Trail Report: Coyote and Dripping Cave Trails
Insert sigh of relief here.
The October Race Series is over. I finished, what I consider to be, a crazy race schedule. I feel kind of bashful saying that because I know my Marathon Maniac Friends would laugh. Maniac being used in the kindest way... I just need to remember it's all relative (http://shansironmancanadatrainingblog.blogspot.com/2010/06/its-all-relative.html).
So, this weekend as part of my Recovery, I met up with the Fab Five (a.k.a. Triathlete Friends - we self named ourselves) for an "easy 8 miler". After some discussion on email on what trail is considered "easy" we landed on Aliso Woods: Coyote Trail with just a dash of the Dripping Cave Trail at the end.
What a great run! Probably not an "easy" run, but a great run none-the-less.
After meeting up at the trail entrance (and taking a few jabs at one of our Fab Five for wearing every article of clothing he had in his closet) we pushed off for the "easy" run.
All the Aliso Woods Trails start the same. Trekking along on the paved road and then turning right to the trails. For the first 3-4 Miles it was the familiar trail I've run before. Gradual climb back past the old stables, over the small creeks and through the woods. Lucky for us, two of the Fab Five are experienced Mountain Bikers... so for the route back, off we turned onto a single track road. Or should I say, "up" we turned onto the single track road.
Up. Up. Up we went. But what a cool way to escape Orange County! Tree lined paths. Wood planks to help you cross the small run offs. And wildlife.
Being primarily a SoCal Gal, I feel it's important to note such sightings... much to the Fab Fives' amusement. We saw coyotes, deers and even a few big birds (not to be confused by the actual Big Bird).
Being an OC Running Blog, I feel it's important to note the hills. Right around Mile 6, you turn up a (beautiful) switchback, single track trail. Admittedly, I had to walk. Picture pushing my thighs away from my chest type walk, with my heart beating out of my chest. And just when you were begging for a downhill, you turned into another steep climb.
By the time we turned back onto the main trail, my legs were a bit beat up. Ops, there goes "easy".
Perks of the trail:
What sucks about the trail:
The October Race Series is over. I finished, what I consider to be, a crazy race schedule. I feel kind of bashful saying that because I know my Marathon Maniac Friends would laugh. Maniac being used in the kindest way... I just need to remember it's all relative (http://shansironmancanadatrainingblog.blogspot.com/2010/06/its-all-relative.html).
So, this weekend as part of my Recovery, I met up with the Fab Five (a.k.a. Triathlete Friends - we self named ourselves) for an "easy 8 miler". After some discussion on email on what trail is considered "easy" we landed on Aliso Woods: Coyote Trail with just a dash of the Dripping Cave Trail at the end.
What a great run! Probably not an "easy" run, but a great run none-the-less.
After meeting up at the trail entrance (and taking a few jabs at one of our Fab Five for wearing every article of clothing he had in his closet) we pushed off for the "easy" run.
All the Aliso Woods Trails start the same. Trekking along on the paved road and then turning right to the trails. For the first 3-4 Miles it was the familiar trail I've run before. Gradual climb back past the old stables, over the small creeks and through the woods. Lucky for us, two of the Fab Five are experienced Mountain Bikers... so for the route back, off we turned onto a single track road. Or should I say, "up" we turned onto the single track road.
Up. Up. Up we went. But what a cool way to escape Orange County! Tree lined paths. Wood planks to help you cross the small run offs. And wildlife.
Being primarily a SoCal Gal, I feel it's important to note such sightings... much to the Fab Fives' amusement. We saw coyotes, deers and even a few big birds (not to be confused by the actual Big Bird).
Being an OC Running Blog, I feel it's important to note the hills. Right around Mile 6, you turn up a (beautiful) switchback, single track trail. Admittedly, I had to walk. Picture pushing my thighs away from my chest type walk, with my heart beating out of my chest. And just when you were begging for a downhill, you turned into another steep climb.
By the time we turned back onto the main trail, my legs were a bit beat up. Ops, there goes "easy".
Perks of the trail:
- Wildlife! Love it.
- A break from civilization... until you see another runner or a mountain biker
- Great scenic trail
- If you want a challenging terrain, you've found it
What sucks about the trail:
- Lack of bathrooms
- Lack of water fountains
- Paying for parking (or park on the street for free)
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