Friday, July 25, 2008

I Love San Diego Reason #433


In July's issue of Runner's World, I stumbled across this photograph of Torrey Pines. Since I work exactly 1 mile from the park, I am spoiled enough to have easy access to these trails whenever I want. I run them at least once a week. There is nothing better than seeing the ocean and the whole city from atop the cliffs in TP. In fact, that's where the pic on the header of my blog was taken. Plus, running the single-track trails through sand, up and down steep stairs, scaling steep hills alongside the cliffs, jumping over roots and rocks is completely absorbing and stimulating. It's my favorite place to go running in San Diego. No surprise to me that it's been mentioned several times in RW (was a "Rave Run" a year ago).
This week's workouts have been going seamlessly. I can't believe how much I benefitted from the recovery week last week. Camp Pendleton International left me unscathed; I'm not sore nor tired. Very nice for a change. I've added an extra run to start preparing for my October marathon, and I LOVE it. I hate having to give up 1 other workout a week (like the bike; ugh) but that's how it goes. This week, I did a hilly TP trail run, a 6-mile tempo Rose Canyon trail run, and a speed workout. (Not to mention a killer 26-mile bike through Rancho Santa Fe (got chased by a large dog; did you know they can run 20 mph?), 2 hard master's swim workouts (1 and 2) that left my shoulders sore and weights (not smart before masters swim)). Tomorrow will be my long run. Gulp. Hope it goes okay. I sort of have a "Death Weekend" planned. I'm not going to divulge the details until its over; I don't want to jinx it.
I'm really enjoying the extra running (in case you didn't notice). I know it's supposed to be really hard on the body but I always feel fresh and invigorated afterwards. And happy. Euphoric. A run always fixes a bad day. Especially trail running. I ran through Rose Canyon the other day, breathing deeply the smell of eucalyptus and side stepping little bunnies grazing at dusk. My feet fell lightly on the path, skipping over rocks and crevices in the ground, effortlessly seeking out the smoothest way through. I lost myself in the rhythm; I was simply being carried along for the ride. I felt as if my legs were a flowing river, the water pouring down the trail and soaking up the canyon, finding the path of least resistance through the valley.

10 comments:

Kevin said...

That looks like a really great place to run

Wes said...

I want to run there. Will you adopt me? Mommy? :-)

Renee said...

I am so jealous!! It is gorgeous there! Where I live it is very flat and brown. You can see your dog running away from home for 3 days! :)

teacherwoman said...

Loved this post. I am still jealous of the great location you have to run, bike, and swim. Glad to hear you are really enjoying your training!

Unknown said...

Beautiful. How furtunate you are!!

Have a good time with your death weakend (is it possible to have a good time with a planned death weekend?)

Unknown said...

Jealous of the great places to run - we're always searching for something like that, but come up short in Ohio. Maybe we should move out there!

Anonymous said...

Rachel,

Can you tell me how you combine your tri training in with marathon training?

I think you said you were running a fall marathon, yes? What does your running schedule look like, if you don't mind me asking? And what sort of time are you shooting for?

I am a marathoner, doing my first oly tri next month. I too have a fall marathon coming up, and I am struggling with finding a balance in my schedule.

Thanks for any help. Can you reply back via my email address?
brandeeanndudzic@yahoo.com
thanks a million.

RunBubbaRun said...

Wow, that is a nice place to trail run. The wonders of Cali. I wish I had that here in Chicago..

Trail running is very soothing.. Now time to sign for a trail race of sort.

triguyjt said...

20 miles an hour??? really...but can they outlast you??? I doubt it

Sherry said...

Spoiled... yes, very spoiled! I keep begging DH to move us out of FL and to Southern CA. I explained to him that "if" we could offload our pretty FL home, we could surely find a way purchase a one-room appt. in Cali! LOL!