Happy

Some family members (I won’t say who), claim that I’m only happy when I’m running.  If that were true, I would make a correction, when I’m trail running.  But it’s not true.  I’m happy at the gym.  LOL.

Seriously, people who know me on a casual basis would say that I’m happy ALL OF THE TIME.  That of course is not true either.  But why the huge discrepancy?

Most people that I know on a casual basis don’t know that I’m a trail runner (except for trail runners that I know on a casual basis).  EVERYONE in my family and their close friends know that I’m a trail runner.   All family members seem proud that I’m a trail runner.  I’ve heard them brag.  But occasionally, there’s the “You’re only happy when your running” bit that goes on that’s got me on this topic today. 

The truth is that I’m content when I run trails.  I don’t  worry about finances or all the things that I’ve forgotten to do.  I’m just being.  And that makes me happy.  Not giddy happy; like I mentioned above, CONTENT. 

When I’m teaching, I’m happy.  I adore all my students and that makes me happy.  I’m happy when our children laugh, actually when anyone in my family laughs, when my students laugh, when my friends laugh, when strangers laugh.  I’m happy if I can make someone smile.  So, you see, I’m not “only happy when I run.”  Running trails is way beyond happy.  Sure I’m smiling on the trails (most of the time – sometimes I’ve been known to cry on the trails.)  Running trails is like something I’ve never experienced in my life before; it is something that transcends the mind, something that conquers the body.  I feel fortunate, so very fortunate to have stumbled upon trail running.     

Even though I had very little time this morning, I got in a trail run, an out-and-back to Top of the World at Aliso/Wood Canyons.  Was I happy?  I suppose so.  But more than anything, I was content and anxiety-free.  And if content and anxiety-free is happy, well then damn-it, I was happy!  But I was happy other times today too.  I was happy fractions finally clicked in a young girl’s mind after I worked with her only a few short minutes.  I was happy when another student smiled when I complimented him on his work and told him not to worry so much.  I was happy driving my sons to school singing along to Pink.  I was happy eating my rice/broccoli/carrot mixture – because I LOVE rice.  There were hard times today too, because a day is that complex.  But trail running, it’s not complex, IT JUST IS.  And that is wonderful.

Digital Memories of today’s run:

A pose heading into Wood Canyon:

I couldn’t decide which picture I liked best:

A view of Laguna Wilderness from West Ridge Trail (beyond the hills is Crystal Cove):

Cheers from Top of the World!

Sculptures in the park at Top of the World:

And of course a view of Saddleback  (Oh, how I miss thee Saddleback):

Miles logged this morning:  6.50

Mile 1,500 Hit and Under Unsafe Conditions : )

The fact that I neared mile 1,500 for 2011 slipped my mind this morning.  I simply wanted a nice long run, say 15 miles.  I also wanted something a little different.  I opted for Crystal Cove State Park because I thought the ocean views would be gorgeous with these Santa Ana winds blowing.

When I arrived to the trails, a man from the OC Parks department parked his truck at the entrance with a tall, antennae-like measuring device.  Worried the park was closed he assured me that he was just watching for fires and that I should call 911 if I see anyone smoking or any smoke whatsoever. (12/6/11 after note:  Would I call 911 if someone were smoking a cigarette in the park?  Firstly, I never have seen anyone smoking on the trails.  But if I did on this particular day, I would NOT call 911.  BUT, I am at least bold enough that I would tell the person that an OC Park Authority told me to call if I saw someone smoking, and that they should put out their smoke.  I would be friendly and explain why it was important on this particular day.  In all honesty, as an ex-smoker however, I believe a smoker would have great difficulty even hiking these trails.)

And then I was off running through the county park Laguna Wilderness, quickly into the State Park, Crystal Cove.  The wind blew cold, but it was dry.  Bundled up and joyfully running the rolling hills of No-Name Ridge, a ranger parked at the side of the trail waved me over.  “I need to talk to you,” she said.  “You have to leave, the park is now closed.”

“Closed?”

“Yes, it’s a red-flag alert, stage 4 warning.  Winds.”

You know, I could start a fire, like when I throw my cigarette butt.  Or perhaps when I decide to light an open fire to warm my hands.  Or maybe, I’ll run so fast, the sparks from my shoes will start one!

Stalling for a few seconds to think, I asked, “Do you need to drive me out?”  And I thought to myself, I drove 22 miles to get here and now after 2 miles, I’m going to turnaround and run back to the truck.  I DON’T THINK SO.

“Well,” the ranger said, “did you park up there?” she moved her head indicating the area I had parked. 

“No,” I said.  I ACTUALLY LIED.  Shocked and even a bit dismayed, but also a little ticked I continued, “I parked down there,” and moved my head in the direction of the coast where I had NOT parked.

Yikes.

“Okay,” she said.  “Go ahead and run down to the parking lot and leave.”

A little giddy that I had prolonged my run, I continued the lovely rolling hills, thinking I’d just sneak past the ranger station and make my way to a single track and then eventually Laguna Wilderness (which was not closed).  I studied the trails in the distance carefully to see which ones to avoid, the most visible from No-Name Ridge.

At some point during this glorious run, the ranger drove past me toward the station.  Man!!!  Now she was going to know I lied, because the parking lot was probably empty.  What to say, what to say?  I thought about this for the last half mile into the station.  I thought I could say, "I parked down the highway in North Laguna.  Or, I took a bus.  Or, okay, I LIED.”

With her truck license plate committed to memory, I ran on into the station, relieved to see the lot full with several cars, most of them driving away.  I noted the ranger’s truck parked among several other state trucks.  And as I studied the map, another ranger, a man said, “'Mam.  Did you see the sign?  The parked is closed.  You have to leave.”

‘Mam?  ‘Mam?  Don’t call me ‘Mam!  I suppose I was just a little annoyed.  What was I going to do now?

“I didn’t see any signs,” I snapped.  That was the truth.  But I saw the signs as I walked away dismayed.  The gates to the park were closed with “Do Not Enter” warnings posted.

With the rangers out of sight, I removed my red shirt so that they might not recognize me later wearing the blue shirt I wore beneath.  Then I removed my cap, looked behind me and walked out of the park like I was leaving.  But instead, I jumped over the chain and “closed” sign onto the trail leading to El Moro Canyon. 

I peered over my shoulder relieved that I couldn’t see the ranger station.  Then I came upon another closed sign at El Moro Canyon.  Running with my ipod off, I ran up that trail, listening closely for truck sounds.  I noticed no tire prints on the trail, but still I worried.  I’m not a liar.  I don’t run from rangers.  I was worried, because I knew that I was going to jump into the brush and hide if a truck came by.  What kind of 46-year-old woman does that???  I surprised myself.

I also hugged the left edge during the portions where No-Name overlooked the trail.  And then I came upon a hiker.  “Do you work here?” My question reminded me of those movies where the drug dealers or prostitutes ask a prospective client, “Are you a cop?”

He said that he didn’t work there and upon more questioning, I learned he hadn’t seen any rangers in the canyon, and in fact had never, ever seen a ranger in the canyon.  That’s when I eased up and continued through the wispy canyon, up Elevator and along Fence Line until I finally hit Bommer Ridge – that’s when I was safe – Ahh, Laguna Wilderness.  I ran on in against the cool wind, happy that I had not been cited.  It wasn’t until I looked at my garmin did I realize that I had hit 1,500 miles for 2011. 

What a way to hit 1,500 miles.  My husband cracked up when I told him.  You can bet, my sons didn’t hear this story. 

Yes, it was that chilly this morning:

Pacific Ocean in background, running down to Crystal Cove ranger station:

I don’t think so:  (I hope I can’t be cited after the fact)

Past the sign, on my way up El Moro Canyon:

The beauty of El Moro Canyon:

Running up Elevator:

A look back:

Quick pose on Fence Line:

9.09 miles logged this morning: 

OCTR December New Member Run / Arroyo Trabuco

No “new” members showed this morning for the OCTR “new member” run.  The founder, Jessica Deline, (& her lovely pup), Sherree, and myself showed for this brisk, cool morning run (might I add, gorgeous as well with blue-skies-and-big-white-puffy-clouds run). 

Jessica lead the way, navigating with her Smart Phone.  We made our way down to Trabuco Arroyo Trail in the foothills of the Saddleback Mountains.  And several creek crossings we made.  Since I knew about the creek crossings ahead of time, I wore an old pair of shoes and tramped right through the water.  It was ice cold, delightfully cool splashing against my legs. Running in wet shoes and socks is something you just have to get used to.  Once you do, you don’t even notice discomfort.  (I just didn’t want to put my newer shoes through the shock : )

Trabuco Arroyo Trail creek crossings:

From Trabuco Arroyo Jessica lead us across the highway up another trail that I’ve never run.  She showed us the elevation profile (on her phone) that we’d run so far and it was hard to believe we had already climbed so much.  Sherree laughed and exclaimed, “That’s our elevation profile!!!  I thought that was the stock market!” 

The views of Saddleback Mountains were crystal clear.  The valley views were immense and lush green.  There was more climbing also, which made me a very, very happy gal.  I have become, it seems oddly,  an elevation junkie.  Jessica’s dog ran along side me for much of this climb.  I couldn’t believe what a great trail dog she is!  And a beautiful chocolate brown coat she has!  (I bonded with this pup faster than I have my own new puppy : ( (I still haven’t gotten over the loss of Daisy).

The complete loop back to our cars totaled a little over seven miles.  I headed off for some more miles as these wonderful trail ladies drove off.  I thought that I’d put in about five additional miles, so I headed back to Trabuco Arroyo  for more trails and some more pictures. 

Trabuco Arroyo in its glorious autumn color:

When I hit the sandy trail beneath the toll road, I decided to head back earlier than planned.  As today’s our youngest son’s birthday.  And it’s also my oldest son’s taekwondo long day.  I thought I’d give my husband a break in not having to drive all the boys to taekwondo, and I wanted to say Happy Birthday to our now seven-year-old.

What a joyful run on this cool autumn day.

Happy Birthday Baby!

I’m Back

The Santa Ana winds arrived early this morning, furiously.  Trees swooshing, leaves rustling, and the sound of our washer/dryer enclosure door slamming into the backyard porch woke me over and over as I tried to squeeze in the last few hours of sleep. 

I couldn’t wait to get out and run.  I felt completely well, even with poor sleep.  I made it to the trails as soon as I could, hitting dirt at 9:00 AM.  I decided on Mentally Sensitive (Psycho-Path, which by the way, I altered the sign, but only in the picture). 

Aliso Canyon was still, seriously, not a single leaf stirred.  Though, I could tell that the Santa Anas were lurking because the weather had warmed significantly since yesterday.

Running up Mentally Sensitive:

I never weakened on this run, even when I reached Top of the World and the wind blew hard against my body.  The sound of the trees dancing in the wind was so loud it drowned out the music from my earphones.  I simply stood in the middle of it all to take in the wind’s majestic beauty, then took off running for the big loop, down Park Avenue Nature Trail with its Pacific Ocean view, then West Ridge toward Cholla Trail for a steepish descent. 

View of Saddleback Mountains from Park Avenue Nature Trail:

I figured that the wind would calm when I reached the bottom of Wood Canyon.  Though it was not as fierce, it still rustled the trees.  I took some single tracks off the main trail, up and down rolling hills.  I didn’t think about much, just keeping my footing and the feeling of gratitude for being well. 

I am back!

Running up to Wood Creek Trail for some technical single-track:

Coyote Run:

I made one last stop at Dripping Cave, my official goofing off spot.  Here I thought I’d “feel my oats” and prove that all my strength did not in fact drain from me during my illness.  I did some push-ups on the bridge into the cave, for the camera of course.  I’m glad no one else stopped by the cave to witness my theatrics which I topped off with some side planks, because they take better pictures than regular planks (yet I post the pictures on the world wide web!)  Then I jumped up and enjoyed the final stretch of 2.5 miles back to my truck. 

I ran this 13.32 mile (21.44 km) clockwise loop feeling strong the entire trip.  I reached the truck crusted in salt and extremely happy for these trails and the Santa Ana winds today (and the fact that they occurred in December when it’s cooler which meant less chance for fires).

Elevation Profile:

Happy Trails!

I Am A Bad Girl I Am

Last Friday I put in some hard time at the gym.  I really pushed it.  Back at home, I felt a little weak and merely thought I was low on calories from my workout.  After a glass of carrot juice and some Campbell’s soup, I felt worse.  That was the beginning of the end.

I suffered with the stomach flu for more than three days (thankfully, our youngest son only suffered less than 12 hours – that got me optimistic, but no such luck for me).  I was weak, lacking calories (as anything that went in came out, so I gave up on calories early on).  My muscles ached, I shivered with chills, I burned up with fever.  I slept.   My stomach was so torn up, I agonized in pain.  My legs throbbed, I mean throbbed similar to contractions when I birthed our first son.  My calves felt like frozen stone, like if you were to take a board to them they would shatter to pieces. 

Did I mention that I was miserable? 

Yet each night I hoped by morning I’d feel good enough to run. 

Monday came along, and I felt much, much better.  Lacking calories for so long, I drank a glass of carrot juice and then the big mistake, a glass of orange juice.  Talk about pain.  I refrained from food the remainder of the day with hopes of running dashed upon the rocks.  By Monday afternoon, I felt  much better.  But my temperament hadn’t returned (that is my calm, patient self – ha, ha).  And when our middle son “threw a fit” after school on the playgrounds and ran off, I let him get a good distance, then took off at my fastest speed and ran him down.  Yes, I caught him, but I was breathless.  And as he tried to squirm away from me, I gripped his arm while chatting with a girlfriend and stood on his foot.  Well, he squirmed out of his shoe and I about lost my mind.  Like a child, I picked up his shoe, threw it across the schoolyard and walked away and chatted with my friend until my husband arrived. 

A PAINFUL RELAPSE (that I probably well deserved) attacked as I drove off to an afternoon sub-position.  The evening was practically unbearable.  Though I smiled.  Really, I did.  When I arrived home I went straight to bed, shameful over my lack of patience with my son and moping over the fact that I was still ill.

This morning I woke pretty much pain free.  I had no fever and I was careful what I consumed.   With one piece of toast and a glass of carrot juice I got the boys off to school with much patience, and packed for a run.  When my oldest saw me packing, he exclaimed, “Oh My G**!!  I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU’RE RUNNING WHEN YOU’RE SICK.”

“I’m not sick,” I insisted as he ran off hollering, “Dad!  Dad!  MOM’S RUNNING!” 

I tell no lie.

Thankfully, my husband is very good to never stand in my way.  He’ll give me his advice, but he never forbids his wife anything.  With worry in his voice, he said, “Please don’t over do it.”

So, today, glory be to God, I finally hit the trails!!!  I tired easily however, I was unsure whether it was the illness or the fact that I hadn’t run since Thanksgiving.  I decided on a “shorter” loop than usual, but still wanted a climb to Top of the World.  I chose Meadows Trail. 

Sweating more than usual, I gave myself permission to rest when I felt like it, that is STOP and rest.  Still, I found it difficult to do.  I did stop and rest twice on the way up Meadows Trail.  I honestly can’t tell you if I was sick, but in my heart I knew that I probably should have rested in bed today.  I can also honestly say that I didn’t care.  I wanted to run!

About to make the run up Meadows Trail:

View climbing Meadows of lower Meadows and Aliso Creek Trail:

By the time I reached the top of Meadows, I felt pretty dang warm.  It was time to layer down.   I needed to make my decision now.  If I was sick, I needed to turn around, make this run an out-and-back for about six miles total.  If I was well, I would continue on for a nine plus mile run. 

Honestly, I couldn’t truly tell.  I wasn’t sick-sick.  But I was more tired than I would have normally been after such a trek.  And so, I continued onward to TOP OF THE WORLD.

View of Saddleback Mountains from top of Meadows Trail:

Standing at top of Meadows, Pacific Ocean in background:

In the park at Top of the World, I took out my phone to check for messages and noticed the time was one hour later than I thought.  That’s when it dawned on me that TODAY WAS LATE-IN DAY FOR MY OLDEST SON.  I dropped him off an hour later than usual, which meant that I hit the trails an hour later than I thought, which meant that I had only an hour to make it from Top of the World to my car.  I had never done that.  I have never even made it from Mathis (a good mile away) to my car in an hour. 

Last thing I wanted to do was cause any trouble over this run.  I didn’t want to arrive late picking up our youngest sons.  I didn’t want to phone my husband or anyone else for help.  And so I ran my butt off.  On the day that I really shouldn’t have pushed, I PUSHED the last 4 1/2 miles. 

And then toward the very end, I saw this and I had to stop to take a photo (a blue heron on Aliso Creek Trail):

I was so wiped out, I thought to myself that I’d just drive like a mad woman to make it in time to pick up the boys.  Turns out, surprise of all surprises, I made it in less than an hour to my truck.  I ran from Top of the World to my truck in about 52 minutes.  And after working this afternoon, I still feel pretty good.  Not perfectly well.  But I can eat and I don’t ache. 

All is well in the world right now for this trail runner, because today, she finally got to run!

Miles run:  9.21

Thanksgiving Loop with Thoughts of Gratitude

One of my Thanksgiving traditions is to run.  I bet you would have never guessed.    And so that is exactly what I did today.  I woke at 5:30 AM and hit the dirt about 6:40 on a cold Thanksgiving morning.  Usually, I try to not think when I run.  Today however, I dedicated my run to thinking about all that I am thankful for.  And there is so much – too much to put in a couple of pages.  First and foremost, I am thankful for being born.  And I am thankful for my husband and three wonderful sons.  I am thankful for my health.  And I am thankful for my mom and dad.  They taught me so much – one of the most important being to never give up, and also the importance of family – that we are here to help one another. 

As I ran down an empty Aliso Creek Trail bundled in gloves and beanie, I thought about how lucky I was to grow up with one sister, and now I have 5 sisters!  And they are all top-notch women.  In addition to my 3 great brothers, I gained 3 more – as well as another mother and father who also are quality, loving people.  For these people I am truly thankful.

I am thankful for my friends as well:  my writing friends, my running friends, and my friend friends.  I am especially thankful for one of most wonderful people that I have met on this earth, my friend, Bernadine Fraser.  Though we haven’t seen each other face-to-face in a few years, I still am affected by her overwhelming love and sweetness and great humor.  And to think, we met at a job that I was laid-off from many, many years ago (after putting in 9 years there).  Though I was devastated over losing that job, I could never say or feel that I wish that I never worked there.  I met many great friends at this company, one of them, Bernadine.  We laughed together, we cried together, we read great, great books together.  For these friends I am thankful for.  (I wish I could list them out, but I fear to do so because I am bound to forget to type a few names). 

I am also  thankful for my students.  They have taught me so much.  They taught me to smile even when I don’t feel like it.  They taught me the importance of kindness.  And they taught me that people learn in many ways.  (After getting laid-off from the job mentioned above I became a teacher – so I have to say that I am thankful also for getting laid-off from a long held job). 

When I turned down Wood Canyon this morning the ground was muddy and I was still alone.  The run felt effortless as I thought about my children – and though it’s tough, tough, tough being a mom, I appreciate each of their special gifts and especially their love.  I am also thankful for our middle son’s surgeries – not grateful that he had to go through them so much, but in a way, I suppose so, because they have made him who he is.  But I am more grateful that doctors could do something to save his life.  I am especially thankful for Dr. Louden.   And I am so thankful my boy has been seizure free as well, for more than a year.  But more than that, I’m thankful that if he does have another seizure or even surgery, we can get through it.  He is a strong boy.  We are strong, despite our weakness.

Aside from these very important aspects of my life, I am so, so thankful that I became a runner.  I hated running.  IN A MILLION YEARS, I would have never thought that I would HAVE TO RUN.  More than that – I am grateful that I stumbled, and I mean stumbled upon trail running.

I am thankful for Meadows Trail:

I am thankful for green meadows and ridiculously steep trails (like Mentally Sensitive):

I am even thankful for snails, because I know they have some purpose (I just don’t know what it is):

I am thankful for the skies and mountain views:

I am thankful that I learned the patience to run long distances:

I am thankful for reaching the top of a climb, and taking the time to take goofy, sweaty pictures, because I sometimes still can’t believe that I did it!

I am thankful for ocean views:

I am thankful for Cholla cactus on Cholla Trail:

I am thankful for breaking through countless spider webs on isolated trails like Wood Creek Trail:

I am thankful for creek side runs:

I am thankful for spotting deer in a grove of trees (and many, many other wildlife):

I am thankful for the final stretches, and also seeing that there are other psychos out there doing the same thing:

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

13 miles (20.92 km) run this morning:  Aliso Creek Trail, Wood Canyon, Meadows, Mentally Sensitive, Top of the World, West Ridge,  Cholla Trail, Wood Creek, Wood Canyon, Aliso Creek – this was my Thanksgiving 2011 loop.