The BIGGER Loop

Okay, I know that’s lame.  I contemplated a great deal over what to name today’s loop, but came up with nothing.  This is the best I’ve got (at least until I run this loop again).  What loop?  The second portion of the Old Goat 50 miler that I’m running at the end of March.  The first twenty miles is The Candy Store run that I’ve posted recently.  The second portion of this race is a 30 mile loop that takes runners up The Main Divide, down Trabuco, up Holy Jim  to Santiago Peak, then back, mainly via The Main Divide (in the Saddleback Mountains).

I posted this run in my running club and 3 other runners showed for a shorter loop which took them up the infamous West Horsethief.  We ran together for the first 6 or 7 miles.  The weather was cool, perfectly cool.  And the skies were blue. 

Top of Trabuco/Main Divide (Me an utter goofball, Alyx, Tory, Jessica Deline RD of Twin Peaks and The Harding Hustle):

View of Santiago Peak from Trabuco:

Running Trabuco:

The Departure, and I’m not weeping over missing W. Horsethief:

Once we split, I’m sure my pace slowed.  I run faster when I run with others.  Though I enjoyed the earlier company, now I enjoyed the solitude. I came across several friendly hikers.  And I put a great deal of effort into not thinking about the past or future.  I succeeded pretty well, and of course, that’s when I ran my best. 

I have not run Holy Jim since I DNF’d the Saddleback Marathon this past November.  I have not run to Santiago Peak since Twin Peaks Ultra (October).  I’ve been avoiding these trails I think, due to a fear lurking in the back of my mind.  A fear over the difficulty.  A fear over mental defeat.  Holy Jim is where I gave up the mental battle during the Saddleback Marathon.  Santiago Peak, well, I have a mental defeat just about every time I run those last 2.5 miles. 

Nonetheless, my run into Holy Jim was lovely.  The weather remained cool.  The skies grew a little cloudy.  And the trails were “spring” green with moss and ferns heavily dotting the landscape.

Ending up Trabuco:

Spotting a rare candy rock :

In the Holy Jim parking lot, I traipsed through the brush to locate the fresh water that my son and I stashed yesterday afternoon.  I felt a little like Katniss from The Hunger Games.  Just like in The Hunger Games, water is the number one commodity in trail running (calories being number 2, which I had plenty of).  Though I wasn’t particularly thirsty (I had just gone through 60 fluid ounces on the trip there), my mouth practically watered when I pulled out one of the hidden jugs.  I set it on a log, unpacked some calories and refilled my hydration pack to the brim.  That water looked so beautiful and precious to me, I was tempted to pour it over my head and shower in it.  But alas, the weather was too cool for such an act.  So, I hid the jug back among the others and headed up Holy Jim. 

Holy Jim was a bear, yes, but not a grizzly bear.  I found the 5 mile climb laborious, but enjoyable.  It was like meeting up with an old friend (one of life’s greatest treats).  On the way up Holy Jim, I devised a plan to conquer the final 2.5 mile ascent to Santiago Peak.  I decided I would use those couple miles to “rest-up.”  Instead of struggling by running up that thing, I chose to hike it.  In fact, I forbade myself to run any portion of it, EXCEPT the flat part that reaches only about a tenth mile. 

A Stream Crossing on Holy Jim:

Hiking the last couple miles to Santiago Peak:

That’s not me on the motorcycle:

A view from the summit:

Standing on the Summit:

I only lost about ten minutes hiking to the peak instead of attempting to run it.  That’s a lot of time for only 2.5 miles.  HOWEVER, I felt relaxed.  The ascent was still difficult.  But I never grew angry.  I didn’t bash myself (that is fill my brain with negative self-talk).  I reached the peak delighted.  And on my trip down, I felt stronger than usual.  I think I’m going to work on this approach more. 

The next three miles back down were good.  The final ten miles were an utter struggle.  I ran most of them, and when I found myself trying to run ridiculous inclines, I forced a fast hike (as fast as I could manage anyhow).

Today’s training run:  Success, even though The Bigger Loop took me quite a bit longer than I hoped.  At least I know where I stand (or run), and have a time to work with. 

