I’ve run the same five mile out-and-back three times this week. The route: West Ridge (in Aliso Viejo) to Top of the World (in Laguna Beach.) I take all the detours for extra elevation. But I can’t tell you what that elevation is because I can’t upload my garmin to my computer. I have tried everything and I am frustrated to no end about this because I am a data junkie. I can tell you, just because I have a sense of elevation, and I know these hills I run in, that the elevation gain for this five mile out-and-back is between 900 and 1000 feet.
It feels wonderful to get out there on the trails, even trails as active as these in the coastal hills. West Ridge is a popular trail. It’s easy to get to and has many entry/exit points. I always see people riding their bikes, hiking and running. The other day, a large dog jumped on me and nearly knocked me to the ground. It’s all good though – West Ridge has awesome views of our Saddleback Mountains and the Pacific Ocean at the same time.
Progress is super slow. Foot pain is minimal. Actually, its practically non-existent. Yay! I’m starting to feel okay, not exactly loving it, but perhaps that will come again. But then I decided to do some running on the treadmill yesterday after my gym work out, and boy did I feel like crap. So, so difficult to keep a constant 12 minute mile for 2.5 miles. And I couldn’t help but think, do I even want to run anymore???? What the hell am I doing? What do I even want?
Yikes.