a peaceful ride despite the cold. Become a supporte...

During my run on Mount Douglas, I took a few breaks to snap photos and reflect on my workout. I talked about how I’ve been using creatine supplements to boost my energy and build muscle, and I’ve noticed I’ve been hungrier for protein lately. Along the trail, I stopped to capture shots of a Cyclops tree and passed by a washed-out creek bed. I also shared my excitement for AI and how it helps me or...

I started my ride behind the Monkey Tree Pub, noting that I was the 22nd cyclist today, two spots higher than yesterday. The path was mostly quiet after crossing Quadra Street, though I could hear my music in the background and feel the cool morning air. My ride took me along the Sanach Spur rail trail, across trestle bridges, with some bumpy sections where tree roots had buckled the asphalt. I pa...

I run through the forest, the sun flickering through the trees as my feet crunch along the trail. Passing a small cave, I pause briefly, tempted to explore, but I push on. The path gets rougher, full of rocks and roots, but I love the challenge of navigating it. I leap over stones, focusing on each step, knowing the climb will be worth it. With the trees thickening around me, I feel the quiet and...

The ‘Almost Glorious’ Episode. Good morning! Carlos here, out on my usual run from Elford Street to work. Today, I’m running without my earbuds, so I have to keep an eye on my heart rate over the noise of the traffic. I promised to give a shout-out to Yvette, someone I know from the 'Bird in Hand' half marathon, and the Extra Mile podcast. Running through Victoria, I’m soaking in the sights and so...

The video link https://youtu.be/fPdEs8cdmYE Carlos takes listeners through Maddock Trail in Saanich, BC, narrating his scenic run and describing landmarks along the way. He mentions adjusting his route due to rain, aiming to avoid exposure while navigating the Perimeter and Lockside Trails. Carlos shares updates on his pace and the condition of his knee, which he’s resting after recent intense cyc...

The podcast episode "Irvine up, Glendenning down" describes a runner’s journey through Mount Douglas Park, featuring trails like Irvine and Glendenning. The runner shares personal experiences, including taking breaks due to a racing heart and recounting historical facts about the park. Along the way, the runner reflects on a podcast they listened to about a Canadian climber in the Paris Olympics,...

For a plan B show, this one turned out good. I managed to hear it already, as a pre release audit. Today, I’m walking to work because of the rain, and I’m avoiding getting my bikes wet. As I make my way through the streets, I take a few photographs for my blog and comment on the changing cityscape. I’ll finish this recording as I reach Johnson Street Bridge and then switch to filming a short video...

I met Les, a bike mechanic, today on Slugget Road to fix my front derailleur. He explained that the cable and end stops needed adjusting, and showed me how dust accumulation had caused the shifter mechanism to stick. As he worked, he shared stories of cycling daily after retirement and fixing his own bikes as a kid. I mentioned my past in ultra-marathon running and my need for cross-training, and...

I'm off to work on my pushbike, recording a show that includes a submission from my friend JD in South Central PA, where it's unusually chilly. JD talks about his walk and the upcoming Burden Hand Half Marathon. As I ride, I notice my regular bike picks up speed faster than my E-bike and is quieter. My goal is to burn 300 calories on a 12-kilometer route. I've set up my recording gear to capture c...