Running with a Friend

When economic times are bleak, and I can’t even think a day ahead of time without a cloud of anxiety, there’s nothing like taking off the earphones and running with a friend.

It seems like I haven’t run with Sheila in such a long time – I know we missed all of the summer.  It may have even been last winter when we ran together! 

Well, this morning was lovely, blue skies, the sun shining, but it was cool.  We ran to the Top of the World and could actually see the great Pacific.  A large fluffy bobcat crouched down in a meadow as we ran through Wood Canyon.  Birds screeched out it seemed extra loud.  They scurried along the forest floor and flew from tree to tree as acorns fell down upon us.  A whole high school cross country ran by us.  And we even ran on in with two other runners that we’ve never met before.

Lovely way to begin the weekend. 

The view of Santiago Peak from West Ridge at Aliso/Wood Canyons

Quick pose before running onward & upward to Top of the World

Top of the World

Sheila takes a call running down Car Wreck

I got such a kick out of her second call, I snapped another photo.  (No one phones me that early in the morning!!)

Miles run this morning:  7.35

Easily Amused

Yes, I ran yesterday.  But that was a desperation run, a road run.  I’m not saying it wasn’t lovely.  It was.  But I am a trail runner.  Strange this happened.  But I am.  I like watching the beetles stick their heads in the dirt.  I like worrying about tics and snakes.  I like spotting deer and fretting over rocks rolling beneath my feet.  I love scraping against the foliage on single tracks.  I really love hearing the breeze blow through the trees.  I guess you can call me easily amused. 

This morning I delighted in contrasting colors:

I enjoyed meeting others who take in trails.  And was enthralled when I couldn’t see The Top of the World because it was too cloudy:

A loved this little, baby snake:

Before taking off on my run this morning, I stopped by the ranger station to find out more about a new trail opening up.  Turns out it comes off of Meadows Trail and is quite a climb.  The ranger said it’s a great hike.  One of the other county workers that I see often said that he didn’t know about running it.  “But then again,” he said, “You trail runners are crazy.  I see you guys running up Meadows like it’s nothing.  DON’T YOU EVER RUN OUT OF BREATH?”  Thrilled that he called me “crazy”, I chuckled (but I do prefer “psycho.”)  I don’t “run out of breath” anymore.  That’s not to say that I don’t get tired.  Definitely I do and my body moves slower and I may huff and puff on those extremely tough climbs.  But I don’t run out of breath.  Still, I thought his question was cute. 

Onward and upward . . .  

Goats amused me:

Santiago Peak in the far distance amused me:

Spying on Conservation Corps from Wood Creek Trail amused me (look closely in center of picture for several young men and women clearing the creek – may need to click picture for larger view):

Running leaf littered single tracks amused me:

Checking who called while I was running and setting up a photo to catch the moment amused me:

Elevation Profile:

Miles run this morning:  12.14 (19.54 km)

A Quick Visit to the Road

Tuesday, speed training on the treadmill again.  Why?  Not the speed training, but why the dreaded treadmill?  Well, I’m at the gym anyway and this saves time.  But more importantly, when I set the pace on the machine I HAVE TO run it.  I did hook the safety cord on this time, so hopefully I wouldn’t fly off that thing.  I didn’t fly off.  And I increased the pace on my bursts.

Wednesday (today), I spent my trail running time test driving used cars.  Yuk.  Yuk.  Yuk.  This of course did not make me happy.  Especially since I do not yet have a car.  And then weekday afternoons are impossible for trails since I have boys to pick up, dinner to cook, etc.  Eventually, my spirits low, low, low, so low I finally decided I really needed to get in a run.

Yes wonderful readers, just about a half hour before dark, I scrambled around searching the haphazard collection of running shoes beneath my bed for a pair of road shoes.  I found one with no match.  And then aha!  I found two that I was wise enough to tie the laces together. Wearing a white shirt and shorts with reflector dots on them, I put a smile on my face and hit the road. 

My feet felt like they glided along the road.  It is so FLAT.    I don’t mean flat as in no hills.  Even the hills were flat.  It’s a strange sensation to run with no rocks or ruts beneath my feet, no switchbacks, no tree roots. 

One thing I had forgotten about road running are waiting for “walk” lights.  I believe I must have waited FIVE minutes before I could cross at a busy intersection.  All so that I could run up this:

And run across this, over a busy highway (yes I am very easily amused):

And when the sunlight disappeared fully, I delighted, as I always have, in the lights that reflected on the ocean water.  And I relished the cool ocean breeze against my skin.  And I forgot all about looking for a car.

Tuesday’s miles:  2.0

Wednesday’s miles: 7.23

Holy Jim / Main Divide / Horse thief / Trabuco Loop

I posted a run on my trail running group’s forum,  an out-and-back up Holy Jim in the Santa Ana Mountains for this morning.  I used Twin Peaks to plug this run, because Twin Peaks goes up and down Holy Jim (Saddleback Marathon of which I’m registered, also goes up this 5 mile climb).  Twin Peaks, if I haven’t already mentioned, is a 50 mile race that takes place in two weeks that runs the Santa Ana Mountains,  going to Santiago Peak TWICE.  (Which is why I’ve been running to the peak like a mad-woman lately – but regardless, I'd probably still be a mad woman).   Twin Peaks is the race that I’m pacing, the one that I will run to the peak once, and down upper Holy Jim, the Main Divide and/or Indian Truck Trail possibly in the dark.

There was one “no-show” this morning, plus Jeremy, and two runners training for Twin Peaks, Scott and Chris, and of course, myself.  We met relatively late,  (6:30) but didn’t take off driving to the trail head until 6:50 AM.

The weather was cool, the skies gray.  Not another car was parked in the trail head lot.  I got great enjoyment talking to two folks who would be running Twin Peaks.  I wanted to know their strategies, goals, etc.  And happily, I was able to provide a little advice, being that I know these trails pretty well.  One question that was asked of me was, “Which point of the race do you think will be most difficult?”  Well, I’ve never run a 50 mile race, but I had an opinion.  I believe, miles 30 through 32 running UP Horsethief will be extremely difficult – though short, that climb is the steepest they’ll encounter.  And then of course, running to Santiago Peak FOR THE SECOND TIME will be very difficult as well.  (Notice that I didn’t even mention Holy Jim – that’s how difficult this race will be). 

Digressing too much . . . I took up the rear running up Holy Jim.  Nothing unusual about that.  What was unusual was that I felt strong the entire trip.  
I didn’t necessarily think I was making great time, but I just didn’t feel beat up.  At one point, I thought these exact thoughts, “Boy, if I can run Holy Jim this strong during Saddleback, I will definitely improve my time.”  At the very instant that this thought ended, I ATE DIRT.  The timing of my fall cracked me up so much that I didn’t realize my injuries (though minor they were).  I gashed my left palm, scraped my left knee and right shin, but nothing terrible.

Jeremy was waiting at the top of Holy Jim.  The first thing I asked was, “’What’s the time?”  Ends up I ran from the lot up all of Holy Jim to Bear Springs in 1 hour and 38 minutes.  I was extremely pleased.  My record is 1 hour 45 minutes.   

Ready to take off up Holy Jim, from left to right, Chris, Scott, Jeremy, Me

Creek Crossing on Holy Jim (so shady it seems dark still)

Canopy on Holy Jim

Running Holy Jim

Scott ran off for a bigger loop going down Trabuco Trail.  Chris opted for a slightly smaller loop going down Horsethief.  When I met Jeremy at Bear Springs, he suggested changing the route to do a loop (adding several more miles that we had to do quickly because he needed to get home). I was more than happy to oblige.  (HOWEVER, I FORGOT ABOUT THE MILE LONG WALL LOOMING AHEAD )  About 3 minutes later I began hiking in almost a frantic pace anticipating the next climb. I wanted these extra difficult miles for lots of reasons.  For starters:  1) I need the training, 2) I need to do hard running quickly and, 3) Jeremy has come out to run with me so many times that I wanted to repay the favor.  However, I’m not sure staying in the rear and making it seem like we weren’t going to make his cut off was such a favor. 

