Friday, May 27, 2011

Same Old Place, Brand New Trail

I was out yesterday in Laguna Coast. Again. But, this time I tried a different trail – West Ridge. I had been avoiding this trail because it has these things that I detest:

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It was an absolutely stunning day, and even though the onshore winds were stiff, their cooling effect was pleasing and appreciated!

The plan was five miles. The first two and a half were spectacular. The views were tremendous:

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Okay. I know I’m old, but I’m not a fossil yet!

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I got to the turnaround point surprisingly fresh. I enjoyed the view toward the ocean:

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Then I turned around. Gulp!

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It wasn’t until I got back, that I found out that I had essentially run downhill for 2 1/2 miles:

Running Bommer Ridge-El Moro 5-26-2011, Elevation - Distance

That meant I would be climbing back up toward those homes in the distance that you can’t see in this photo:

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After some huffing and puffing (and some less than speedy foot shuffling) I crested (yet another) hill and was welcomed back to civilization:

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It’s kind of scary that in less than a month I have a race that is going to essentially do this climb three times in a row. Yikes!

17 comments:

Rose @ Eat, Drink, and Be Meiri said...

What a beautiful run!

Embrace the hills. Love the hills. OWN the hills.

Rachel said...

Gorgeous run! I've also realized how many hidden hills that trail has.

Nobel4Lit said...

Wow! That's scary! I need to get myself out there... haven't trained for trails, and my race is on 6/12!

Lisa said...

great practice!

Dax said...

Great trail. Those hills will make you strong.

Patrick Mahoney said...

After using the word "detest" I assumed it was going to be pictures of snakes.

HappyTrails said...

The hills are your friend Glenn - give in to them and they will make you strong ;-) Have a great weekend!!!

Alicia A said...

I need to get back to the OC like NOW! :D

Irene said...

You know, a change of scenery can do you good! Gorgeous pictures, Glenn!

The Green Girl said...

Absolutely beautiful.

Andrew Opala said...

awesome as usual!

See.Kate.Run said...

So pretty!! Hills are hard.. :S

lindsay said...

3 things? hills, no shade... and? i couldn't figure out the 3rd...

gorgeous views. the toughness is well worth that. i mean great excuse to stop and look around and appreciate the scenery!

Anne said...

You're going to be just fine in a month. Most folks I see doing those kind of hills in trail runs intentionally power walk the steepest parts to conserve energy. And, of course, the reward is the incredible view. Right?

Meg said...

Yes, the weather has been perfect this weekend and your pictures prove it!
Your race sounds tough but hill work is awesome!!

Andrew Opala said...

I came back to look at that fossil ... how high up was it compared to the current sea level?

Jean said...

Your trails look so cool, Glenn. Those are awesome, and no doubt challenging. You have beautiful places to run!