Sunday, February 22, 2009

Trail Run: Canyonback Trail

Now that I've started the Pfitz 12/55 program, the Sunday long run mileage will quickly start to build up in the upcoming weeks. So I wanted to take advantage of running with the Trail Runners Club while the scheduled mileage was still relatively low. Also, I wanted to get some trail runs in anticipation of my first 50K in Malibu Creek. After that, it'll probably be more pavement than dirt unfortunately.

Which leads us to today's run. I did not know what to expect other than that it would be a mixture of fire roads, dirt and asphalt. It was to be roughly 11 miles (I had 13 on schedule...but whatever) through the canyons and neighborhoods about a couple of miles north of Sunset Blvd at the end of Kenter Ave. I was among the first to arrive before the main caravan rolled in and people converged at the trailhead...must have had upwards of, if not more than 20+ runners! Wow.


Perhaps I've been spoiled by other trail runs, but I would put today's run near the bottom of the ones we have on rotation when you factor in scenary + the variety of roads we had to run on. Basically, it was fire roads, paved fire roads, some residental areas (more pavement), and paved single track roads (wtf?). Probably did not help that it was gloomy and overcast out.

The group invariably spread out after starting out together and I found myself running solo for the most part. I did however, manage to snap a few shots and the run itself was a mixture of fast running and hiking. I probably wanted to get it over with sooner than later and then hit points where I just did not want to continually run up a steep incline, so hence the hiking.

To new members (and we had a couple today), they probably would have appreciated the change of scenary and the panoramic views of this great city we live in. But like I mentioned, I'm a bit spoiled by some of the better runs I've experienced with this club.

Anyway, we ended up covering about 11.05 miles and had the usual post-run snacks and drinks while we chatted away, made jokes and took turns catching up with one another. This was probably the best part of the morning.

14 comments:

aron said...

no matter what its always nice to have people out there with you i think, even when you are technically running by yourself. great job on the 11+ miles and getting out on the trails!! sounds like a good sunday to me :)

Marathon Maritza said...

whooo, glad you had a big group! Sorry the trail isn't as nice as some others but sounds like a productive and fun Sunday! P.S. It's pouring here today, which means I'm sending you this storm by about tomorrow night or Tuesday am. Enjoy!

lilhlfpint said...

Aw, I'm glad you had a good run. I really miss running with a group. I haven't done that in a full month now.

Hopefully, my ankle will recover soon and I'll be back out there on the trails in San Pedro.

D10 said...

Stinks the trail wasn't as nice as what you usually run. But, it does sound like you are surrounded by some great runners.

sara said...

okay, so maybe i oversold the trail a bit, but i was just excited to have a trail so close to my apartment :)

glad you were able to finally get out there and see it though.

jen said...

Fun! Great run and good luck with the upcoming mileage. :)

Alisa said...

Good job on that trail run. Maybe someday I'll be excited to try trails!

Joe said...

Sounds like you get a variety of runs being part of the Trail Group. And it's nice to be able to shoot the breeze afterwards with some fellow runners.

Jo Lynn said...

I wish I had a nice little running group to meet up with. Looks like a nice run. ;)

Southbay Girl said...

I wish I had a running group as well....nice!!

Darrell said...

Nice crowd, even if the "trails" weren't the best.

lindsay said...

i need to photo my running routes/scenery. concrete, neighborhood, pavement, neighborhood, concrete, neighborhood. i think you'd feel better about this trail :)

Tara said...

sounds like a productive Sunday! too bad the trail wasn't your fav, but it's always nice having other runners out there with you...snacks and chatting after is always a fun part :)

Chic Runner said...

obviously i love the pics. :) and i know it's so troubling for you to take pics out running! :0 Great run though, wish i could have joined ya. see you soon!