Time for Distance

Well, I’ve been training hard on elevation.  I even began speed training AGAIN.  But time is running short for some big events, and since I’m supposed to taper (you taper right?  LOL), I thought I needed to put in some long miles.  I’m not sure how long it’s been since I’ve run 20+ trail miles.  I know it hasn’t been too long since I’ve run 19 miles.  But 20+?  (I’m too lazy to look up my obsessive-compulsive directory of stats – but I consider 20.1 miles in the twenty-plus category).

I just had to do this long run to make sure that I could run more than twenty miles without out falling flat on my face from fatigue.  I am happy to report that I ran these miles happily, joyfully, playfully – always my goal.   (Well, I didn’t exactly run these miles like that at first.  If you have a family, you know that it’s hard to get out there and put in the time to get in these miles.  Let’s just say this morning was “difficult.”  But once I let go of the “baggage,” I ran with a light soul.)

So, I went out there and ran with few thoughts on my mind.  I ran two of the big loops at Aliso/Wood Canyons.  I decided on the long gradual climb with a steep downhill at the end, as opposed to the steep, steep climb up Meadows then mostly downhill after that.  This meant for a nice long peaceful run through a breezy Wood Canyon.  Glorious.

The Old Corral on Wood Canyon Trail

Eye-to-eye with a stink bug

A quick pose on bridge crossing Wood Creek on Wood Cyn Trail – though standing a little awkwardly, still fresh on loop #1.

Another beautiful canopy in wood Canyon

I took a quick detour onto Coyote Run to say “Hi” to the Conservation Corps workers.  And I munched on my peanut butter and jelly sandwich after about 2 hours in.  I ate one-quarter at the time, and that kept me fueled.  What a nice change from the gels! 

I felt fine on the second loop, though slightly slower.  Passing the Conversation Corps guys again, they offered their cold, cold, cold water, which I gladly accepted to fill my cap and wash my face.  A couple guys were sure to poke fun at me with comments like, “What mile are you on now, 50?”

Loop number two grew a bit warm.  I found myself dipping my cap into the water at each stream crossing.  The heat though was nothing compared to what I’ve already run over the past several summer months. 

In addition to the peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  I ate 4 salt pills.  I drank 64 fl. ounces of water with 3 dissolved Nuun tablets in addition to 1 twenty ounce Gatorade, plus another 30+ fl. ounces of plain water.  The heat was at its worst during the last 10 miles, which made the steepest inclines on the second loop (like Cholla Trail) more strenuous, but doable.  They were lonely and they were lovely.  I needed this.   I didn’t see a single person on the trails during the last 8 or so miles. 

In all I call this barely over twenty mile run a success.  I ran it strong all the way back to the ranger station.

Top of Meadows about to descend

Ending up Meadows with the lovely breeze blowing through these leaves – music to my ears

Dipping cap in creek on loop #2

Relief after scooping water onto my head

Top of Meadows on loop #2 about to empty dirt from shoes (how did I get so filthy? I didn’t even fall!)

Miles run today:  21 (33.8 km)