Mentally Sensitive / Mathis Loop

I did not sleep well last night.  My quads ached.  The tops of my feet ached.  And my waist was raw from chaffing.  Thing was, I still had one more day of running to finish up “Hard” week.  Today, Sunday, the plan demanded TEN miles. 

AND SO, I drove wearily to Aliso/Wood Canyons for my TEN, most likely, miserable miles.  The park was crowded as usual for these summer weekend days.  Seemed there was one spot to parallel park saved just for me.  I talked with some bikers prepping for their trip.  Then I phoned my husband for some coaching advice.  Should I run a relatively easy eleven mile loop?  Or should I run a semi-tortuous 10 mile loop that goes up Mentally Sensitive?

He voted for the latter.   And the latter I took.  I began slowly, but I felt good.  Surprisingly good.  My spirits lifted when I turned up onto Meadows (one of my favorite trails).  I jumped into the brush to let at least ten mountain bikers pass as I ran its beginning slightly rolling hills.  And then I made it . . . made it to Mentally Sensitive.  One rule, I told myself:  SIMPLY NO STOPPING.  I didn’t have to run the entire trail, but I had to keep moving forward.  Turns out, I ran about 50% of that tortuous trail, and I hiked the rest powerfully.  Also, for the first time ever, I saw others on Mentally Sensitive.  I came across at least 6 cyclists and 2 runners, all travelling downward. 

Great run.  Great breeze.  Took Mathis Trail down to the canyon (an old best friend trail).  Got to enjoy talking to a trail friend, and hear the story of his recent triathlon.  Best of all, I made good time, got in my ten miles, and felt amazingly strong, especially after yesterday’s LONG, long, long run.

Running up Mentally Sensitive:

Running toward Top of the World after conquering Mentally Sensitive:

Good Morning from Top of the World: