Nature Loop Trail

I went for another evening run today.  I find it very difficult, strenuous to run in the afternoon or evening.  And this evening it was hot.  I wore minimalist shoes which are still so extremely comfortable.  It’s not actually like I’m running barefoot.  But it’s like I’m not wearing shoes (and my neuroma knows it too!  I came in from today’s run limping.) 

As I ran Coyote Run Trail, I saw something dark to my side run and leap through the brush.  I thought “Oh crap,” because I feared I was running alongside an extra active bobcat.  I’m not usually fearful of bobcats.  But I usually see them in the morning when they are a bit lackadaisical.  So, I abruptly stopped in the single-track trail.  Not ten feet away stood a wide-eyed deer chewing on a wad of grass.  A few feet from her another deer bent down to chomp the vegetation.  My presence didn’t phase these beauties a bit.  As I ran onward, I saw the third deer, the smallest one, the one that had been leaping through the grass when it spooked me. 

Off Coyote Run Trail I ran the last remaining trail at Aliso/Wood Canyons Park that I had not yet run.  I put off Nature Loop Trail because it seemed that every time I ran past it, time was fleeting.  I finally took that right turn and climbed up to the ridgeline trail, and as of this evening, I have conquered every single marked trail in these canyons. 

Who would have thought?  And I had lots and lots of fun doing it (not to mention some disappointments, some falls and injuries), but mostly an awesome time.

View from Nature Loop Trail

A pause before coming off Nature Loop Trail

The Trail

Miles run today:  5.13 (The loop:  Canyon Vistas Park, Wood Canyon to Wood Creek Trail, back to Wood Canyon Trail, Coyote Run Trail, Nature Loop Trail, Mathis Trail, Wood Canyon Trail back to Canyon Vistas Park)

Tagged!

Giraffy of 365 Days of Awesome tagged me with:

She’s so nice.  This means though that I must give you random facts about me.  LOL. 

Since I didn’t run today, I AM READY.  Random facts about this trail running blogger (that is me) are:

1)  I love shoes – all kinds of shoes:  running shoes, boots, sandals, heels, you name it.  I haven’t been buying shoes since I’m poor now, but I still have plenty to keep me content (I had to clean out my closet anyway). 

2)  I have a library (now my husband’s office) that holds hundreds upon hundreds of books:  These are some of my most favorite books in the whole wide world (and also part of my library that has over-flowed into my bedroom):

3)  I am the oldest of 5 children (& I am 21 years older than the youngest – we all have the same parents).

This is from a long, long time ago!

4)  I am an unpublished novelist.  I write mainly historical fiction (and short stories for the fun of it.) 

5)  I have published short (very short) articles on the internet re: misc. things like software programs, Health Savings Accounts and weight training.

6)  The following instruments are in my home:  accordion, mandolin, violin, guitars (3), an electric piano, a baby grand piano that takes up a good portion of our living room,  a recorder and at least 3 harmonicas.

7)  My other passions are WWII history and Russian history.  I don’t care much about pre-historic history.

8)  If I were to live my life again and could do anything I wanted, I would be a dancer.

9)  I have voted in every election since I was able to vote, and lastly,

10) I DO NOT watch the news.

I hope that you found these random facts semi-interesting.  Now, it’s my turn to tag.  I know this lady is super busy, and she might not see this tag, but if she does, I tag you Running Green Girl with the Amazing blogger Award (don’t forget the random facts) because you are are so optimistic and supportive to so many athletes. 

Time Well Spent

I woke at 4:30 AM today in order to hit the dirt at 6:00 AM for a 19 mile run. Only a few minutes late to the trails at Aliso/Wood Canyons, the sun already shined down brightly.  I didn’t think about the entire run in order to avoid the anxiety that brings.  Instead, I just enjoyed where I was – the present.  The weather grew warmer and warmer as I ran, with some cool breezes until it ended up darn right HOT.  It was extremely difficult to finish up this run.  But that’s what enjoy about it (in the END).  I also enjoyed the solitude and the absolute beauty.     

I dreamt of one thing running in on the second 9.5 mile lap – getting home, filling the bath with cold water and then dumping the entire box of ice from the freezer into the water before getting in.  Instead, I returned home and  I was freezing (not literally of course).  After emptying my shoes of their dirt, I cuddled on the couch beneath two flannel blankets and drifted off to sleep.  And I didn’t dream of anything.   I was in a post-run peaceful state. 

Branches covered with light-green lichen on Wood Canyon Trail.

THE rock on Cave Rock Trail.

I love this rock!

Running down Cave Rock Trail to exit back onto Wood Canyon Trail.

Climbing Meadows with a view of Saddleback Mountains.

Reaching the top of Meadows the first time.

Running Top of the World.

Running Top of the World neighborhoods to pick up the park again, I pass this little fella.

An empty Top of the World.

Reaching top of Meadows Trail for a second time – had a tough, TOUGH time of it, (scarf is still kind of wet from creek water, and I’m gulping my prize for reaching the top – coconut water).

Elevation Profile:

So There!

This evening I ran 3 miles.  THREE miles.