the redwoods

10 miles. the original plan was 12 miles... my longest mileage before i start to taper down. since we were doing serious hills today, the plans changed to 10 miles (max for everyone).

it's a good thing i got there early... i was parked and at the meeting spot at 7:50am for an 8:00am start time. good thing, because it was staggered starts. i got there in time to check in. weigh in. and run.

the redwoods are gorgeous! i cannot do it justice with a description. what i can say is that it is a beautiful run and it's so close! it's like another world 20 minutes outside of SF and i recommend it to everyone for a run or even a nice stroll. the first mile was the trail... enough time to look around and admire everything. after that, it was down to business and time for some hills for the next 4 miles.... seriously! they were not rolling hills~ it's basically run up hill for 5 miles and then turn around and run back. mile 2 & 3 were the steep, dry and hot. i was worried about tripping on the fallen branches or roots on the trail. at the first water stop, i took off my long sleeve run top and decided to run with just the tank. little did i know that this was trail running through the redwoods and parts the trees were so dense that the fog and moisture gathered and it was like it was a rainy day in november. i ran through a lot of rain and mud puddles and windy paths. at times it was just a long mud puddle... about a mile of mud. i slipped a lot. after a while i wasn't worried about my time, since i walked through the downhill muddy portions. at that i point i told myself that it's not about time and it's not my race, it's the mileage and not falling. besides, i somehow hit my timer so i'm not 100% sure on my time. mission accomplished. i didn't fall.

by the time i got back, mud all over my shoes. in my shoes. in my socks on my legs.... and it was COLD! weighed myself (lost 1 pound*) i look like i ran muddy buddy... well, not that bad. but i was running through the same path as the mountain bikers in the slickers with the big mud stripes... and this is me in little shorts and a white tank.

good thing i brought a towel and am still driving the rental car right now! the trick is how to see how i feel tomorrow :)


note*: this was to see how much water we lose to make sure we aren't losing too much salt, etc.

10 miles
1:42 - 2:00?
1-12 minute mile?