Cherish the babies
Soon they will know everything, hate your running, tease your for your running because you can out-run them when you’re pushing 50, and some are known to behave like ranting lunatics every-so-often too (not ours of course). By the time they snap out of it, these babies will be too big to cradle in your arms. So, CHERISH.
Two days of back spasms wiped this lady out. They attacked suddenly, with no warning, and without mercy. This caused a great deal of anxiety on my part. The spasms thankfully, weren’t the worst that I’ve had. They didn’t literally knock me to the ground. But I often needed to suddenly grab onto something to keep up right, and sometimes, I’d grab something just out of fear that a spasm was approaching.
I think it’s been a good 8 months since I’ve had any spasms at all. I thought I had them kicked. Coincidentally, I’ve been slacking on the one exercise that I suspected finally got rid of them!
Needless to say, living in constant fear of an attack for nearly two days tired me immensely both physically and mentally. I did manage to sneak in two hours at the gym, but I was afraid to run. My husband asked me where it was in all my back spasm research that it said I should go work out at the gym?
Well, it never said that anywhere.
So there! I did it in defiance.
At home I worked hard foam rolling, taking hot epsom salt baths, stretching, exercising, and eating ibuprofen. My sons walked on my back, my husband helped stretch out my back by pulling my legs.
And then this morning. Gone. My back felt PERFECTLY fine. With all the mental stress of these dang things, I just HAD TO GET OUT AND RUN. And so I went for a run, a lovely run, nearly 12 miles in fact. Whole miles went by that I had absolutely no recollection of. But I recall climbing Meadows (the steepest incline on elevation profile below). And I felt strong. Nearly 3 quarters of the way up, a bobcat came strutting down. We both stopped in our tracks. She was a big gal, light coat with dark spots. A beauty. I wasn’t turning back, so I walked toward her when she finally ducked into the brush alongside the trail. I found a nice size rock to carry along and continued my run up, up, up. And when I passed where the kitty had ducked in (I could still hear her walking about), I turned around and ran backward up that hill. Though bobcats aren’t known to attack, you never know. And I certainly didn’t want to show her my back and not see it coming if she did decide to pounce.
A successful run. The back is back!
Miles logged this morning: 11.53
Wood Canyon in the early morning
Entering Meadows
Finishing up Meadows Trail
View of Saddleback from top of Meadows
Heading back down into Wood Canyon (via Rock It) after trip to Top of the World
Elevation Profile:
When I was a child, I wore long dresses with white buckle shoes on special occasions. When I wore short dresses, above the knee, I wore knee socks. Always. Somehow, somewhere, I was taught modesty, or perhaps it was vanity.
When junior high hit (7th and 8th grade) I was mortified by the fact that physical education students were required to shower NUDE (as if showering clothed was an option). The idea of striping down before 30 other girls, plus the P.E. teacher horrified me. But I had to. If I didn’t, it meant 15 points taken off my daily score. And I was aiming for that 4.0 grade point average. Nude I had to be.
Jumping forward, this 46-year-old woman never wears skirts or dresses more than a few inches above the knee. I RARELY show cleavage. When I first began running (in my late thirties) I wore running pants, or maybe capris – never tank tops or anything tight on top.
When I finally moved to the trail I realized that pants were not going to suffice. I overheated too quickly in this type of clothing. So, I switched to shorts. My ideal short length has an 8” to 10” inseam. Even in high school when I was slender, I wore Bermuda shorts. Thing is, have you ever been shopping for female running shorts? “They” only sell them with 2,3, or 4 inch inseams! Of course, I can get longer inseams, but it’s those skin tight “cycling-type” shorts that will not do with this modest woman. I’ve tried men’s shorts, but they have too much material for my comfort.
Let me digress even more just a tad. If you belong to a gym, do the people in your locker room walk about stark naked? They do at my gym. But I don’t. In fact, I shower in my swim suit, then quickly emerge from the shower scrambling for my towel to cover myself. Yet, women of all ages and all sizes walk about freely without clothes in my locker room. They blow dry their hair, apply their make-up NAKED. I once dressed next to woman at her locker when she accidentally locked her locker with everything inside. There she stood, nude, saying “Oh Sh**!” Well, I didn’t know where to place my eyes as I offered to help. I went to the manger and asked for someone to cut her lock, and they didn’t have anyone to help her just then. SO, I RETURNED THIS NUDE (VERY SLENDER) WOMAN to tell her, she had to wait, she had to stand there completely naked for who knew how long before someone could cut the lock.