Head NOT in, but ABOVE the clouds

Jeremy and I ran the main divide above the clouds.  I really could not run much of the mile or so incline (The Wall) toward the next peak.  When I did hike, I tried to do so with force – that is, keeping my running arms and overall form.

With Jeremy up ahead I met two runners training for Twin Peaks (Rod and Francisco) and they fit the usual mold for trail runners that I love so much.  They were so positive!  They actually applauded me for “ploughing” up a hill (which of course, I felt more like I was plodding). 

Off and on I caught up with Jeremy (Chris and Scott had already raced ahead).  As I struggled running up one incline, Jeremy pointed out a buck racing, and I mean RACING  down the divide.  He was huge compared to what I usually encounter in the coastal hills.  I believe he was probably a four pointer.  Not that I stood there and counted the points on his antlers.  No way!   I didn’t even think to take out my camera.  The only thought that went through my mind as I ran up the Main Divide was this, “If that buck runs into me, he’s going to kill me.” 

There was really no place to hide, no trees or such.  Instinctively, I ran to the trail’s edge, thinking that guy’s not going to run off a cliff.  I just kept thinking of those cats, squirrels, skunks, etc. on the side of the road as I drive by, who seem so confused then suddenly dart out in front of your car.  I thought that deer might suddenly veer toward me just like that.. 

Then in a surreal way, that deer braked and ran up, I mean straight-up a mountain wall and disappeared in the thicket.  Relieved, I felt happy to experience that moment, but just a tad bummed that I didn’t have the wits to pull out my camera.

Horsethief/Main Divide intersection talking with 2 Twin Peaks trainers (far left Rob, middle Francisco)

I really tried to keep a quick pace running down Horse thief.  Very steep, it’s also extremely rocky.  I tripped at least twice.  Once I thought I was going to “eat dirt” and it was going to be big time – meaning big injuries.  Core work, I believe saved me as I pulled myself upright.

Views Running down Horsethief

I met up with Jeremy and Scott on Trabuco Trail.  Confused, because I thought we were still on Horsethief, both guys looked at me like they understood my confusion (else they thought I was just plain crazy, because I wasn’t sure if Scott was the guy we drove in with).

Not too soon after that, both guys got a bit ahead of me.  I concentrated on not falling and staying in the present moment.  I really didn’t think that I’d catch the guys.

Trabuco Trail

With a couple miles remaining, maybe it was less than a couple miles, I spotted Scott and Jeremy ahead a ways – catchable a ways!  And so I told myself, “Catch up!”  I had to sprint to do that and surprised the two who made room for me to run along.  Then I told myself, “beat them to the lot.”  And without them knowing that I was racing (LOL), when I knew the lot was very close I sprinted my way in to “beat them.”  It’s best to keep it a secret when you’re me and your trying to race fellow runners.   

I found Chris waiting for us at the lot.  Sadly, but I think it will benefit him for Twin Peaks, he headed back up Holy Jim to meet me and Jeremy.  Of course, we weren’t there, because we changed our route! 

Fun, fun day.  Though I fell, and my hand still hurts, my running partners pushed me enough that I believe I improved even more.

Thanks for coming out guys! (Scott, far left, opted to run back to the canyon lot – an additional 4.5 miles or so)

Miles logged today:  14

Not Enough Speed to Lead : )

Friday, I finally got back to speed training.  Still working on short sessions, I actually stepped onto the dreaded treadmill.  The only reason I chose this option was that I didn’t have time to drive to my usual bluff trails.  I was already at the gym, and I had errands to run and chores to do before picking up the boys.  So, I did it.  I crossed the line and stepped up onto the dreadmill.

What an experience speed training was on the treadmill.  I set my bursts to a sub 8 minute pace (0:7:53) and boy oh boy – what a treat.  A treat to my confidence (I didn’t fly off the treadmill) and a treat to my sweat glands (LOL).  I felt a little sorry for the treadmillers on each side of me.  Sweat was flying.  And since I’m giving too much information anyway, my pants were actually falling down as I ran much, much faster than I normally run.  Thankfully, my underwear were the same color as my pants, so I doubt anyone noticed – that is until I noticed, pulled them up and tied them tighter.

This morning (Saturday) I lead the OCTR new member run at my favorite park.  As customary, the run was short.  The runners though were fast!  I guess that’s good for me because it again kept the pressure on to pick up my pace.

Me, Mike, Victoria, Chuck

The morning was cloudy and heavy with moisture -- what a lot of people call perfect running weather.  With my heat training, I’ve kind of grown accustomed to running in heat and don’t prefer this cool misty weather as much.  It was a fun run anyway.  Always great to meet new trail runners.  And it was also great to run with Victoria.  We’ve run together on several occasions, but it’s been a long, long time. 

Taking up the back (LOL), I “lead” this run down Wood Canyon and up into Wood Creek Trail.  Taking the lead, Chuck was kind enough to break through all the spider webs for us.  I usually run this tranquil trail alone and have to do that myself.  We didn’t see any coyotes on Coyote Run Trail, however plenty of mountain bikers rode the route.  We also saw several deer, both does and bucks on Wood Canyon Trail (our route back).

Waiting for Lauren

Running Wood Canyon Trail back

Miles run Friday:  2

Miles run Saturday:  4.5

Time for Distance

Well, I’ve been training hard on elevation.  I even began speed training AGAIN.  But time is running short for some big events, and since I’m supposed to taper (you taper right?  LOL), I thought I needed to put in some long miles.  I’m not sure how long it’s been since I’ve run 20+ trail miles.  I know it hasn’t been too long since I’ve run 19 miles.  But 20+?  (I’m too lazy to look up my obsessive-compulsive directory of stats – but I consider 20.1 miles in the twenty-plus category).

I just had to do this long run to make sure that I could run more than twenty miles without out falling flat on my face from fatigue.  I am happy to report that I ran these miles happily, joyfully, playfully – always my goal.   (Well, I didn’t exactly run these miles like that at first.  If you have a family, you know that it’s hard to get out there and put in the time to get in these miles.  Let’s just say this morning was “difficult.”  But once I let go of the “baggage,” I ran with a light soul.)

So, I went out there and ran with few thoughts on my mind.  I ran two of the big loops at Aliso/Wood Canyons.  I decided on the long gradual climb with a steep downhill at the end, as opposed to the steep, steep climb up Meadows then mostly downhill after that.  This meant for a nice long peaceful run through a breezy Wood Canyon.  Glorious.

The Old Corral on Wood Canyon Trail

Eye-to-eye with a stink bug

A quick pose on bridge crossing Wood Creek on Wood Cyn Trail – though standing a little awkwardly, still fresh on loop #1.

Another beautiful canopy in wood Canyon

I took a quick detour onto Coyote Run to say “Hi” to the Conservation Corps workers.  And I munched on my peanut butter and jelly sandwich after about 2 hours in.  I ate one-quarter at the time, and that kept me fueled.  What a nice change from the gels! 

I felt fine on the second loop, though slightly slower.  Passing the Conversation Corps guys again, they offered their cold, cold, cold water, which I gladly accepted to fill my cap and wash my face.  A couple guys were sure to poke fun at me with comments like, “What mile are you on now, 50?”

Loop number two grew a bit warm.  I found myself dipping my cap into the water at each stream crossing.  The heat though was nothing compared to what I’ve already run over the past several summer months. 

In addition to the peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  I ate 4 salt pills.  I drank 64 fl. ounces of water with 3 dissolved Nuun tablets in addition to 1 twenty ounce Gatorade, plus another 30+ fl. ounces of plain water.  The heat was at its worst during the last 10 miles, which made the steepest inclines on the second loop (like Cholla Trail) more strenuous, but doable.  They were lonely and they were lovely.  I needed this.   I didn’t see a single person on the trails during the last 8 or so miles. 

In all I call this barely over twenty mile run a success.  I ran it strong all the way back to the ranger station.

Top of Meadows about to descend

Ending up Meadows with the lovely breeze blowing through these leaves – music to my ears

Dipping cap in creek on loop #2

Relief after scooping water onto my head

Top of Meadows on loop #2 about to empty dirt from shoes (how did I get so filthy? I didn’t even fall!)

Miles run today:  21 (33.8 km)