Half Marathon on Monday, swimming and weight training Tuesday, today I thought I’d take the day off and not run. I really had too much to do. But then I got on the internet and found out that today is National Running Day. Did you know about this? I didn’t. Heck! Well, I just had to run.
I would be green with envy knowing all those people in the nation were running today, if I wasn’t. Took me a while, but I was finally out there on the trails by 10AM. The breeze was delightful, cool and crisp, not cold. I felt strong, a little quicker. My mountain running has dwarfed the hills of Aliso/Wood Canyons. Mainly these coastal hills have become much easier mentally. Cholla for example, is quite steep. But it’s only a 1/2 mile (about .5 to 1.0 on profile above). A half mile uphill is nothing compared to 5 miles uphill.
Happy Girl (ya, that’s right a 46 year-old girl!) about to enter Wood Canyon
Prickly Pear on Cholla Trail
Running single-track off-shoot on West Ridge, looking toward Pacific Ocean
When I reached the top of the hill I’ve named “Good Girls Don’t” I waved at a man driving a utility truck, then realized I knew him. In fact, it seemed we both at the same instant realized we knew each other – he’s my middle boy’s best friend’s father. He knows that I run, but had no idea that I ran trails. He was in disbelief that I could run these hills. On the other side, I knew that he biked, but I had no idea that he rode these hills. We both knew all the trails, and slipped in trail talk between talking about teachers and the elementary school our sons attend.
Our chat afforded me a nice little rest before heading up to Top of the World. From there, I ran Park Avenue Nature Trail (Yes, again : ) and back along West Ridge, making it in time to stretch, grab lunch, get gas, pick up some groceries and order my oldest son’s birthday cake, all before making it in time to pick up my youngest from school.
“Good Girls Don’t”
Posing at Top of the World
6.12 miles logged
Any excuse to go to the top of the world is a good one!
ReplyDeleteSuper run with a super positive attitude! I wonder if we have a national running day? I better found out before I miss it. That would be quite funny! We have lots and lots of prickly pears here too. Some people sell the fruits next to the roads to make living.
ReplyDeleteI love that you went for it and got in a beautiful run!
ReplyDeleteNice run. You're really tearing down a lot of miles during the week. Have to say again that I think you're so fortunate to have such a beautiful nature to run in.
ReplyDeleteHere in Japan the spring is finally pushing through with some warmer weather which definitely helps putting in more miles.
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I had no idea there was a national running day! I am totally out of the loop. ha! Your Prickly Pear on Cholla Trail picture is beautiful!! I have to admit that I am a little jealous that you live so close to such a beautiful place to run. I need to get back over there one of these days!
ReplyDeleteYes Windnsnow -- any excuse! : )
ReplyDeleteThanks Johann. That's very interesting also about the prickly pear. I am tempted to try one to see how they taste. My husband tells me that they sell them at the local farmers market around here. I never knew!
ReplyDeleteMe too! And to think I wasn't going to run : ( I think it was your blog that I learned that it was National Running Day. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteGlad you're getting to put in more miles Daniel. Weekdays are the best time for me to run -- my boys are in school. Problem is, pretty much every runner I know can't run weekdays during the day.
ReplyDeleteI was out of the loop too Kate. I had no idea until I got on-line. Yes, those prickly pears are amazing. I have not seen such a beautiful flower on a cactus out here than that one.
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