I feel like time is fleeting.  But I will not fret.  Time on my feet, that’s my goal this month.  Putting in the miles!

Change of Plans

I woke with a sore throat and considered not running.  Every time I run with a sore throat it seems that I get sicker and lose more time from training.  But I’ve already lost so much time.   I must get in the miles.  There really is no time to lose.  I dosed up on the vitamin C, got the boys breakfast and off to school before making my decision.  I chose to change my original grueling hill training run for a more relaxed 12 mile run. 

I didn’t take any pain relievers so that I could tell whether my throat worsened.  And I debated whether to drive up into the mountains for The Candy Store Run or to run local trails.  Wanting a change of scenery, I decided against the mountains (because there’s the extra 2 hours driving time), and chose parks I don’t often run:  Laguna Wilderness and Crystal Cove. 

These two parks are rather popular, much more than Aliso/Wood Canyons (my stomping grounds).  I think the reason for the popularity is the vast ocean views most of the trails provide.  I suppose they aren’t among my favorites because I live at the seaside.  Standing on my front porch I can see a sliver of the ocean.  If I walk a short block and a half up, I have literally a 180 degree ocean view (my town is kind of in a giant cove). 

Running No-Name Ridge into Crystal Cove:

My throat hurt when swallowing, my calves and shins tightened with each step I ran down toward the sea.  Stopping twice to stretch, I decided the tightness was probably early signs of plantar fasciitis rearing its ugly head again.  I decided to tape my arches once I reached the ranger station approximately 3.5 miles away.  Then as if instantly, at 1.5 miles, my calves and shins felt perfectly fine. 

Very soon, I ran in awe of the coastal beauty.  I was also surprised how many hikers I came upon on this weekday morning – dozens. 

A quick pose before final descent to the ranger station:

Not wanting to waste time, I decided to skip taping at the ranger station.  Instead, I ran out to the ocean for a quick glimpse of what I take advantage of every day.  The water was a gorgeous deep blue.  White water rushed up to my feet.  I jumped back to avoid wet shoes.  Then I stopped briefly to run my hand through the fine sand in search of beach glass.  (Yes, we collect beach glass in our home.)  Coming up empty handed I ran back underneath the highway and headed up to Moro Ridge.  I decided on B.F.I. (Big F****ing Incline) to take me there.  The trail is named appropriately.

Onward to the ocean:

Relieved to finally make the ridge, I soon ran right back down to near sea level because I simply have to run El Moro Canyon.  It’s not quite a brutal run, and it’s beautiful down there.  Only thing is, since I had run all the way back down, all my B.F.I. progress was lost, and I had to climb back out.  I forgot all about my throat.  It felt good to have sweat run down my face. 

I took Nice and Easy Trail for the final ascent which wasn’t easy at all, though it was nice.  I suppose it was easier than the alternative, Elevator Trail.  The trail I took lasted so long however, that I wished that I had chosen Elevator, which gets you to the ridge REALLY quickly.

I’m delighted I changed my plans today instead of resting up.  Yes, today’s run was still a tad grueling.  But it was WELL worth it.  I’ve got both arches taped up tonight.  And best thing is, I don’t have a sore throat right now.  Here’s to hoping I can stay well! 

Not Quite Mt. Everest

I got out for my first run since Calico.  Wow.  My calves and shins were tight.  I stretched them after a half mile, and then again at 1.5 miles.  Then I headed off to the steepest hill in the park: Mentally Sensitive. 

Mentally Sensitive was a BEAR to climb today – a grizzly bear.  Sheesh!!!  I actually found myself staggering.  In my near delirium, I noticed a guy back about a quarter mile.  I never see anyone climb up Mentally Sensitive.  This guy was really moving. And he wasn’t running, he was hiking.  He passed me pretty quickly, in super spirits too.  He stunned me with his ability.  I could tell he was a runner by his attire and his gear, yet he didn’t run one step up this trail (that I saw).  He marched up that gigantic hill.  In my miserable stagger we spoke briefly, and he was so positive over the difficulty, visibly happy over it, I thought to myself, I HAVE TO practice his strategy.  His strong hike beat my run by a long, long shot.