The horror!
Would I wear short-shorts, mini-skirts or walk around the locker room stark naked if I was a slender long-legged woman? That thought has crossed my mind. Why? Because I despise vanity. Maybe I despise it because I suffer from it. I’m not sure. But even when I was slender, when my thighs were thin, I still wouldn’t walk around nude amongst peers. Perhaps I am an old soul and that’s what I’m used to. I’m wondering now – perhaps your country or state has different traditions. Do men or women walk about nude in your locker rooms? How does that make you feel?
Why bring this up on my running blog? It’s the shorts issue. I have some wonderfully comfortable 3 and 4” inseam running shorts that I ABSOLUTELY WILL NOT WEAR IN PUBLIC. Why? Well, for vanity sakes (or is it modesty) – my thighs are wide and now with wearing 8” inseams, they are SO, SO WHITE. I might as well run in my underwear.
So, secretly on solo runs recently I’ve been wearing 4” inseams to test out the comfort level and also to get rid of that terrible tan line that begins about 8 inches down. I’m about half way getting rid of that tan line.
This morning, after waking way too late for an early run, I put on my short-shorts and went for a run anyway. I thought for sure that I wasn’t going to see anyone, so no need to worry over running practically naked.
Wouldn’t you know, first thing, I saw my running friend Tom as he finished up his run? I couldn’t pass him by like I didn’t know him. That would never work. We chatted a bit. Then not a quarter mile later, I ran into the cashier at my grocery store and his son taking a hike in Aliso / Wood Canyons. I felt naked. I really did. I could have run right past the grocer. But I’m not like that, I HAD TO say Hi.
Embarrassment -- all in an effort to get rid of these tan lines and start wearing these comfortable shorts that I own, despite wide thighs.
Sigh.
Actually this is a funny story. And I laugh when I think of it. Am I vain, or am I modest? I think both. I really shouldn’t be vain. I am 46, I have a wonderful husband, 3 lovely boys – no need to be a swimsuit model here. And so, I will continue to occasionally run in these comfortable short-shorts. But it is VERY unlikely that you will ever see a full frontal picture on this blog in those shorts.
Back from my digressed, digression, I didn’t hit the dirt until after 9AM. It was hot, hot, hot. Yet, it was LOVELY. I still felt strong. After running past my two friends/acquaintances, and tugging at these short-shorts, I took a detour onto Wood Creek Trail. I took a few detours actually, lackadaisically, stopping often to take pictures. Once I hit Wood Canyon for good, I put the camera away and focused on running up Meadows Trail without overheating
On Wood Creek Trail / Wood Canyon in background
Magical Tree on Wood Creek Trail (Perhaps Coyote Run Trail)
First time seen (by me) red berries on Meadows Trail
About half way up Meadows (running all the way) I heard some lovely natural music – a sound of wind blowing through the grass. And I turned and stopped briefly to take in this summer beauty. There before me stood a field of brownish grass lazily blowing in the wind, sending out the sweetest sound.
I reached the top of Meadows after running the trail in its entirety. I felt fatigued, but NOT overheated. I practiced at the mid-foot strike, and on the uphills keeping my cadence quick.
The musical field
After my fun, I continued my new tradition of recovery calories. Instead of driving to the closest fast food restaurant (Burger King) for a chicken sandwich, I went for coconut water and the lovely apples (Hollywood Apples) from my father’s tree.
After run snack (I guzzled the water and ate 2 of the tiny apples)
Elevation on this hot summer day:
ps. After such a wonderful run, back spasms began this evening. NOT GOOD. I did what I could, neuro-flossing, ibuprofen, foam rolling etc. Here’s to hoping for the best. I thought I had conquered back spasms long ago. 
Today, I thought it a good idea to leave the house at noon (the hottest part of 
Mathis has been closed for reconstruction ever since our big rains in December, where a usually dry creek bed had overflowed and took out the single track portion of the trail (among other things). It took construction workers 8 long months to repair the damage.
Mathis Trail was the first trail at Aliso/Wood Canyons that I ever ran to the top. I don’t like it much, but the trail’s nostalgic for me. It’s also the first trail I ever took to the top period. Jessica Deline and Tom Fangrow lead me up that wretched thing. I didn’t run much of it then. Back then I thought it was pretty much impossible for me to run such a trail (Ha!) It’s a tough, tough trail that climbs up to West Ridge, pretty close to Top of the World. While the grade is steep, what’s worse, is that it’s totally exposed. I didn’t find a bit shade running Mathis today.
The run down Wood Canyon on the way to this infamous trail was shady and humid. I felt strong (of course I was running downhill). But I could tell that my burn-out was officially over.
Running through Wood Canyon
Quick stop to pose in Sycamore Grove
One more silly pose just past Sycamore Grove on bridge crossing creek in Wood Canyon
About 3 miles in I hit Mathis Trail. That’s when the lovely heat really poured down, as did the sweat from my hat. A breeze came in as I ran up the incline (in it’s entirety – in a race I probably would have hiked some of this). At one point, I spied two hikers up a ways and they became my target. The garmin read 3.27 miles when I spotted the two. I finally passed the hikers at 3.40 miles. In all fairness they were standing off to the side trying to catch their breaths. I tell you, it’s a tough climb!! They were very complimentary of the fact that I was running, to which I assured them as I ran by that it took LOTS of practice to be able to do it.
Eventually, I needed to turn my cap around because the bill was blocking that beautiful breeze. I only stopped for a second when I reached West Ridge (for a picture) and pushed on all the way the to Top of the World, passing hikers and dodging cyclists as well, as they flew down that hillside.
I ran a quicker route back, West Ridge, including the offshoots. Then I finished off this run gleefully running down Cholla as cyclists struggled up that thing in the heat. Lots were riding. Some were resting in the shade. Others pushed their bikes up that incline. Not many were smiling.
Stream crossing onto Mathis Trail
The new creek bed, fortified with boulders bulldozed in (by the way, there’s no more single track – it’s all road now)
Late summer colors of Southern California coastal hills
Reaching top of Mathis with still half full handheld
Top of the World on a Sunday afternoon
7.73 miles logged this afternoon
After dreaming I was attacked by a tiger, a series of short events (I overslept) lead to not getting out the door for planned trail runs (yes runs). Needless to say, my mood was somber. You see, if I don’t get it in the early morning, it’s tough for me to fit in a run, especially a trail run (because they take longer). Hubby starts work late morning, and I need to be home in time to watch our boys.
Hubby assured me that he’d make time for me to run later. And at an agreed upon time I left the home and hit the trails at about 3:15 PM. The weather was quite warm, but oh so bearable. I loved it. I felt strong and joyful as I ran my short(ish) out-and-back up and down rolling hills to the Top of the World, where I overlooked the Pacific Ocean. Although I missed out this morning, those series of events lead to a glorious run. Series of events often do that!
Hittin’ the dirt – I’m Ready!
Centipede crossing West Ridge
Follow me . . .
Top of the World (view of Pacific Ocean, barely)
Top of the World (view inland)
Running up Park Avenue Nature Trail toward West Ridge
Not a zombie!
Whoa! I’d better slow down (Cholla Trail)
View of Wood Canyon while running down Cholla Trail
Sweet after-run treat (apples from my father’s tree)
6.37 miles run (10.25 km)
Elevation Profile:
When our puppy Millie whined at 6AM for her ritual outside time, I hoped hubby would hear and let her out. He slept through it. So I gave him a gentle push (well, perhaps a gentle shove), “Please, let Millie out.”
Letting Millie out in the morning is always my job because I’m the one who is usually up.
“Don’t you want to get up and go for an early morning run,” he said.
“I need my beauty sleep.” I smiled and got another twenty minutes of sleep. Then I woke, dressed, poured a cup of coffee, got into the truck and hit the trails at Aliso / Wood Canyons around 7:30 AM. The skies were wonderfully cloudy and misty. It looked like I was in for a cool weather run.
I felt strong right away as I ran up Cholla. My plan was to weave up and down (from the ridge to canyon, canyon to the ridge, ridge to canyon, etc), leaving Meadows, the longest climb for last. A beautiful plan. Basically every time I came to a trailhead I took it, whether it travelled up or down.
Up Cholla
Down Lynx
I flew through the shady, fern covered and poison oak ridden trails adjacent to the creek. I traipsed over deer and bobcat tracks. I ducked beneath spider webs. Stopping for a second, I witnessed a bee struggling in one of these webs. I ascended rocky inclines. And I was glad when the sun came out. That meant I finally got to turn the cap around and flip down the sunglasses.
On Cave Rock Trail what I thought was a bird flew so close to my face, it startled me. Then I noticed its wing flap was silent. It flew out and back, out and back from my face when I finally realized this creature that seemed to be trying to get my attention was a giant yellow butterfly. By the time I realized, I got just a few more seconds of enjoyment before it fluttered off.
Descent down Car Wreck Trail
The Car Wreck
I saved the most difficult climb to the ridge (Meadows!) for last, which would have been okay. But I ran out of water about half way up. Actually, I still had some coconut water in my pack. But I did something stupid, really stupid – something that is against my rules. I conserved fluids. I wouldn’t allow myself that extra reserve until I reached the ridge. This when I believe what Lisa Tamati quoted in her book Running Hot, “It’s better in your tummy than on your back.”
Very quickly I began to overheat beneath that hot sun. And though I didn’t bring my thermometer, I know I allowed my temperature to increase too much. My temperature had to be more than 2 degrees higher than normal. I hiked much of the remainder of Meadows Trail, stopping in the shade frequently to cool down. As soon as I stepped out of the shade however, I felt nauseated, dizzy, out of breath.
I never recovered from this heat exhaustion. I even sat in the shade when I reached the ridge for about five minutes as I drank that coconut water. When I phoned my husband to say that I’d be late, he said that he didn’t like the sound of my voice. But I was smiling. Really, I was. Thing was, I still had a mile and a half before I could refill fluids. What’s especially stupid about my mistake is that about a mile of that remaining run was through a neighborhood which was bound to have GARDEN HOSES! I should have drank that coconut water on the Meadows ascent. I probably wouldn’t have overheated. And if needed I could have always “borrowed” someone’s hose in this 85F (29.4C) degree weather as I ran Top of the World.
As it was, I practically stumbled into Alta Laguna Park. Rushing up to the drinking fountain, I guzzled up and filled my pack with water. A woman smoking a cigarette a few feet away sat with her husband as I began to pour water over my head and neck. I splashed my face, drank up some more, then continued drenching myself. If I could have, I would have sat in the fountain and completely submerged myself. Somewhere in this water extravaganza, I heard the woman say, “Let’s go sit over there,” and they promptly moved away from me. I think that I may have scared them.
Then a beautiful cool breeze began to blow. And though the sun still aimed its rays DIRECTLY AT ME, I found great comfort in that breeze. The breeze was so cool, I’m surprised that I still couldn’t recover from the heat exhaustion. Who am I kidding? When I get heat exhaustion, recovery takes a minimum of several hours, at its worse a few days. But I ran in 3 digit temperature in Texas! Then I closely monitored my body temperature. Today I was just so giddy to get out there and had such a wonderful time until the water ran out, I just kind of forgot simple lessons. (Oops) 
Completely drenched with full hydration pack, ready to run the hot, dry rolling ridge 3.5 miles back to the truck
Those last few miles were extremely difficult on an exposed trail with absolutely no shade. But I had plenty of water! About two miles remaining, I spied a hiker on my side of the road holding his hand out as to say “halt.” I knew he had seen a rattler. I asked, “Which side?” and he pointed across the road into the brush. Well, I know a rattler can’t strike eight feet across the road, so I kept on running on the trail’s edge and that guy looked at me like I was crazy. He laughed and said, “I gotta turn around somewhere, it might as well be now.” Then he asked what time it was, and I clicked through my garmin looking for the time when he asked, “California time?” to which I laughed and responded, “No. Zombie time.”
I promised myself an ice bath when I returned home. As it was, I was freezing, wearing a sweat shirt by the time I got home. LOL. I suffered from a dull headache for much of the day, but other than that, ALL IS WELL. It’s better than that – I’m finally back on the trails!
Zombie Runner
13.63 miles (21.94 km)
Elevation Profile: +2,810/-2,790 feet
