One Mile At A Time

It rained on Friday as I drove to Arroyo Trabuco Trail in Las Flores – enough that I had to use the windshield wipers.  Normally, I might have turned around and spent the morning at the gym instead.  But I couldn’t afford wasting time, as this was the first chance in a long time that I hoped to get in a double digit run.  Good thing I kept on driving because the rain ceased by the time I exited the freeway close to ten miles later.  (Though the skies remained dark and gray the remainder of the day, not another drop of rain fell).

We have had our fair share of rain the past couple of weeks which meant that Trabuco Creek was flowing good.  So good that I couldn’t find a dry way to get to the other side at the first crossing.  Knowing that I still had more than eleven miles ahead, I removed my shoes and socks and waded across the slippery rocks barefoot.  Let me tell you, I was super paranoid about falling, here in the stream, or anywhere on Arroyo Trabuco.  One of my worst falls came on this very same trail, and with my arm nearly healed, but not totally, I could not afford a fall, not even a small one.  There’s no way I’d be able to catch myself, or probably even get in a proper roll. 

Well, I made the remaining four stream crossings with dry feet.  But on the return, I marched right through the last crossing drenching my shoes and socks.  With only a mile remaining to my truck, I figured it was worth it – didn’t want to waste the time of removing my shoes and socks then putting them back on.  Plus it was kinda fun.

In all, this trip encompassed running all the way to O’Neill Park. At the park, I turned around making it an out-and-back, this one totalling 12.3 miles.  The trail was lonely, a lovely lonely, only coming upon two other runners, another two hikers and five or six cyclists during the entire twelve miles.

I am happy to report, that I did not fall once.  Though I did trip once, and nearly had a heart attack over it.  I found that if I kept my steps short and maintained a mid-foot strike, that I could keep tripping on the rocks and roots at bay.  I am also happy to report that even though at the turn around point, I thought to myself, “Oh Lord, how am I ever going to run 6+ more miles?” I was able to pull it off, one mile at a time.  One mile at a time!  That’s my motto right now, just put one foot in front of the other and conquer one mile at a time. 

Regular Route

Thursday I got in another hilly run along one of my most regular routes.  The route, just in case someone is wondering:  Wood Canyon in Aliso Viejo, up Cholla Trail, and then West Ridge in its entirety up to Top of the World (in Laguna Beach).  The second verse of course, same as the first.  In other words, it’s an out-and-back, which traditionally I’m not big on (I’m a loop girl).  But this really is a terrific out-and-back as far as out-and-backs go because it’s short and has lots of hills (not to mention gorgeous views). And I don’t know why, but I love those hills (even though they kill me!)

6.62 miles, 910 ft. elevation gained:

Nines

Looks like nine is my number lately. Saturday, I got in a nine mile run along the beaches in town.  It was a nice flat run, on cement though.  That’s always tougher on me than taking to the trails.  It think it’s probably tougher one me because 1) I run faster, thus fatigue quicker, and 2) my feet problems hate the cement.  The run was lovely nonetheless, especially with this cold weather. Love the cold weather!

My route: Highway One, Doheny Beach, Capistrano Beach, Dana Point Marina, to The Headlands (Ocean Institute) back to Hwy One.

9.14 miles, 365’ gained

Tuesday, I got in another nine mile run, this time at Aliso/Wood Wilderness Park.  Again, I got to frollick in the cold weather.  And my feet enjoyed the soft dirt so much more.  Certainly was not a flat run.  But I endured.  And I endured until the end, oddly, with less fatigue than my recent flat nine miler. 

My route: Aliso Canyon, Wood Canyon, Meadows Trail, Top of the World, Mathis, Wood Canyon, Aliso Canyon

9.54 miles, 1,169’ of gain

Doctor’s Orders

Monday I had a follow-up appointment for my arm.  The doctor took another x-ray and said that it’s healing very nicely, that I should have full motion in another week or two.  And I should be back to full strength in another four to six weeks.  I asked whether I had to wear the splint cast, and he said that I did not, which is a good thing since I have been without it frequently, choosing to wrap the arm instead. Now, as per doctor’s orders I can go without it.

And so after the appointment, I went out and celebrated by running my first trails since the accident (again without the splint cast!).  Even with a wrapped arm, I must say, I felt quite comfortable.  Actually, my arm felt more comfortable while running than it did while I was hiking.  So, it looks like I’m back in the game.  Just waiting now for the rain to stop in this rain-forsaken land so that I can get out for some more miles.

Monday’s route:  Wood Canyon, up Cholla Trail, West Ridge to Top of the World (taking all three detours off and back onto the trail along the way).  Return trip: same as the first, but reverse.  Total miles: 6.57, Total elevation gained: 925’

 

Always got to get one of the Pacific . . .