Overall, I had a wonderful run in one of my favorite wilderness parks (Aliso/Wood Canyons).  I ran what I call The Big Loop, about 13 1/2 miles.  And I ran it faster than I have before (by about 15 minutes!)  Being my last run for January, I came up short running the elevation of Mt. Everest for the month.  Almost 8,000’ short.  That’s okay.  I’m bound to do it in February with Old Goat a mere two months away. 

Some of the beautiful moments on today’s run:

Today’s profile:

Calico Trail Run 2013

2013 is my fifth year running The Calico Trail Run.  This is THE RACE.  The Race that lead me to trail running.  In fact, it’s now grown into a family tradition to stay in Calico Ghost Town for 2 days come late January.   

I wrote in my last blog entry that I didn’t expect great results on this year’s 30k, but that I didn’t want my worst time.  Well, folks, I got my worst time, by 15 minutes (& I was 50 minutes slower than last year when I placed in my category).  I did however have the BEST time running this race.  I didn’t feel all together strong, but I felt comfortable.  I felt comfortable in my “skin,” and I felt comfortable on my feet.  Even though a cold, cold wind blew into my face practically the entire run, I knew the trails, I knew the rocks, the boulders, the sand. My head was cold.  But, I felt in my element. 

Waiting to Start:

Starting off on pavement into the lonely, colorful desert:

We ran sand, yes sand, for several miles.  I figured out a couple years ago, to get out of the sand and run in the brush where the ground is solid.  I noticed shadows behind me as others from the back of the pack followed suit. 

I tried not to do much socializing, as I usually spend too much time goofing around and making friends.  Regardless, I did meet some lovely people, saw familiar faces.  My goal was to get as many people behind me as possible.  In other words, get as many runners beneath my name on the board. 

I passed very few runners.  About half-way, I realized I needed to run a negative split to make last year’s time.  Ha, ha.  The hardest part of the run is the last 6 or so miles. 

Good news, I kept the demons at bay.  I didn’t bash myself when I realized I needed to run a negative split and couldn’t.  I just kept on running and took in the desert’s beauty. 

Once I kicked a rock so hard, I was very happy that I wore my most rugged shoes, else I may have broken my toe.  I only tripped once.  Miracle.  And I passed a male runner with a dog.  I took a couple handfuls of potato chips at the stations.  Once I took some jelly beans.  I gulped down one small cup of Coca-Cola at each station.  Besides this nutrition my pack contained Nuun water.  I also downed a few Endurolytes and two peanut-butter gels.   

Here  (below), I finally caught a delightful couple (from Bakersfield, Ca.) that I had been working hours to pass.  For a while there, it was back and forth between us.  When I finally caught them at this tunnel filled with water, there was no way I wasn’t going to get them beneath my name on the board.  They were tough, tough, tough to lose, that’s for sure.  Finally, I just pushed it with all I had, to give myself a good lead.  And I looked back.  I NEVER look back.  But I needed to see if I had a good enough lead to slow it down it bit for the last big hill.  I could tell . . . perhaps you know that look, “okay, go ahead and take it,” look.  They had that.  So I hiked up that last hill as fast as I could, where my oldest son met me.  And we ran it on to the finish together.

That delightful couple maneuvering through the tunnel:

Ends up I had ten people beneath me on the board (plus 1 DNF) out of thirty-something 30k runners.  I had my family with me.  I didn’t fall.  I finished.  What more can a girl ask for?

Oh!  I almost forgot the movie . . . LOL

First race of 2013

Final Thoughts Before Calico

This weekend I run my first race of 2013. It’s a race I’ve run the past 4 years.  It’s a race that I’ve brought my family along for the past 3 years.  Calico Ghost town is at minimum a 2.5 hour drive away.  So, we will arrive the afternoon before.

Calico is the first “real” trail race I ever ran.  (Though I ran a few shorter ones first, they were in prep for Calico).

Last year, I placed in my age group.  I was in great shape.  And I was delighted.  I don’t expect such results this year.  I’ve put on at least 15 pounds since last year’s race.  I haven’t crossed-trained in a year either.  None of that matters at this moment however.  What I love most about this race is its difficulty.  I love the boulder hopping.  I love the camaraderie between runners. 

I know a lot of runners don’t like desert running.  I love the desert, and running in the desert.  Many think the desert is bland, desolate, lifeless.  It is far from bland.  Yes, it is different.  It is harsh.  But it is not bland.  It is not lifeless.  Colors aren’t so much different shades of green.  They are pink and they are blue.  Life is low to the ground or high in the sky.  And plants, they are survivalists.  They are self-bred to endure.  Just like Wonder woman.  

ANYWAY, because of my weight gain, I didn’t want to deal with the negative self talk that I knew would overwhelm me (because most of my shorts are too tight).  Instead, I told myself:  Redefine yourself!  You are not a fat lady running this race.  You are an Amazon woman, from the island of Amazon, like, oh I don’t know . . .  Wonder Woman.  So what if you are big?  That also means you are strong!

For this race, I went out and bought a running skirt.  YES!  A running skirt.  I never thought I’d run in a skirt.  But oddly, I wanted to feel feminine out there this weekend.  I found the skirt unbelievably comfortable.  Who would have thought???  Of course, it will be cold in the high desert, so I will be wearing capri’s as well.  None of this matters however, I’m just really looking forward to getting out on the trails that got me hooked on trail running.

Tonight it pours rain down here on the coast.  It rained all day today as well.  As such, my local trails are closed.  And so I wait patiently to finally arrive at Calico and get some running in.  I really just want to have fun.  I want to accomplish the task.    

What Happened to Winter?

I sat in my truck a quarter mile from the trailhead, cozy in a pair of flared yoga pants and an 82nd Airborne sweatshirt that my brother gave me for Christmas when he was in the 82nd Airborne Division.  On my feet a pair of dusty trail running shoes added further dirt to the car floor.

Today was my “short run”, usually a 6.5 mile out-and-back to Top of the World in Laguna Beach.  But I couldn’t get out of my car in the middle of the drama.  I couldn’t tear myself from the book in my lap (White Oleander). I needed to know whether Claire was actually going to kill herself.  I had grown to love this fictional character, and now she was about to rip peoples’ hearts out, both fictional and real, by overdosing in her despair.    And that she did.  So, terribly, terribly sad. 

And so, I finished the chapter, shimmied out of my yoga pants, put on a pair of shorts, took off the sweatshirt to reveal a blue, short-sleeved shirt.  I put on my running belt, turned on the ipod and ran down toward the trailhead, allowing the warm winter breeze blow Claire’s despair from my shoulders.

I didn’t have the time for my usual route.  I even thought about turning around and heading right back to the car since time was so short.  Instead, I talked myself into a small run.  I would run my favorite trail – Wood Creek Trail.  It runs parallel, and up above Wood Canyon.  The trail is soft and quiet.  It’s cool.  It’s shady and green with moss and ferns.  With the creek below you can almost see the fairies dash between tree trunks.  Wood Creek delivered today!

The spell was broken twice by substitute teaching calls that I answered and declined on my cell phone.  I was already running, and I couldn’t turn back now. 

After crossing the creek and running back onto Wood Canyon Trail, I decided not to turn back for a short-short loop.  Instead, I crossed the creek again for a run on Coyote Run Trail toward Rock It because I wanted something hard.  Hard fun.  In 80 F degree heat, I knew that hard was going to be harder.  (Oh winter, where have you gone?)  I went for it nonetheless.  Why?  Because I knew that it would fill me up. 

And I ran up Rock It, not all together strong, but I got the job done.  One mountain biker whizzed by me on his way down.  I saw another biker wipe out when he hit a small tree branch.  I spoke with him briefly to find that he was alright.  I left him standing brushing debris from his legs. 

I must say that winter has left us too quickly.  But I suspect that General Winter will return once or twice before the season’s end.  Until then . . . happy running, and don’t ever let despair overwhelm you!!!  There’s too much beauty out there.  Let it in.

Overlooking Wood Canyon (from Wood Creek Trail):

Ascending on Wood Creek Trail:

Today’s elevation (I’m still quite a bit away from running the elevation of Mt. Everest this month):

And for those wonderful readers who requested it, here’s a picture of my kitchen drawer reserved mainly for electrolytes and reflectors I’ve found on the trail: