6.11.2011

Running the trails of Redwood Park...

With the asphalt roads and concrete sidewalks getting rather boring, I have been trying to get out and see what running trails are near my apartment. Now by near, I unfortunately don't be just down the block like back home but close enough to drive and not feel like I am in the car all day.

A couple weekends ago I was feeling pretty recovered...or basically I skipped a few workouts during the week and thought it might be best to go torture myself on a long trail run. Having no idea where to go, I googled 'trail run east bay' and came up with a local race that happened back in February. The website had detailed descriptions of the course, maps, elevations and turn-by-turn directions...basically a perfect fit for a guy who has no idea where anything is around here.

Not sure this elevation map does ANY justice on exactly how steep some of these sections were.

I had rode past the entrance to Redwood Park on "My Favorite Loop" ride a few times and when I found the trail run online, I knew this was where I was going to go. I loaded up with a few gels, a camera and my directions and was off for a 20K or about 12.5 miles. This was going to be my longest run in basically forever and throw in the difficulty of trails, I knew it was going to be tough.

Nice clear path after a super steep climb to start off...but I am starting to understand
no mater what sport you are doing here, it is uphill. I am just waiting to swim uphill next.

Another Amazing View

Cool Cover Trail

Loved this part.

Stream Trail- 3 miles home
West Ridge Trail- 6 miles home
Only one way to go...
 
Some single track trails...was definitely worried about Poison Oak but
pretty hard to tell with all the other plants. 

I really enjoyed the run. I might have been a bit overzealous when I picked the 20k loop as I was struggling quite a bit near the end but I made it back to my car in one piece. And with any trail run will come a bath for my legs in rubbing alcohol to make sure I do not get another case of Poison Oak. 

The smell is intoxicating...I should probably start
marketing it as a body wash, Axe has nothing on me :) 
I do feel like I am finally getting some running legs under me and though I can't say that I love running, once I get out there no matter how hard it gets, I am really starting to enjoy running...though it could definitely use a touch or sounds of my peeps from the northwest to make it even better.

5 comments:

Nat said...

Stever,

I'm glad you're getting to know some trails to run around on, but don't get too familiar with them!

I miss you and wish you'd just get over California already and come on back where you belong :) I still look for you in your old truck, hope you'll show up to Whitworth masters and expect to see you at our group gatherings. Spokane isn't the same without you!

I look forward to running some trails with you when you come and visit in a few weeks!

XXOO

Tiffany said...

For some reason, none of the pics are showing up on your blog for me. They are just little, empty squares and when I click on them, it says, "Unable to connect." Sounds like it was a gorgeous run. Why can't I see it?

Tiffany said...

Wow! I might actually trail run if I lived there! Gorgeous!

Kiet said...

Looks like you've discovered running in my backyard, love Redwood, did a video to a run there a couple of months ago.

jessithompson said...

Really cool pics, Keven. Looks so beautiful there, for Cali that is ;)! Can't wait to see you soon!