OMG

I had this bright idea (for my last long, Calico training run) to weave my way up and down, up and down to Top of the World (FOUR times) this morning. Mapped and measured the night before, I knew I was looking at about 21 miles, but then a little over a half mile into the run, I turned back to the car to change out my headphones.

Okay, let's try again. It was cold. The park was crowded. My legs were numb. I felt confident that I could do this thing, slowly, yes, but with no problems. I opted to run up Meadows first, get the toughest over with first.

Entrance to Meadows Trail

The climbing begins, the houses on the ridge are in the neighborhood named "Top of the World." I actually call pretty much any part of the "top" by that name (Top of the World)


The climb is long up Meadows, and tough, tough, tough. Two male runners made their way down, so did a few cyclists. I ran that entire climb, plenty of energy to spare, feeling like the run was practically over, having gotten Meadows out of the way. I felt glad : )

Yes, I am a geek (taking pictures of myself) -- Reaching the top of Meadows Trail (Laguna Beach in the background, "Top of the World" neighborhood to right, not seen in picture)


I obeyed the "No Trespassing" signs that guard Top of the World and took the trail detour below. Still feeling strong, I ran the paved ridge into the park before hitting the trail again. I felt great running down Westridge -- why? Because I knew I was running DOWN Mathis next. From Mathis, I hit Coyote Run Trail. Lost in my mind, I nearly jumped off the trail when two cyclists road by. We all chuckled. Grinning wide, one of the guys said, "Wake-up," as he rode by. Seemed like everyone was in a good mood.

Detour

Coyote Run Trail


A large group of cyclists converged at the bottom of Rockit. The two runners I met running up Meadows ran by -- gosh, I told them that seemed so long ago! Here's where I finally took off the long sleeves, and with no fret or anxiety ran up Rockit in it's entirety. I felt great running along Westridge toward Cholla. Half-way of my plan approached quickly. And I thought to myself, "I should e-mail Lori to see if she's running Calico." Wasn't long after that a woman ran up alongside me. She said, "How miles are you running?" It was Lori! We chatted some and ran the remainder of Westridge together, where I turned off and ran down Cholla Trail.

Lori

At the bottom of Cholla, I stretched, turned around and ran back up Cholla. The climb was tough, but so, so short compared to running up Meadows and Rockit. Plus there was the mental aspect, knowing that next, I would run DOWN Rockit. My spirits were UP.

Somewhere, I took in some calories (totalling now about 330 when added to the protein shake I drank in the car before taking off). I tripped three times running down Rockit. No falls. : ) Enjoying the beauty, I snapped a few shots here and there, while anxiety began to seep in about upcoming Mathis.

Going down Rockit Trail

Yes, I am a geek picture #2 (around mile 14 or 15)


Looking down the canyon from Rockit Trail


Running DOWN Rockit has its UPs

Fatigue set in a little harder on Coyote as did the anxiety of facing Mathis. I wondered, "how in the hell am I going to make it up Mathis -- that's FOUR trips to the top . . . what was I thinking?" Well, I hit Mathis, ran through some flat areas, some nice shade, then came upon the climb with dread.

I could barely make it up Mathis. My feet began cramping. My eyes stung from salty sweat dripping down my face. So slowly I climbed that thing, knowing up was my only alternative if I wanted to put in the long distance. A few times I felt I might fall back (I mean literally fall backwards). I felt light headed. Worried over the fact that I only had about thirty calories in my belt, I drank up. There was never a slower harder climb up Mathis for me than today. I cringed when cyclists passed me and trudged onward -- just make it to the Top of the World ONE MORE TIME.

Mathis Trail


Upon finally reaching Westridge, I ran down that short descent before the next climb. I felt overheated, yet shade did not exist. Overlooking the edge, I snapped another picture of the Pacific. I felt like I might vomit, or maybe pass out. And so I just plopped down and sat in the dirt. After talking to my husband on the cell for a bit, I rose from that dirt and slowly ran/walked to the Top of the World. I ran into that park, straight to the bathroom where I washed my face with cold water and poured some also over my head. Then I walked outside, and plopped myself down on the cement, shaded by the bathroom structure. I forced down the remaining calories, chatted a bit with a couple of hikers, and with the knowledge of exactly 4.5 miles remaining, painfully began running again (that is mentally painful in addition to physically, as my legs actually hurt, and MY BACK had began cramping.)

