Feeling anxious over work-related issues, I hit the dirt in Aliso and Wood Canyons park on Thursday morning, a little later than expected. I posted the run, so hopefully, I didn't miss anyone -- I'm sorry if I did. About half-way to the park, I realized I forgot my water, and being that I had planned to run my butt off to help wash away this anxiety, I was gonna need my water.
Well, it worked! By the time I reached the top of Meadows Trail, anxiety gone. I was feeling dang good (aching hip and all). This is the route I ran: I took the 1 1/2 mile Aliso Creek Trail, turned onto Wood Canyon Trail for just a tad. Then I ran onto the trail to the left, Meadows Trail, which doesn't start climbing until about a half a mile in. Everything was green, and the weather was cool. I decided to photo document the climb up Meadows, with very quick stops to click, for those who have not yet experienced Meadows. It's a wonderful trail, but quite gruelling for me. After reaching Top of the World, I took the paved path to the dirt trail that runs behind the homes. Then I ran up onto the street, where I ran about 3/4 miles to Westridge. After running up and down Westridge (believe me, though this is the easier direction to take Westridge, it is still a little difficult in places -- but oh so fun :) I ran Westridge to the end and ran down Cholla Trail (glory, glory!). Then I ran Wood Canyon Trail in its entirety, relishing the shady parts, as I was already crusted with salt. From Wood Canyon Trail, I took a left back onto Aliso Creek Trail and ran that last 1 1/2 miles into the ranger station, dead-dog-tired. Wonderful.
Meadows Trail Pictorial:
The climb begins slowly . . .
So pretty and green
Higher and higher (looking back again)
About here is when I don't think about the top AT ALL.
Climbing higher still, looking back, Aliso Creek Trail so far away.
Well, it worked! By the time I reached the top of Meadows Trail, anxiety gone. I was feeling dang good (aching hip and all). This is the route I ran: I took the 1 1/2 mile Aliso Creek Trail, turned onto Wood Canyon Trail for just a tad. Then I ran onto the trail to the left, Meadows Trail, which doesn't start climbing until about a half a mile in. Everything was green, and the weather was cool. I decided to photo document the climb up Meadows, with very quick stops to click, for those who have not yet experienced Meadows. It's a wonderful trail, but quite gruelling for me. After reaching Top of the World, I took the paved path to the dirt trail that runs behind the homes. Then I ran up onto the street, where I ran about 3/4 miles to Westridge. After running up and down Westridge (believe me, though this is the easier direction to take Westridge, it is still a little difficult in places -- but oh so fun :) I ran Westridge to the end and ran down Cholla Trail (glory, glory!). Then I ran Wood Canyon Trail in its entirety, relishing the shady parts, as I was already crusted with salt. From Wood Canyon Trail, I took a left back onto Aliso Creek Trail and ran that last 1 1/2 miles into the ranger station, dead-dog-tired. Wonderful.
Meadows Trail Pictorial:
The climb begins slowly . . .
So pretty and green
Running higher up Meadows Trail, looking back
Higher and higher (looking back again)
About here is when I don't think about the top AT ALL.
Climbing higher still, looking back, Aliso Creek Trail so far away.
Almost there!
OMG, I have got to be ALMOST THERE.
And it is finished . . . TO THE TOP AT LAST. Hey! Is that Stonehenge???
It was a delightful run in Aliso Wood Canyons Park on Thursday. Green grass everywhere. The beginnings of spring flowers are sprouting. 11.64 miles ran in total. I felt so much better about the rest of the day.
I can't help myself -- one last picture from Wood Canyon Trail
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