Tuesday I made the mistake of driving home after work to change clothes for my run. I never made it back out the door. I was simply too tired, and felt badly the whole day over not following my training plan. Another voice said into my ear, “You’re tired, that means rest!” And so I napped.
Today (Wednesday) I dressed for my run before leaving work. My feet hit the dirt at 12:30 pm, possibly the hottest part of the day. Unsure what route to run at Aliso/Wood Canyons I aimed for around ten miles. That’s what my training plan said for today – ten miles.
As I ran through Aliso Canyon I asked myself whether I wanted misery at the beginning or at the end of my run. I decided for misery before pleasure. LOL. Therefore, I ran into Wood Canyon, where the heat gets trapped and it feels like running through an oven. I saw a trail friend going in the opposite direction. He told me it was so dang hot, he turned around at Top of the World and ran straight back, throwing out a longer plan.
I am here to testify that the run was pretty miserable running through Wood Canyon, and it didn’t get any better when I hopped onto Coyote Run Trail (though I got some shade running Coyote). I also saw a deer racing down a slope halt in his tracks when he noticed me. I stopped for a better look. He stood in the forest like a statue, not moving an inch. And so I ran on, suffering. Actually, it was miserable running up Rockit Trail too. Why? IT WAS DANG HOT!
Coyote Run Trail:
Rockit Trail:
Running the ridgeline (West Ridge) I received the benefit of empty trails and an occasional, lovely breeze during this incidental heat training run. Top of the World was empty also. But in Alta Laguna park I saw some hikers packing up their car after a heat-stroke kind of hike.
I felt good running along Top of the World. Though I worried a bit because I didn’t take the time to refill fluids at the park. Today’s run was one of those that I grew stronger as the miles passed. And I made the right choice not refilling. I had plenty of fluids. And I actually found another crazy person, a hiker going up Meadows as I ran down.
I finished up Meadows at a much fast pace than I started. And I finished off Aliso Creek Trail much, much stronger for the heat. I heard a few rattlers in the brush as I ran by. And I saw one garter snake. It practically floated over the grass. Amazing.
About to descend upon Meadows: 
The Incidental Heat Training Profile: 
You are very tough indeed Lauren! I battle in the heat and have to work hard at improving my heat running. My life just works out so that I run early in the morning and that makes me bad in the heat. Well done once again!
ReplyDeleteThanks Johann, I've always wanted to be tough! I really do love running in the morning. But with summer school, I now work mornings and HAVE TO run in the afternoons. I'm finding it very difficult. I have to believe that it's making me stronger.
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