Today I planned my lackadaisical run instead of a long run. That is I could run where I wanted, basically run for the joy of it, no pressure, no time constraints. Thing was . . . I wasn’t feeling much joy. In fact, I felt downright groggy and depressed. A run, I thought surely would pull me out. It usually does. Especially a lackadaisical run.
The runner I ran in with at the Saddleback Marathon last November told me that he runs up the opposite side of Canyon Vistas to catch a trail that takes him up to the two water towers. At the top, he catches Five Oaks Trail, the one trail in Aliso/Wood Canyons Park I have not run in its entirety.
That intrigued me and I’ve been wanting to explore ever since. I couldn’t find the trail though this morning. Looking back, I should have run up to the neighborhoods and met up with the trail that way. Instead, I ran down a muddy slope and ran the storm drains until it stopped or masses of fallen trees blocked my passage. Then I slipped and slid down to the next storm drain, until I finally came out to a road. And there up, above me, stood the two gigantic water towers high up on a hill.
Making My Way To the Towers
Following several mountain bikers onto the closed trail, I ran up slope thick with mud. I quickly passed the bikers, as they had to walk their bikes the mud was so slick. They caught up at the top as I snapped a couple pictures. Then I watched as they flew down Five Oaks Trail. I followed behind, taking my time down that steep trail. My mind was blank.
Five Oaks Trail From Top To Bottom
When I hit Wood Canyon, my run pretty much dragged on. And I actually felt some anxiety approaching Mathis Trail. But I ran up it, no problem. I’m not saying that I took it like a bullet or even ran my fastest pace. I’m just saying that I ran it peacefully, without stress, enjoying the scenery.
Flowers Along Mathis Trail
From Park Ave. Nature Trail
Mustard Seed Plants Along West Ridge Trail
Miles logged today: 8 miles
Elevation Profile: +1,589