Where I sat on Westridge to regain my strength.

Not much to add about those last 4.5 miles. I did not fall; did not cry. I simply put one foot in front of the other, running. I didn't fly back down Meadows, and I sure didn't envy the runner coming up. I understood the cyclist sitting at the trail side with his bike laying next to him.

Running down Meadows / Homeward Bound


I hit Aliso Creek Trail feeling I just had to stop or collapse. I drank the last of my water. I felt that I simply had to get back, and walking that last mile wasn't gonna do it quickly enough. And for that last mile, I ran/walked from evergreen to evergreen.

I walked the perimeter of the parking lot for a cool down, feeling pretty lousy. But at the same time, I was mighty glad I made this run -- I was reminded/learned some good things for Calico. First off: Wear a Hat! (Excuse me, but how many times do I have to learn that??) Secondly: Don't wear long sleeves, because tying them around the waist only overheats me quicker -- if I must where them, quickly dump them at an aid station Thirdly: MORE calories. Fourthly: electrolytes!!! and finally: It's OK to be a geek : )

Miles logged this first run of 2010: 22.32

Happy New Year! My 2009 Recap

2009 what a year! I'm not exactly sure why, perhaps because it's the most recent year, but this one seemed to have put a deep impression in my mind. My mind, my mind, my mind . . .

I'm not sure anyone cares; I suppose I'm doing this for myself, a reflective exercise. Perhaps I simply like the sound of my fingers tap, tap, tapping away : )

My 2009:
Miles Run: 1,317.62
(the most miles I've put in over a year in my short running career)
Elliptical Miles: 414.98
Yards Swam: 49,000
(not as long as it may seem, about 28 miles, 1,960 laps in my gym pool)
Miles Cycled (in the gym : ): 331.95

I'll spare you the number of crunches, the number of laundry loads, giggles, jokes attempted or classes taught, the number of fits thrown, tears cried or the number of times I checked and re-checked whether the door was locked.

I can't spare you this: I ran 20 races. I'm proud of that accomplishment. I'm not sure I've been prouder of any other accomplishment, most likely because it's something I would have thought I could never have done. These twenty races -- they make me glad. And I'm not even an athlete (kinda like I'm not even a writer : ). My favorite races of 2009: Calico 30K, Great Silverado Footrace, San Diego Rock n' Roll Marathon, Buffalo Alley (see November) and the SBSD Mudrun (see September), and of course BULLDOG.

I raced Bulldog TWICE (A 22K and a 25k) and ran 3 mud runs. There was one marathon, two half marathons, four 10k's, four 5 milers (8k's), and three 5k's and 1 each of the following: 4 mile, 4.8 mile, 15k, 22K, 25K and 30K. Fourteen of the twenty races were run on the trail, the lovely trail.

My least favorite race: Dana Point's 10K Turkey Trot (November) and Heartbreak Ridge half marathon (October). I'll probably run the turkey trot again. Doubtful I'll do Heartbreak again. Heck though -- I may do Heartbreak and chuck the Turkey Trot : )

I crossed the finish line bruised and bloody in two races, and they're listed among my six favorites: Calico 30k and Bulldog 25k. Isn't that funny?

My favorite runs: Maple Springs, Trabuco Canyon, Weir Canyon, Santiago Truck Trail and Running up Meadows (both times, but especially the first), and countless others too many to list.

My least favorite run: Fremont/Blind/Weir Canyon loop (not to mention Heartbreak, but that was a race).

Injuries: sprained wrist (twice in about a month), toe problems, a few IT band injuries and quite a few scraped knees. Thankfully, nothing serious (except for that root canal, which was totally unrelated to anything I'm writing about -- and even that wasn't really serious, I just hated it!)

