Time Well Spent

I woke at 4:30 AM today in order to hit the dirt at 6:00 AM for a 19 mile run. Only a few minutes late to the trails at Aliso/Wood Canyons, the sun already shined down brightly.  I didn’t think about the entire run in order to avoid the anxiety that brings.  Instead, I just enjoyed where I was – the present.  The weather grew warmer and warmer as I ran, with some cool breezes until it ended up darn right HOT.  It was extremely difficult to finish up this run.  But that’s what enjoy about it (in the END).  I also enjoyed the solitude and the absolute beauty.     

I dreamt of one thing running in on the second 9.5 mile lap – getting home, filling the bath with cold water and then dumping the entire box of ice from the freezer into the water before getting in.  Instead, I returned home and  I was freezing (not literally of course).  After emptying my shoes of their dirt, I cuddled on the couch beneath two flannel blankets and drifted off to sleep.  And I didn’t dream of anything.   I was in a post-run peaceful state. 

Branches covered with light-green lichen on Wood Canyon Trail.

THE rock on Cave Rock Trail.

I love this rock!

Running down Cave Rock Trail to exit back onto Wood Canyon Trail.

Climbing Meadows with a view of Saddleback Mountains.

Reaching the top of Meadows the first time.

Running Top of the World.

Running Top of the World neighborhoods to pick up the park again, I pass this little fella.

An empty Top of the World.

Reaching top of Meadows Trail for a second time – had a tough, TOUGH time of it, (scarf is still kind of wet from creek water, and I’m gulping my prize for reaching the top – coconut water).

Elevation Profile: