Ambitious for ambition, I decided today to start streaking. No, not running nude. Running consecutive days. After my last streak (that ended with 56 days), I thought, “Did that. Don’t need to do it again.”
Well, I think I do need to do that again. I need to kick-start my fitness. I need to kick-start my love of running. I don’t know how long I will streak. Perhaps I will try and break my record.
Day one of my streak I got a late start in Laguna Coast Wilderness. 9 AM weather was still cool, the skies were overcast. I set out on Bommer Ridge amongst several hikers, mountain bikers and runners. Yes, runners! I saw more runners on the trail today than I think I’ve ever seen on a trail run. Within an hour, I probably came upon twenty runners. Festive! About that time, the sun broke through the clouds too.
View from Bommer Ridge:
The weather warmed up tremendously before I turned off onto Old Emerald, a lovely single track that winds down into Emerald Canyon. Mountain bikers flew by me all the way down. I lost them in Emerald Canyon when I turned off onto Old Emerald Falls. The bikers continued up Emerald Canyon back to Bommer Ridge .
Old Emerald Trail:
Heat bared down even harder as I ran Old Emerald Falls. To make matters even more difficult, the landscape was dry and exposed. My pack contained plenty of fluids, but I really could have used some ice in my cap. I took in a lot more heat than I expected and looked forward for this never ending lonely trail to end. Not a pleasant experience.
Old Emerald Falls (I have no idea where the falls are/were!):
Matters didn’t improve much when I finally hit El Moro. I really don’t think there’s a single piece of shade on that trail. After a while, I began to think I was running the longest trail ever! When I finally got a look at the grand Pacific Ocean, I was ready to jump head first into it. I would have if I could have. My saving grace was an occasional breeze.
I ran into the parking lot on my way to No Name Ridge where I would close in this giant loop. I guzzled down at the water fountain and washed my face with cold water in the restroom. With about half my fluids remaining, I didn’t refill my pack. Why didn’t I refill my pack? Because I was lazy. Yes, LAZY. I broke one of my hard fast rules, which to ALWAYS refill. I paid for this big time.
The heat continued to bare down on during those last four up hill miles. With about two miles left, I sucked down that last of it. All I could think about was water. Water and shade. I brought my energy level way down. And I finally found a bit of shade beneath a kiosk where I sat to cool down for a few minutes.
I knew I wasn’t going to die or stroke out or anything like that. There were plenty of hikers at this point, that if my situation got crucial, I could beg water off. Still, the last two miles were pretty dang miserable.
Making my way up No Name Ridge on my way back to the truck:
My little piece of shade:
I made it to a drinking fountain before my truck. After guzzling down I washed my face. Then I guzzled down more. Feeling better, I took off my hot shoes and socks, and relaxed in an air-conditioned car before taking off for home.
Day one was a huge struggle.
After a cold bath at home, I’m all better.
The loop: Boomer Ridge, Old Emerald, Emerald Canyon, Old Emerald Falls, El Moro Ridge, B.F.I., No Dogs, No Name Ridge.