Saturday morning I woke early to join a group run (from OCTR) at El Moro (between Newport Coast and Irvine, overlooking the Pacific Ocean where the waves splash down on the Crystal Cove beaches).
There were several runners to start as we ran the rolling hills of Bommer Ridge. Soon we split into distance groups. I went off with the main group, five runners all female for the planned loop where we ran off onto Moro Ridge then hopped onto the single track Missing Link and then Fence Line back to Bommer Ridge.
The weather was cool and overcast, the company delightful. We joked and laughed. And though I put in 12 miles of some tough hills the day prior, I was able to slowly run up all the hills on this loop.
Back at the trailhead, we chatted and laughed some more. Then I took off alone down No Name Trail to run approximately 1 1/2 miles more, simply because I like the number 5 better than 3.5 (silly me : ). I met up with two other runners from the starting group as they made their way into the trailhead.
Jessica Deline leads the group
Running Missing Link (sorry, I don’t recall names 
Quick self-portrait before heading onto Fence Line Trail
Overlooking the park and the Pacific Ocean
Finishing up Fence Line (one of these days I might remember where I know the front runner in picture from, as her voice was distinctly familiar to me, and we chatted comfortably like we had known each other for a long time).
Miles run Saturday morning: 5.42 (8.72 km)
Elevation Profile: +604 ft / – 539 ft
Your elevation looks crazy! Lots of up and down. I want to come run with the OCTR but I want to wait till I get into better shape and can keep up with them. They have a lot of get togethers! Looks so fun. :)
ReplyDeleteNice to see Jessica on SoCal trails again!
ReplyDeleteKate, don't worry about the elevation. Really. There is no shame in hiking the hills. And if the group is big enough, and it usually is, there are plenty of pace groups. I posted a Friday evening run where the climbs aren't enormous. Maybe you can try it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading Stuart! Yes, doesn't she strike a good pose on the trail. I took one look at that pic and thought, why can't I look like that when I'm running??! : )
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