Regular Route

Thursday I got in another hilly run along one of my most regular routes.  The route, just in case someone is wondering:  Wood Canyon in Aliso Viejo, up Cholla Trail, and then West Ridge in its entirety up to Top of the World (in Laguna Beach).  The second verse of course, same as the first.  In other words, it’s an out-and-back, which traditionally I’m not big on (I’m a loop girl).  But this really is a terrific out-and-back as far as out-and-backs go because it’s short and has lots of hills (not to mention gorgeous views). And I don’t know why, but I love those hills (even though they kill me!)

6.62 miles, 910 ft. elevation gained:

Nines

Looks like nine is my number lately. Saturday, I got in a nine mile run along the beaches in town.  It was a nice flat run, on cement though.  That’s always tougher on me than taking to the trails.  It think it’s probably tougher one me because 1) I run faster, thus fatigue quicker, and 2) my feet problems hate the cement.  The run was lovely nonetheless, especially with this cold weather. Love the cold weather!

My route: Highway One, Doheny Beach, Capistrano Beach, Dana Point Marina, to The Headlands (Ocean Institute) back to Hwy One.

9.14 miles, 365’ gained

Tuesday, I got in another nine mile run, this time at Aliso/Wood Wilderness Park.  Again, I got to frollick in the cold weather.  And my feet enjoyed the soft dirt so much more.  Certainly was not a flat run.  But I endured.  And I endured until the end, oddly, with less fatigue than my recent flat nine miler. 

My route: Aliso Canyon, Wood Canyon, Meadows Trail, Top of the World, Mathis, Wood Canyon, Aliso Canyon

9.54 miles, 1,169’ of gain

Doctor’s Orders

Monday I had a follow-up appointment for my arm.  The doctor took another x-ray and said that it’s healing very nicely, that I should have full motion in another week or two.  And I should be back to full strength in another four to six weeks.  I asked whether I had to wear the splint cast, and he said that I did not, which is a good thing since I have been without it frequently, choosing to wrap the arm instead. Now, as per doctor’s orders I can go without it.

And so after the appointment, I went out and celebrated by running my first trails since the accident (again without the splint cast!).  Even with a wrapped arm, I must say, I felt quite comfortable.  Actually, my arm felt more comfortable while running than it did while I was hiking.  So, it looks like I’m back in the game.  Just waiting now for the rain to stop in this rain-forsaken land so that I can get out for some more miles.

Monday’s route:  Wood Canyon, up Cholla Trail, West Ridge to Top of the World (taking all three detours off and back onto the trail along the way).  Return trip: same as the first, but reverse.  Total miles: 6.57, Total elevation gained: 925’

 

Always got to get one of the Pacific . . .

Emerald Canyon

Saturday I got back out for some trails in Laguna Wilderness.  Still not running, though I did run a couple of hills on this trip.  And I kept the cast splint off again, as even though I cannot straighten my arm yet, I really need to be able to swing it some.  With the cast, swinging is difficult but with it tightly wrapped I can get some movement in. 

I started off on Bommer Ridge and made it to my favorite ridge in this area, Moro Ridge with its gorgeous 180 degree ocean views.  But this time, instead of taking Moro Ridge to the end, I took an unmarked single track to my left after travelling the ridge for about a mile. 

This unmarked single track was a lovely piece of work with lots of rocks and a clear shot of Emerald Canyon, which I have not ventured to in years.   At times the trail got so steep and technical that I got down on my behind and scooted down.  I just cannot risk falling right now. 

This unmarked single track dumped out smack in the middle of Emerald Canyon, right near a bridge that I have never seen before.  Apparently, it was built about two years ago (according to a trail runner I came up on). It is a bridge to nowhere as this trail runner put it.  And indeed it is, but a gorgeous single track to nowhere.  You see, Emerald Canyon trail abruptly ends at a giant chain-link fence with an exclusive Laguna Beach neighborhood on the other side.

For the trip back, (which was a five mile uphill trek), I decided to take Old Emerald Falls, an old favorite of mine, which winds through a giant meadow and up another rocky single track to Moro Ridge.  From there, I hopped onto Missing Link, which I regretted with its constant ups and downs (I was dang tired).  But, thankfully, that little detour ended up cutting my trek short by about a half a mile.  I was ready for a nap!