Lovely Dirt

So, it's been a long time, yes? I have much to tell, but in this post, I'll stick to my latest workouts (I'm calling them workouts because I am officially training). Training for what? Well, it's three months out, and it's been a few years. That's my clue.

I got in about twenty hiking miles this past weekend. Friday (10/18) I made it quick, about 7.5 miles, with a hike into Wood Canyon (Aliso Viejo, CA). It had been much too long since my last dose of medicine. August 22 to be exact. I'd rather not wait that long ever again. My excuse? Summer recess has ended and so I'm back to work. Work is enjoyable I have to say. But it takes a lot of my time. I need both to be balanced. I need work, and I need trails, or really, wandering of any sort. And right now is an especially wonderful time to be out and about because we fluctuating on the edge cool and even cold temperatures. 

The breeze was cool on Friday. I spotted a couple of crawdads in the creek. Autumn was visiting and what an enjoyable hike it was! I turned off onto Coyote Run Trail and took the single-track back toward Wood Canyon. Across a bridge and in and out of shade, my music was the sound of leaves rustling in the breeze, birds and squirrels chirping. To my delight, a Road Runner crossed my path and a meandered a little bit so I could admire him. I didn't even reach for a camera because I knew that by the time I grabbed for it, he'd be gone (that's what always happens!) 

It felt great to get back out on the trails. And I chose this lovely flat course for a purpose. With a plan to hike Sunday, I wanted Friday's hike to be a warm-up. It had been too long, nearly two months. I can't remember the last time that I took that long of a break.  

From Friday

The following Sunday (10/20) I hit the trails in Aliso/Wood Canyons once again. This time, I added some hills for a 12 mile loop, what I call The Big Loop. It was another lovely Autumn day. There was no struggle getting out the door. Autumn is my favorite time to hike. The wilderness seems more "alive". In Aliso Canyon I came up on a juvenille buck. He was grazing so closely to the trail, that I was a bit nervous when my presence hadn't spooked him away. Too close. Not that I think that he'd attack me, but he could certainly rush at me. I think in that collision, he'd be the one left standing. I did manage to take a couple of photos before taking off though (I couldn't help it!). 

The Big Loop

Sunday's hike was definately a workout. Though the weather was still cool, I struggled some taking the inclines and the sun wasn't helping one bit. It was worthwhile medicine. I took in plenty of fluids (with electrolytes) and made a good day of it putting one foot in front of the other on dirt. Lovely dirt. 

More From Saturday -- West Ridge

  The Pacific Ocean (Laguna Beach)

View of Saddleback Meadows just before descending on Meadows Trail

And then the weekend was over, and I was back to work which meant a break from workouts. Around Monday, "Indian Summer" visited with a solid heatwave. The heat has continued into today (Thursday) but I had to go outside and greet it anyway. I am not going to get physically stronger if I don't begin the process. I was somewhat in a grumpy mood to begin with and I can say that pounding the pavement for two miles didn't put a smile on my face. The smile on my face, however, did appear when the run was over. My mood was better. It is going to take some time getting used to a running pace again.