Today was one of those days that I didn’t feel like running. The skies were cool and gray. It even drizzled here and there in the morning. But I forced myself to the trails. I forced myself because I want to be able to run when I feel like running. Do you know what I mean?
Lately, I’ve changed my runs to include: 1) what I call my lackadaisical run, where I can run where I want, as fast as I want (or as slow as I want), take as many pictures as I want and just kind of escape into dreamland while running 2) a fast timed loop (9.5 miles), and 3) my long run. Three days I reserve for cross and weight training. And one day I rest. (That’s the plan anyway. Sometimes two days I rest.)
Today was my lackadaisical run. I had planned for an out-and-back through Wood Canyon. But you know what? I hate out-and-backs. There. I said it!They bore me. I’m a loop girl. I love running loops (not track and field loops), but trail loops. They don’t have to be elliptical in shape. Simply start and beginning in the same location, a trail loop only has a different route out than it does back.
So I switched gears this morning. I didn’t plan any route, except for the fact that I wanted some kind of loop. Instead, I just ran one magical loop in dreamland, including some of my favorite lower trails in Aliso/Wood Canyons, like Cave Rock, Dripping Cave, Oak Grove and Mathis. Then I sped it up just a bit, because I felt strong to return via Wood Canyon Trail.
Miles logged: 7.15
Cave Rock Trail (on my way to THE rock)
Posing on Cave Rock (THE rock.)
Inside Dripping Cave (AKA Robbers Cave)
Some Scenery Along Dripping Cave Trail
Finishing Up Dripping Cave Trail
Poison Oak (it’s so pretty and green – trickery!)
Moss Covered Boulders on Oak Grove Trail
Unbelievable views! I love THE rock! I don't mind out-and-backs. Sometimes I use them for long runs as I can hide food and drinks next to the route somewhere for when I return.
ReplyDeleteI am with you.. out and backs are tedious and a bit boring for me .. Loops!! Your lackadaisical runs are what I call my adventure runs. Ususally it is when I am new to a place and so I just do a explore run. Those are the best.
ReplyDeleteI really like this line.. "Today was one of those days that I didn’t feel like running... But I forced myself to the trails. I forced myself because I want to be able to run when I feel like running." SO true. I need to tell myself that on those days!
I seriously need to check out this Aliso and Wood Canyon place!! It is so beautiful!!
Thanks for reading Johann. You know, I do this one long run, about 20 miles, that is an out and back, and for some reason it doesn't bother me. I think because it goes through the city, and the city is never the same. But usually, I have some psychological block against out-and-backs, especially runs I've done again and again.
ReplyDeleteSmart to hide food and drinks. I carry everything on my back!
Thanks for stopping by Kate. I'm glad you understood that line. When I wrote it, I thought that maybe it didn't make sense.
ReplyDeleteDefinately let me know if you ever do make it out to Aliso Wood Cyns. I will run with you!! At first glance, the place doesn't look so great. I hiked there years before I was a runner and thought, this ain't no big thing! But now that I've explored, I've found some beautiful places.
Beautiful pictures. I agree, a loop workout is better than an out and backs. But the out and backs is better than the "dreadmill"!
ReplyDeleteHi Black Knight. Thanks for stopping by. Yes, I agree. Anything is better than the dreadmill. I close my eyes when I walk past the dreadmill in my gym.
ReplyDelete