Wildlife sighted: bobcats (twice), lots of quail, bunnies, lizards, a coyote, rattlesnakes (at least 3), a couple gopher snakes, several deer, beetles, blue herons, gophers, squirrels, sea anemones, star fish, several sea lions, pelicans, seagulls, and countless other birds and butterflies and other insects and spiders.

Tracks noted: cougar (not to mention plenty of bobcat and deer)

Life in General, what comes to mind when I think of 2009 -- this was the year when . . .

I learned Aliso / Wood Canyon Trails inside and out.
My oldest son earned his second degree black belt.
Took on a new teaching assignment involving high school students.
Found a new doctor that I like and trust for my son.
My cousin's son was diagnosed with Leukemia.
Meet wonderful senior citizens teaching at the Assisted Living Home, then had to sadly say good-bye. (State budget cuts)
Attended my first Writer's Conference.
Started my SimplyFictionalTales.blogspot.
Moved my running blog to blogspot.
I met my new baby nephew for the first time.
Stopped paying attention to politics (For the first time ever!).
Endured a deeply troubling economy & witnessed countless teachers, architects, engineers, contractors and more lose their jobs, saw friends lose their savings, put their homes up for sale.
Reconnected with two cousins I have not seen since I was a little girl.
I mourned the death of Jose.
Learned my dog has kidney disease.
Had my first root canal.
Registered with the bone marrow registry.
Welcomed my baby brother home from Iraq and attended his wedding.
Was so lucky to be a part of two so generous families (mine and my in-laws).
Played some piano, played some guitar and on the last days of the year dug the accordion out.
Looked in the mirror and cried and cried, not because of what I saw on the outside, but what I saw on the inside .
Met new great friends -- and enjoyed great old friends (One is Silver and the other is GOLD).

And that was my year, plus SO, SO MUCH MORE. No matter what, I was able to find time to squeeze in a run -- a glorious run.

Happy New Year! Y

Hittin' the Hills with the Girls

2009 approaches its end; Calico is just around the corner. Am I where I wanted to be physically coming up on this race? No, I am not. Does that concern me? Surprisingly, it does not. : ) This year has been a learning year -- I try not to let the little things kill. Sure, I work at getting better. Every Monday, I start over, I eat a better diet, worker harder, practice more patience, and gradually it slips away . . . until the next Monday. And then I start again. That's why I love Mondays.

Anyway, when I contemplate Calico, I don't think about beating a particular time, nor do I think about finishing the race (because I'm pretty sure that's a given). What I think about is not losing my focus, and conserving energy, and NOT FALLING, but most of all, enjoying the beauty and enjoying the race. I simply can't wait! Until then, it will be hills. And then more hills, laying off some the week prior to the race.

This morning, I hit the hills at 7:00 AM with the girls. It was dang cold, but it was beautiful as we made our way up Cholla (& I struggled, but it was the good kind of struggle) and then up and down Westridge to that grand ole' place, The Top of the World.

Lovely run, great company, 5.9 miles logged.

Top of the World (Me, Sheila and Kelly)

Heading back on one of the flat portions of Westridge (Santa Ana Mountains in background)

Big Cat Challenge 2009 / Central Park, Huntington Beach

Just when I thought that I wasn't going to get in twenty races this year (because Crystal Cove was rain-postponed), I received an e-mail with a list of local races -- one of them the Big Cat Challenge in Huntington Beach. It offered a half marathon, a full marathon or as many miles as you could put in during a 12 hour period. The course: a 2 mile loop around Huntington Beach's Central Park. I wasn't sure about the repeat loop thing -- 7.5 times I would need to run it for 13.1 miles. And I always hated running a track. Still, it sounded interesting enough to give it a try.

When my phone alarm went off at 5 AM this morning, I thought to myself, "Whatever I've got planned I'M NOT DOING IT." I had to think hard before remembering -- I've got a race! And so I was up and out the door under darkness by 5:45. (I felt good driving in the dark for a run -- brought back good memories of amazing races and club runs.)

Breakfast in Central Park -- a quaint little joint with a lake view


The friendliest birds on Earth??? Coots. These birds just walked right up to me.


Bundled up good, layered with long sleeves (but wearing shorts), gloves, beanie and even scarf, my teeth still chattered from the cold as I picked up my bib. The t-shirt was top-notch, black with the gold Big Cat logo. I chuckled to myself over the fact that I'm embarrassed requesting a Small. I have this idea that the person giving me the shirt is thinking "You're NO small." : ) (Really, though, Medium race t's are too big.)

The crowd was indeed small. Less than 100 runners it seemed, all of us cold, but chipper on this beautiful December morning. I recognized some faces, runners I've seen at races, at least one that I've read her blog. I also recognized and talked to Mark, the guy I came in neck-in-neck across the finish line at the Route 66 half marathon in '08.

This was a "small town" race in the big OC, put on by Bob and Jenn English (I hope I got their names right) -- and they really couldn't have done a better job. We got off to a late start (thirty minutes), as Bob still had some course marking to do. Then Bob stood on his chair with the race directions, and after they played a recording of the National Anthem, Bob and Jenn set the clock, and we were off.

Listening to Race directions

At the Start Line


The loop was two miles. And it was surprisingly pleasant knowing just what to expect, having run it again and again. Mostly paved, we got in some trail portions also, with beautiful lakeside views. We all seemed to take that first loop pretty slowly at first. So cold it was, the woman in front of me ran with a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. Before finishing the first loop I ran into the parking lot (a quick detour) to put my gloves and beanie cap away.) Coming up on the aid station for the first time, I stopped quickly to tie my long sleeve around my waist. Before finishing lap 2, I took a second detour to my car to put away my shirt -- Now, that's something I've never done in a race. That's just how easy going I felt. This race for me was more about the experience than it was about my time.

Mid third loop, mile 5, I was lapped by two runners, a male, and the female who won Surf City's half marathon last year. I laughed and said, "Oh No, you lapped me!" The guy said, "Don't worry, you'll catch up."

That was nice. : ) I finished the third loop at 1:03:00. Not great, but not bad at all. I felt fine about the time -- this was a no pressure race for me -- my last of the year, my twentieth race : )

I took time on my fourth loop (miles 8 and 9) to document the course with photos. After each click, I tried to speed up my pace to make up for the photo stops. I'm not sure I did that. What can I say? Have camera, will click. That's just me.

The beginning of the loop, leads to a turn around toward the left corner of photo

After turn around, gonna veer off to left, making our way toward lake

Entering the dirt portion of the course (the one slight incline in the course)

We got a nice down hill just before entering this lovely grassy field

Running around the lake to finish up the 2 mile loop

Swans


There's those Coots again

Mile 8, a different guy lapped me. Mile 10, the first two who lapped me and that Mile 8 guy lapped me all at once. I was amazed at their pace. Then, at mile 12, the woman who one the Surf City Marathon, lapped me again -- she was minus those two other guys. She really was amazing.

I finished up lap 5 at 1:46:00 (again, not terrible, but could have done better). I felt pretty good, and tried to increase my pace on lap 6 to make up for those trips to the car and photo stops. Lap 7, I pushed. I knew I wasn't going to beat my best half marathon time (2 hrs, 15 minutes), I figured if I came in under 2 and a half hours, I'd be happy. And that I did. I finished at 2:21:??. And I was happy.

Me at finish (notice cool finisher's medal)

Christmas Eve Early Morning Run

Merry Christmas (Eve)!!

I really can't think of a better way to open up Christmas Eve than to run to Top of the World. Yes, it was cold, cold, cold, especially in the canyon where frost could be seen on low-lying brush. But we were well prepared with gloves, beanies and Santa Hat.

We originally planned an out and back, up Cholla, to Westridge to the top where the trail overlooks Laguna Beach. On the way back, we took a slight detour, down Rockit to Coyote Run back to Wood Canyon, totalling out this Christmas Eve run with 7.47 miles.

Top of the World (Me, Victoria, Dave)

Waiting for Lauren : )


Bridge from Coyote Run to Wood Canyon Trail



Stream along Wood Canyon Trail

Solitude Run -- Out and Back to Top of the World

I had originally posted a group run for this morning, but then learned about possible rain. So I cancelled that post, with the hope still that rain would not fall, and I'd get out there anyway. Gear ready, ipod loaded, I went to bed with my phone alarm set for 6:00 AM. I'm unsure exactly what time it began to pour -- somewhere between two and four AM, and I continued to wake throughout the night to the sound of high winds and more rain.

There went my plan.

I slept in (oh, til about 7:00 and lay about on the couch). Skies were clear when a few hours later I phoned the wilderness park to learn it was indeed open! By this time, I was preparing breakfast for the boys, and I thought all hope was lost for a trail run today. Oh, I'm going on and on here -- needless to say, I got out to Aliso Wood Canyons for a nice long run today.

The wind blew cold and hard as I made my way down into the canyon. The skies though, were bright and blue. Glorious. The trails were virtually empty, one or two bikers here and there. I saw one runner making my way through Wood Canyon. The solitude was joyous.

Who says we don't have fall color in California? (Oops, it's not fall anymore -- yesterday it turned winter : )

Crossing the stream on Wood Canyon before Mathis Trail


Still on Wood Canyon Trail, 3rd stream crossing


Mistletoe clumps high up on Sycamore branches


Leaf litter at the base of giant Sycamore in Wood Canyon

Shelter from the wind came just a bit after the Sycamore above, where the Coast Live Oaks shade the trail and the stream gurgles a few feet below the trail's edge (a little over 3 miles in from the ranger station). I didn't notice any animal tracks, no bunnies hopping about, no quail families wobbling alongside the trail. I was completely alone. Even when I came to the end of Wood Canyon where usually a small group of bikers congregate before making their way up Cholla -- no one.

Fungus along Wood Canyon Trail

Wood Canyon -- Moss growing along stream's edge

Running up Cholla was tough -- but it's getting easier. I made that turn at the top on Westridge and continued up and down, mostly up before any huge relief. The wind blew stronger on the ridge which was a little more populated with bikers and hikers. Just as I reached the top of the slow steady climb toward Rockit (& the water tower) a biker cycled up and stopped in front of me.

"Whew," he said. "That was tough! I WAS TRYING TO CATCH YOU BACK ON CHOLLA." He shook his head. "You're good."

There was a biker on Cholla? I chuckled. I guess I am improving some. Though I didn't acknowledge the compliment, I heard it loud and clear, and smiled.

"We've got a few more tough ones up ahead." I pointed up Westridge toward Top of the World.

"Oh, I'm going the sissy way," he said. "I'm going down Rockit."

"I wouldn't call that the sissy way," I laughed. And he zoomed down Rockit like a "bat out of hell."

On Westridge looking over, ALMOST THERE . . .


Top of the World! At last!

The wind blew its strongest at Top of the World. I took a quick detour into the park to refill on water and call home with an estimated time of arrival. The wind blew so hard that my husband couldn't hear me. Upon ducking into the bathrooms, I told him I'd be back at the car in about an hour and a half. And then I ran back up to the trail and headed back exactly the way I came. And it was a joy! Even back on Wood Canyon when I found myself kicking my ankles (from fatigue), it was still a joy. There were more bikers, a couple more runners, several more hikers. I saw a boy and his dad standing with their bikes on the side of the trail. They pointed out a coyote to me who stood off in the field. He was just looking at us.

Passing Mathis Trail, I began counting down the miles -- a sure sign of fatigue. Two and a half miles left! At the end of Wood Canyon, I turned back onto Aliso Creek Trail -- One and a half miles left! When the dirt trail ended -- .75 miles left! After passing the last sign marker -- .5 miles left! And then I could see the Church Steeple! That meant it was almost over -- success at my fingertips.

I ran on into the parking lot feeling pretty good for a hard 14 mile trail run. I was glad. Mighty glad.